Homeownership has long been one of the foundations of financial security and social stability in Cyprus. For many households, buying a home is more than a financial transaction; it is a long-term investment and an important milestone.

Rising living costs, fluctuating interest rates and more complex lending procedures have made the journey to homeownership increasingly challenging. In response, Bank of Cyprus is expanding its digital mortgage services to make the application process faster, more transparent and easier to navigate.

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A Digital Approach To A Traditional Goal

The bank’s Your Home Hub platform brings together mortgage information, repayment calculators and digital services in one place, helping prospective buyers estimate monthly payments, compare financing options and better understand each stage of the process.

Customers can also submit Digital Housing Loan applications through Internet Banking or the Mobile App for First Home, Green Home and Holiday Home mortgages. In many cases, applications receive a response within 24 hours.

Digital tools are complemented by personalised support, with customers able to book appointments with specialised mortgage advisers whenever additional guidance is needed.

What Your Home Hub Provides

Designed as a practical planning tool, Your Home Hub offers:

• Loan repayment calculators
• Information on purchase-related costs
• Guidance on required documentation
• Updates throughout the application process
• Information on mortgages, insurance and related services
• Direct access to the Digital Housing Loan application

The platform aims to help buyers make more informed financial decisions before taking on a mortgage, supporting both responsible borrowing and long-term financial stability.

Choosing The Right Mortgage

Selecting a mortgage is one of the most important financial decisions a buyer will make. Rather than focusing solely on interest rates, borrowers should choose a loan that best matches their financial circumstances and long-term plans.

Bank of Cyprus offers financing for first homes, holiday homes, land purchases, renovations and investment properties, including Green Home mortgages with more favourable terms for energy-efficient properties.

Start With A Clear Assessment

Before applying, prospective buyers should assess three key factors:

• Net monthly household income
• Available down payment
• Ability to comfortably manage a long-term financial commitment

Establishing a realistic budget remains the most effective way to avoid financial pressure later.

Understand The Main Mortgage Types

Borrowers can generally choose between fixed and variable interest rates.

A fixed-rate mortgage provides stable monthly repayments over an agreed period or for the life of the loan, making budgeting easier. A variable-rate mortgage moves with market conditions, offering the potential for lower repayments but also exposing borrowers to future rate increases.

What Should Shape The Decision

When comparing mortgage options, buyers should consider:

• Whether monthly repayments leave enough room for everyday expenses, savings and unexpected costs.
• The repayment period, as longer terms reduce monthly instalments but increase the total interest paid.
• Their ability to absorb potential interest-rate increases when choosing a variable-rate mortgage.
• Additional benefits, including preferential Green Home rates and discounts available through the bank’s pronomia Loyalty Scheme, subject to terms and conditions.

Compare Beyond The Interest Rate

Interest rates are only one part of the equation. Buyers should also compare the annual percentage rate (APR), loan term, fees, repayment flexibility and additional benefits, such as loyalty discounts or reward programmes.

Before making a decision, it is worth considering plans, including family needs, career changes and long-term financial goals. Speaking with a specialised adviser can also help identify the most suitable financing option.

Loan Solutions At A Glance

Bank of Cyprus offers mortgage solutions tailored to different homeownership needs:

First Home Mortgage

• Up to 80% financing
• Repayment period of up to 35 years
• Fixed and variable interest-rate options
• No arrangement or documentation fees

Green Mortgage

• Up to 80% financing for a first home and up to 70% for a holiday home
• Repayment period of up to 35 years
• Variable-rate discount of up to 0.20%
• No arrangement or documentation fees
• Designed for energy-efficient properties

Holiday Home Mortgage

• Up to 70% financing
• Repayment period of up to 35 years
• Flexible interest-rate and repayment options

Renovation And Energy Upgrade Loans

Available for renovations and energy-efficiency improvements, including insulation, photovoltaic systems, heating and cooling upgrades.

