Interim Financial Report 2019

RNS Number : 2368K
Bank of Cyprus Holdings PLC
27 August 2019
 

 

 

Interim Financial Report 2019

BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS GROUP

Interim Financial Report

Six months ended 30 June 2019

 

 

 

Contents

Page

Board of Directors and Executives

1

Forward Looking Statements and Notes

2

Interim Management Report

3

Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial statements

 

Interim Consolidated Income Statement

25

Interim Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

26

Interim Consolidated Balance Sheet

27

Interim Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

28

Interim Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

30

Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements

 

1.   Corporate information

32

2.   Unaudited financial statements

32

3.   Summary of significant accounting policies

32

4.   Going concern

37

5.   Operating environment

38

6.   Significant and other judgements, estimates and assumptions

39

7.   Segmental analysis

45

8.   Net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates

53

9.   Staff costs and other operating expenses

53

10. Credit losses of financial instruments and impairment of non‑financial instruments

 

11. Income tax

55

12. Earnings per share

58

13. Investments

58

14. Derivative financial instruments

60

15. Fair value measurement

61

16. Loans and advances to customers

68

17. Stock of property

68

18. Prepayments, accrued income and other assets

69

19. Non‑current assets and disposal groups held for sale

70

20. Funding from central banks

71

21. Customer deposits

72

22. Subordinated loan stock

73

23. Accruals, deferred income, other liabilities and other provisions

73

24. Share capital

73

25. Pending litigation, claims, regulatory and other matters

75

26. Contingent liabilities

79

27. Cash and cash equivalents

80

28. Analysis of assets and liabilities by expected maturity

81

29. Risk management ‑ Credit risk

82

30. Risk management ‑ Market risk

118

31. Risk management ‑ Liquidity risk and funding

118

32. Capital management

122

33. Related party transactions

122

34. Group companies

125

35. Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

128

36. Investments in associates and joint venture

129

37. Events after the reporting period

131

Independent Review Report to the Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company

132

Additional Risk and Capital Management Disclosures including Pillar 3 semi‑annual disclosures

134

Definitions and explanations of Alternative Performance Measures Disclosures

173


BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS GROUP

Board of Directors and Executives

as at 26 August 2019

 

 

Board of Directors of Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company

Efstratios‑Georgios Arapoglou

CHAIRMAN

 

Maksim Goldman

VICE CHAIRMAN

 

 

Arne Berggren

Lyn Grobler

Dr. Michael Heger

John Patrick Hourican

Dr. Christodoulos Patsalides

Ioannis Zographakis

Anat Bar‑Gera

Maria Philippou

Paula Hadjisotiriou

Executive Committee

John Patrick Hourican

OUTGOING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

Panicos Nicolaou

DIRECTOR CORPORATE BANKING/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DESIGNATE

 

Dr. Christodoulos Patsalides

DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

 

Michalis Athanasiou

CHIEF RISK OFFICER

 

Eliza Livadiotou

FINANCE DIRECTOR

 

Louis Pochanis

DIRECTOR INTERNATIONAL BANKING, WEALTH AND MARKETS

 

Dr. Charis Pouangare

DIRECTOR CONSUMER AND SME BANKING

 

Nicolas Scott Smith

DIRECTOR RESTRUCTURING AND RECOVERIES DIVISION

 

Anna Sofroniou

DIRECTOR REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT UNIT

 

Aristos Stylianou

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, INSURANCE BUSINESSES

Company Secretary

Katia Santis

Legal Advisers as to matters of Irish Law

Arthur Cox

Legal Advisers as to matters of English and US Law

Sidley Austin LLP

Legal Advisers as to matters of Cypriot Law

Chryssafinis & Polyviou

Statutory Auditors

PricewaterhouseCoopers,
One Spencer Dock,
North Wall Quay,
Dublin 1,
Ireland,
I.D.E. Box No. 137

Registered Office

Arthur Cox

10 Earlsfort Terrace

Dublin 2

D02 T380

Ireland


BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS GROUP

Forward Looking Statements and Notes

 

