The Central Bank of Cyprus published updated aggregated data on the Cypriot banking sector’s profitability, balance sheet and capital adequacy with a reference date of 31 December 2024. The release shows a decline in 2024 profitability alongside growth in total assets and an improvement in the sector’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio. Banking sector profitability in 2024 fell by EUR 47 million to EUR 1,215 million from EUR 1,262 million in 2023, mainly reflecting lower net profit from foreign exchange differences, higher administrative expenses and lower dividend income. Total assets rose by EUR 469 million (0.7%) to EUR 65,638 million at end-2024 from EUR 65,169 million at end-2023, driven mainly by increases in debt securities and in loans and advances. The CET1 ratio increased by 3 percentage points to 24.5% from 21.5%, with higher CET1 capital offsetting an increase in the total risk exposure amount.