Intel’s CEO Charts Bold New Course With Foundry Business Revamp

Strategic Reassessment of Manufacturing Technology

Intel Corp. is poised to undergo a significant transformation in its contract manufacturing strategy, according to sources with insight into the developing plan. In a decisive move, CEO Lip-Bu Tan is considering a strategic pivot that would see the company cease offering its long-established 18A and 18A-P chipmaking technologies to external clients. This approach represents a notable departure from the path set by his predecessor, with potentially steep financial implications.

Revisiting Established Investments

Since assuming the helm in March, Tan has been aggressively streamlining operations and pursuing avenues to reinvigorate the legacy U.S. chipmaker. His recent focus has shifted towards minimizing the emphasis on 18A technology—once a cornerstone manufacturing process developed at great cost—which is now viewed as less competitive compared to evolving industry standards, including rival advancements spearheaded by TSMC. This reorientation comes as industry analysts estimate that discontinuing external sales of the technology could lead to write-offs in the hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars.

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Competitive Landscape and Future Prospects

Intel’s recalibration of its manufacturing strategy is being viewed in the context of intense global competition. With TSMC’s N2 production timeline on track, Tan’s preliminary approach is to allocate greater resources to the next-generation 14A process—positioning it as a formidable contender against TSMC’s technology. This move is designed to woo high-profile clients such as Apple and Nvidia, who are currently reliant on TSMC for their chip production. The proposed strategy, which includes detailed discussions with Intel’s board in upcoming meetings, underscores the high stakes involved.

Balancing In-House Requirements and External Commitments

Despite a potential strategic shift, Intel is committed to fulfilling existing obligations. The company will continue to use the 18A process for in-house chip production, including its upcoming Panther Lake laptop series slated for 2025. Additionally, limited production for key clients like Amazon and Microsoft will persist, fulfilling urgent contractual deadlines while the 14A process is further refined.

Forward Momentum Amid Market Challenges

Facing unprecedented financial pressures—exemplified by a record unprofitable year in 2024 with an $18.8 billion net loss—Tan’s recalibration strategy reflects not only a commitment to technological innovation but also a calculated effort to restore Intel’s competitive edge. By leveraging decades of industry relationships and expertise, Tan is orchestrating a turnaround that could reinvigorate Intel’s manufacturing prowess, drive significant investments in critical processes, and ultimately realign the company’s market positioning.

As Intel navigates this transformative era, the industry will be watching closely to see whether the pivot to 14A can deliver the competitive advantages necessary to reclaim leadership in the semiconductor industry.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Foreclosure Reform Debate Intensifies Amid Rising Non-Performing Loans

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 18, 2026

Political Stakes And Foreclosure Regulation

Cypriot political parties are engaging in a high-stakes debate in parliament as they deliberate changes to the legal framework governing foreclosures ahead of the May parliamentary elections. The proposed shifts are aimed at curbing the rapid escalation in the value of non-performing loans, a trend that has sparked significant public and legislative concern. Confidential data from the Central Bank of Cyprus indicates that the nation has not yet moved away from its longstanding issues related to so-called “red loans.”

Non-Performing Loans: A Mounting Financial Challenge

Recent figures show that the value of distressed loans has continued to rise, surpassing €20 billion following transfers involving banks and credit recovery companies. This level exceeds the approximately €15 billion recorded during the economic crisis period. Central Bank data indicates that after loan sales, credit recovery firms now manage portfolios totaling €19.7 billion, of which €18.5 billion are classified as non-performing. About 87% of these loans are considered terminated, while the firms acquired 141,478 loans for €3.2 billion, roughly 80% below their original value.

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Credit Recovery Companies: Overshooting Investment Returns

By June, credit recovery companies had recovered €5.7 billion through a combination of cash repayments, judicial asset auctions and property-for-debt exchanges. Cash repayments accounted for €3.6 billion, judicial recoveries contributed €619 million, and property swaps added €1.5 billion. These recoveries exceeded the original purchase cost of many loan portfolios while overall balances continued to increase due to accrued interest, a development that remains a concern for policymakers.

Bank Portfolios And The Impact On Financial Stability

Data from the State Guarantee Fund for Deposits and Loans shows that 77,561 loans valued at €7.5 billion were transferred, leaving a remaining balance of €5.7 billion by June 2025, of which €5 billion are non-performing. Within the banking sector, non-performing loans totaled €1.45 billion across 24,736 accounts as of last June. Since December 2024, these figures have improved by approximately €86 million due to repayments and asset recoveries. The reduction in problematic loans has lowered bank exposure compared with levels recorded during the 2013 crisis.

Legislative Proposals And Government Considerations

Political leaders argue that adjustments to foreclosure procedures can be introduced without undermining banking stability. Parliament’s Economic Committee is scheduled to begin discussions on March 9, with an estimated 20 to 30 legislative proposals currently pending from multiple parties. While the Ministry of Finance has not announced immediate legislative action, officials are evaluating the potential reintroduction of elements of the Rent-Versus-Rate plan for vulnerable borrowers, subject to fiscal impact assessments.

Advocacy From AKEL And Environmental Groups

Proposals supported by the AKEL party and several civil organizations focus on strengthening legal protections for borrowers. Among the suggested measures is restoring the right to seek judicial relief to delay foreclosures in cases involving disputed charges or alleged abusive contract clauses. AKEL representative Aristos Damianou criticized the pace of foreclosure proceedings and warned of risks to primary residences and small businesses.

Proposals Targeting Guarantors And Foreclosure Processes

The Democratic Rally party has introduced a proposal aimed at limiting guarantor liability during foreclosure procedures. Under the draft measure, if a property is auctioned or repossessed, the guarantor’s responsibility would be capped at the original loan amount adjusted by recovered sums. The proposal also requires that enforcement actions against guarantors be suspended until a court ruling is issued if the borrower formally disputes the debt.

Revisions Proposed By The Democratic Party of Cyprus

The Democratic Party is also preparing new legislative measures to be introduced on Thursday. Party leader Mario Karogian outlined plans to suspend the foreclosures of primary residences valued up to €350,000 until the end of the year, allowing time to address legislative gaps. Additional proposals include broadening the powers of the Financial Ombudsperson to make binding decisions on disputes up to €50,000, enforcing the Central Bank’s code of conduct, and ensuring strict adherence to refinancing guidelines for first residences.

Outlook And Strategic Implications

The range of proposals reflects an ongoing effort to balance financial system stability with stronger consumer protections. Decisions made in the coming months are expected to shape the regulatory environment for foreclosures and influence broader confidence in Cyprus’ financial sector and economic outlook.

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