This document contains certain forward‑looking statements which can usually be identified by terms used such as 'expect', 'should be', 'will be' and similar expressions or variations thereof or their negative variations, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not forward looking. Examples of forward‑looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company Group (the Group) near term and longer term future capital requirements and ratios, intentions, beliefs or current expectations and projections about the Group's future results of operations, financial condition, expected impairment charges, the level of the Group's assets, liquidity, performance, prospects, anticipated growth, provisions, impairments, business strategies and opportunities. By their nature, forward‑looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events, and depend upon circumstances, that will or may occur in the future. Factors that could cause actual business, strategy and/or results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward‑looking statements made by the Group include, but are not limited to: general economic and political conditions in Cyprus and other European Union (EU) Member States, interest rate and foreign exchange fluctuations, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments and information technology, litigation and other operational risks. Should any one or more of these or other factors materialise, or should any underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, the actual results or events could  differ materially from those currently being anticipated as reflected in such forward‑looking statements. The forward‑looking statements made in this document are only applicable as from the date of publication of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward‑looking statement contained in this document to reflect any change in the Group's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Non‑IFRS performance measures

Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company (the 'Company') management believes that the non‑IFRS performance measures included in this document provide valuable information to the readers of the Interim Financial Report as they enable the readers to identify a more consistent basis for comparing the Group's performance between financial periods and provide more detail concerning the elements of performance which management is most directly able to influence or are relevant for an assessment of the Group. They also reflect an important aspect of the way in which the operating targets are defined and performance is monitored by the Group's management. However, any non‑IFRS performance measures in this document are not a substitute for IFRS measures and readers should consider the IFRS measures as the key measures of the 30 June position. Refer to 'Definitions and explanations on Alternative Performance Measures Disclosures' on pages 173 to 182 of the Interim Financial Report for the six months ended 30 June 2019 for further information, reconciliations with Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements and calculations of non‑IFRS performance measures included throughout this document and the most directly comparable IFRS measures.

The Interim Financial Report for the six months ended 30 June 2019 is available on the Group's website www.bankofcyprus.com (Investor Relations/Financial Results).

 


BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

Interim Management Report

 

Financial results

Commentary on underlying basis

The financial information presented below provides an overview of the Group financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2019 on the 'underlying basis' which the management believes it best fits the measurement of the performance and position of the Group. Reconciliations are included in the below sections and in 'Definitions and explanations on Alternative Performance Measures Disclosures' to allow for the comparability of the underlying basis to statutory information. 

The main financial highlights for 2019 are set out below:

Consolidated Condensed Interim Income Statement underlying basis

 

 

€ million

30 June
2019

30 June 2018  (represented)

Net interest income

                    170                          

                     166                          

Net fee and commission income

                       75                          

                       80                          

Net foreign exchange gains and net gains on financial instruments transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates

                       26                          

                       42                          

Insurance income net of insurance claims and commissions

                       30                          

                       25                          

Net gains from revaluation and disposal of investment properties and on disposal of stock of properties

                       16                          

                       21                          

Other income

                       16                          

                       11                          

Total income

                    333                          

                     345                          

Staff costs

                 (112)                          

                   (102)                          

Other operating expenses

                   (84)                          

                     (80)                          

Special levy on deposits on credit institutions in Cyprus and contribution to Single Resolution Fund (SRF)

                   (12)                          

                     (12)                          

Total expenses

                 (208)                          

                   (194)                          

Operating profit

                    125                          

                     151                          

Loan credit losses

                   (87)                          

                     (85)                          

Impairments of other financial and non‑financial instruments

                   (10)                          

                     (13)                          

Reversal of provisions for litigation, regulatory and other matters

                         3                          

                         6                          

Total loan credit losses, impairments and provisions

                   (94)                          

                     (92)                          

Profit before tax and non‑recurring items 

                       31                          

                       59                          

Tax

                        - 

                       (4)                          

(Profit)/loss attributable to non‑controlling interests

                     (2)                          

                         2                          

Profit after tax and before non‑recurring items

                       29                          

                       57                          

Advisory and other restructuring costs excluding discontinued operations and NPE sale (Helix)

                   (12)                          

                     (15)                          

Profit after tax ‑ organic

                       17                          

                       42                          

Profit from discontinued operations (UK)

                        - 

                         4                          

Profit/(loss) relating to NPE Sale (Helix)

                        - 

                   (105)                          

Loss on remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale (CNP) net of share of profit from associates

                   (21)                          

                         5                          

Reversal of impairment of deferred tax assets and impairment of other tax receivables

                    101                          

                        - 

Profit/(loss) after tax (attributable to the owners of the Company)

                       97                          

                     (54)                          


Reclassifications to comparative information were made as follows:

·             Unrecognised interest on previously credit impaired loans which have cured during the period amounting to €14,918 thousand was reclassified from 'Net interest income' to 'Credit losses to cover credit risk on loans and advances to customers' in line with an IFRIC discussion, which has taken place in November 2018 (Presentation of unrecognised interest following the curing of a credit impaired financial asset (IFRS 9)). The corresponding amount for the six months ended 30 June 2019 stood at  €7,781 thousand.

