Bank of Cyprus Australia’s new head office was officially opened at the iconic Rialto Towers last week by the Honourable Mr. John Brumby, Premier of Victoria.
Over 70 guests attended the opening ceremony which was followed by a dinner at the Windsor Hotel attended by 180 customers and supporters of the Bank including the Greek Consul General Mr Christos Salamanis.
The visiting Directors from Cyprus and the Premier were given a guided tour of the new premises prior to the opening ceremony and commented on the stunning views offered on the 41st floor of the Rialto.
The official opening took place at the spectacular reception area of the new national headquarters located at Level 41, 525 Collins Street Melbourne with a blessing from His grace Bishop Izekiel of Dervis followed by a welcome from the Bank’s Managing Director Mr George Tacticos and addresses by Mr Artemis and Mr Brumby.
Premier Brumby congratulated the Bank of Cyprus on its new head office.
“Victoria is now the economic engine room of the nation because we took swift, decisive action when the Global Financial Crisis hit and our financial sector is performing strongly due to the courage and vision of companies like the Bank of Cyprus in continuing to invest, and continuing to move forward.” Mr Brumby said.
Bank of Cyprus Managing Director Mr George Tacticos said, “Growth in both services and the number of customers have led to the move.”
“In the last year our loans have increased by 22 per cent, our deposits have increased by 52 per cent, staff numbers have increased by 20 per cent but most pleasing is that customer numbers are up by 50 per cent.”
Mr Artemis expressed his satisfaction at the performance of Bank of Cyprus Australia to date and congratulated the local management for their efforts.
During the proceedings Mr Tacticos also announced the opening of two new branches in Melbourne this year, the first to open in Dandenong in the coming weeks and the second in the Northern suburbs, also due to open by the end of the year.