Breaking news

Cypriot Banking Stability: Ongoing Resilience Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

Stable Non-performing Loan Ratio Under Pressure

The Central Bank of Cyprus confirmed a steady non-performing loan ratio of 5.5% as of the end of August 2025. This stability comes despite a backdrop of significant geopolitical disruptions, underscoring the sector’s robust financial foundation.

Improved Provision Coverage and Enhanced Credit Quality

By applying the European Banking Authority’s Risk Dashboard methodology, which encompasses loans and advances to Central Banks and Credit Institutions, the NPL ratio showed signs of improvement, declining to 2.8% from 2.9% over the previous month. Additionally, the coverage ratio of non-performing loans with provisions increased to 62.6%, up from 62.2% in July, illustrating a cautious yet proactive approach to risk management.

Diversified Lending Practices Amid Market Shifts

Total restructured loans reached €1.2 billion at the close of August 2025, with half of this sum (€0.6 billion) categorized as non-performing. In parallel, net new loans in Cyprus experienced a modest decline, as highlighted by the Central Bank of Cyprus. In a recent report, new loans in Cyprus fell by €18.5 million in October, primarily due to a deceleration in corporate credit activity. Nevertheless, housing and consumer loans have shown resilience, with housing lending reaching €117.5 million and consumer loans also gaining momentum.

Rising Interest Rates And Liquidity Advantages

Interest rates saw increases across key segments, with mortgage rates climbing to 3.73% and consumer loans to 6.88%. While Cyprus’s lending rates are in line with the Eurozone median, deposit rates remain comparatively low. The Central Bank of Cyprus attributes this discrepancy to the exceptional liquidity position of Cypriot banks, as evidenced by a liquidity coverage ratio of 329%—a competitive advantage in today’s challenging market environment.

SEC Drops Lawsuit Against Gemini: A Major Turning Point In Crypto Regulation

SEC Dismisses Legal Action Against Gemini

The Securities and Exchange Commission has formally withdrawn its lawsuit against Gemini, the prominent crypto exchange founded by twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. The move follows a joint court filing in which both the regulator and Gemini sought dismissal of the case that centered on the collapse of the Gemini Earn investment product, a debacle that left investors without access to their funds for 18 months.

Settlement And Regulatory Reassessment

In a significant development, a 2024 settlement between New York and Gemini ensured that investors recovered one hundred percent of their crypto assets loaned through the Gemini Earn program. The legal reprieve comes on the heels of actions initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accused Gemini of defrauding investors.

Political Backdrop And Industry Implications

This dismissal reinforces a broader trend of regulatory leniency toward the crypto sector noted during the Trump administration, which saw the SEC dismiss, pause, or reduce penalties in more than 60 percent of its pending crypto lawsuits. Meanwhile, Gemini’s recent public offering filing underscores its ambitions to solidify its status as a major player in the evolving digital asset market.

Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter