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Bank Of Cyprus Leads The Way: Awarded Best Bank In Cyprus At Global Finance 2026

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Bank of Cyprus has been named Best Bank in Cyprus at the World’s Best Banks Awards 2026, organised by Global Finance. The award recognises the bank’s performance during 2025 and comes as financial institutions across Europe continue to adapt to changing interest rate conditions and increasing competition.

Strategic Performance Amid Market Pressures

In an era marked by lower interest rates and intensifying competitive pressures across Western Europe’s banking landscape, top financial institutions have been compelled to diversify revenue streams and invest in technological innovation. Global Finance highlighted the resilience of European banks, even as regulatory easing and challenging market conditions continue to test profitability models.

Mergers, Acquisitions, And Digital Innovation

Global Finance highlighted the Bank of Cyprus’ acquisition of Ethniki Insurance Cyprus Ltd as one of the developments supporting the award. The bank also reported a 25% year-on-year increase in shareholder distribution and introduced what it described as Cyprus’ first fully digital housing loan. Both initiatives formed part of the bank’s broader strategy to expand services and diversify sources of revenue.

Commitment To Resilience And Growth

The award comes as banks across Europe continue to focus on capital strength, digital transformation and operational resilience. Global Finance noted that investment in technology and cybersecurity remains a priority for financial institutions navigating an increasingly complex operating environment.

Looking Forward With Confidence

Commenting on the award, Bank of Cyprus Chief Executive Officer Panicos Nicolaou said: “We are proud to have been recognised again as the Best Bank in Cyprus by Global Finance. This award is a reflection of our strong performance in 2025 and our unwavering commitment to innovate and enhance our products and services.” Nicolaou said the bank remains focused on supporting customers, the wider economy and long-term shareholder value. The recognition follows a year marked by expansion in digital services and continued efforts to strengthen the bank’s position in the Cypriot financial sector.

Cyprus Employment Rises 1.7% To 525,167 In Q2 2026

Cyprus employment increased 1.7% year over year to an estimated 525,167 people in the second quarter of 2026, according to the state statistical service, Cystat. Employees accounted for 472,254 of the total, while 52,913 were self-employed. The increase points to continued labor market growth across both wage employment and independent work.

Trade, Construction And Leisure Lead Employment Growth

Wholesale and retail trade, including motor vehicle and motorcycle repair, recorded some of the strongest employment gains, alongside construction and arts, entertainment and recreation.

Those sectors are closely linked to domestic economic activity, with trade reflecting consumer demand and construction reflecting investment. Employment growth in leisure-related industries also points to continued activity in consumer-facing services.

Hours Worked Rise Faster Than Employment

Labor input increased faster than headcount. Cystat estimated that employees and other workers put in 246.57 million hours during the second quarter, up 2.2% from a year earlier.

The increase suggests that businesses were not only employing more people but also recording higher total hours worked. Wholesale and retail trade, construction, and arts, entertainment and recreation again recorded the strongest gains.

Labor Market Expansion Remains Broad-Based

The combination of higher employment and hours worked points to continued expansion in Cyprus’ labor market during the second quarter. The pace remains moderate, but gains across several major sectors indicate that labor demand continued to support economic activity.

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