• Up to 80% financing for a first home and up to 70% for a holiday home
• Repayment period of up to 35 years
• Flexible interest-rate and repayment options

Investment Mortgage

• Up to 60% financing
• Maximum repayment period of 20 years
• Repayment structure based on expected rental income

Financing Beyond The Mortgage

Moving into a new home often brings additional costs, from furniture and appliances to everyday household expenses.

To help cover these needs, Bank of Cyprus offers QuickLoans from €500 to €15,000 with no arrangement or documentation fees. Applications can be completed online without guarantees, while digital signatures further simplify the process where applicable.

Customers planning to purchase a vehicle can also apply digitally for QuickCar Loans ranging from €2,500 to €50,000 for new or green cars, subject to eligibility criteria and applicable terms.

Why Home Insurance Matters

Financing is only one part of homeownership. Protecting the property is equally important, helping households prepare for unexpected events that could affect both the home and family finances.

Genikes Insurance offers a range of home insurance plans, from basic cover for fire, lightning and explosion to more comprehensive protection that includes earthquakes, storms, floods, water damage, malicious acts and third-party liability.

Additional benefits may include replacement-value compensation, temporary accommodation, loss-of-rent cover and 24-hour emergency assistance.

A Partner For The Full Homeownership Journey

Buying a home is a long-term financial commitment that requires careful planning as well as access to the right financing and protection.

Through its Book an Appointment service, Bank of Cyprus connects customers with specialised advisers who can help identify the most suitable combination of mortgage and insurance solutions. Together with Your Home Hub, the service is designed to make every stage of the home-buying process more transparent and easier to manage.

Cyprus is exploring a new way to diversify its tourism offering, with factories, dairies, wineries and even quarries potentially becoming visitor attractions under plans being developed by the Nicosia Tourism Board.

Turning Production Into An Experience

The initiative aims to transform working production facilities into tourism destinations, allowing visitors to see how local products are made while discovering Cyprus’ industrial heritage. Industrial tourism is already well established in several European countries, where both active factories and historic production sites attract thousands of visitors each year.

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“It is important that we begin building authentic experiences linked to the history of the country,” Sotiris Christoforou, an officer at the Nicosia Tourism Board. He added that the initiative could also help introduce younger generations to different industries and career opportunities.

A Tourism Model Built Around Local Strengths

Although Cyprus lacks large-scale heavy industry, officials believe several sectors are well suited to this type of tourism, particularly food production. Ideas under consideration include guided visits to halloumi producers, wineries, dairies, food manufacturers and ice cream factories.

Christoforou noted that Cyprus’ three major ice cream producers: Papafilippou, Heracles and Regis, have been operating since the 1950s and could offer visitors a unique perspective on the island’s industrial and cultural development.

Potential routes could also include mines, quarries and the Troodos UNESCO Global Geopark, which received UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2015.

Balancing Tourism And Industry

Opening production facilities to visitors will require careful planning. Organisers are examining issues such as health and safety, visitor management and the certification of specialised guides to ensure tourism activities do not interfere with day-to-day operations.

For participating businesses, the initiative could provide more than an additional revenue stream by strengthening brand visibility and creating closer connections with consumers.

Part Of A Wider European Project

The proposal forms part of the four-year IndusTour project, funded through the Interreg Europe programme and co-financed by the European Union.

As part of the initiative, Nicosia recently hosted the Industrial Tourism Conference: Enhancing Visitor Experiences and Promoting Local Businesses, bringing together tourism experts, researchers and public authorities from Cyprus, France, the Czech Republic, Poland, Serbia and Denmark.

According to Christoforou, the current phase focuses on analysing successful industrial tourism models across Europe to identify practices that could be adapted locally. If implemented, the initiative could broaden Cyprus’ tourism offering while giving local manufacturers a new platform to showcase their products and heritage.

Nearly 1 million people have collectively lost $3.8 billion after buying President Donald Trump’s $TRUMP memecoin, according to new analysis from cryptocurrency analytics firm Nansen.

Per The New York Times, Nansen’s review of publicly visible blockchain transactions found that 988,905 accounts were in the red as of the end of June. That means roughly two-thirds of all $TRUMP buyers have lost money on the token, underscoring just how steep the decline has been for one of the most politically charged crypto assets on the market.

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A Token That Has Collapsed From Its Peak

On Sunday, $TRUMP was trading at $1.69, according to CoinMarketCap, down nearly 98% from its high of $75.35. For investors who entered near the top, the reversal has been brutal.

Trump launched the memecoin three days before his inauguration in 2025, adding a new layer to his already deepening involvement in digital assets. He had previously co-founded the crypto startup World Liberty Financial with his sons, and its WLFI token has also fallen sharply in value.

Trump’s Crypto Windfall Contrasts With Investor Losses

Despite heavy losses among retail investors, the token has generated substantial income for Trump. In his latest financial disclosure, the president reported earning $636 million from the $TRUMP memecoin, according to The New York Times. That accounted for nearly half of the $1.4 billion in cryptocurrency-related income he disclosed over the past year.

The figures have also drawn renewed attention to the administration’s approach to digital assets. The Securities and Exchange Commission has said memecoins do not fall under securities regulations and has withdrawn several enforcement actions against cryptocurrency companies, including a case involving Gemini, TechCrunch reported.

A White House spokesperson defended the administration’s policy, telling The New York Times that “President Trump proudly made the United States the crypto capital of the world.”

Robotex Cyprus 2026 attracted thousands of visitors to the University of Cyprus Sports Centre on June 27 and 28, reinforcing its position as the island’s largest robotics and STEAM event.

A National Platform For Innovation

The ninth Robotex Cyprus Educational and Sports Robotics Competition brought together around 700 participants, including school pupils, university students and adults, who competed in more than 20 robotics challenges designed to test engineering, programming, problem-solving and teamwork skills.

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The event also highlighted the government’s focus on digital innovation. Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou addressed participants through a message delivered by the ministry’s Director of Cybersecurity, Marios Tziapouras. Research and Innovation Foundation Vice-President Andreas Efstathiou also attended, reflecting the organisation’s role as Diamond Sponsor and its support for developing Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem.

Opening remarks were delivered by Chrysis Georgiou, Chairman of the University of Cyprus Department of Computer Science, and Fotini Georgiou, a member of the Robotex Cyprus Scientific Committee and board member of IET Cyprus, representing the event’s co-organisers.

Cyprus Strengthens Its International Role

Robotex International CEO Nathan Metsala attended the festival, highlighting Cyprus’ long-standing role in the competition’s global network. Cyprus was the first country to establish Robotex as a national competition, while Metsala announced that the 2026 Robotex International finals will be hosted in South Korea—the first time the event will take place outside Estonia.

Winning teams from Cyprus have now qualified for the international finals, continuing the country’s strong record in recent editions of the competition.

Robotics Meets Real-World Challenges

This year’s primary school teams developed projects under the theme “Sustainable Development, Green Island,” with many incorporating artificial intelligence to tackle environmental challenges.

Across the two-day event, competitors took part in disciplines including Line Following, Folkrace, Maze Solving, Bowling, Archery, SUMO robot battles, Rally and robotic shot put, alongside two drone competitions focused on autonomous flight and programming.

The annual Girls Firefighting competition also returned, supporting greater participation of girls in STEAM education.

Technology Beyond The Competition

Alongside the contests, visitors explored a wide range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. STEAM Cyprus showcased Drone Soccer, while the Planetarium team introduced new demonstrations focused on space, astronomy and AI applications.

The programme also featured the popular Human versus Robot chess challenge, organised with the KAISSA Chess Club, where SenseRobot competed against visitors of different ages and skill levels.

Throughout the weekend, participants experienced virtual reality, 3D printing and robotics demonstrations, while Robo.com.cy presented two Cyprus-developed products, Kypruino and RoboRover Core, and operated the technical support centre for competing teams.

