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Cypriot Banks Demonstrate Continued Improvement In Asset Quality And Provisioning

Improving Credit Quality In Cyprus

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) reported significant progress in the nation’s banking sector. As of the end of October 2025, the non-performing loans ratio—excluding loans to central banks and credit institutions—declined to 4.2 percent from 4.5 percent at the end of September 2025, underscoring a steady month-on-month improvement in credit quality.

Enhanced Buffer Against Credit Losses

Further refinement in asset quality was observed under the European Banking Authority Risk Dashboard methodology, where the non-performing loans ratio fell to 2.1 percent from 2.3 percent over the same period. Enhanced provisioning measures were also reported, with the coverage ratio of non-performing loans rising to 70.7 percent from 68.5 percent a month earlier. This bolstering of credit loss buffers reinforces the system’s resilience amid ongoing challenges.

Restructured Loan Portfolio And Sector Dynamics

At the conclusion of October 2025, the sector’s total restructured loans amounted to €1.1 billion. Of this, €0.5 billion remained classified as non-performing, indicating that a substantial portion of restructured exposures has yet to achieve full normalization. These improvements are in line with broader trends across the euro area, where similar declines and enhancements have been underpinned by both diminishing bad loan stocks and growing loan volumes.

Pan-European Context And Future Outlook

European Central Bank data further reflects this positive trajectory with the euro area’s non-performing loans ratio—excluding cash balances at central banks—declining to 2.22 percent in the second quarter of 2025. Specific segments such as household and corporate lending continue to reflect overall stability, though challenges persist for small and medium-sized enterprises where the ratio exhibited a moderate uptick.

Collectively, these figures affirm that Cypriot banks are on track with systemic asset quality improvements that echo wider euro area trends. Strategic provisioning and declining non-performing loan ratios are critical steps in sustaining the resilience of the banking system in these dynamic economic conditions.

New Operating Hours Law To Transform Cyprus Hospitality Industry

Legislative Overhaul Targets Sectoral Modernization

The parliamentary Energy Committee is reviewing a proposal that could significantly reshape operating hours for hospitality and entertainment venues across Cyprus. The initiative also includes provisions for the establishment of recreational centres and is intended to close existing regulatory gaps while strengthening the competitiveness of the tourism and dining industries.

Industry Categorization and Operational Adjustments

The draft law introduces a new classification of service venues and adjusts operating schedules according to season. Following strong reactions from professional associations and other stakeholders, the government revised the bill before its submission for closed-door committee discussions. In line with parliamentary procedure, the detailed debate and final amendments will be decided exclusively by elected members of parliament.

Seasonal Flexibility And Specific Amendments

Under the revised proposal, pubs and bars would operate on different seasonal timetables. From May 1 to September 30, opening hours would run from 7:00 AM to 2:30 AM on weekdays and Sundays, with an extension until 3:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. From October 1 to April 30, weekday and Sunday operations would end at 2:00 AM, while weekend hours would extend until 3:00 AM. These changes replace earlier rules that allowed restaurants, taverns, cafés, pizzerias and snack bars to operate from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM.

Refined Hours For Entertainment Venues

The legislation also sets updated schedules for event halls, reception venues and music or dance centres. During the summer period, these establishments would be permitted to operate from 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM on weekdays and Sundays, with later closing times on weekends. In winter, weekday and Sunday operations would end at 2:00 AM, again with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Earlier drafts proposed uniform early closures, but the revised version introduces more flexibility to better reflect market demand.

Local Authority Flexibility

Municipal councils would retain the right to temporarily adjust operating hours for recreational venues for up to six months per year. This provision is designed to give local authorities room to respond to tourism peaks, festivals or regional economic needs while maintaining a consistent national framework.

Final approval of the reform is expected to come from the full House of Representatives, with the bill scheduled for submission before the April session ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.

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