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Deposit And Lending Rates Decline In Cyprus: November Report Highlights

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest statistics for November, showing a general decline in both deposit and lending rates, with the notable exception of large corporate loans exceeding €1 million. The report also highlights a surge in new loan activity across various categories, indicating a dynamic shift in the financial landscape of Cyprus.

Deposit Rates See Moderate Declines

Interest rates on deposits for both households and non-financial corporations recorded slight decreases in November:

  • Households: The interest rate for deposits with a maturity of up to one year fell to 1.70%, compared to 1.76% in October.
  • Non-Financial Corporations: Corporate deposit rates also declined, dropping to 1.99%, down from 2.19% in the previous month.

Lending Rates: A Mixed Picture

While most lending rates decreased in November, large corporate loans above €1 million experienced a rise:

  • Consumer Loans: Rates dropped significantly to 6.99%, a notable decline from 8% in October.
  • House Purchase Loans: The interest rate for home loans decreased to 4.50%, compared to 4.62% in the previous month.
  • Corporate Loans:
    • Loans to non-financial corporations for amounts up to €1 million saw a decline to 5.01%, down from 5.45% in October.
    • In contrast, loans exceeding €1 million recorded an increase in rates to 4.97%, up from 4.72%.

New Loan Activity Surges

November saw a significant rise in the total volume of new loans, which increased to €635.7 million, compared to €533.8 million in October.

  • Consumer Loans:
    New consumer loans rose to €25.3 million, of which €22.3 million were classified as pure new loans. This marks an increase from €21.3 million (including €20.2 million pure loans) in October.
  • House Purchase Loans:
    Home loans increased to €129.5 million, with €98.5 million in pure new loans, compared to €115.7 million and €96.1 million, respectively, in October.
  • Corporate Loans:
    • Loans for amounts up to €1 million rose to €73.5 million, including €57.8 million in pure new loans, up from €57.3 million and €41.8 million, respectively, in October.
    • Loans exceeding €1 million also grew significantly to €398.2 million, although pure new loans in this category decreased to €154.5 million, down from €201.8 million in October.

Implications For Cyprus’ Financial Sector

The combination of falling interest rates and increased loan activity reflects evolving financial trends in Cyprus. The lower borrowing costs appear to be encouraging higher loan uptake across sectors, particularly in consumer and housing markets. However, the increase in rates for large corporate loans suggests a nuanced approach by financial institutions in addressing varying market needs.

As businesses and households continue to adapt to changing economic conditions, these trends will be crucial in shaping the trajectory of Cyprus’ financial landscape heading into 2025.

Forbes Middle East Unveils 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen Of 2025

Forbes Middle East has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 ranking of the region’s top businesswomen, spotlighting influential leaders reshaping industries and driving meaningful transformation. The list was based on business size, individual accomplishments, leadership impact, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Top Spot For Hana Al Rostamani

For the third consecutive year, Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (UAE’s largest bank by assets), claims the top position. In addition to retaining her position in the Forbes Middle East ranking, she was also featured on Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, securing the 60th position globally. Under her leadership, the bank achieved an impressive $3.5 billion in net profits and $334.8 billion in assets in the first nine months of 2024.

Rising Stars In The Top 10

Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar of NBK Group and Shaista Asif, cofounder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, take the second and third spots respectively, completing the top three.

The top 10 remains largely unchanged from last year, with Tayba Al Hashemi of ADNOC Offshore, Alisha Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, and Suzanne Al Anani of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) making their debut in the top 10. In total, 27 new leaders have joined the list this year.

A Diverse And Powerful Group Of Women

This year’s list features 100 women from 32 sectors and 29 nationalities, underlining the diversity of talent driving the region’s progress. The banking and financial services sector leads with 25 entries, followed by healthcare and technology with nine each, and venture capital with five. Remarkably, 40% of the top 10 women are from the banking and financial services sector. Notably, Shaista Asif (PureHealth Holding) and Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare GCC) are the only non-Arab women in the top 10.

UAE Leads With 46 Leaders

The UAE continues to dominate, with 46 of the women on the list hailing from the country, solidifying its status as a global business hub. Egypt follows with 18 influential women, and Saudi Arabia claims nine entries. Egyptians lead in representation, followed by Emiratis and Lebanese women.

Empowering Women Through Initiatives

Several of the leaders have focused on upskilling and creating opportunities for women. Susana Rodriguez Puerta launched the ‘sAIdaty’ initiative in collaboration with the Dubai Business Women Council, aimed at providing 500 female council members in the UAE with AI skills. Similarly, Lamia Tazi of SOTHEMA collaborated with the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering to provide scholarships to PhD students from low-income backgrounds.

Click here for the full list.

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