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Limassol Emerges As a Leading Force In Cyprus’ Q3 Real Estate Surge

Cyprus’ real estate landscape showcased its resilient nature in the third quarter of 2025, as evidenced by the latest RICS Cyprus Property Price Index, produced in collaboration with KPMG Cyprus. The report details a robust growth in the residential sector, contrasted with a more cautious performance in commercial assets.

Residential Strength Versus Commercial Caution

According to KPMG Cyprus, modest price gains across multiple property segments underline the market’s stability amid regional and global economic uncertainties. Limassol led the charge, registering substantial gains in both warehouse facilities and apartment developments. Meanwhile, markets in Nicosia, Paphos, and Famagusta experienced moderate growth, primarily in residential properties, while Larnaca remained largely static except for a minor increase in office values.

Insights From Industry Leaders

Christophoros Anayiotos, Board Member and Head of the Real Estate Industry Group at KPMG Cyprus, emphasized that apartments and houses have been the standout performers in terms of year-on-year price appreciation. However, retail properties have struggled to keep pace, reflecting a broader shift toward residential investment. Simon Rubinsohn, Chief Economist at RICS, reinforced this narrative by noting that solid economic fundamentals—marked by steady economic growth, record-high employment, and subdued inflation—continue to underpin the market dynamics. Furthermore, the booming tourism sector, with its record summer arrivals, remains a critical growth driver.

Sector Performance And Future Trends

The Q3 2025 data reveals that warehouses and apartments not only led the quarterly gains but also have historically remained resilient compared to other asset classes. The declining trend in retail property values underscores the importance of strategic asset selection in today’s market. Additionally, holiday properties, particularly apartments, benefited significantly from the robust tourism sector, making them some of the strongest performers in the region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Q3 report paints a clear picture: while Cyprus’ residential sector, especially apartments, continues to drive market growth, commercial real estate is witnessing more tempered expansion. These insights offer valuable guidance for investors and real estate professionals navigating a complex economic landscape. For a comprehensive analysis, readers are encouraged to review the full report on the RICS website.

Cyprus Bank Charts Bold Growth Path With Record Loan Expansion And Elevated Capital Strategy

Amid one of its strongest performance periods to date, Cyprus Bank is initiating a strategic deployment of surplus capital in the first quarter of 2026. With a keen focus on serving the business community, the bank intends to offer corporate loans—mirroring the same streamlined process used for personal accounts—thereby advancing its digital banking infrastructure.

Digital Innovations Fuel Customer Engagement

Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2026, Cyprus Bank is set to launch an advanced chatbot solution. This digital tool will enable customers to resolve inquiries regarding bank services quickly and efficiently, underscoring the institution’s commitment to leveraging technology as a competitive differentiator.

Record Loan Growth Reflects Market Confidence

The bank reported record levels of new lending during the nine-month period ending September 30, 2025, with total loans reaching €2.23 billion—a 31% year-over-year increase. This growth spanned multiple business sectors, driven by international operations and corporate financing, with €635 million allocated in the third quarter alone.

Specifically, new loans disbursed in the third quarter of 2025 were distributed as follows: €249 million in large corporate lending, €207 million in retail banking (including €136 million in mortgage loans), €51 million to small and medium-sized enterprises, and €128 million in international operations.

Strategic Capital Deployment And Future Targets

CEO Panicos Nikolaou emphasized that acquisitions will be driven by strategic value rather than mere optics. Any acquisition proposal will undergo rigorous evaluation by the board, ensuring that competitive pressures, particularly those stemming from technological advancements, remain paramount.

Furthermore, the bank is resolutely pursuing an aggressive loan growth strategy in both local and international markets. With external financing already at €1.2 billion and an annual target of €1.5 billion, the bank projects a lending growth rate exceeding 4% in 2026. Concurrently, non-performing loans have declined to 1.2%, with coverage ratios improving to 124%, thereby maintaining a low risk-cost basis of 35 basis points and supporting robust net interest income.

Revised Performance Targets And Shareholder Returns

In light of a strong third quarter—delivering a return on equity of 18.5% and net profits of €118 million—Cyprus Bank has raised its annual expectations. The bank now anticipates net interest income to approach €720 million this year, an upward revision from earlier forecasts of just under €700 million. Additionally, organic capital generation is expected to exceed 300 basis points, with a sustained increase in the ROTE ratio, transitioning from the mid-teens to the high teens.

