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Bank Of Cyprus Delivers Resilient Performance With €509 Million Revenue In H1 2025

Strong Financial Metrics Amid Challenging Conditions

The Bank Of Cyprus has announced its H1 2025 financial results, reporting total revenue of €509 million despite a 7 percent year‐on‐year decline—primarily due to a contraction in net interest income. The institution posted post-tax profits of €235 million during this period, with Q2 maintaining a consistent performance at €118 million, reflecting stability in a fluctuating market.

Solid Capital Structure and Liquidity

Exceeding its strategic targets, the bank achieved a Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE) of 18.4 percent, well above its set objectives for 2025. Enhanced by a strong Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio of 20.6 percent and an overall capital adequacy ratio of 25.8 percent, the bank’s robust balance sheet is underscored by total equity (excluding minority interests) of €2.79 billion as of June 30, 2025.

Robust Growth in Lending and Customer Deposits

A notable highlight this period was the 31 percent year‐on‐year increase in new lending, which rose to €1.6 billion driven by demand for business and international operations loans. The serviced loan portfolio expanded by 5 percent to €10.66 billion, while the retail-dominated deposit base grew by 6 percent, reaching €20.9 billion. With individual customer deposits accounting for the majority of assets and liabilities, the bank continues to fortify its market position.

Operational Efficiency and Strategic Initiatives

The bank maintained a disciplined cost-to-income ratio of 36 percent, despite an increase in overall expenses—attributable to heightened staffing and operating costs. These strategic initiatives, including an anticipated 4 percent increase in the serviced loan portfolio, reflect the bank’s proactive efforts to adapt operationally and remain competitive in a dynamic financial landscape.

Stress Test Success and Forward-Looking Confidence

CEO Panicos Nicolaou highlighted that the bank’s resilient business model, strong organic capital generation, and improved liquidity underpin its sustained performance. The favorable results from the 2025 Single Supervisory Mechanism Stress Test—which placed the bank in the top category based on maximum CET1 reduction—further attest to its competitive edge relative to peers.

Positive Outlook Amid a Robust Economic Backdrop

Nicolaou also noted that the domestic economy continues to experience robust growth, with Cyprus forecast to reach a 3 percent growth rate in 2025—significantly outperforming the Eurozone’s 0.9 percent expectation. The bank’s strategic outlook, coupled with a strong balance sheet and expanded lending portfolio, provides a solid foundation for enduring success amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.

Cyprus Government Fortifies Economic Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty

Government Commitment to Stability and Growth

Cyprus continues to build a strong and resilient economic foundation to support business planning and investment, as emphasized by Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki. Representing President Nikos Christodoulides at the 12th Keve Business Leader Awards, Piki underscored that in today’s volatile global landscape, a consistent and reliable economy remains the cornerstone for long‐term strategic planning and confidence-building among businesses.

Strengthening Competitive Edge and Attracting Investment

Piki lauded the role of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) for its dedication to promoting Cyprus as an attractive investment destination and for supporting the expansion of local businesses. Reflecting on President Christodoulides’s recent address at Keve’s annual general assembly, she outlined the government’s vision for a more competitive Cyprus, which includes expanding market access, improving financing channels, and implementing a streamlined, business-friendly regulatory framework—all pivotal as Cyprus prepares for its EU Council presidency.

Economic Indicators Reflecting Confidence

Despite global uncertainties, Piki highlighted that the Cypriot economy continues to demonstrate resilience: gross domestic product grew by 3.4% in 2024, and forecasts indicate nearly 4% growth in 2025. With inflation remaining among the lowest in the European Union and unemployment dropping below 5%, these indicators affirm steady economic progress. Furthermore, positive ratings from international credit agencies, which have placed Cyprus in the A category with upbeat outlooks, underscore the success of prudent economic policies.

Fiscal Discipline and Strategic Investments

The government’s upcoming 2026 budget, which reinforces fiscal stability with a surplus balance and targets a decline in public debt to 50.9% of GDP, opens the door for strategic policy interventions. Piki noted that investments in energy, digital infrastructure, technology, and green growth are key priorities. Enhanced by the nearing completion of Recovery and Resilience Plan projects, Cyprus is now setting the stage for the next seven-year EU funding framework, ensuring a robust platform for sustained growth with active collaboration from the business community.

Regulatory Reforms and Market Liberalization

Central to the government’s agenda is the imminent tax reform, expected to be finalized on December 22 and implemented on January 1, 2026. This reform is designed to bolster business liquidity and attract new investments. The establishment of the National Enterprise Development Organisation further complements these efforts by offering financing tools and advisory services for small and medium-sized enterprises. Complementing these initiatives, the Cyprus Equity Fund is actively investing in innovative companies, while the Ministry of Energy grant schemes are projected to mobilize €360 million by 2027 to boost competitiveness.

Accelerating Digital Transformation and Energy Reforms

In its pursuit of a modernized business environment, the government is set to introduce a Business Service Centre in central Nicosia in 2025, consolidating licensing procedures to significantly reduce bureaucratic delays. In tandem, the impending launch of a competitive electricity market in October 2025 will empower companies to select their energy suppliers, fostering market competition and fair pricing.

Nurturing Human Capital

Recognizing the importance of talent in driving economic progress, the government is intensifying efforts to attract skilled professionals back to Cyprus. The Minds in Cyprus initiative, a collaboration with Keve and Invest Cyprus, seeks to reverse the talent drain by engaging Cypriots abroad through a series of events scheduled in the United States, United Kingdom, and Greece during 2026.

Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Concluding her address, Deputy Minister Piki congratulated the award recipients for their innovation and resilience, asserting that their achievements are a testament to the dynamism of the Cypriot business community. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing reforms that support a stable, competitive, and sustainable economic future for Cyprus.

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