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Bank Of Cyprus Secures Fourth Consecutive STP Award

Exemplary Automation In Fund Transfers

The Bank of Cyprus (BoC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to operational excellence by being awarded the prestigious ‘STP AWARD 2025’ by the Bank of New York for the fourth consecutive year. This accolade recognizes BoC’s high-quality procedures in managing fund transfers through the SWIFT system, with an impressive 98 percent of payments being processed via Straight Through Processing. Such efficiency underscores the bank’s expertise in reducing manual intervention in critical financial operations.

Strategic Collaborations Enhance Global Operations

In its strategic role, the Bank of New York serves as one of BoC’s key correspondent banks for US dollar transactions. This partnership not only attests to BoC’s robust internal frameworks but also reinforces its position within a global network of financial institutions. As noted by Despina Kyriakidou, BoC Treasury Director, the recognition from a major US financial institution is a testament to both the high operational standards and the international trust bestowed upon the bank.

A Commitment To Excellence In Financial Services

Despina Kyriakidou further emphasized that the award reflects the high standards maintained by BoC and the reliability that international organizations have come to expect from the institution. The collaboration with the Bank of New York significantly enhances the comprehensive suite of banking and financial services offered to business, institutional, and individual clients, both in Cyprus and across global markets.

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

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.

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.

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