Breaking news

Moody’s Elevates Bank of Cyprus to A3 Rating: A Testament to Financial Fortitude

by News Editor

May 6, 2025

In a significant financial milestone, Moody’s has elevated the long-term deposit ratings for the Bank of Cyprus from Baa1 to A3. This achievement underscores the bank’s ongoing enhancement of its financial health.

The outlook remains stable, reinforcing the bank’s position as a beacon of stability in Greece and Cyprus, a testament highlighted amidst challenges. Moody’s attributes this upgrade to the continuous improvement in the bank’s asset quality and risk management.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Breaking new ground, the Bank of Cyprus is now the highest-rated establishment among its regional peers, a clear message of reliability and financial robustness.

Crucial contributors to this new rating include an increase in the tangible common equity (TCE) ratio to 17.1% by the end of 2023, and a decrease in non-performing exposures (NPE) to 3.6% from 6.5% in 2021.

Moody’s also notes the bank’s strong profitability, marked by a 21.3% return on tangible equity in 2023, and a cost-to-income ratio that fell to 35%. This financial agility is expected to persist through 2025, even with possible interest rate reductions influencing net interest income.

The report also lauds the bank’s liquidity and robust deposit base, describing its funding as primarily backed by low-cost retail deposits, comprising 88% of total funding. With a liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) at an impressive 341%, the bank’s solid stance is further solidified.

Furthermore, the bank’s counterparty risk ratings have seen a boost, reflecting confidence in its future potential. While the bank’s subordinated debt rating remains unchanged at Ba2, the stable outlook signifies a predicted continuation of solid solvency and profitability over the next 18 months.

If the Bank of Cyprus sustains high profitability combined with low asset risk, it stands on the brink of further upgrades.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 12, 2026

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.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

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.