A Growing Ecosystem

Robotex Cyprus was organised by the Cyprus Computer Society in cooperation with the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus Youth Organisation and IET Cyprus, under the auspices of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy.

Support came from a broad network of public and private organisations, including the Research and Innovation Foundation, the Bank of Cyprus, XM, Neapolis University, Novatex Solutions, ZEBRA Consultants, NETinfo and ICDL. Organisers also confirmed that secondary school students will continue to have access to scholarship opportunities through partnerships with several universities.

With growing international recognition, strong participation and an expanding focus on artificial intelligence and real-world problem solving, Robotex Cyprus continues to evolve beyond a robotics competition into one of the country’s leading platforms for nurturing future engineers, innovators and technology leaders. The next milestone for this year’s winners will be the Robotex Cyprus Awards Ceremony in October.

Cyprus recorded a wider current account deficit in the first quarter of 2026, even as the European Union as a whole posted a stronger external balance, according to figures released by Eurostat on Friday.

Cyprus Deficit Reaches €1.3 Billion

Eurostat said Cyprus registered a current account deficit of €1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2026, compared with €0.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025 and €1.0 billion in the same period a year earlier.

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The latest figures continue a volatile trend over the past year. After narrowing to €0.4 billion in the second quarter of 2025 and just €0.1 billion in the third quarter, the deficit widened again during the final quarter of the year before increasing further at the start of 2026.

EU External Surplus Strengthens

Across the EU, the seasonally adjusted current account surplus increased to €113.4 billion, equivalent to 2.4% of GDP, from €99.2 billion, or 2.1% of GDP, in the previous quarter. That also marked an improvement from the €104.9 billion surplus, or 2.3% of GDP, recorded in the first quarter of 2025.

According to Eurostat, stronger balances in services and primary income more than offset a weaker surplus in trade in goods.

Mixed Signals Across Key Accounts

Goods surplus declined to €66.7 billion from €89.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, while the services surplus rose to €52.1 billion from €43.9 billion.

Primary income recorded the sharpest improvement, shifting from a €4.3 billion deficit in the previous quarter to a €25.3 billion surplus in the first quarter of 2026.

Not all components were strengthened. The secondary income deficit widened to €30.7 billion from €29.4 billion, while the capital account deficit increased to €3.8 billion from €3.2 billion.

Largest Surpluses And Deficits With Trading Partners

The EU recorded its largest current account surpluses with the United Kingdom (€72.8 billion) and Switzerland (€38.7 billion) during the first quarter. Additional surpluses were generated with Brazil (€11.1 billion), Canada (€10.1 billion), Hong Kong (€6.9 billion), Russia (€3.5 billion), and Japan (€3.2 billion).

China remained the bloc’s largest source of deficit at €66.3 billion, followed by the United States (€15.8 billion), offshore financial centres (€1.5 billion) and India (€1.1 billion).

Investment Flows Remain Active

Investment activity also remained robust during the quarter. Direct investment assets increased by €27.1 billion, while liabilities rose by €30.4 billion, resulting in net direct investment inflows of €3.3 billion.

Portfolio investment generated net inflows of €128.8 billion, whereas other investment recorded net outflows of €123.1 billion.

Member State Performance Varies Widely

Based on available non-seasonally adjusted data, 16 EU member states recorded current account surpluses in the first quarter of 2026, while 10 posted deficits. Figures for France were unavailable.

Germany recorded the largest surplus at €61.8 billion, followed by the Netherlands (€26.3 billion), Ireland (€17.4 billion), Denmark (€9.2 billion), Spain (€8.9 billion), Sweden (€8.8 billion) and Austria (€7.3 billion).

Among countries with current account deficits, Greece posted the largest shortfall at €6.6 billion, ahead of Romania (€5.3 billion), Croatia (€3.4 billion), Bulgaria (€2.4 billion) and Cyprus (€1.3 billion).

Some destinations are remembered for where they are. Others for how they make us feel.

