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Cyprus Tops EU in GDP Growth

Cyprus has emerged as a leader in economic growth within the European Union, achieving the fastest GDP growth rates across member states. According to George Papanastasiou, Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, the nation’s success is a testament to the business community’s hard work and innovative strategies.  

Recent Eurostat data highlights Cyprus’s 3.8% year-on-year GDP growth for the third quarter of 2024, placing the country at the top of EU economic rankings. Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Minister Papanastasiou celebrated this achievement as a reflection of the country’s robust economic framework and commitment to progress.  

He further noted Cyprus’s thriving export performance, with data showing a 4% increase in exports from January to July 2024, reaching €1.22 billion. This growth underscores the nation’s efforts to strengthen its international trade footprint.  

To ensure sustained success, the Ministry is advancing a new Strategy and Action Plan to promote service exports in key industries. At the heart of these initiatives is the introduction of a “Made in Cyprus” brand, designed to elevate the visibility of Cypriot products and services in global markets. Initially covering industrial goods, agricultural products, manufactured goods, and local handicrafts, the brand will eventually expand to include the services sector.  

Minister Papanastasiou expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the government’s dedication to creating more opportunities for success and fostering a competitive, export-driven economy. Cyprus’s strong performance sets a benchmark for growth and innovation in the region.

Chime’s Nasdaq Debut: A 37% Leap in the Fintech Arena

Chime set to debut on Nasdaq

On June 12, 2025, Chime had a groundbreaking debut on Nasdaq, where its shares surged by an impressive 37%. Initially priced above the expected range at $27, the shares closed the day at $37.11, setting a new market cap of $13.5 billion. From a valuation of $25 billion in its last venture round, this IPO marks a recalibration for Chime amidst evolving market dynamics.

The offering raised roughly $700 million, with an additional $165 million from existing shareholders. Despite the lower valuation, CEO Chris Britt highlights Chime’s commitment to serving Americans earning $100,000 or less, often overlooked by traditional banks. “We help our members avoid fees, access liquidity, and build savings,” Britt stated confidently.

Chime’s strong revenue momentum, with $518.7 million reported last quarter and a revenue increase by 32% year-over-year, underscores its growth potential. The company also achieved $25 million in adjusted profitability, improving its profit margin by 40 points over the past two years.

Chime now stands among fintech giants like eToro and Circle, rekindling investor interest in fintech IPOs. The future looks promising as other players like Klarna and Bullish eye public offerings.

For further insights into fintech innovation and investment opportunities, explore European Banking Evolution: Cyprus as a Catalyst for Regulatory Innovation and discover how Cyprus continues to play a pivotal role in financial advancements.

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