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Cyprus Bank Deposits Rebound As Lending Growth Accelerates

Cyprus’ banking sector recorded higher deposits and lending in May 2026, according to the latest monetary financial institutions data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC).

Deposits Rebound After April Decline

Total deposits increased by €343.8 million in May, reversing a net decline of €123.1 million recorded in April. The annual growth rate accelerated to 5.1%, up from 4.5% a month earlier. By the end of May, total deposits stood at €58 billion.

Cyprus residents accounted for most of the monthly increase, with deposits rising by €239 million. Household deposits grew by €171.3 million, while non-financial corporations increased their deposits by €194 million.

Those gains were partly offset by a combined decline of €126.2 million in deposits held by other domestic sectors.

Lending Growth Accelerates

Total loans increased by €260.3 million in May, compared with a €40.5 million rise in April. The annual growth rate also strengthened, reaching 12.6% from 12.0% the previous month. Outstanding loans totalled €28.1 billion at the end of May.

Lending to Cyprus residents rose by €173.7 million during the month. Household borrowing increased by €52.7 million, while loans to non-financial corporations grew by €63 million. Lending to other domestic sectors expanded by €58 million.

Cyprus Employment Rises 1.7% To 525,167 In Q2 2026

Cyprus employment increased 1.7% year over year to an estimated 525,167 people in the second quarter of 2026, according to the state statistical service, Cystat. Employees accounted for 472,254 of the total, while 52,913 were self-employed. The increase points to continued labor market growth across both wage employment and independent work.

Trade, Construction And Leisure Lead Employment Growth

Wholesale and retail trade, including motor vehicle and motorcycle repair, recorded some of the strongest employment gains, alongside construction and arts, entertainment and recreation.

Those sectors are closely linked to domestic economic activity, with trade reflecting consumer demand and construction reflecting investment. Employment growth in leisure-related industries also points to continued activity in consumer-facing services.

Hours Worked Rise Faster Than Employment

Labor input increased faster than headcount. Cystat estimated that employees and other workers put in 246.57 million hours during the second quarter, up 2.2% from a year earlier.

The increase suggests that businesses were not only employing more people but also recording higher total hours worked. Wholesale and retail trade, construction, and arts, entertainment and recreation again recorded the strongest gains.

Labor Market Expansion Remains Broad-Based

The combination of higher employment and hours worked points to continued expansion in Cyprus’ labor market during the second quarter. The pace remains moderate, but gains across several major sectors indicate that labor demand continued to support economic activity.

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