Piraeus Bank Reports Robust 2025 Profitability and Strategic Growth

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 26, 2026

Piraeus Bank reported profitability of €1.1 billion in 2025, with return on tangible equity reaching 16%, excluding extraordinary items. The results reflect continued earnings growth and stronger operating performance as the bank expands lending activity and diversifies revenue sources.

Impressive Profitability In 2025

The bank posted a net profit of €250 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. Net interest income reached €477 million during the quarter, up 1% sequentially, supported by higher loan volumes and stable asset performance. Net interest margin remained at 2.25%, reflecting disciplined balance sheet management amid a changing interest-rate environment.

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

Solid Fourth Quarter Performance

Fourth-quarter results showed improving momentum, supporting the bank’s annual net interest income target of €1.9 billion. Lending activity contributed to stronger fee generation, with net fee income rising to €206 million, up 23% year over year. Growth was supported by asset management fees, investment banking activity, and bancassurance services.

Diversification Of Income Streams

Fee-based income continued to play a larger role in overall profitability. Net fee income accounted for 29% of total net revenues, reaching €696 million for the year and exceeding the bank’s target of €650 million. The inclusion of Ethniki Asfalistiki in consolidated results also expanded the bank’s service portfolio and supported revenue diversification.

Strategic Moves And Sustainable Growth

CEO Christos Megalou said in an interview that 2025 was shaped by strong execution and strategic expansion. The bank recorded an 11% increase in its loan portfolio, with net credit expansion reaching €4 billion, above annual targets.

With improved asset quality and a growing share of fee-based income, management says the bank is positioned to maintain stable performance as market conditions evolve.

Looking ahead, Piraeus Bank plans to present updated targets at its Capital Markets Day in London on March 5, 2026. The bank currently holds €66 billion in deposits and €14.5 billion in investment funds under management, highlighting its scale within the Greek banking sector.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Solar Photovoltaics Drive Global Energy Demand: A Renewable Milestone

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 22, 2026

Solar Photovoltaics Lead The Charge

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems accounted for 27% of global energy demand growth in 2025, marking the first time a single renewable technology has led the increase. This compares with overall demand growth of 1.3% in 2025, 2% in 2024, and an average of 1.4% over the previous decade, highlighting the accelerating role of solar in the global energy mix.

Surpassing Traditional Energy Sources

Solar PV outpaced natural gas, which contributed 17% of the increase in energy demand. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), new solar installations added capacity equivalent to 600 terawatt-hours (TWh), bringing total solar generation to 2,700 TWh, or roughly 8% of global electricity production. This shift reflects growing reliance on renewable energy for power generation across major markets.

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

Traditional Fuels Under Pressure

Demand for fossil fuels showed slower growth. Natural gas consumption rose by 1% in the first half of the year, compared to 2.8% in 2024. Oil demand increased by 0.7%, with additional daily consumption reaching 650,000 barrels, down from 750,000 in 2024 and well below pre-pandemic increases of around 1.4 million barrels per day. Part of this slowdown is linked to the substitution of cleaner energy sources. Electric vehicle sales rose by 20% in 2025, accounting for roughly one-quarter of the global market.

Mixed Trends In Coal Consumption And Emissions

Coal demand increased by 0.4%, reflecting diverging regional trends. China and India reduced coal use as renewable capacity expanded, while the United States increased coal consumption in response to higher electricity demand. Coal contributed around 9% to demand growth, similar to wind energy.

Global CO2 emissions from the power sector rose by approximately 0.4%. Emissions declined in China due to increased use of renewables and nuclear energy, while U.S. emissions increased alongside higher coal usage.

Record-Breaking European Renewable Production

Europe recorded strong growth in renewable generation in the first quarter of 2026. Solar output increased by 15%, marking the highest quarterly rise on record, while wind generation grew by 22% year over year. Total renewable production reached 384.9 TWh, supported by solar, wind, and hydroelectric output. These gains helped offset volatility in gas markets linked to geopolitical tensions, including developments involving Iran.

Looking Ahead

Renewables are taking a larger share of global energy demand growth, with solar PV at the center of this shift. Combined contributions from renewables, biofuels, and nuclear energy now account for roughly 60% of new demand, indicating continued structural change in the global energy system.

Breaking news