Cypriot Consumer Protection Service Levies Significant Fines Against Banks For Unfair Mortgage Terms

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 23, 2025

Regulatory Action Against Unfair Mortgage Practices

The Consumer Protection Service announced on Tuesday that it has imposed substantial administrative fines on both the Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank (Cyprus) for incorporating unfair terms in their mortgage loan agreements. The Bank of Cyprus is obligated to pay €800,000, while Eurobank, previously recognized as Hellenic Bank, faces a fine of €600,000.

Evaluation And Evidentiary Review

In a meticulous review of the banks’ contractual practices, the regulator examined extensive evidence, considered the banks’ positions, and evaluated their readiness to adhere to legal requirements. The investigation revealed that several clauses in the Bank of Cyprus’ standard mortgage contracts—pertaining to interest rate adjustments, set-off rights, consumer notices, and property revaluation—were deemed unfair.

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Impact On Consumers And The Broader Market

Mortgage agreements, which often represent the largest financial undertaking for many consumers, are integral to personal and national economic stability. The Service highlighted that these contracts, particularly those affecting individuals aged 20 to 45, frequently secure a first home. The inclusion of clauses that limit consumer rights in long-term and high-value agreements underscored an aggravating factor in the regulatory review.

Mitigating Factors And Ongoing Compliance Efforts

The regulator noted mitigating elements, such as the Bank of Cyprus’ willingness to amend the contentious clauses and enhance contract transparency in newer agreements. Full cooperation with the investigation, demonstrated by the prompt provision of requested information, was also acknowledged. Similar issues were identified in Eurobank’s standard contracts, covering repayment methodologies, collateral terms, interest, fees, charges, default events, and general set-off rights, all of which were found to be inconsistent with consumer protection standards.

Ensuring Fair And Transparent Mortgage Commitments

This regulatory action, emerging from an ex officio investigation, reinforces the commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring fairness in mortgage agreements. It serves as a stern reminder to financial institutions about the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards in their contractual dealings.

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Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2026

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

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The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.

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