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EBRD Exits Bank Of Cyprus: A Milestone In Post-Crisis Recovery

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 9, 2025

Regulatory Confirmation And Complete Disengagement

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (Ebrd) has officially terminated its stake in the Bank of Cyprus, marking a definitive end to its shareholder role. The regulatory filing, confirmed by the bank, indicates that the Ebrd has reduced its shareholding from 5.14% to 0.00%. The threshold for this transition was reached on September 4, 2025, with the formal notification following on September 8, 2025.

Strategic Disposal And Market Implications

The disposal of the Ebrd’s investment, executed at a price of €7.20 per share, aligns with the strong market interest observed among international institutional investors. Predominantly acquired by long-term, long-only funds, the transaction underscores a robust confidence in the Bank of Cyprus and the broader Cypriot economy. The sale price, trading at approximately 1.2 times tangible book value, was particularly favourable, reinforcing the bank’s strategic positioning during its post-crisis stabilization.

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Legacy And Future Outlook

Since acquiring the stake in 2014 to support the stabilization of Cyprus’ financial system amid a banking crisis, the Ebrd played a pivotal role in the bank’s recovery. Its exit not only symbolizes the full return of the Bank of Cyprus to private ownership but also marks a significant milestone in its evolution. As the institution moves forward, the transition is expected to further solidify the bank’s commitment to growth and innovation, bolstered by renewed investor confidence and a stronger market foundation.

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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.