Life by the Mediterranean has a quality of its own. Defined by light, open horizons and a slower pace, it encourages a way of living where time is measured less by the clock and more by the moments that matter. It is this philosophy that inspired :eden coast.

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With the unveiling of :eden coast, bbf: introduces an exceptional collection of beachfront villas in Geroskipou, Paphos, where architecture is conceived as a natural extension of its surroundings. Every residence has been designed to honour the coastline, allowing the sea, the light and the changing seasons to become the defining elements of everyday life.

At :eden coast, luxury reveals itself with quiet confidence so nothing feels excessive. It is expressed in generous space, carefully composed proportions, enduring materials and an effortless relationship between interior and exterior. Expansive glazing welcomes the Mediterranean sky indoors, while private gardens, terraces and pools encourage a life lived as much outside as within.

Few locations offer such a natural balance between tranquillity and connectivity. Set along a quieter stretch of Paphos’ coastline, :eden coast enjoys the rare privilege of beachfront living away from the crowds, where the landscape remains unspoilt and the rhythm of the Mediterranean shapes every day. Yet the cultural richness of Paphos, its vibrant dining scene, international airport and every modern convenience are all within easy reach, allowing residents to retreat into complete serenity without ever feeling removed from the world around them.

Beyond the residences, a carefully curated collection of wellness and leisure experiences extends this philosophy. Landscaped gardens, elegant swimming pools, spaces dedicated to movement and wellbeing, and thoughtfully designed communal areas encourage a slower, richer way of living. They are not amenities in the conventional sense; they are an expression of a lifestyle shaped by balance, privacy and quiet sophistication.

“Our ambition was never simply to create beautiful residences. It was to create a place where architecture, landscape and everyday life exist in complete harmony—a place that feels as though it has always belonged to the coastline,”

says Artem Burtsev at bbf:.

In a world that rarely slows down, :eden coast offers something increasingly rare: the freedom to live at a different pace. Here, mornings begin with the sea, nature sets the rhythm of the day, and the energy of Paphos is always within easy reach. It is a place where tranquillity and connectivity exist in perfect balance, allowing residents to experience the Mediterranean not as a destination, but as a way of life.

For more information:
edencoast.cy
+357 26 962 365

Cyprus and Sweden have signed a protocol revising their bilateral double taxation agreement, a move designed to bring the treaty into line with OECD tax standards and deepen cooperation on transparency and information exchange.

The protocol was signed on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus by Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, while Swedish Ambassador Martin Hagstrom signed for Sweden, according to a statement from the finance ministry.

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A Modernised Treaty Framework

The ministry said the protocol updates the original 1988 Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to taxes on income. The revised text incorporates the minimum standards of the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative, adds provisions relating to bilateral tax treaties and introduces mutually agreed language governing the exchange of tax information.

According to the ministry, Sweden encountered constitutional obstacles that complicated the implementation of the Multilateral Instrument (MLI), the OECD-led mechanism designed to quickly and automatically embed BEPS measures into existing tax treaties. As a result, Cyprus and Sweden opted to conclude a separate protocol to secure the relevant amendments.

Why The Agreement Matters

Once both countries complete their domestic ratification procedures, the protocol will enter into force. For Cyprus, the deal is part of a broader effort to expand and update its tax treaty network, a policy the government says supports inward investment and reinforces the country’s standing as an international business hub.

“The updating, maintenance and expansion of the existing network of double taxation avoidance agreements, which are of the highest economic and political importance, aims to further strengthen and attract foreign investment and promote Cyprus as an international business centre,” the finance ministry said.

The ministry added that such agreements also help to “advance tax transparency, fairness and compliance in line with international standards.”

Part Of A Wider Treaty Expansion Strategy

The Cyprus-Sweden protocol follows a series of recent treaty-signing efforts as Nicosia accelerates its international tax diplomacy. In June 2026, Cyprus signed a double taxation agreement with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, creating a framework for tax cooperation, tax information exchange and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance. The ministry said at the time that the agreement would support investment and trade between the two jurisdictions.