Looking forward, the bank also expects an improved cost-to-income ratio and a reduction in risk-cost estimates below 40% and 40 basis points, respectively. Underpinned by these robust financial metrics, the group is targeting a payout ratio of 70% on its 2025 profits, aligning with its upper-range distribution policy of 50-70% and ensuring enhanced value creation for its shareholders.

Bank Of Cyprus Remu Secures Remarkable Turnaround In Asset Disposition

The Bank of Cyprus’s property management unit has engineered a remarkable turnaround, with its property sales surpassing new asset acquisitions since 2019. This strategic shift, highlighted in the bank’s nine-month financial results ending September 30, 2025, underlines a focused approach to revitalizing non-core asset portfolios.

Substantial Gains In Asset Recovery

The Real Estate Management Unit (REMU), dedicated to liquidating properties acquired through debt-for-asset swaps, has recovered approximately €1.3 billion in asset sales since 2019. This performance far exceeds the €0.5 billion in property acquisitions during the same period, showcasing a disciplined divestment strategy.

Impressive Sales Performance And Profit Expansion

In the nine months leading up to September 30, 2025, REMU finalized property sales totaling €231 million, a significant rise from €82 million during the corresponding period in 2024. Profit from these transactions nearly doubled to around €10 million compared with €5 million in the previous year, underscoring the unit’s improved operational efficiency.

Portfolio Dynamics And Market Shifts

The reported sales spanned all property categories, with approximately 40 percent of the gross sales value derived from land transactions. The unit executed sales agreements for 289 properties, valued at €250 million. This contrasts with the prior year’s 367 properties, which amounted to €94 million, including a €3 million transfer. Additionally, advanced sale procedures for properties were recorded at €26 million, with €14 million of that figure confirmed through signed agreements, down from €53 million (with €27 million confirmed) in September 2024.

Contraction In New Asset Intake And Book Value Reduction

New asset intake was significantly lower in 2025, with properties worth €9 million taken over via debt-for-asset swaps and recoveries, compared to €28 million in 2024. Concurrently, the net book value of recovered properties under management decreased to €419 million by September 30, 2025, marking a 45 percent reduction from €764 million in the previous year—largely due to a major disposal completed in June 2025.

Strategic Outlook And Market Considerations

With its concerted efforts, REMU has already met its goal of reducing its non-core asset portfolio to around €0.5 billion by the end of 2025. Nevertheless, the bank cautions that “REMU profits remain volatile,” acknowledging the ongoing uncertainties within the real estate market.

Cyprus Investment Citizenship: Data Insights and Revocation Procedures Under Scrutiny

Recent data from the Ministry of Interior underscores that 7,329 foreign nationals have acquired Cypriot citizenship through the Cyprus Investment Program, commonly referred to as the program for golden passports. Of these, 3,522 individuals are direct investors, while 3,807 are family members benefiting from the status of the principal investors.

Breakdown of Acquisitions and Revocation Measures

According to the latest figures provided by the Ministry, a total of 373 individuals are under review to have their citizenship revoked. This total includes 103 investors and 270 family members. In alignment with a systematic review process, revocation procedures have been completed for 116 individuals—35 of whom are investors, with the remaining 81 being family members.

Legislative and Administrative Oversight

The data was requested by Mr. Aristos Damianos, the President of the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs, representing a collective inquiry of committee members. The detailed statistics were communicated in a letter dated October 30, 2025, signed by Mr. Elikkos Ilias, the General Director of the Ministry of Interior. The correspondence outlines not only the numbers of successful acquisitions but also provides a clear breakdown of the ongoing revocation processes.

Pending Revocation Considerations

Beyond those already targeted for revocation, the Ministry is examining a further 26 investor cases for potential future revocation proceedings. This step is part of a broader initiative to enhance the integrity and transparency of the citizenship acquisition process under the Cyprus Investment Program.

Conclusion

This comprehensive disclosure reflects the Cypriot authorities’ commitment to regulatory oversight in the realm of citizenship by investment. As Cyprus continues to be a focal point for global investors, these measures and their transparent communication provide a benchmark for similar programs internationally.

Teradar’s Terahertz Innovation: Pioneering Sensor Technology for the Automotive Future

Matt Carey, the co-founder and CEO of Boston-based startup Teradar, welcomes doubt. As he explained in a recent interview with TechCrunch, skepticism is not an obstacle—it’s the benchmark of disruptive innovation. When industry insiders express disbelief at his bold claims, it only reinforces the company’s commitment to reshaping sensor technology.

