In an announcement dated December 31 but released yesterday, the nationalised bank said lower losses were anticipated from reduced impairment charges on Greek government bonds and goodwill.

It said however it would book higher provisions and anticipate lower operating income in a challenging business climate in both Greece and Cyprus, its two main markets.

Popular, Cyprus' second-largest bank, reported a €2.5 billion net loss in 2011.

Popular was nationalised in mid-2012 after its regulatory capital took a severe hit from its heavy exposure to a writedown on its holdings of Greek sovereign debt.

The Cypriot state now owns an estimated 84 per cent of Popular. Attempts to save banks forced the government itself to seek financial aid from its EU partners and the IMF in a bailout estimated at around €17 billion.

Last week Bank of Cyprus, the island's largest bank, warned of worse results in 2012 on tougher provisioning regulations.

Source: <ahref="http://www.cyprus-mail.com">Cyprus Mail