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Cyprus ATM Network Contracts As Contactless Access Continues To Grow

Cyprus’ cash-access infrastructure remained broadly stable in 2025, even as the number of automated teller machines continued its gradual decline, according to a new report from the Central Bank of Cyprus. The number of ATMs fell from 398 at the end of the second half of 2024 to 396 a year later.

While banks added new machines in remote and mountainous areas to improve access for local communities, those installations were offset by removals elsewhere as lenders continued adjusting their branch and self-service networks.

Contactless ATMs Expand

By the end of the second half of 2025, around 73% of ATMs in Cyprus supported contactless transactions, well above the euro area average of 38%.

ATM numbers also declined across the euro area, falling from 252,249 to 248,888 over the same period. Over the past five years, both Cyprus and the euro area have reduced their ATM networks by around 13%, reflecting lower cash usage and banks’ efforts to streamline operations.

Cash Withdrawals Become Less Frequent

The report also highlights a continued shift in payment habits. According to the ECB’s SPACE study, Cyprus recorded the largest decline in the share of cash payments at the point of sale among euro area countries between 2022 and 2024. At the same time, cashback services have become a more common way for consumers to access cash.

ATMs remained the primary withdrawal channel, with around €2.6 billion withdrawn during the second half of 2025. Although the total value was broadly unchanged from a year earlier, fewer transactions pushed the average withdrawal up from €307 in the second half of 2022 to €390 by the second half of 2025.

Bank Counter Withdrawals Continue To Decline

Cash withdrawals at bank counters have almost halved over the past three years, reinforcing the shift toward self-service and alternative cash-access channels.

Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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