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Banking Sector Sees Little Change In Non-Performing Exposures For May

Non-performing exposures (NPEs) in Cyprus’ banking system remained stable in May 2024, totalling €1.77 billion, a slight decrease from €1.80 billion in April. The NPE ratio stood at 7.4% of total loans. Year-to-date, there has been a modest reduction of €81 million in NPEs.

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) reported that loans overdue by over 90 days were constant at €1.39 billion, comprising 5.8% of total loans. The NPE coverage ratio saw a slight increase to 54.4% from 54.2% in April, with accumulated provisions reaching €786 million.

Restructured facilities in May amounted to €1.42 billion, a marginal decrease from €1.44 billion the previous month. Of these, €0.79 billion were classified as non-performing under the European Banking Authority standards, a slight drop of €4 million from April.

Households held 54% of total NPEs, equivalent to €971 million, while corporations accounted for €760 million, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) holding €695 million of this amount. Corporate NPEs had a coverage ratio of 69%, compared to 42% for household NPEs.

The CBC’s data underscores the stability of Cyprus’ banking sector despite minor fluctuations. For business professionals and investors, understanding these metrics is crucial for assessing the health and risk factors within the banking system. The consistent levels of NPEs suggest that while there is resilience, ongoing vigilance and strategic management are necessary to maintain financial stability.

Cyprus Tax Authorities Target Undeclared Digital Earnings

Cyprus is intensifying its scrutiny on undeclared income from digital channels, as a new audit reveals widespread non-compliance among roughly 300 individuals and entities—including several foreign residents. The investigation, spearheaded by advanced social media monitoring, highlights income omissions from platforms like OnlyFans, which surged in prominence during the pandemic as creators monetized their content through paid subscriptions.

Advanced Monitoring Uncovers Significant Gaps

The Cyprus Tax Department’s sophisticated analytical tools uncovered numerous cases where both local and foreign earners failed to report revenue. Instances of income reaching up to €500,000 have been detected, underscoring a critical gap in fiscal reporting as digital transactions continue to grow.

Diverse Professional Sectors Under Scrutiny

The audit did not solely target digital creators; it also extended to diverse sectors including beauticians, taxi drivers, hairdressers, travel agents, and small business owners. Notably, over 50 taxi operators were found to have undeclared income surpassing €100,000—often processed via electronic payments—highlighting a broader trend of non-compliance across various service-driven industries.

EU Directives and Enhanced Transparency Measures

The enforcement framework has been bolstered by EU Directive 2011/16/EU (DAC7), which mandates that digital platforms, since July 2021, submit comprehensive user data—such as identities, tax residences, and annual incomes—directly to national tax authorities. This system, supplemented by the One Stop Shop (OSS) VAT mechanism, is instrumental in closing regulatory loopholes and ensuring cross-border financial transparency.

Expanding Focus to a Broad Range of Digital Platforms

Beyond OnlyFans, authorities are extending their audits to include income generated from YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, and other online marketplaces. By correlating bank records with online activity and spending patterns, regulators are keenly focused on individuals whose lifestyles do not match their reported incomes, ensuring equitable tax compliance across traditional and digital domains.

Implications for the Evolving Online Economy

While OnlyFans is primarily recognized for adult content, its platform also serves a wide range of professionals including musicians, fitness trainers, and artists. This comprehensive local investigation into digital earnings underscores the principle that all income—whether digital or traditional—must be declared under Cypriot law. With formal notices set to be dispatched, and the threat of backdated taxation, fines, and even criminal proceedings looming over persistent offenders, the tax department aims to safeguard fiscal integrity in an increasingly digital economic landscape.

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