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Cyprus Banks Maintain Steady Lending Criteria Amid Stable Demand

Cyprus banks have upheld their lending standards in the third quarter of 2025, with unchanged terms for both businesses and households, according to the latest Bank Lending Survey (BLS) conducted by the Central Bank of Cyprus. This consistent approach reflects a broader stability in the financial sector amid an evolving economic landscape.

Steady Loan Supply and Stable Terms

The survey highlights a steadfast adherence to established lending criteria across all client categories. Whether for business ventures or household financing, the criteria for granting loans remain consistent with previous quarters. This stability extends to specific terms for new business loans, where a slight decline in interest rates and banking margins can be observed. These adjustments, attributed to heightened competition and a more favorable economic risk profile, underscore the evolving market dynamics.

Anticipated Uptick in Loan Demand

Despite the stable supply side, banks anticipate a rise in net loan demand in the upcoming fourth quarter. Both businesses and households are expected to seek additional credit for various purposes, including housing, consumer needs, and other credit facilities. This forecast suggests that while the lending criteria remain unchanged, consumer confidence and economic activity might drive higher demand for credit.

Neutral Impact Across Lending Categories

The overall analysis from the CBC confirms that all underlying factors influencing lending standards – for business, housing, consumer, and other loans – have had a neutral impact over the period reviewed. This balanced stance in both loan supply and demand points toward a sustained continuity in the banking sector’s approach to credit risk and market competition.

As Cyprus navigates through a complex economic environment, these measured adjustments and stable lending practices provide a resilient foundation for future growth and investment.

Cyprus Ranks Among EU Leaders In Tertiary-Educated ICT Workforce

High Educational Attainment Sets Cyprus Apart

Recent data from Eurostat showed that Cyprus is expected to rank among the leading European countries for tertiary-educated ICT professionals in 2025. According to the figures, 96.4% of ICT professionals in Cyprus are projected to hold tertiary education qualifications, placing the country among the highest-ranked members of the European Union.

Gender Disparity Remains A Critical Challenge

Despite the high level of educational attainment, the ICT workforce in Cyprus continues to show a significant gender imbalance. Men are projected to account for 85.1% of ICT employees in 2025, while women are expected to represent 14.9% of the sector. In 2024, the split stood at 70.9% for men and 29.1% for women. The figures highlighted a widening gender gap within the country’s ICT workforce.

European Union Trends And Comparative Analysis

Across the European Union, the number of ICT professionals is projected to increase to 3.4 million in 2025 from 3.2 million in 2024, representing annual growth of 5.1%. Men are expected to account for 83.4% of ICT employment across the bloc, equivalent to approximately 2.8 million workers, while women are projected to represent 16.6%.

National Performance Variability In Gender Representation

Countries within the EU show a varied landscape: the highest percentages of male ICT professionals are reported in the Czech Republic (92.9%), Slovenia (89.1%), Latvia (89.0%), Lithuania (88.9%), and Slovakia (88.4%). On the contrary, nations such as Denmark (30.0%), Sweden (29.8%), Romania (28.6%), Bulgaria (25.6%), and Croatia (25.2%) lead in female participation in the ICT arena.

Educational Background Across The European ICT Sector

Eurostat data also showed that most ICT professionals across the EU hold tertiary education qualifications. By 2025, 74.8% of ICT workers in the bloc are projected to have university-level education, while 25.2% are expected to hold secondary or post-secondary qualifications. Denmark recorded the highest share of tertiary-educated ICT professionals at 97.7%, followed by France at 96.6% and Cyprus at 96.4%. Other countries with high levels of tertiary-educated ICT workers included Ireland at 92.3%, Bulgaria at 91.1%, and Croatia at 90.9%. At the lower end of the ranking, Italy recorded 69.2%, while Portugal stood at 58.8%.

Conclusion

The data perfectly encapsulates the dual narrative in the ICT sector: while countries like Cyprus and Denmark achieve remarkable educational standards among ICT workers, persistent gender disparities remind us that diversity remains an ongoing challenge. As the ICT landscape continues to evolve, strategic policy formation and corporate governance will be pivotal in balancing excellence with inclusivity.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Aretilaw firm
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eCredo

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