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.

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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.

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Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 22, 2026

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

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Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.

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