Revolutionizing Sensing With Terahertz Technology

At the core of Teradar’s breakthrough is a solid-state sensor that leverages the terahertz band of the electromagnetic spectrum, bridging the gap between microwaves and infrared. This cutting-edge solution melds key advantages from both radar sensors, such as durability and adverse weather resilience, and laser-based lidar systems, which provide superior resolution. While the concept of a long-range, high-definition sensor that is economically viable may sound implausible, Teradar’s meticulously engineered product is setting a new industry standard.

Proof Through Performance

The transformative potential of the sensor was on full display at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Standing outside the Westgate hotel, Carey demonstrated an early prototype to representatives from some of the world’s leading automakers. Watching the sensor parse a crowded scene in real time, skeptics quickly became advocates. “They almost didn’t believe it until they got to play with it,” Carey recalled. This hands-on validation has been instrumental in attracting significant investment.

Strategic Partnerships and Major Investments

Teradar’s robust demonstrations have paved the way for a $150 million Series B funding round, attracting investors such as Capricorn Investment Group, Lockheed Martin’s venture arm, IBEX Investors, and VXI Capital. The company is already collaborating with five premier automakers across the U.S. and Europe, with plans to secure a contract for sensor integration in a 2028 model vehicle. In parallel, Teradar is partnering with three Tier 1 suppliers to streamline manufacturing, making the vision of ubiquitous sensor deployment increasingly tangible.

From Tragedy to Technological Transformation

Carey’s journey began with a personal loss—a fatal car crash that underscored the limitations of existing sensor technologies. In scenarios where glare, fog, and challenging weather conditions impair traditional systems, Teradar’s sensor emerges as a critical solution. Drawing inspiration from early discussions with Gregory Charvat, CTO of Humatics, and leveraging advancements in silicon technology, the team has rapidly advanced their high-resolution, modular sensor. Priced competitively between standard radar and state-of-the-art lidar systems, Teradar’s sensor is designed to be the practical choice for advanced driver assistance, paving the way for future autonomous applications.

The Road Ahead

While the company remains focused on revolutionizing the automotive sector, the potential applications of Teradar’s sensor extend beyond. With defense and security industries expressing interest, the strategic expertise of the founding team—including Nick Saiz, renowned as one of the world’s foremost terahertz chip designers—ensures that Teradar is well-equipped to meet the interdisciplinary challenges ahead. As automakers continue to demand innovative, cost-effective solutions, Teradar’s ability to secure critical test track time and investor confidence signals a promising future for this groundbreaking technology.

Robust Growth in Cyprus Vehicle Registrations Signals Shift Toward Sustainable Mobility

The Cyprus Statistical Service has reported a strong upward trend in vehicle registrations for the January–October 2025 period. Total registrations reached 44,732 units—up from 42,930 in the corresponding period of 2024—marking an annual increase of 4.2%.

October Surge Highlights Market Dynamism

In October 2025 alone, motor vehicle registrations climbed to 4,520, a 9.9% rise compared to October 2024 (4,111). Notably, new passenger cars experienced an 11.7% increase, with 3,457 units registered compared to 3,096 during the same month last year.

Passenger Cars: 4% Growth Amid the Rise of Hybrids

Over the ten months, registrations of passenger cars increased by 4.0%, reaching 34,782 units from 33,440 in 2024. Of these vehicles, 12,954 (37.2%) were new entries while 21,828 (62.8%) were pre-owned. Meanwhile, rental vehicles surged by 33.8%, totaling 4,866 units.

Transition Toward Cleaner Technologies

The data reveals a significant shift in consumer preferences. The market share of gasoline-powered vehicles declined to 42.5% from 49.5%, while diesel-powered units decreased to 8.6% from 10%. Conversely, hybrid registrations escalated to 44.1% from 36.7%, and electric vehicles rose to 4.8% from 3.8%. This transformation underscores a move toward sustainable transportation practices in Cyprus.

Growth in Commercial Vehicle Segments

Registrations of trucks increased by 6.6% over the same period, reaching 5,142 units compared to 4,823 last year. An analysis by category shows that light trucks accounted for a 6.6% increase (4,111 units), heavy trucks grew by 3.1% (594 units), rental trucks jumped 23.3% (238 units), while trailers remained steady (199 units). Additionally, bus registrations experienced an uptick, climbing to 167 units from 125 the previous year.

Motorcycle and Moped Registrations: Diverging Trends

Registrations for motorcycles exceeding 50cc surged by 17%, reaching 3,916 units compared to 3,348 last year. In contrast, moped registrations below 50cc declined significantly from 627 to 190 units.

