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Bank Of Cyprus Earns Two EMEA Finance Awards For €300 Million Bond Deal

The Bank of Cyprus has added another milestone to its capital markets track record, securing two honours at the EMEA Finance Achievement Awards 2025 for its €300 million Tier 2 bond issuance. The recognition follows the successful transaction completed in September 2025 and further reinforces the lender’s position in international debt markets.

Third Straight Year Of Recognition

The latest awards mark the third consecutive year that the Bank of Cyprus has been recognised by EMEA Finance, underscoring the bank’s sustained momentum in global capital markets. The publication, which tracks major financial transactions across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, awarded the bank for both Best Financial Institution Bond (Mid-Cap) in the region and Best Financial Institution Bond in South Eastern Europe.

Strong Investor Appetite For The Transaction

According to the bank, the awards reflect the exceptional response to the Tier 2 issuance, which drew interest from more than 100 institutional investors. Demand exceeded €3 billion, more than ten times the size of the €300 million offering, signalling deep market confidence in the bank’s credit profile and strategic direction.

Confidence In The Bank’s Strategy

Commenting on the recognition, Bank of Cyprus Treasury Director Despina Kyriakidou said the awards capture both the success of the transaction and the trust international investors continue to place in the institution.

“We are very pleased that our highly successful €300 million Tier 2 bond has received two awards at the annual EMEA Finance Achievement Awards,” Kyriakidou said.

“The fact that this is not the first time that the Bank of Cyprus has been recognised by a prestigious international institution confirms in practice the confidence shown in the bank by international markets and institutional investors,” she added.

Kyriakidou said the result reflects the bank’s strong financial position, consistent growth trajectory and commitment to long-term shareholder value, while also supporting the Cypriot economy.

Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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