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Bank Of Cyprus Secures Fourth Consecutive STP Award

Exemplary Automation In Fund Transfers

The Bank of Cyprus (BoC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to operational excellence by being awarded the prestigious ‘STP AWARD 2025’ by the Bank of New York for the fourth consecutive year. This accolade recognizes BoC’s high-quality procedures in managing fund transfers through the SWIFT system, with an impressive 98 percent of payments being processed via Straight Through Processing. Such efficiency underscores the bank’s expertise in reducing manual intervention in critical financial operations.

Strategic Collaborations Enhance Global Operations

In its strategic role, the Bank of New York serves as one of BoC’s key correspondent banks for US dollar transactions. This partnership not only attests to BoC’s robust internal frameworks but also reinforces its position within a global network of financial institutions. As noted by Despina Kyriakidou, BoC Treasury Director, the recognition from a major US financial institution is a testament to both the high operational standards and the international trust bestowed upon the bank.

A Commitment To Excellence In Financial Services

Despina Kyriakidou further emphasized that the award reflects the high standards maintained by BoC and the reliability that international organizations have come to expect from the institution. The collaboration with the Bank of New York significantly enhances the comprehensive suite of banking and financial services offered to business, institutional, and individual clients, both in Cyprus and across global markets.

Cyprus Introduces Performance-Based Funding For Public Research

Cyprus is introducing a new performance-based funding model for publicly financed research organizations, linking state support to measurable results for the first time.

A New Framework For Research Funding

Approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, the new mechanism establishes a more structured framework for funding public research organizations. Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodimos Damianos said the system is expected to take effect in early 2027.

First Phase Targets Centres Of Excellence

The first phase will cover Centres of Excellence co-financed through the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence programme with national and European funding.

According to Damianos, the objective is to preserve and further develop the research infrastructure, expertise and capabilities built in recent years, while supporting their transition into sustainable, long-term institutions under a formal funding framework.

Funding Tied To Performance Indicators

Under the new model, funding will be linked to performance against predefined indicators and targets. Organizations will be assessed across 18 indicators grouped into six areas: the research environment, internationalisation, scientific excellence, research performance, knowledge transfer and socio-economic impact.

Performance will be evaluated annually, while funding allocations will be reviewed every three years. The framework also introduces fiscal safeguards, including funding caps, assessments of each organisation’s actual financial needs and consideration of any other institutional state funding already received.

Positioning Research As A Strategic Public Investment

Damianos said the reform lays the groundwork for a new model of institutional support for research and innovation, aimed at strengthening scientific excellence and competitiveness while ensuring the transparent and efficient use of public funds.

He added that the framework is intended to support long-term benefits for both the Cypriot economy and society.

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