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Cyprus Banking Trends: Lower Deposit And Lending Rates Amid New Loan Surge

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 7, 2026

Market Overview

The Central Bank of Cyprus reported lower deposit and lending rates in February 2026, alongside an increase in new loan activity. Data from the March 2026 monetary and financial statistics show continued adjustment in borrowing costs and credit demand.

Deposit And Lending Dynamics

Household deposit rates declined to 1.19% from 1.20%, while rates for non-financial corporations fell to 1.19% from 1.34%. On the lending side, consumer credit rates decreased to 7.12% from 7.20%, and housing loan rates dropped to 3.45% from 3.70%.

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Corporate borrowing costs also declined, with rates for loans up to €1 million falling to 4.22% from 4.32%, and loans above €1 million decreasing to 4.15% from 4.34%. These changes indicate easing financing conditions across segments.

Sectoral Shifts In Loan Activity

New lending increased to €328.7 million in February from €247.3 million in January. Consumer loans rose to €20.1 million from €18.9 million, while housing loans increased to €115.1 million from €95.7 million.

Corporate lending also expanded, with loans up to €1 million rising to €47.5 million from €40.1 million. Larger loans exceeded €137.3 million, up from €88.1 million, indicating stronger business demand.

Eurozone Comparison And Monetary Transmission

Loan rates in Cyprus remain close to the eurozone median, with no spread for households and a 0.4% spread for non-financial corporations. Monetary policy transmission is broadly aligned with other eurozone economies. Transmission to corporate lending is weaker compared with other member states. This difference reflects structural factors in the domestic banking system.

Impact Of Excess Liquidity And Deposit Rates

Deposit rates remain among the lowest in the eurozone due to high liquidity levels in the banking system. The Liquidity Coverage Ratio reached 319% in December 2025, compared with an EU median of 192% and an average of 161%. Excess liquidity and market size contribute to the slower adjustment of deposit rates. Banks continue to pass on rate changes more gradually compared with lending rates.

Evolving Loan Structures And Risk Management

The share of new housing loans with variable rates declined to 15.7% from nearly 100% in early 2022. Borrowers are increasingly choosing fixed-rate structures before transitioning to floating rates. Across all lending categories, the share of floating-rate loans dropped to 53.4% from near full adoption in 2022. These shifts indicate changing risk preferences and require adjustments in bank risk management.

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CSE Reports March Market Shares As Argus Tops With 30.83%

Overview

Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) reported €31.50 million in share transactions for March 2026, including €11.24 million in pre-agreed trades. Data also cover the first quarter, with total transactions reaching €86.06 million across January to March.

Detailed Market Analysis

CSE provides market share calculations both including and excluding pre-agreed transactions. March figures incorporate these trades, while separate data sets highlight activity without them. Such differentiation reflects varying trading dynamics and offers a clearer view of market structure. Bond values are excluded from percentage calculations.

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Quarterly Performance Metrics

Figures for the January–March period show how market shares shift depending on the calculation methodology. Year-to-date data provide a broader perspective on member activity across the exchange. Inclusion or exclusion of pre-agreed transactions affects comparative positioning. These metrics are used to assess overall performance trends.

Key Participant Performance

Argus Stockbrokers Ltd recorded a 30.83% market share in March, with transactions totaling €9.71 million, placing it first for the month. CISCO Ltd held a 24.54% share in March and ranked first for the quarter with 26.19%. Mega Equity Financial Services Ltd followed with 18.31% in March and 24.08% across the quarter. Additional participants included Eurobank EFG Equities with 8.04% and Atlantic Securities Ltd with 7.46%, contributing to overall market activity.

Aggregate Trading Volumes

Pre-agreed transactions accounted for €11.24 million of March’s total turnover. Overall trading value reached €86.06 million for the first quarter. These figures reflect both negotiated and regular market activity, providing a fuller picture of trading volumes.

Conclusion

CSE data outline the distribution of market shares and transaction volumes across members. Distinctions between pre-agreed and regular trades highlight differences in activity patterns. Reported figures provide a basis for evaluating market structure and participant performance.