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1. DBRS Morningstar: Cyprus shows strong recovery in tackling bad loans

Cyprus is starting to see some positive shifts in its financial sector, particularly when it comes to tackling non-performing loans (NPLs) – loans that borrowers have stopped paying. ...

2. New EU rules open Cyprus's troubled loan market to foreign investors

In a move that could reshape Cyprus's financial landscape, Parliament recently passed a European Directive that makes it easier for foreign investors to buy non-performing loans (NPLs) in the country....

3. CBC urges banks to show social responsibility despite sector’s strength

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) released its annual Financial Stability Report for 2023 on Tuesday, indicating that the financial sector is overall strong and capable of handling unexpected challenges. ...

4. ECB to review AKEL’s proposed bank tax amid financial concerns

The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to evaluate a proposed "windfall tax" on banks, commonly associated with the leftist political party AKEL, in Cyprus. ...

5. Cyprus banks hike mortgage rates as new loans drop by a third in August

Banks in Cyprus raised the interest rates on home loans in August, while reducing the interest rates offered on household deposits, according to data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus on Wednesday....

6. Tighter lending rules for businesses while household loans remain steady

Cypriot banks made it harder for businesses to get loans in the second quarter of 2024, while lending rules for households stayed the same, according to a new survey by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC)....

7. Homebuyers face mounting debts as developers' loans go unpaid

8. ECB set to cut key interest rate by 0.25% in upcoming meeting

The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to reduce its key interest rate by 0.25% on Thursday, according to most economists in Greece and the Eurozone....

9. Cyprus seeks solutions for property buyers 'in limbo' after court ruling

The government is working to help property buyers who are now in a difficult situation after the Court of Appeal ruled the 2015 Real Estate Transfer and Mortgage Law unconstitutional....

10. ECB concerned over Cypriot bank profit tax proposal

In 2023, Cypriot banks reported unprecedented profits, marking a 15-year high, with projections suggesting even greater earnings in 2024....

11. Fitch elevates Hellenic Bank’s credit rating

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Hellenic Bank's Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to 'BBB-' from 'BB+', with stable outlook and its Viability Rating (VR) to 'bbb-' from 'bb+'. ...

12. Banks contribute over €854M in taxes amid controversy over proposed levy

In the last seven years (2017-2023), Cypriot banks have collectively paid more than €854 million in income tax, special taxes, and VAT, according to a report by Panayiotis Rouglas in last Sunday's Kathimerini....

13. KEDIPES sends first approvals for mortgage-to-rent scheme

State-owned asset management company, KEDIPES began sending the first approvals for eligible borrowers as part of the government-funded mortgage-to-rent scheme....

14. Agency reports strong start to 2024, continues paying off state debt

KEDIPES, Cyprus' state-owned asset management agency, announced a €144 million cash inflow for the first quarter of 2024. The agency also made a €140 million repayment to the state, bringing the total repayment to €1.3 billion since it started in September 2018....

15. ECB to implement first interest rate cut

The European Central Bank (ECB) is poised to execute its much-anticipated rate cut, scheduled to take effect on Thursday, June 6, 2024....

16. Former Central Bank Governor reflects on achievements and future plans

In an exclusive interview with Andreas Kimitris of Kathimerini, former Cyprus Central Bank Governor Constantinos Herodotou delved into various aspects of his tenure and the hurdles encountered during his term. ...

17. KEDIPES introduces plan to help borrowers repay home loans

The Cyprus Asset Management Company (KEDIPES) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at assisting borrowers in repaying their home loans....

18. Finance Minister extends rent program to assist more homeowners

The Cabinet has approved an expansion of beneficiaries for the Rent Relief Program against Installments, announced Finance Minister Makis Keravnos after the body's session. ...

19. Business loans drop, home loans steady

The Central Bank of Cyprus reported on Wednesday that the net demand for corporate loans continued to decrease in the last quarter of 2023, marking a consistent downward trend since the first quarter of 2022, although at a slower pace than anticipated earlier in the year....

20. KEDIPES successfully sells €58.4M portfolio to reduce debt

The Cyprus Asset Management Company (KEDIPES) announced Thursday the successful completion of a sale of performing and restructured loan portfolios to Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited, with a combined gross book value of €58.4 million as of December 31, 2022....

21. Cyprus banks push for green standards with ESG certification

Artemis Credit Bureau, a subsidiary of the Association of Cyprus Banks, announced it will launch an interbank project for the corporate certification on ESG (Environmental – Social – Governance) criteria. ...

22. Phone ringing, debt ignored: Cyprus faces loan repayment hurdles

Despite efforts to reduce Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) in Cyprus, the lingering burden continues to weigh heavily on the country's economy and society....

23. Banks urged to accelerate loan restructurings

The governor of the Central Bank has shed light on the strategy for restructuring Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) and navigating credit risk management....

24. Parliament passes law to remove property restrictions in Occupied Areas

In a unanimous decision, the Plenary Session of the Greek Parliament passed a law abolishing the right of encumbrance of ''memorandum'' on properties held by banks and credit acquisition companies, located in the occupied territories. ...

25. Interest rates extended, borrowers face dilemma

Last Thursday, the European Central Bank (ECB) opted to maintain interest rates, extending the uncertainty for borrowers regarding their loans and repayments....

26. Parliament enacts law granting tax exemption on loan repayments

The House of Representatives has unanimously approved a law exempting individuals who sold real estate or transferred shares to repay Non-Servicing Loans from the 0.4% tax designated for the Central Equal Weight Sharing Agency...

27. Cyprus grapples with lingering private debt woes

In Cyprus, the European Commission consistently highlights the significant economic challenge of private debt through regular post-program or post-memorandum reports....

28. Half of Cyprus loans vulnerable to Euribor and ECB rates

Half of the loans in Cyprus are "vulnerable" to euribor and the European Central Bank's (ECB) key rates. In 2024 and 2025, we may not expect further increases, but rather possible decreases, according to the Central Bank of Cyprus' Financial Stability Report for 2022....

29. Parliament approves measures for NPLs and foreclosures framework

Cyprus' Finance Ministry has expressed satisfaction with the parliament's approval of laws integral to the comprehensive package for managing Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) and the foreclosure framework....

30. Critical battle looms as Parliament debates foreclosure legislation

Background consultations are in progress to prepare amendments to the legislative package on divestments, set for submission to the Parliament Plenary on Friday for a vote....