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.

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Eurobank Launches First UPI Cross-Border Payment From Greece To India

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 10, 2026

Eurobank has launched its first cross-border payment from Greece to India through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking a new step in the bank’s international expansion and its strategy to strengthen financial ties between Europe and India.

The transaction, completed in cooperation with NPCI International, follows the launch of Eurobank’s new payment service. The inaugural payment was made in the presence of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Eurobank Chief Executive Fokion Karavias and senior executives from NPCI International.

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A Strategic Bet On India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem

According to Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, Eurobank’s head of transaction banking, the service currently supports outgoing payments by Indian citizens living in Greece to recipients in India, representing the first phase of a broader collaboration with NPCI International.

UPI is operated by NPCI International. By integrating the system into its e-banking platform and mobile app, Eurobank enables customers to make real-time transfers.

“The most important aspect is the philosophy behind the initiative,” Vlachogiannis said. “Instead of creating another closed payment system, we are integrating mature and internationally recognised payment ecosystems into the bank’s services so customers enjoy a simple, secure and modern transaction experience.”

He added: “Innovation creates value when it delivers a genuine benefit for the customer.”

Building A Financial Bridge Between Europe And India

The UPI launch follows Eurobank’s opening of a representative office in Mumbai, making it the first Greek and Cypriot bank with a physical presence in India. The bank has also expanded its presence through the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, a technology centre in Pune and partnerships with Indian institutions.

Vlachogiannis said India’s economic growth and closer ties with the European Union support the bank’s long-term strategy. He also pointed to progress in negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.

Mumbai Office Serves As A Regional Business Hub

Eurobank’s Mumbai office supports businesses seeking to establish operations between India, Greece, Cyprus and the wider European market. It provides access to banking services, business networks and market support.

For Greek companies expanding into India, the bank offers international payments, foreign exchange management, trade finance and supply chain finance. Indian businesses investing in Greece, Cyprus or elsewhere in the European Union can also access financing and corporate banking services through Eurobank.

Aiming To Strengthen The India-Europe Corridor

Looking ahead, Eurobank said it will continue investing in technology, international payments, trade finance and partnerships with Indian organisations.

“Our ambition is to act not only as a banking services provider but also as a strategic partner for businesses and investors seeking to benefit from the opportunities created by this dynamic market,” Vlachogiannis said.

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