**Cyprus Non-Performing Loan Ratio Remains Stable**
The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has reported that the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio within the country's domestic banking sector remained stable at 1.6 percent as of March 2026. This figure is consistent with the ratio recorded in December 2025, indicating a steady state in the banking sector's performance regarding bad debts.
As of the end of March 2026, the total volume of non-performing loans in Cyprus was €835 million, which is unchanged from the previous quarter. However, this amount is now assessed against a total loan portfolio of €51.3 billion, a decrease from the €52.1 billion portfolio recorded in December 2025. This shift in the total loan portfolio size reflects ongoing adjustments within the banking sector.
The data also highlights a differentiated impact on various segments of the economy. The non-performing loan ratio for households has risen to 4.4 percent, suggesting that individual borrowers may be facing increased challenges in meeting their loan obligations. In contrast, non-financial corporations reported a lower NPL ratio of 2.4 percent, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) experienced a more significant rise, with their NPL ratio climbing to 3.6 percent.
In terms of risk management, the coverage ratio for non-performing loans, which indicates the extent to which banks have provisions set aside for potential losses, has shown improvement. As of March 2026, the coverage ratio stood at 62.7 percent, up from 62.3 percent in December 2025. This increase suggests that banks are becoming more proactive in preparing for potential defaults, reflecting a cautious approach to lending and risk assessment.
Additionally, the report noted that total restructured loans amounted to €777 million at the end of March 2026. Out of this total, €320 million of restructured loans are still classified as non-performing, indicating that a significant portion of restructured loans continues to face repayment difficulties.
Overall, the stability in the non-performing loan ratio, coupled with an improved coverage ratio, suggests that while challenges remain—particularly for households and SMEs—the banking sector in Cyprus is managing its risks effectively. The data from the CBC provides a snapshot of the current financial landscape, which will be crucial for policymakers and financial institutions as they navigate the evolving economic environment.