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Hellenic Bank Champions Cyprus’ Strategic Shift to a Sustainable Future

In a definitive display of leadership in sustainable finance, Hellenic Bank has reasserted its commitment to propelling Cyprus’ green transition. Announced at the second Green Agenda Cyprus Summit, the bank’s endorsement, as a key member of the Eurobank Group, underscores a strategic pivot toward environmental stewardship and sustainable growth.

Strategic Vision for Green Transformation

The recent summit established Cyprus as an emerging model for sustainable development, addressing the dual challenges and opportunities presented by the green transition. Industry leaders and policymakers examined critical issues, emphasizing the substantial business prospects and economic advancements achievable through a shift toward a sustainable framework. Hellenic Bank is at the forefront of this evolution, actively promoting green initiatives and sustainable practices across its operations.

Integrating ESG with Risk Management

During a focused panel discussion on “Green Transition, Funding and Risk Management,” Chief Risk Officer Joseph Antoniou outlined a comprehensive strategy that intertwines advanced risk management with robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. The bank has recalibrated its risk approach to include both physical and transition risks—ranging from flood and wildfire hazards to evolving market risks—thereby ensuring that every client is supported in their journey towards greener practices while the institution itself is safeguarded against emerging threats.

Innovative Client Support and ESG Initiatives

Beyond internal measures, Hellenic Bank is leading an interbank initiative in collaboration with Artemis Credit Bureau and ICAP CRIF S.A. This initiative includes a structured ESG assessment questionnaire aimed at helping clients transition to sustainable business models. The bank’s approach includes tailored action plans for clients, enhanced by rigorous ESG assessments across its credit and investment portfolios, with clear Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and well-defined risk appetites aligned to environmental imperatives.

Setting the Benchmark for Responsible Banking

Hellenic Bank’s proactive commitment to integrating sustainability into its core operations sets a high standard for responsible banking. By leveraging targeted financing solutions—ranging from renewable energy investments to eco-friendly housing loans and the promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles—the organization reinforces its role as a catalyst for Cyprus’ green transition. This strategic blueprint not only secures economic growth but also positions the bank as a leader in the new era of sustainable finance.

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

  • Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
  • Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
  • Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
  • Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
  • Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
  • Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
  • Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.

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