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Bank Of Cyprus Named Best Foreign Exchange Bank in Cyprus for 2025

The Bank of Cyprus has once again cemented its leadership in the financial sector, earning the title of Best Foreign Exchange Bank in Cyprus for 2025 by Global Finance’s prestigious Gordon Platt Foreign Exchange Awards. This recognition underscores the bank’s commitment to innovation, seamless digital banking solutions, and outstanding customer service.

A Digital-First Approach To FX Services

This accolade follows the successful rollout of eFX Convert, a cutting-edge digital currency exchange service launched in 2024. Designed to provide real-time exchange rates with no hidden fees, eFX Convert reflects the bank’s broader strategy of leveraging technology to enhance financial services. Customers can now convert currencies instantly through the Bank of Cyprus’ digital channels, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and security in their transactions.

The service allows real-time conversions in a wide range of currencies, eliminating additional commissions and providing extended trading hours—an offering unique among Cypriot banks. In addition, the bank’s Quick Accounts feature integrates live FX rates, enabling users to open USD or GBP accounts online and execute transactions at preferential rates without foreign exchange commission.

Recognition On The Global Stage

The award was presented at the Global Finance Foreign Exchange and Best SME Bank Awards Ceremony in London on 25 February, where leading financial institutions from around the world gathered to celebrate excellence in FX services. The selection criteria included transaction volume, market share, global reach, customer service quality, competitive pricing, and technological innovation.

The Growing Role Of FX In Corporate Strategy

The Bank of Cyprus’ recognition comes at a time when FX management is more critical than ever. With global trade facing heightened volatility due to geopolitical shifts, fluctuating interest rates, and emerging trade barriers, businesses are placing greater emphasis on sophisticated FX solutions. According to market analysts, FX trading volumes have surged post-pandemic, reaching daily records of over $7.5 trillion in 2024, with projections indicating continued growth.

To stay ahead, financial institutions are increasingly turning to AI-driven analytics, algorithmic trading, and automated FX hedging strategies. As a leader in Cyprus, the Bank of Cyprus is positioning itself at the forefront of these advancements, offering tailored FX solutions that help businesses mitigate risk and optimize international transactions.

About Global Finance

Founded in 1987, Global Finance is a leading authority in international financial analysis, with readers in 188 countries. Its awards set the benchmark for excellence in banking, investment, and financial services. The Gordon Platt Foreign Exchange Awards honors institutions that demonstrate superior expertise in the FX market, ensuring businesses and investors can confidently navigate the complexities of global currency exchange.

By securing this award, the Bank of Cyprus not only reaffirms its dominance in the Cypriot banking landscape but also solidifies its reputation as a forward-thinking financial institution ready to meet the evolving demands of modern FX markets.

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

  • Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
  • Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
  • Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
  • Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
  • Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
  • Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
  • Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.

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