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€100 Million Approved for 2013 Crisis-Affected Depositors: What’s Next?

Recently, the Cyprus cabinet gave the green light to a substantial €100 million allocation aimed at addressing the losses suffered by depositors affected by the 2013 financial crisis. This initiative is part of the 2025 national solidarity fund.

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos announced that the beneficiaries for 2025 include individuals whose deposits and securities experienced an infamous ‘haircut’ due to stabilization measures during the crisis, particularly involving the Bank of Cyprus and Laiki Bank.

Who Benefits?

The reimbursement scheme allows partial compensation for the impacted individuals, with a maximum uninsured amount of €1,000,000 considered per impairment category. Additionally, the total cumulative reimbursement per person caps at €100,000. The initiative is poised to provide relief to approximately 13,000 people.

The net loss replacement will have a 10% rate for deposits lost at Laiki Bank and different rates for the bonds and deposits at the Bank of Cyprus—a 3.61% rate to be precise.

Path to Compensation

Eligible applicants will need to complete an online application process in June to confirm their entitled compensation amounts. The 2013 fiscal turmoil led larger depositors to shoulder the recapitalization of the Bank of Cyprus, with significant portions of uninsured deposits being converted into shares or wiped out entirely.

While the total verified losses for depositors and bondholders stood at €2 billion back then, this new scheme signifies a critical step towards repairing historical financial disruptions in the country.

Airbnb Unveils Reserve Now, Pay Later Option For U.S. Guests

Introduction

Airbnb has introduced an innovative payment solution designed to enhance user flexibility for U.S. travellers. The new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature enables users to secure a booking without an upfront payment, offering a streamlined cancellation process should plans change.

Flexible Payment Terms

This new option applies to listings that feature either flexible or moderate cancellation policies. Under a flexible policy, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before check-in, while a moderate policy offers no-fee cancellations until five days prior to arrival.

Payment Timing and Reminders

Regardless of the cancellation window, guests are obligated to complete the full payment before the expiration of the free cancellation period. Airbnb ensures a smooth experience by sending timely payment reminders to avoid any last-minute issues.

Evolution of Airbnb’s Payment Solutions

This initiative builds on Airbnb’s previous forays into flexible payment structures. In 2018, the company offered a partial upfront payment model, and more recently, a collaboration with Klarna enabled guests to pay in four installments over six weeks. Such strategic advancements demonstrate Airbnb’s commitment to adapting and refining its payment solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Insight Driving Innovation

Airbnb’s decision to launch the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature reflects robust consumer demand, with recent surveys indicating that 55% of respondents prefer flexible payment options. Additionally, 42% noted missed opportunities due to payment complexities when coordinating with travel companions, underlining the need for simplified financial arrangements.

Conclusion

By enhancing payment flexibility, Airbnb not only broadens its appeal but also addresses critical customer pain points, reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving travel market. This initiative exemplifies how strategic innovation can drive customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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