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Decline In Business Loans Amidst Economic Uncertainty

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 15, 2024

The latest data from the Central Bank of Cyprus indicates a notable decline in the issuance of new business loans during the first five months of 2024. The reduction is largely attributed to the prevailing high interest rates and overarching economic uncertainties, which have deterred businesses from taking on new debt.

Decrease in Loan Issuance

New business loans amounted to €814 million from January to May 2024, marking a significant drop from €971 million during the same period in 2023, representing a decrease of 16.1%. This downward trend contrasts with the increase in loans to households, which rose by 6% to €556 million, up from €524 million in the previous year.

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Factors Influencing the Decline

The economic environment in Cyprus has been characterised by heightened interest rates, making borrowing more expensive and less attractive for businesses. Additionally, the broader economic uncertainties have prompted companies to adopt a more cautious approach, opting to restructure existing debts rather than seek new loans. The data reflects a broader trend where businesses are focusing on managing their current financial obligations in a volatile economic climate.

Restructuring Over New Borrowing

The preference for debt restructuring over new borrowing is evident from the data. Business loan restructurings decreased to €731.1 million from €951.7 million in 2023. This decline indicates a strategic shift among businesses towards consolidating and managing existing debts instead of expanding their borrowing.

Household Loans on the Rise

In contrast to the business sector, household loans have shown resilience and growth. The increase in household loan issuance suggests a stable demand for personal and residential financing. This growth may be supported by favourable government policies and economic measures aimed at boosting consumer confidence and spending.

Implications and Future Outlook

The decline in business loans could have significant implications for the Cypriot economy. Reduced borrowing can lead to lower investment in business expansion and innovation, potentially impacting economic growth. However, the focus on debt restructuring may lead to healthier balance sheets and more sustainable financial practices in the long run.

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

by News Editor

June 13, 2025

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.