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Bank Of Cyprus Clinches Tenth Consecutive Euromoney Award For Cyprus’ Best Bank

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 19, 2025

Unmatched Industry Recognition

Euromoney, the internationally acclaimed magazine focused on banking, finance, and financial markets, has once again recognized Bank of Cyprus as the best bank in Cyprus. This prestigious accolade for the year 2025 marks the tenth consecutive time that the institution has been honored with this title, affirming its leadership and excellence in the sector.

Benchmarking Operational Success

The award announcement, covering performance metrics from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, highlights several strategic milestones. Among these, a significant shareholder distribution of €241 million — nearly doubling the previous year’s payout — underscores the bank’s strong financial performance and commitment to shareholder value.

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Innovative Financial Strategy and Market Expansion

Demonstrating forward-thinking financial management, Bank of Cyprus has upgraded its distribution policy to target a payout ratio between 50 and 70 percent beginning in 2025. This period also saw the successful listing of its shares on the Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX), a move that has not only enhanced the bank’s visibility but also improved the liquidity of its equity offerings.

Driving Digital Innovation and Sustainable Finance

The year 2024 was marked by a series of innovations that are set to redefine customer engagement and product offerings. Notable introductions include the digital housing loan and Fleksy, a buy-now-pay-later solution, alongside Joey, a tailored banking app for young customers aged nine to seventeen. Additionally, the launch of a comprehensive business-to-consumer marketplace on the Jinius platform has broadened the bank’s service ecosystem. In line with global sustainable finance trends, Bank of Cyprus also issued its inaugural €300 million green bond, paving the way for significant investments in sustainable projects across Cyprus.

A Forward-Looking Vision

CEO Panicos Nicolaou expressed his pride in receiving the award, stating, “It is an honour for Bank of Cyprus to be named Cyprus’s Best Bank by Euromoney for the 10th year. This international recognition reflects our determination to drive digital innovation, provide our customers with new products and services, lead the sustainable transition in Cyprus, and deliver value to our shareholders.” Nicolaou further emphasized the bank’s unified focus on supporting customers and the broader economy, while continuing to generate attractive returns for its investors.

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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.