Bank of Cyprus Secures Top Extel Ranking In Emerging EMEA Financials

Bank of Cyprus has been named one of Extel’s most honoured companies, ranking third in the Emerging EMEA Financials category in the financial intelligence provider’s annual survey.

A Vote Of Confidence From Investors

The ranking places the bank among the leading financial institutions across emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

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Unlike awards decided by a judging panel, Extel’s rankings are based on votes from the investment community. Portfolio managers, analysts and other market participants assess companies on the quality of their communication, strategy and execution.

Strong Individual Results For Senior Leadership

Bank of Cyprus also reported strong results for members of its leadership team. Executive Director of Finance Eliza Leivadiotou was named Best CFO, ranking first among independent buy-side analysts and second among sell-side analysts.

According to the bank, the result reflects the credibility, transparency and technical depth of its communication on strategy, outlook and financial performance.

Investor Relations Team Gains Global Recognition

The group’s investor relations function also ranked highly. Strategy, Investor Relations & ESG Manager Annita Pavlou placed second in the Best IR Professional category, while the Bank of Cyprus Investor Relations Team ranked second in the Best IR Team category.

The survey drew on the views of 454 portfolio managers, international analysts and specialist researchers from 247 financial institutions worldwide, according to the bank.

Why The Ranking Matters

Extel is widely regarded as one of the financial industry’s leading benchmarking platforms, with its annual surveys used by investors to assess listed companies and their leadership teams.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

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IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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