The Central Bank of Cyprus has calculated the reference interest rate at 11.53% under Article 314A of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 154. Under Article 314A, receiving, charging, agreeing or taking for oneself or a third party any financial or pecuniary benefit exceeding the reference rate in connection with granting a loan, providing or extending a payment term, renewing a loan, or discounting a loan constitutes an offence punishable on conviction by up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to EUR 30,000, or both.