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Bank Of Cyprus Delivers Robust Profitability And Strong Shareholder Returns Amid Resilient Economic Conditions

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 11, 2025

The Bank of Cyprus has reported an impressive profit after tax of €353 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. This result, which underscores the bank’s resilience in the current interest rate environment, is supported by a robust net interest income, strong liquidity, and improved cost efficiency.

Steady Growth And Lending Performance

In the third quarter alone, the bank recorded a profit after tax of €118 million, while maintaining a cost-to-income ratio of 35 per cent and a return on tangible equity (ROTE) of 18.4 per cent. New lending surged to €2.2 billion, reflecting a 31 per cent year-on-year increase driven largely by international and corporate demand. Gross performing loans increased by 6 per cent to reach €10.71 billion, supported by steady growth in both the domestic and international markets.

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Enhanced Capital Strength And Risk Management

The bank has demonstrated strong capital generation, with organic gains of 326 basis points over the period. A robust capital position is evident with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 20.5 per cent and a total capital ratio of 25.4 per cent. Furthermore, the non-performing exposure (NPE) ratio improved to 1.2 per cent, while the cost of risk remained contained at 35 basis points. The successful refinancing of €300 million in Tier 2 notes at a favorable coupon rate of 4.25 per cent further enhanced the bank’s funding profile.

Commitment To Shareholders And Strategic Outlook

In line with its commitment to generating shareholder value, the Bank of Cyprus declared an interim dividend of €0.20 per ordinary share in October 2025 and reaffirmed its target of a 70 per cent payout ratio for the year. CEO Panicos Nicolaou emphasized the bank’s strong performance, noting the 6 per cent year-on-year growth in tangible book value per share to €5.86, complemented by total cash dividends of €0.68 per share in 2025.

Economic Resilience And Future Targets

Nicolaou highlighted that domestic economic growth in Cyprus is outpacing the Euro area average, with projections from the Finance Ministry indicating a 3.2 per cent real GDP growth for 2025. This dynamic environment has motivated the bank to raise its ROTE target for 2025 to the high-teens, with expectations to surpass 20 per cent ROTE at a 15 per cent CET1 ratio. The Bank of Cyprus remains committed to executing its strategic plan, ensuring robust support for its customers and the broader Cypriot economy while continuing to deliver attractive returns to its shareholders.

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EU Regulation May Undermine Its AI Ambitions, Warns U.S. Ambassador

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 30, 2026

Regulatory Stringency Threatens Europe’s Future In AI

Andrew Puzder said EU regulatory pressure on U.S. technology companies could affect Europe’s access to AI infrastructure. He said access to data centers, data resources and hardware remains linked to U.S.-based providers.

Balancing Oversight And Global Technological Competitiveness

Puzder’s remarks arrive amid a period of aggressive regulatory measures undertaken by the European Commission against major U.S. tech companies. According to Puzder, imposing excessive fines and constantly shifting regulatory goals may force these companies to retreat from the EU market, leaving the continent on the sidelines of the AI revolution. He noted, “If you regulate them off the continent, you’re not going to be a part of the AI economy.”

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U.S. Concerns Over Regulatory Overreach

Critics from across the Atlantic, including figures from former U.S. administrations, have repeatedly lambasted the EU’s stringent policies. Puzder stressed that without a conducive business environment supported by robust U.S. technology infrastructures, Europe’s ambitions in AI might remain unrealized. The warning carries significant implications for transatlantic trade relations and the future integration of technology across borders.

Specific Cases: Impact On Major Tech Companies

Recent EU enforcement actions include fines and regulatory decisions affecting major U.S. technology companies operating in the region. Meta was subject to regulatory action following policy-related concerns. Apple received a €500 million penalty, while Google was fined €2.95 billion in an antitrust case. X, owned by Elon Musk, was also fined €120 million in recent months. Marco Rubio criticized these measures, citing concerns about their impact on U.S. technology companies.

Implications For The Global AI Landscape

EU regulators are also reviewing the compliance of platforms such as Snap Inc. under the Digital Services Act. Focus includes areas such as user protection and platform responsibility. Discussion reflects ongoing differences between EU and U.S. approaches to regulation and innovation. Further developments will depend on policy decisions on both sides.