Conclusion: A Market in Transition

Overall, the upward trajectory in new vehicle registrations, coupled with the notable rise in hybrid and electric vehicle uptake, confirms that the Cypriot automotive market remains robust. These trends signal a strategic pivot toward more sustainable transportation solutions, even as the broader economic landscape presents ongoing challenges. For further insights on the shift to advanced mobility technologies, visit the Electromobility coverage.

Foreign Firms Contribute €3.5 Billion To Cyprus Economy In 2023

Recent Eurostat data reveals that Cyprus remains an outlier within the European Union, where foreign-controlled companies contribute minimally to the nation’s employment figures and economic output. While these enterprises have a substantial impact in other member states, in Cyprus they account for only 10 percent of all jobs, a figure comparable only to Italy and marginally higher than Greece’s 8 percent.

Employment Impact

The report highlights that foreign-controlled companies in Cyprus employ 32,119 individuals out of a total workforce that, across the EU, reaches 24,145,727. In contrast, countries such as Luxembourg boast a 45 percent job share in foreign-controlled firms, with Slovakia and the Czech Republic following closely at 28 percent.

Economic Output Analysis

In terms of economic contribution, these enterprises generated a total value added of €3.5 billion in Cyprus, a small fraction compared to the overall EU total of €2.39 trillion. Notably, Ireland leads with 71 percent of its value added stemming from foreign-controlled firms, followed by Luxembourg at 61 percent and Slovakia at 50 percent. On the lower end, France, Italy, Greece, and Germany exhibit values below 20 percent.

Domestic Versus Foreign Ownership

The data underscores Cyprus’s heavy reliance on domestically controlled enterprises for both employment and economic output. However, it is important to note that certain businesses might be owned by foreign nationals who have established companies under Cypriot jurisdiction. As a result, these firms are classified as domestically controlled despite having foreign ownership or management components.

Conclusion

This analysis emphasizes the unique role that foreign-controlled enterprises play within the Cypriot economy. While their overall impact is limited compared to some EU counterparts, the presence of these companies continues to contribute significantly to the island’s economic landscape.

Aegean Airlines Delivers Impressive 2025 Interim Results Amid Operational Headwinds

Aegean Airlines, a leader in the European aviation market, announced robust financial and operational results for the first nine months of 2025. The airline reported consolidated revenue of €1.43 billion, marking a 4% increase year-on-year. This performance was buoyed by carrying 13.2 million passengers—a 5% increase—as it operated 16 million available seats, including 7.7 million international and 5.5 million domestic seats.

Improved Profitability And Operational Efficiency

The carrier’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) improved by 8% to reach €356.6 million, while its profit before tax surged by 14% to €194.7 million. Net profit after tax grew 12% to €148 million, underscoring the airline’s effective cost management and operational discipline even in the face of rising regulatory expenses.

Adapting To Regulatory And Market Challenges

Despite an additional €32 million burden from higher regulatory costs—resulting from reduced free CO2 emission allowances and increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)—Aegean Airlines managed to partially offset these challenges with lower fuel prices. In the third quarter, the airline expanded its capacity by offering 6.6 million seats (a 5% increase) and carried 5.6 million passengers, reflecting a modest load factor improvement to 84.3% thanks to the incremental introduction of larger A321neo aircraft.

Quarterly Results And Market Reactions

In the third quarter alone, consolidated revenue reached €647.1 million with EBITDA climbing 10% to €200.4 million. Although earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose by 8% to €147.7 million, pre-tax and after-tax profits experienced a 7% decline attributed to the partial recovery of the US dollar, which impacted aircraft lease liabilities. As of September 30, 2025, Aegean’s liquidity position was solid, with liquid assets and financial investments amounting to €1.04 billion.

CEO Outlook And Strategic Initiatives

CEO Dimitrios Gerogiannis characterized 2025 as a year of continued growth, emphasizing that robust demand for air travel—driven by both domestic and international markets—remains a key strength. He highlighted that strategic investments in product and service enhancements are reinforcing passenger confidence and supporting improved operational and net profitability metrics across the industry.

Addressing Operational Challenges

Gerogiannis acknowledged the operational complexities faced during the summer months, including air traffic restrictions across Europe and preventative checks on the GTF engines of the airline’s new aircraft. According to the latest updates from Pratt & Whitney, the inspection cycle for these engines is expected to extend for an additional 30 months, with 12 aircraft currently out of service—a figure that should diminish gradually from autumn 2026. Despite these challenges, the commitment of Aegean’s workforce has been praised for its role in reinforcing overall performance.

