Breaking news

S&P Upgrades Bank of Cyprus To Investment Grade With “BBB-” Rating

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 10, 2025

S&P Global Ratings has upgraded the Bank of Cyprus to “BBB-” from ‘BB+’, marking a significant milestone for both the bank and the broader Cypriot banking sector. This upgrade reflects the bank’s improved financial stability and creditworthiness, along with the country’s favorable economic conditions.

Key factors contributing To The upgrade include:

Strengthened Liquidity and Capital Ratios: As of mid-2024, the Bank of Cyprus boasts a net stable funding ratio of 188% and a liquidity coverage ratio of 328%, indicating a solid financial position and reduced risk of deposit outflows.
Improved Access to Capital Markets: The bank has gained better access to international capital markets, supported by Cyprus’s strong economic momentum and its improved credit standing. This has enhanced investor confidence and facilitated easier access to foreign capital.
Resilient Profitability and Capitalization: Despite declining interest rates, the Bank of Cyprus is expected to maintain strong profitability, bolstered by its strategic hedging positions and ongoing efficiency improvements. The bank’s capital ratio is forecast to remain robust over the next 18-24 months.
Funding Stability: Cypriot banks, including Bank of Cyprus, have made significant strides in reducing reliance on less stable non-resident deposits. Additionally, improvements in the loan-to-core deposit ratio have enhanced the overall stability of the banking sector’s funding base.
Supportive Economic Environment: Cyprus’s economic outlook remains positive, even amidst interest rate reductions, contributing to a stable and optimistic growth trajectory for the Bank of Cyprus.

This upgrade to investment grade reinforces Bank of Cyprus’s solid position in the regional financial landscape and is expected to bolster investor confidence further.

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

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

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.

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

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.