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Alpha Bank Reports Robust Q1 Performance, Paving The Way For 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 21, 2026

Steady Growth In A Volatile Environment

Greek lender Alpha Bank delivered a solid first-quarter performance in 2026, achieving double-digit revenue growth and firm profitability despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. The bank’s report underscores its shift towards a more diversified and sustainable profit model, driven by a significant surge in fee income alongside consistent net interest income gains.

Compelling Financial Metrics

Core revenues climbed by 11.5% year-on-year, bolstered by a robust 29% increase in fee income and a steady 5.3% rise in net interest income. Adjusted net profits reached €221 million, while reported net profits, post one-off expenses, came in at €182 million. Key performance indicators included a return on tangible book value of 12.6% and earnings per share of €0.08.

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Resilient Business Model With A Focus On Diversification

CEO Vassilis Psaltis stated, “Alpha Bank delivered a strong start to 2026, with our first-quarter results confirming the momentum of our business model and setting the stage for continued growth.” He emphasized that the quarterly challenges did not detract from the bank’s overall recurring business activity and confidence in meeting its full-year targets of €950 million in profits and €0.40 earnings per share.

Fee Income And Cost Discipline Drive Progress

The bank’s fee income surged to €139.7 million, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter growth of 2.7% and an impressive 29% year-on-year increase. This uplift was largely fueled by a 33% growth in business lending fees and a 29% rise in asset management fees, complemented by gains in investment banking and brokerage operations. On the cost front, Alpha Bank maintained a cost-to-income ratio of 39%, with operating expenses showing improved efficiency despite rising personnel costs on an annual basis.

Strategic Acquisitions And Expanding Market Footprint

Strategic initiatives remain central to the bank’s outlook, with targeted acquisitions poised to bolster its wealth management and bancassurance sectors. The purchase of a 69.61% stake in Alpha Trust is expected to enhance its asset and wealth management capabilities, expanding its range of mutual funds, alternative investments, and offshore offerings. Concurrently, the anticipated acquisition of Universal Life and Altius in Cyprus by the end of 2026 is set to redefine its position in the Cyprus insurance market, providing access to over 100,000 customers and a robust network of more than 400 intermediaries.

Strong Capital Position And Forward Outlook

Alpha Bank’s strong capital base is reflected in its CET1 ratio of 14.7%, supported by organic capital generation and disciplined cost management. With a resilient asset quality indicated by a non-performing exposure ratio of 3.7% and a cost of risk maintained at 44 basis points, the bank is well-positioned to leverage its strategic investments and continue its growth trajectory into 2026 and beyond.

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Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 18, 2026

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

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Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.