Excess liquidity in Cyprus banks has fallen to €17.4 billion at the close of 2025, according to the latest report from the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC). This figure marks a decrease from €18.4 billion recorded a year earlier.
- Loans held by banks surged from €27.6 billion at the end of 2024 to €31.7 billion by the end of 2025, reflecting a growing demand for credit among consumers and businesses.
- This rise in liabilities has been linked primarily to higher deposits from households and non-financial corporations, indicating a shift in the banking dynamics within Cyprus.
The CBC’s report, titled “The implementation of monetary policy in Cyprus”, offers insights into the monetary landscape during 2025. It highlights key changes in the banking system that have contributed to this decline in excess liquidity.
Excess liquidity: Changes in Monetary Policy Bond Portfolio
As part of its monetary policy strategies, the CBC reported a reduction in the value of its bond portfolio, which consists of securities acquired through the Asset Purchase Programme (APP) and the Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP). The portfolio dropped from €6.5 billion to €5.7 billion over the year.
Stable Balance Sheet Amid Increased Lending
Despite fluctuations in liquidity and bond values, the Central Bank’s balance sheet remained relatively stable, with total assets increasing slightly from €28.6 billion at the end of 2024 to €28.7 billion by the end of 2025. This stability came alongside a notable rise in lending activity within the banking sector.
Loans held by banks surged from €27.6 billion at the end of 2024 to €31.7 billion by the end of 2025, reflecting a growing demand for credit among consumers and businesses.
Trends in Deposits and Liabilities
Interestingly, the overall climate of lending coincided with a decline in deposits and cash equivalents, which dropped from €20.4 billion to €19.8 billion. In contrast, the banking sector’s total liabilities experienced an increase, rising from €59.4 billion to €63.1 billion during the same period.
This rise in liabilities has been linked primarily to higher deposits from households and non-financial corporations, indicating a shift in the banking dynamics within Cyprus.
