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Historic Growth In Cypriot Banking Deposits Reflect Economic Resilience

Robust Gain In Business And Household Deposits

Cypriot businesses have reported a historic surge in deposits, reaching an impressive €12.5 billion in July 2025. This marks a significant increase from €11.7 billion at the close of the previous year, and it notably surpasses the €9.18 billion recorded in December 2019. Concurrently, household deposits have demonstrated considerable resilience, climbing to €29.3 billion from €28.9 billion in December 2024, and up from €23.8 billion in 2019—an impressive 22.9% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Stable Domestic Deposits Amid A Shifting Financial Landscape

The overall domestic deposits, which include both business and household contributions, totaled €49.1 billion in July. While this figure remained stable from June, it reflects an upward progression from €48 billion at the end of 2024. Despite a minor monthly decline of €154.5 million, leading to a slightly reduced total of €56.58 billion in the banking system compared to June’s €56.62 billion, deposits are still 1.2% higher than at the beginning of the year and 16.1% above December 2019 levels.

Enhanced Financial Resilience And Strategic Shifts

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) highlighted key factors underscoring improved household resilience in 2024. The combination of rising real incomes, declining inflation, and lower lending rates in the second half of the year has eased debt servicing obligations, thereby strengthening balance sheets. The report also notes that corporate deposits experienced an annual growth rate of 11%, buoyed by heightened business activity and improved income streams. A discernible shift from short-term liquidity to time deposits of up to one year further suggests that businesses are seeking both higher returns and a more strategic allocation of resources.

Precautionary Savings And A Broader Eurozone Perspective

The CBC report emphasizes that precautionary savings have become an essential safety net, equipping households and firms to manage potential risks arising from geopolitical uncertainties. This conservative approach to financial management serves as a temporary buffer against adverse domestic outcomes. In a broader context, deposit trends across the eurozone have also shown positive momentum. Data from the European Central Bank (ECB) reveals that household deposits grew at an annual pace of 3.4% in July, while corporate deposits increased by 2.7%, reflecting a continued trend of fiscal stability and cautious optimism among investors.

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

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.

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.

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