Nicosia, Cyprus. Bank of Cyprus reported a profit after tax of €121 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, while Cyta announced new digital inclusion initiatives and Visa selected seven fintechs for its 2026 Visa Innovation Programme Europe cycle.
Bank of Cyprus first-quarter results
The Bank of Cyprus (BoC) said its performance for the first quarter of 2026 was supported by strong lending growth, resilient asset quality and robust capital generation.
The bank reported a return on tangible equity (ROTE) of 18.0 per cent, while basic earnings per share reached €0.28.
It said new lending totalled €829 million during the quarter, a 9 per cent increase compared with the previous quarter.
Gross performing loans rose to €11.1 billion, up 2 per cent quarter-on-quarter, while the mainly retail-funded deposit base remained stable at €22.3 billion.
Cyta announces digital inclusion programmes
Cyta presented three new initiatives in Nicosia on Monday aimed at strengthening digital inclusion and expanding equal access to technology across Cyprus.
The presentation took place at Cyta’s headquarters as part of activities linked to World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, which this year follows the international theme of ‘Digital Lifelines: Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World’.
Cyta said the new programmes are designed to bring technology closer to those who need it most, while strengthening access, knowledge and participation in the digital world.
It also announced collaborations with several partners focusing on digital skills, artificial intelligence education and accessibility solutions.
Visa Innovation Programme Europe selects seven fintechs
Visa selected seven fintechs from Greece, Cyprus and Malta for the 2026 cycle of the Visa Innovation Programme Europe.
Visa said applications from the three markets rose by around 50 per cent year-on-year.
Now in its eighth cycle, the programme is designed to support fintech growth, strengthen digital payment solutions and accelerate innovation in financial services.
Visa said this year’s edition places emphasis on artificial intelligence, agentic commerce, B2B solutions, money movement, open finance and data.
Which of these developments do you expect to have the biggest impact in Cyprus this year?
