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Tax Reform As A Modernization Catalyst: PASYDY And KEVE Applaud Progressive Change

Stakeholders Hail A New Era In Cyprus Tax Policy

The recent passage of the tax reform bills has been met with optimism by key industry organizations. Both PASYDY and KEVE have welcomed the legislation, praising it as a significant step toward modernizing Cyprus’ tax framework—with PASYDY emphasizing fairness and economic stability, and KEVE focusing on competitiveness and investment confidence.

Pasydy Celebrates A Modern And Equitable System

PASYDY expressed satisfaction with the executive initiative to enact an all‐encompassing tax reform, highlighting the importance of a modern and equitable tax system as a cornerstone for economic stability, social justice, and sustainable growth. The association underscored that the new legislation will contribute substantially to curbing tax evasion while strengthening the state’s revenue collection mechanisms.

Notably, PASYDY recalls its March 2022 submission to the Minister of Finance, which recommended adjustments to personal income tax brackets—citing deflationary effects from the previous revision nearly two decades ago. Several of its proposals were incorporated into the final bill, including the expansion of tax brackets and income criteria for tax deductions, particularly benefiting families with children. These measures are expected to offer annual savings of between €500 and €2,000, providing significant relief to the middle class.

Keve: A Milestone For Transformation And Competitiveness

KEVE, representing the broader business community, has characterized the reform as a transformational milestone. The chamber’s leadership believes the overhaul aligns the tax system with the demands of a modern economy, thus enhancing Cyprus’ international competitiveness. KEVE sees the reform as a historic opportunity to fortify the country’s economic stability, transparency, and appeal as a destination for business and investment.

KEVE’s response highlights several key enhancements, including the elimination of the imputed dividend distribution and a reduction in the Extraordinary Defense Contribution on dividends to 5%. In its strategic dialogue with policymakers, the chamber placed a premium on legal certainty and a stable business environment—ensuring that revenue collection is balanced with judicial oversight, and that administrative provisions remain clear to foster both international outreach and investment attraction.

Moreover, the reform is lauded for its substantial societal impact. KEVE pointed to the increased tax-free threshold and targeted support measures for families as instrumental in bolstering disposable income and addressing declining birth rates. The chamber has committed to closely monitoring the implementation of the reform as it continues to serve as a key institutional partner in advancing economic progress and prosperity across Cyprus.

Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.

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