Increased interest income from successive interest rate hikes by the European Central Bank significantly boosted Cypriot banks’ profits in the first quarter of 2024, with the Bank of Cyprus reporting a 31% increase in net interest income and Hellenic Bank seeing a 40% rise.
Hellenic Bank announced first quarter profits of €93.3 million, up 34% year on year, but 25% below the previous quarter. Net interest income rose to €151 million, up 40% year on year. The bank has reached agreements for the renewal of a labor collective agreement and to strengthen its insurance operations. New lending in the first quarter reached €208 million, with a focus on retail customers. The bank has a liquidity coverage ratio of 580%.
The Lithuanian Finance Ministry proposed raising additional funds for defense by increasing the corporate tax rate, hiking excise duty on fuel, and introducing a tax on some insurance contracts.
Eurobank Holdings released its financial results for the first quarter of 2024, showing significant growth and robust performance. Adjusted net profits in Cyprus and Bulgaria improved substantially, with Cyprus reaching €92 million.
Bank of Cyprus Holdings announced €133 million in first quarter profits, up 40% year-on-year but €5 million short of the previous quarter’s after-tax profits.
The Bank of Cyprus released its financial results for the first quarter of 2024, reporting a profit after tax of €133 million.
Hellenic Bank’s takeover of CNP Assurances’ regional operations will allow it to dominate the local insurance market, giving it a 30% share of the life insurance market and a 23% share of the general insurance sector.
– Moody’s has given a positive assessment on Hellenic Bank’s move to acquire CNP Insurance in Cyprus and Greece.
– The acquisition will position Hellenic Bank Group as the leader in the Cypriot insurance market.
– The acquisition price of €182 million is expected to be recovered through retained earnings.
– The agreement is likely to include the 330 CNP employees.
– The potential acquisition will strengthen Hellenic Bank’s activities in the life insurance and general insurance sectors.
– The transaction will enhance the diversification and sustainability of Hellenic’s profitability.
– The combination of insurance activities will result in synergies and create opportunities for product distribution.