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Bank Of Cyprus Invests €6 Million In Wealthyhood Fintech Platform

Strong Financial Outlook And Strategic Expansion

Bank of Cyprus (BoC) has reaffirmed its commitment to robust growth and operational excellence through updated financial targets and capital allocation plans. The bank’s recent investor presentation highlighted its strengthened operating performance and disciplined balance sheet, paving the way for sustained profitability and strategic investments.

Strategic Investment In Wealthyhood

GlobalWealth Group PLC confirmed that Bank of Cyprus will invest €6 million in fintech company Wealthyhood Ltd. The investment will make the bank a strategic partner in the platform.

Wealthyhood develops digital investment tools designed to make investing more accessible through AI-supported portfolio management. The company currently operates in the United Kingdom and Greece and plans to expand to additional European markets.

Enhanced Capital Allocation And Growth Prospects

Bank of Cyprus expects a mid-teens reported Return on Tangible Equity for the 2026–2028 period. Based on a 15% CET1 ratio, this corresponds to a return above 20%. The outlook assumes a net interest margin above 270 basis points in 2026 as interest rates normalize. Growth in the loan book and fixed income portfolio is expected to support these projections. The bank also targets organic capital generation of 350 to 400 basis points annually during the period.

Optimized Dividend Strategy And Cost Discipline

The bank plans to distribute up to 90% of adjusted recurring profitability in 2026, with the potential to increase the payout to 100% in subsequent years. Distributions may include both ordinary dividends and additional payouts. Management also targets a cost-to-income ratio of around 40% and a normalized cost of risk between 40 and 50 basis points.

Investor Confidence And Future Growth

The Wealthyhood investment forms part of the bank’s broader strategy to expand digital financial services alongside its traditional banking activities. Bank of Cyprus and GlobalWealth Group will remain operationally independent while exploring opportunities for collaboration in Cyprus and other European markets.

Conclusion

With a strategic capital infusion and a clear focus on sustainable profitability, Bank of Cyprus is well-positioned to deliver robust shareholder returns. This development reflects a broader industry trend where traditional financial institutions are increasingly turning to fintech partnerships to drive digital transformation and enhance their competitive edge.

Cyprus Introduces €200 Million Support Measures To Cut Energy And Food Costs

Comprehensive Relief Measures For A Resilient Economy

The government of Cyprus introduced support measures exceeding €200 million to reduce household expenses and support key sectors. The package targets energy costs, food prices, tourism and agriculture. Measures come in response to rising costs and supply pressures. Implementation begins in April and May 2026.

Energy And Fiscal Reforms

The government will reduce VAT on electricity for households to 5% from May 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The measure is expected to lower energy bills. Special consumption tax on transport fuels will decrease by 8.33 cents per liter between April and June 2026. Policy targets fuel-related costs.

Broadening The Zero VAT Initiative

Authorities will expand the list of products with zero VAT. Meat, poultry and fish will be included from April 1 to September 30, 2026. Existing zero-VAT categories already include fruits and vegetables. The government also decided not to introduce a green tax on fuels, avoiding an additional cost of about 9 cents per liter.

Sector-Specific Supports

The package includes a 30% wage subsidy for hotel employees for April 2026. Measure supports tourism businesses during the early season. Support for airlines aims to maintain connectivity with key destinations. The agriculture sector will receive subsidies covering 15% of costs for fertilizers and supplies in April and May.

Economic Stability, National Security

President Nikos Christodoulidis said economic stability remains a priority for the government. He noted that growth, fiscal balance and inflation trends support current policy decisions. Statement links economic policy with broader national priorities. The government continues to monitor external risks.

Ensuring Consumer Protection

Furthermore, the government has mandated rigorous market oversight and intensified inspections to prevent exploitative pricing during this period of economic intervention. This proactive stance ensures that the benefits of the measures directly serve the citizens without unintended inflationary impacts.

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