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Eurobank’s Strategic Expansion Into The Greek Market: A New Chapter In September

Eurobank is set to make its definitive mark this September in a significant move poised to reshape the Greek banking landscape. During the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of Hellenic Bank’s shareholders, Eurobank, which already holds a 55.5% stake in Hellenic, plans to propose new board members and relocate key executives to the bank. This strategic shift underscores Eurobank’s commitment to integrating its operations and expanding its regional influence.

This strategic manoeuvre comes after Eurobank’s recent public offer to Hellenic Bank, which is expected to conclude by the end of July. The proposed changes include relocating four senior executives from Eurobank Cyprus and the broader Eurobank group to Hellenic Bank, indicating a significant reorganisation aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing governance.

Eurobank’s intentions, as detailed in its public offer document, reflect a clear strategy to leverage the existing legal and regulatory framework to instigate leadership changes at Hellenic Bank. While the offer explicitly states no intention of providing special benefits to the outgoing board members, it signals potential operational expansions. Specifically, Eurobank sees opportunities for growth in corporate banking, transactional banking, treasury services, and investment services, highlighting the potential for substantial business expansion in these sectors.

The relocation of senior executives is expected to trigger further changes within the leadership structure of Eurobank Cyprus, illustrating the broader impact of this strategic initiative. Despite reassurances that there will be no immediate changes to Hellenic Bank’s core activities, Eurobank’s planned expansions in specific banking services suggest a future-focused approach to enhancing its market presence and service offerings.

The strategic decisions unfolding this September are critical for Eurobank as it cements its footprint in the Greek banking sector. This move not only demonstrates Eurobank’s confidence in the Greek market but also highlights its strategic vision for long-term growth and integration within the region.

As Eurobank prepares to implement these significant changes, the financial community will be closely monitoring the outcomes of the September meeting. The anticipated leadership restructuring and strategic focus on expanding service areas underscore a pivotal moment for Eurobank and its stakeholders, potentially setting a new course for the Greek banking sector.

Interest rates on housing loans up and down on deposits

Cypriot banks raised mortgage rates in August while cutting interest on one-year deposits for households, according to data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC).

Meanwhile, the total value of new loans dropped sharply in August, falling by 33 per cent compared to July.

The latest figures, published on Wednesday reveal that the interest rate for short-term deposits by households fell to 1.79 per cent, from 1.96 per cent in July. In contrast, the deposit rate for businesses (non-financial companies) travelled in the opposite direction up to 2.33 per cent in August from 2.28 per cent in the previous month.

Consumer loan rates also saw a small decline, dropping to 6.59 per cent from 6.67 per cent in the previous month. Mortgage rates rose marginally to 4.65 per cent, from 4.59 per cent.

Rates for businesses, on loans €1 million also fell to 5.36 per cent from 5.61 per cent. For loans

above €1 million the rate fell to 5.42 per cent from 5.64 per cent.

In terms of new loans, there was a marked drop across the board. Total new loans fell to €395.5 million, down from €596.3 million in July.

Consumer loans also fell with net new loans at €19m, compared to July’s €28m (€26.1m net).

Loans for house purchases also declined significantly, falling to €95.6m, of which €72.3m were net new loans, down from €134.3m (€100.7m net) in July.

New loans of under a million euro to businesses decreased to €52.8m (€34.1m net), down from €75.5m in July (€49.5m net).

Similarly, loans of over a million euros were halved to €179.3m (€78.3m net), compared to €345.2m (€211.8m net) in the previous month.

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