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Bank Of Cyprus Profit Hits €481 Million In 2025

Bank of Cyprus approved its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025. The board confirmed the group’s financial statements and performance for the period.

Robust Financial Highlights And Strategic Investments

The report covers Bank of Cyprus Group, including Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited and its subsidiaries. Profit after tax reached €481 million, with €128 million recorded in the fourth quarter. New lending totaled €3 billion, up 23% year over year, driven by corporate and international demand. Gross performing loans increased 8% to €10.9 billion, while deposits rose to €22.2 billion, supported primarily by retail customers.

Operational Excellence And Capital Strength

Panicos Nicolaou, CEO of Bank of Cyprus, said the 2025 results reflected strong financial and operational performance. The bank maintained a cost-to-income ratio of 37%. Liquidity coverage ratio stood at 321%, with surplus liquidity of €9.2 billion. Return on tangible equity reached 18.6%, while basic earnings per share were €1.10.

Risk Management And Corporate Governance

The report outlines risk management across credit, liquidity, market, and operational areas, as well as exposure to geopolitical, cybersecurity, and climate-related risks. Transactions with related parties were conducted on standard commercial terms and remained below 1% of the group’s net assets.

Compliance And Reporting Excellence

Financial statements were prepared in line with IFRS as adopted by the European Union and applicable national legislation. The board confirmed that the results present a true and fair view of the group’s financial position. Internal controls, fraud prevention systems, and sustainability reporting frameworks remain in place.

Looking Ahead

Recent initiatives include a minority investment in Wealthyhood and the acquisition of a performing loan and deposit portfolio from Cyprus Development Bank Public Company Limited. Management said the bank will continue to focus on lending growth and capital strength. The full report is available on the company’s website.

Cyprus Banks Urged To Focus On Long-Term Resilience As Profits Remain Strong

The Cypriot banking sector remains in a strong position, supported by solid capital buffers and overall financial stability, according to speakers at the annual general meeting of the Association of Cyprus Banks. At the same time, government officials and regulators stressed that maintaining this position will require continued discipline and long-term planning.

A Strong Sector, But Not A Complacent One

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos used the meeting to highlight concerns over draft laws recently passed by parliament, which, according to the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank and the Legal Service, may contain constitutional, legal and institutional issues. Those concerns, he noted, led to presidential referrals and remittals to the Supreme Court.

Keravnos also said the European Central Bank had been consulted on proposed measures concerning the suspension of foreclosures and the restructuring of loans and guarantees, adding that the ECB had expressed its own concerns.

Profitability Should Reflect Real Economy Lending

While acknowledging that the banking sector remains highly profitable, Keravnos said earnings are expected to reach around €1 billion in 2025, lower than in 2024 as interest-rate conditions gradually normalize.

He said he would prefer bank profitability to rely more on lending to businesses operating in productive sectors and less on the widening of European Central Bank interest-rate spreads.

According to the minister, Cyprus’ return to investment-grade status after 11 years has strengthened the country’s appeal to foreign investors, technology companies and startups. He said this should encourage banks to offer financing that better supports businesses while improving the diversification of their loan portfolios.

The Central Bank’s Warning: Strength Today Is Not A Guarantee Tomorrow

Central Bank Governor Christodoulos Patsalides also warned against complacency, saying the sector’s current strength should not be taken for granted.

“The Cypriot banking sector is strong today. But strength that truly matters is not exhausted by a capital ratio, a profit line or a favorable cycle,” he said.

Patsalides added that lasting resilience depends on institutions remaining strong as conditions change, risks become more complex, and competition evolves. In his view, that requires sufficient capital buffers, adaptable infrastructure and management teams prepared for changing market conditions.

Long-Term Resilience Over Short-Term Gains

Patsalides also stressed that banks should focus on long-term resilience rather than short-term performance. Decisions on dividend policy, capital allocation and the use of resources, he said, should take into account continued investment in technology, operational resilience, human capital and long-term adaptability.

He added that banks able to remain competitive over time will be those that invest early in strengthening their capacity to adapt and respond to future challenges.

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