Breaking news

Bank Of Cyprus Posts Record Lending Growth And Declares €305M Dividend Payout

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 18, 2026

Strong Financial Results And Surging Lending Activity

Bank of Cyprus announced its 2025 financial results on Wednesday, reporting a robust profit after tax of €481 million. This strong performance was buoyed by record new lending activity that reached €3 billion, reflecting an impressive 23% increase year-on-year.

Robust Operational Performance And Shareholder Returns

CEO Panicos Nicolaou highlighted that “2025 was another strong year for Bank of Cyprus, demonstrated by our financial and operational performance.” Emphasizing the firm’s cost efficiency, robust liquidity, and sound asset quality, he noted significant growth in gross performing loans, which climbed 8% year-on-year to €10.9 billion, while the retail deposit base also rose 8% to €22.2 billion.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Enhanced Lending And International Expansion

Nicolaou underlined that the bank exceeded its target of circa 4% loan growth, driven primarily by healthy domestic credit activity combined with accelerating growth in its international loan portfolio. With strong corporate and international demand underpinning this growth, the operational metrics reaffirm BoC’s resilience and focus on sustainable expansion.

Efficiency And Capital Strength

The financial year was marked by a low cost to income ratio of 37%, reflecting strict cost discipline. Key performance indicators also included a return on tangible equity of 18.6% and basic earnings per share of €1.10. Additional highlights were a CET1 ratio of 21.0%, a total capital ratio of 25.9%, and surplus liquidity of €9.2 billion, further solidifying the bank’s resilient balance sheet.

Investor Confidence And Future Outlook

The bank’s commitment to maximizing shareholder value was evident in its total dividend distribution of €305 million, corresponding to a 70% payout ratio. Nicolaou reiterated, “We are delivering sustainable shareholder returns, as evidenced by almost €550 million of cumulative distributions over the last two financial years.”

Looking Ahead

With Cyprus’ economy projected to grow by 3.1% in real terms in 2026, well above the Eurozone average, Bank of Cyprus is well-positioned to continue supporting its customers and fueling national economic growth. The bank will provide further strategic insights and financial targets during an investor update scheduled for March 3, 2026.

Bank of Cyprus demonstrated strong financial performance in 2025 and reaffirmed its focus on sustainable growth and shareholder value, reinforcing its position as Cyprus’ leading financial services group.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 27, 2026

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.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

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.