“The agreement creates a modern and reliable framework for tax cooperation that is expected to facilitate business activity and strengthen investment flows as well as trade transactions,” the ministry said then.

Earlier in 2025, Cyprus also concluded similar agreements with Vietnam and Curacao, underscoring a deliberate strategy to broaden its treaty network, reduce tax uncertainty for cross-border investors and strengthen its position as an international centre for business and capital flows.

Cyprus’ industrial turnover continued to grow in April 2026, with the overall index rising 4.6% year on year to 143.1 points, according to figures released on Friday by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat).

Growth also remained positive over the longer term, with industrial turnover increasing 3.4% during the first four months of the year compared with the same period in 2025.

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Manufacturing Continues To Drive Growth

Using 2021 as the base year, the index measures monthly turnover across Cyprus’ industrial sectors. Manufacturing remained the main engine of growth, with its index climbing 5.1% year on year to 149.2 points in April. Over the January-to-April period, turnover in the sector increased 3.7%.

Among manufacturers, basic metals and fabricated metal products recorded the strongest annual growth, with turnover rising 11.9% in April and 10.3% over the first four months of the year. Other non-metallic mineral products also performed strongly, posting annual growth of 11.4% in April, while wood and cork products remained among the best-performing categories, with turnover up 10.3% during the month and 23% year to date.

Machinery, motor vehicles and other transport equipment also maintained solid momentum, recording growth of 9.7% in April and 4.9% over the January-to-April period. Refined petroleum products, chemicals and pharmaceuticals increased 8.2% in April, although cumulative growth since the beginning of the year stood at a more modest 0.5%.

Furniture, other manufacturing, and machinery repair and installation advanced 8.1% in April despite remaining 3.9% below last year’s level over the first four months. Food, beverages and tobacco products posted more moderate growth, with turnover up 0.8% in April and 3.4% year to date, while rubber and plastic products were broadly stable, edging up 0.3%.

Some Manufacturing Segments Weakened

Not every manufacturing category recorded gains. Paper products and printing declined 6.6% in April and were down 2.4% over the January-to-April period.

Textiles, clothing and leather products also slipped, falling 4.1% during the month, although turnover remained 3.2% above last year’s level on a year-to-date basis. Electronic and optical products, together with electrical equipment, posted the weakest performance, declining 2.2% in April and 13.4% during the first four months of 2026.

Mining And Utilities Deliver Mixed Results

Outside manufacturing, mining and quarrying recorded annual turnover growth of 5.6% in April and 1.9% over the first four months of the year.

Water supply and materials recovery expanded by 5.5% in April and 7.4% year to date, supported by a 17% increase in materials recovery. Water collection, treatment and supply, however, fell 3.1% during the month, though turnover remained 1.2% higher than a year earlier over the January-to-April period.

Electricity supply delivered more modest growth, with turnover increasing 1.3% in April and 0.5% over the first four months of the year.

Domestic Demand Remains Stronger Than Exports

Domestic demand continued to support industrial activity. The local market index rose 4.4% year on year in April and was up 4.2% over the first four months of the year, reaching 143.6 points.

Export turnover showed a different pattern. Although the export market index increased 6% year on year in April to 140.2 points, it remained 1% below the level recorded during the January-to-April period of 2025.

According to Cystat, the industrial turnover index covers mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity supply, water supply and materials recovery, but excludes sewerage, waste collection, treatment and disposal, and remediation activities.

Cyprus recorded another increase in registered unemployment in June, with the sharpest rises concentrated in public administration, education, accommodation and food services, according to figures released by the Statistical Service (Cystat).

The number of people registered as unemployed at district labour offices reached 10,056 at the end of June, up from 9,153 a year earlier. That represents an increase of 903 people, or 9.9%.

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Seasonal Factors Mask A Gradual Rise

Compared with May, registered unemployment climbed from 7,936 to 10,056. However, the increase largely reflects seasonal patterns, particularly in education and public administration, where hiring and contract expirations typically follow the academic and administrative calendar.

