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Cyprus Sees Decline In Loans And Rise In Deposits In October 2024

Cyprus experienced contrasting financial trends in October 2024, with total loans decreasing by €213 million while deposits increased by €377.6 million, according to data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus.

Deposits on the Rise

Total deposits reached €54.6 billion in October, recording a net increase of €377.6 million compared to a €485.7 million rise in September. The annual growth rate of deposits climbed to 5.4%, up from 4.5% the previous month.

Deposits by Cypriot residents contributed significantly, with an increase of €230.2 million. Within this category:

  • Household deposits rose by €64.9 million.
  • Deposits from non-financial corporations increased by €115.8 million.
  • Other domestic sectors added €49.4 million to the total.

Loans Continue to Decline

The total loan portfolio shrank to €24.8 billion in October, following a €213 million net decrease, in contrast to a €107.3 million increase in September. The annual growth rate of loans remained steady at 2%.

Loans to Cypriot residents dropped by €130.4 million, with mixed performance across sectors:

  • Household loans saw a modest increase of €9.4 million.
  • Loans to non-financial corporations declined sharply by €132.2 million.
  • Other domestic sectors recorded a €7.6 million reduction in loans.

Key Insights

The data suggests a cautious approach by borrowers amid economic conditions, alongside growing confidence in savings, as reflected by the increase in deposits. This trend highlights a shift in financial behaviour within Cyprus, with implications for lending strategies and deposit incentives in the coming months.

CySEC Enhances Market Integrity By Withdrawing Firms From Compensation Fund

Regulatory Action Strengthens Investor Protection

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has taken decisive steps to protect investors by removing two investment firms, VM Vita Markets Ltd and HTFX EU Ltd, from the Investors Compensation Fund (ICF). This move follows the earlier rescission of their Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF) authorizations.

Link Between Licensing And Compensation

The ICF serves as a safety mechanism, ensuring that clients receive due compensation if an authorized firm is unable to return funds or financial instruments. With the withdrawal of their operating licenses, these firms were rendered ineligible for the fund, highlighting the direct correlation between valid authorization and participation in investor protection schemes.

Preservation Of Client Rights

CySEC has been clear that the removal from the compensation scheme does not jeopardize the entitlements of affected clients. Investors who conducted eligible transactions before the revocation of membership retain the right to claim compensation, provided they meet the established conditions outlined in the directive. This precaution ensures that investors continue to receive remediatory support, even as the firms exit the regulated framework.

Maintaining Oversight In A Dynamic Market

This regulatory intervention reinforces CySEC’s commitment to market oversight and financial stability. By aligning firm licensing with participation in investor safeguard programs, the commission exemplifies robust supervisory practices that adapt to evolving market conditions. Such measures bolster investor confidence and set a standard for regulatory practices in similar financial markets worldwide.

Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo
Aretilaw firm

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