Breaking news

Visa Vies For Apple’s Credit Card Partnership With A $100 Million Proposal

In a bold financial maneuver, Visa has put forward an enticing offer to Apple, proposing a $100 million investment to secure the tech giant’s credit card partnership, potentially replacing Mastercard. This strategic move marks a significant stake in the competitive landscape of digital payments.

Key Insights

  • Visa’s proposal for Apple Card includes a substantial pre-payment—a financial gesture typically associated with the largest card programs.
  • Competitors like American Express are also making moves, aiming to supplant Mastercard and gain a foothold in the lucrative Apple Card ecosystem.
  • American Express is reportedly interested in becoming the issuer and network provider for the Apple Card.
  • The partnership between Goldman Sachs and Apple, which began in 2019 with Mastercard handling payments, came to a halt as of November 2023. This ended collaboration leaves a vacancy that numerous financial firms are eager to fill, highlighting the dynamic financial engagements surrounding Apple.

Potential Developments To Watch

Apple’s talks with Barclays and Synchrony Financial, as reported in January by Reuters, signal ongoing negotiations in this space. Furthermore, JPMorgan Chase continues discussions with Apple, striving to partner in this coveted arena.

Goldman Sachs, which ventured into the consumer markets nearly a decade ago, sought to diversify revenue streams beyond its traditional forte of commercial and investment banking. By the close of 2022, the bank had pulled back on its retail ambitions, having allocated billions to mitigate potential losses.

Cyprus 2025 State Budget: A Detailed Analysis Of Revenue And Expenditure Implementation

Budget Overview

Cyprus recorded an 87% revenue implementation rate and a 92% expenditure implementation rate in the 2025 state budget, according to the latest Treasury report. Total revenue reached €10.20 billion, compared with €10.81 billion in 2024, while total expenditure amounted to €11.99 billion versus €12.42 billion a year earlier.

Revenue Trends And Tax Contributions

The decline in revenue was mainly linked to a €1.07 billion drop in loan withdrawals. This was partly offset by stronger tax collection. Direct taxes increased by €0.37 billion, while indirect taxes rose by €0.17 billion.

VAT revenue grew by 4% to €3.16 billion, reflecting an increase of €0.08 billion. Direct taxes rose by 6% to €3.79 billion, supported by higher personal and corporate income tax receipts.

Expenditure Dynamics And Social Investments

Overall expenditure declined slightly, largely due to a €0.84 billion reduction in loan repayments. At the same time, social benefits increased by 5% to €2.02 billion, mainly driven by an €0.08 billion rise in healthcare-related spending.

Transfers and grants rose 11% to €1.93 billion, reflecting higher contributions to the Social Insurance Fund and increased support for municipalities. Operating expenses fell by 3% to €1.12 billion, while payroll, pensions, and gratuities remained stable at €3.52 billion.

Capital Expenditure And Co-Financed Projects

Capital expenditure reached €469.3 million. Key allocations included road infrastructure (€97.3 million) and construction projects (€77.4 million), alongside investments in water systems, government buildings, and school expansions.

Co-financed projects implemented €336.3 million. Funding covered initiatives such as subsidies for childcare and nutrition programs for children under four, as well as residential energy-efficiency upgrades.

Comparative Analysis And Development Expenditure

The average state budget expenditure implementation rate over the past decade stands at 91%. Development expenditure implementation reached 81% in 2025, exceeding the ten-year average of 69%.

The data indicates continued fiscal discipline combined with increased execution of development projects and targeted social spending.

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