Seasonally adjusted data point to a more gradual trend. Registered unemployment rose to 10,656 in June from 10,543 in May and has remained above 10,000 throughout the first half of the year, increasing steadily from 10,109 in January.

Public Administration And Education Lead The Increase

Public administration and defence recorded the largest number of registered unemployed, rising to 2,306 from 2,171 a year earlier and 706 in May.

Education also saw a marked increase, with unemployment reaching 1,004 compared with 895 in June 2025 and just 290 in May, reflecting the seasonal end of the academic year.

Accommodation and food services recorded 934 registered unemployed, up from 762 a year earlier but below May’s level of 1,177, while wholesale and retail trade stood at 1,362, slightly above the 1,297 recorded a year earlier.

Pressure Extends Across Service Industries

Several other sectors also reported annual increases. Professional, scientific and technical activities recorded 813 registered unemployed, broadly unchanged from May but above last year’s level of 743.

Information and communication rose to 479 from 412 a year earlier, while human health and social work increased to 329 from 256. Manufacturing also remained above last year’s level, with 471 registered unemployed compared with 402 in June 2025.

Financial and insurance activities, transportation and storage, real estate, arts and entertainment, other service activities and extra-territorial organisations also recorded annual increases.

Construction was one of the few larger sectors to buck the trend, with registered unemployment falling to 366 from 401 a year earlier, while agriculture, forestry and fishing, water supply and waste management, and electricity and gas also recorded lower unemployment than in June 2025.

Cystat said the figures cover people aged 15 and over who are registered with district and local labour offices, are available for work and are actively seeking employment.

Freedom24 has received two major honours at the 2026 FinTech Awards, highlighting the company’s growing presence in European investment services and its increasing focus on artificial intelligence.

Recognition For Platform And AI Innovation

The European subsidiary of Freedom Holding Corp. was named Best Pan-European Retail Investment Platform 2026 for its proprietary Tradernet platform and its expanding presence across the European Union. It also received the AI in Finance Innovation Award 2026 for its Neo Compliance framework.

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Presented by Wealth & Finance International, the awards recognise companies that demonstrate innovation, operational excellence and measurable impact across the financial technology sector.

Modernising Compliance With AI

According to Freedom24, Neo Compliance was developed to help manage increasingly complex regulatory requirements across multiple European markets. Since development began in 2024, more than 200 engineers have worked on the platform, which replaces traditional compliance workflows with specialised AI agents.

The system can analyse source-of-funds documentation from more than 80 countries, assess customer risk profiles and monitor transactions in near real time. Freedom24 said AI now completes around 95% of preparatory compliance work, while final decisions remain with qualified compliance officers.

The company added that document verification has been reduced from days to minutes, while transaction monitoring now covers the entire client base instead of relying on selective sampling.

AI As Part Of A Broader Strategy

Chief executive Evgenii Tiapkin said the company sees AI as a core operating layer rather than simply another technology feature.

“The right way to think about financial technology in a regulated environment is as an operating layer that solves real problems within a controlled framework,” he said.

That approach also shapes how responsibilities are divided between AI and human specialists, including within the company’s multilingual AI Assistant.

“AI handles the high-volume, low-risk cognitive load,” Tiapkin said. “Humans decide wherever outcomes meaningfully affect risk, regulation or client capital.”

Looking Beyond Brokerage

Freedom24 says developing its technology entirely in-house allows it to introduce new features more quickly while maintaining control over compliance and product development.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand beyond brokerage through the Freedom SuperApp, which combines banking, payments, investing, insurance and lifestyle services. It is also exploring the possibility of obtaining a European banking licence, with Portugal, Romania and the Czech Republic identified among its priority expansion markets.

For Freedom24, the two awards reflect a broader strategy of using proprietary technology and AI-driven automation to strengthen its position in Europe’s increasingly competitive investment services market.