Eurobank Takes Command with Over 98% Stake in Hellenic Bank

by News Editor

April 11, 2025

In a significant corporate development, Eurobank recently completed its mandatory public offer to significantly increase its stake in Hellenic Bank, now owning a substantial 98.46% of the bank’s issued share capital. This move follows the public offer, which closed on April 9, 2025, adding 4.99% to Eurobank’s previous 93.47% stake.

Over the coming months, Eurobank plans to exercise its squeeze-out right, aiming for full acquisition. As outlined in their takeover announcement, the bank intends to acquire all remaining shares at a price of €4.843 each.

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This transaction, completed with Cyprus Investment and Securities Corporation Limited (CISCO) serving as the advisor and underwriter, is set to reshape the Cypriot banking landscape, aligning with broader trends in regional economic transformations.

Upon completion, Eurobank’s acquisition will mark a pivotal moment in Cyprus’ financial scene. The increase in ownership follows regulations under the Public Takeover Bids Law, ensuring compliance throughout the process.

The acceptance rate for this takeover bid stands at 4.989%, with attention to final verification potentially leading to minor adjustments. Stay tuned as we monitor this significant acquisition and consider its implications for the dynamic Cypriot market.

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Digital Euro Moves Forward In EU Push For Payment Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 28, 2026

Strengthening Strategic Autonomy

At an event held at the House of the Euro in Brussels on April 22, central bank officials discussed the role of a digital euro in strengthening the European Union’s financial independence. Participants included Stelios Georgakis, Payments Supervision Director at the Central Bank of Cyprus, and Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank.

Redefining Central Bank Role In A Digital Era

Nagel stated that the digital euro is no longer viewed solely as a technical development but also as part of a broader policy direction. He emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s payment infrastructure to ensure resilience and independence. The digital euro is intended to complement cash rather than replace it, maintaining the role of central bank money in a more digital financial system.

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Reducing Dependence On Non-European Infrastructure

According to Nagel, around two-thirds of card payments in Europe currently rely on non-European systems. This reliance is seen as a structural vulnerability. A digital euro could help reduce this dependency by supporting a more integrated and locally controlled payments framework.

Legislative Roadmap And Timeline

Looking ahead, Nagel expressed a strong optimism regarding the legislative process, suggesting that completion could occur by year‑end. This progress may set the stage for the first issuance of the digital euro as early as 2029, in alignment with Europe’s broader ambitions for financial resilience and technological advancement.

Comprehensive Payments Strategy

During the discussion, Georgakis outlined the European Central Bank’s approach to payments. The strategy combines retail and wholesale systems, including instant payments, a digital euro, and infrastructure based on distributed ledger technology. Improving cross-border payment efficiency remains a key objective.

Transforming Europe’s Financial Landscape

The discussion reflected alignment between central banks, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the direction of Europe’s payment systems. Development of a digital euro is positioned as part of a broader effort to strengthen financial infrastructure, support economic resilience, and maintain the euro’s role in a changing global environment.

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