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Strategic Merger Transforms Cyprus Banking Landscape With the Launch of Eurobank

New Era In Cyprus Banking

Two of the most influential financial institutions in Cyprus have united in a long-planned strategic merger that combines decades of expertise and a celebrated history. The integration of the Hellenic Bank with Eurobank Cyprus has reshaped the nation’s financial landscape while expanding its influence throughout the region.

Building A Formidable Financial Powerhouse

Rebranded as Eurobank, the newly merged entity is set to become Cyprus’s largest and most robust banking institution. With enhanced capital reserves and an elevated market position, Eurobank is uniquely positioned to act as a gateway for companies looking to invest in emerging markets. This innovative merger melds the established local presence of the Hellenic Bank with the expansive international reach of Eurobank, delivering a comprehensive suite of competitive financial services.

A Bold Investment In Cyprus’s Future

The Eurobank Group’s groundbreaking €1.3 billion investment in Cyprus demonstrates its strong confidence in the island’s role as a regional financial and investment hub. After extensive research and deliberations, the name Eurobank was chosen to signal a new era of reliability and trust in the market. While the institution’s name, scale, and capabilities evolve, its unwavering commitment to client service, innovation, and security remains intact.

Impressive Financial Foundations

Eurobank’s robust financial metrics underscore its strength. The institution reports €27 billion in total assets—including loans, cash, investments, and real estate—€8.6 billion in loans, and €23 billion in deposits. With a commanding 42% market share in deposits and 36% in loans, the bank has also contributed over €61.5 million in taxes and social contributions in 2024 while employing more than 3,000 people, underscoring its vital economic role.

A Seamless Transition For Clients

The integration process is progressing in well-defined stages, with full legal unification scheduled for early July. Throughout this transition, ensuring uninterrupted support for clients remains a top priority. Essential banking credentials, such as account numbers, IBANs, card PINs, and online banking details, will remain unchanged. Combined branch operations will eventually offer enhanced convenience, while current in-branch services continue without disruption.

Looking Ahead: Resilience And Innovation

The creation of Cyprus’s most powerful bank marks a significant milestone that blends local expertise with international know-how. Eurobank is set to provide an enriched banking experience—featuring an expansive branch network, innovative banking solutions, and enhanced digital capabilities—geared toward meeting the evolving needs of businesses and households in an ever-changing economic landscape.

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

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.

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.

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