Outlook For The Fourth Quarter And Fleet Expansion

Looking ahead, Aegean Airlines plans to increase available seats by 9% in the fourth quarter, boosting capacity across both domestic and international routes, and forging new connections to the Middle East. Throughout 2025, the airline also expanded its fleet with six new aircraft, including five Airbus A320/321neo models and one ATR 72-600, with two aircraft financed entirely from free cash flow.

These developments reflect Aegean Airlines’ strategic commitment to growth and operational excellence amid a dynamic global aviation landscape.

From Residency To AI: How Jenny Shao Is Redefining Emotional Support With Robyn

Former Harvard resident and practicing physician Jenny Shao observed the profound neurological effects of isolation during the pandemic. This insight propelled her to leave a promising medical career and launch Robyn, an AI assistant designed to provide empathetic support to those in need.

Innovating Emotional Intelligence Through Technology

Robyn is engineered to be more than just a chatbot. Drawing from Shao’s firsthand experiences, the platform is built as an emotionally intelligent companion—positioned expressly to support users rather than replace clinical intervention. By distinguishing itself from general-purpose tools like ChatGPT and companion apps such as Character AI and Replika, Robyn stands apart as a tool focused on enhancing emotional well-being.

Scientific Foundations And Personalized Interaction

Influenced by her work under Nobel Laureate Eric Kandel in the study of human memory, Shao has infused Robyn with the capability to learn and adapt much like a human recollection system. Users engage with the app through an onboarding process reminiscent of top mental health platforms, detailing their personal goals, emotional responses, and desired conversational tone. As the dialogue deepens, the AI provides insights into individual patterns, such as emotional fingerprint, attachment style, and intrinsic growth edges.

Responsible Innovation And User Safety

Understanding the critical balance between technology and human emotion, Shao’s team has incorporated robust safety measures within Robyn. The AI directs users to crisis resources when necessary, and deliberately limits responses on non-personal topics, ensuring its focus remains on personal emotional support rather than generic functions. This careful curation is designed to prevent overreliance and mitigate potential risks, underscoring a commitment to responsible innovation.

Backing From Leading Investors

Robyn has attracted significant investor interest, raising $5.5 million in seed funding led by M13. The round also included notable backers such as Google Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen, early Canva investor Bill Tai, ex-Yahoo CFO Ken Goldman, and Christian Szegedy of X.ai. From a modest team of three at the start of the year, the startup now employs ten professionals as it prepares for broader market impact.

Tackling The Challenge Of Emotional Disconnection

Robyn emerges as a timely solution to a growing disconnection in modern society. By offering tailored insights and fostering self-reflection, the platform enhances users’ ability to connect with themselves—and, by extension, with others. In an era where technology often isolates individuals, Robyn is a strategic tool to bridge the emotional divide, reinforcing the importance of genuine human connection.

Famagusta District Debuts AI-Powered Digital Assistant For Enhanced Tourism Experience

The Famagusta Regional Tourism Board (Etap) has taken a bold step toward redefining visitor engagement. In collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the district sets a new benchmark by implementing an AI-powered digital assistant—making Famagusta the first tourist destination in Cyprus to adopt such advanced technology.

Enhancing Visitor Engagement Through Personalization

Developed by RevitUp, the assistant delivers reliable, real-time information tailored to every visitor’s needs. This intelligent tool offers insights on local attractions, beaches, cultural events, and practical information such as museum operating hours, transport details, and navigation via Google Maps. Supporting 194 languages, it serves as a personal, around-the-clock digital guide accessible on the official tourism website at visitfamagusta.com.cy and directly via ai.visitfamagusta.com.cy.

Pioneering Digital Transformation In Tourism

Etap emphasizes that artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping how travelers explore destinations. By moving beyond traditional digital platforms, the district’s enhanced digital landscape now includes a mobile application and a 360-degree virtual tour of historical landmarks—elements that complement the AI digital assistant. This integrated approach not only modernizes the visitor experience but also positions Famagusta as a leader in the realm of Cypriot tourism innovation.

Setting New Standards For The Travel Industry

With its forward-thinking strategy, Famagusta has redefined the tourism experience through cutting-edge technology. This initiative is a testament to the region’s commitment to digital transformation and customer-centric solutions, offering an exemplary model for the global travel industry.

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