Eurobank And EIF Forge Strategic Partnership To Broaden SME Loan Access In Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 23, 2025

Unlocking Growth For SMEs And Start-ups

In a strategic alliance poised to transform the Cypriot financial landscape, Eurobank (Cyprus) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have launched the inaugural InvestEU Guarantee transaction on the island. This breakthrough initiative unlocks €62.5 million in new financing, underscoring the commitment to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovative start-ups traditionally sidelined by conventional credit channels.

Enhanced Financing Terms For Entrepreneurial Success

Speaking on the partnership, Kyriakos Kakouris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, emphasized the transformational potential of the agreement. “This first EIF InvestEU agreement in Cyprus opens new doors for entrepreneurs,” he stated, highlighting the role of the enhanced financing package in reducing collateral requirements and extending repayment periods. These incentives are designed to empower viable businesses that previously struggled to secure adequate guarantees, offering them greater time and flexibility to accelerate growth.

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Reshaping The Investment Landscape

Marjut Falkstedt, Chief Executive of the EIF, underscored the significance of a more accessible financing framework across Europe. “The InvestEU programme equips us with the tools to make financing more inclusive, simpler, and ultimately more effective. It is an honor to mark this milestone in Cyprus,” she remarked. Andreas Petsas, Deputy CEO of Eurobank, reinforced this view by pointing out that the initiative not only supports business expansion but also drives job creation, innovation, and economic resilience in Cyprus.

A Model For European Competitiveness

Eurobank’s commitment to this partnership is further underlined by its targeted approach to key sectors including energy, health, tourism, and transport. Such sectoral focus mirrors the broader objectives of the InvestEU programme, which seeks to mobilize both public and private funds in support of EU priorities. By simplifying the financing process and streamlining access to credit, the programme promises to foster a more competitive and sustainable European economy.

Looking Ahead

The far-reaching impact of this agreement is set to extend beyond immediate financial support. As the EIF continues to pioneer venture capital, guarantee, and microfinance instruments, Cyprus stands to benefit from enhanced investment conditions that drive long-term growth. With the European Investment Bank Group playing a pivotal role in channeling nearly €89 billion into high-impact projects across Europe in 2024, this partnership marks a critical step forward in aligning regional economic development with broader EU objectives.

Through robust collaborations like this, Eurobank and the EIF are not only fostering a more inclusive financial environment but are also shaping a future where entrepreneurial vision and economic opportunity go hand in hand—reinforcing the competitive edge of European markets on the global stage.

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Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

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Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.

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