Significant Monthly Decline In Cyprus Net New Loans Recorded In January 2026

Overview Of Net New Loans Decline

Data from the Central Bank of Cyprus show that net new loans declined in January 2026 compared with December. Net new lending fell by €377.7 million, reaching €247.3 million compared with €625.0 million in the previous month. Total new loans also declined, dropping from €986.9 million in December to €495.9 million in January.

Shifting Trends In Loan Categories

Consumer lending recorded a small increase during the month. Net new consumer loans rose from €17.2 million to €18.9 million. Mortgage lending declined to €95.7 million from €135.4 million in December. Business lending also decreased. Loans below €1 million fell from €60.3 million to €40.1 million, while loans above €1 million declined from €406.4 million to €88.1 million.

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Interest Rate Adjustments Across Loan Sectors

Interest rates for several loan categories recorded small changes. Consumer loan rates declined slightly from 7.22% to 7.20%. Mortgage loan rates also decreased, falling from 3.78% to 3.70%. Rates on business loans remained at 4.32% for loans up to €1 million. For loans above €1 million, the rate declined from 4.42% to 4.34%.

Deposit Rates And European Context

Deposit rates for household accounts with a maturity of up to one year remained at 1.20%. Business deposit rates increased from 1.27% to 1.34%. The Central Bank of Cyprus said lending rates in Cyprus are now close to the eurozone median, with household loan margins near zero and corporate margins around 0.4%. Deposit rates in Cyprus remain among the lowest in the eurozone, which the central bank links to high liquidity levels in the banking sector.

Changing Patterns In Mortgage Loan Terms

Data from the central bank also show changes in mortgage loan structures. The share of new housing loans with variable interest rates declined to 11.6%. At the beginning of 2022, nearly all new housing loans were issued with variable rates. Borrowers are increasingly choosing loans with fixed interest rates during the initial years of the contract.

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Bank Of Cyprus Launches Cybersecurity Programme For Students In Limassol

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 31, 2026

Bank of Cyprus launched a cybersecurity initiative in Limassol as part of its “The Young Ask and Provide Solutions” programme, involving students in simulated cyberattack scenarios. The programme focuses on practical training in cyber defense and awareness of risks linked to digital infrastructure.

Innovative Collaboration And Real-World Challenges

In partnership with the Education Ministry and non-profit organization TechIsland, the programme provided a robust platform for young minds to confront realistic cyberattack simulations. Held at the modern Limassol regional offices of the Bank of Cyprus, the interactive space enabled 60 secondary school students from across the region to collaboratively tackle the complex threats facing national digital infrastructure.

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Practical Exercises And Strategic Insights

Participants took part in workshops built around cyberattack scenarios. Tasks included identifying prevention strategies, planning response measures, and proposing public awareness approaches. The exercises focused on coordination and decision-making during cyber incidents.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

According to Elli Ioannidou, the programme is designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. She said the initiative aims to help students understand real-world challenges and develop problem-solving skills. Additional input was provided by Marios Stavrou, who noted that managing cyber incidents requires coordination across multiple teams and functions.

Building A Resilient Cyber Ecosystem

Experts, including Mathaios Panteli and Tanya Romanyukha highlighted the importance of early digital skills and cybersecurity awareness. Their comments focused on preparing the future workforce skills needed for managing digital risks. The programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and education in Cyprus.

The Bank of Cyprus remains committed to investing in forward-thinking initiatives that inspire youth and enhance community awareness. Through these targeted efforts, the bank is not only addressing immediate security challenges but also contributing to a future where advanced technology and robust cyber defense mechanisms coexist seamlessly.

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