·             The results of the discontinued operations in the UK (Bank of Cyprus UK Ltd and its subsidiary, Bank of Cyprus Financial Services Ltd) were represented as discontinued operations (profit after tax for the six months ended 30 June 2018: €4,010 thousand).

The changes in presentation did not have a material impact on the profit/(loss) after tax of the Group for the period. However the net interest margin, the cost to income and the cost of risk ratios were recalculated to account for these reclassifications.

 

Key Performance Ratios

30 June
2019*

30 June
2018**

Net interest margin

                1.88%                          

                 1.86%                          

Cost to income ratio

                   63%                          

                    56%                          

Cost to income ratio excluding special levy and contribution to Single Resolution Fund

                   59%                          

                    53%                          

Operating profit return on average assets

                  1.2%                          

                   1.4%                          

Basic earnings/(losses) per share attributable to the owners of the Company (€ cent)

                 21.84                          

                (12.12)                          

 

*The interest income, non‑interest income, staff costs, other operating expenses and loan credit losses related to Project Helix are disclosed under 'Profit/(loss) relating to NPE sale (Helix)' in the underlying basis.

**Additionally to the above, amounts are represented for the disposal of the UK subsidiary and including the impact from IFRIC presentation of unrecognised interest following the curring of a credit‑impaired financial asset (IFRS 9). This resulted to a reclassification between net interest income and loan credit losses, with no impact on overall profitability.


Consolidated Condensed Interim Balance Sheet underlying basis

 

€ million

30 June
2019

31 December 2018
(restated)

Cash and balances with central banks

                 5,262                          

                  4,610                          

Loans and advances to banks

                    403                          

                     473                          

Debt securities, treasury bills and equity investments

                 1,881                          

                  1,515                          

Net loans and advances to customers

               10,949                          

                10,922                          

Stock of property

                 1,430                          

                  1,427                          

Investment property

                    142                          

                     127                          

Non‑current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

                    198                          

                  1,470                          

Other assets

                 1,622                          

                  1,531                          

Total assets

               21,887                          

                22,075                          

Deposits by banks

                    532                          

                     432                          

Funding from central banks

                    830                          

                     830                          

Repurchase agreements

                    248                          

                     249                          

Customer deposits

               16,377                          

                16,844                          

Subordinated loan stock

                    261                          

                     271                          

Other liabilities

                 1,169                          

                  1,082                          

Total liabilities

               19,417                          

                19,708                          

Shareholders' equity

                 2,222                          

                  2,121                          

Other equity instruments (AT1)

                    220                          

                     220                          

Total equity excluding non‑controlling interests

                 2,442                          

                  2,341                          

Non‑controlling interests

                       28                          

                       26                          

Total equity

                 2,470                          

                  2,367                          

Total liabilities and equity

               21,887                          

                22,075                          

Comparative information was restated following the change in the classification of properties which are leased out under operating leases as investment properties.


 

Key Balance Sheet figures and ratios

30 June
20191

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

Gross loans and advances to customers  (€ million)

                                                     

               13,072                          

                13,148                          

Allowance for expected credit losses (€ million)

                                                     

                 2,145                          

                  2,254                          

Customer deposits (€ million)

                                                     

               16,377                          

                16,844                          

Loans to deposits ratio (net)

                                                     

                   67%                          

                    65%                          

NPE ratio

                                                     

                   33%                          

                    36%                          

Expected credit losses coverage ratio for NPEs

                                                     

                   50%                          

                    47%                          

Leverage ratio

                                                     

                10.5%                          

                 10.0%                          

Capital ratios and risk weighted assets

 

 

 

Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio (CET 1) (transitional for IFRS 9)

15.2%

                14.9%                          

                 11.9%                          

Total capital ratio

18.1%

                17.8%                          

                 14.9%                          

Risk weighted assets (€ million)

13,724

               13,962                          

                15,373                          

1As at 30 June 2019, BOC PCL signed an agreement for the disposal of its entire holding of 49.9% in CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Ltd (CNP). Prior to the classification as held for sale, the investment was remeasured and a loss of €25.9 million was recognised in the consolidated income statement. The above 30 June 2019 figures and calculations have been calculated on the basis that the sale of CNP had been completed.


Reconciliation of the Income Statement for the six months ended 30 June 2019 between statutory and underlying basis

 

€ million

Underlying basis

Helix
portfolio

Investment in associate
classified as HFS

Tax related items

Other

Statutory
basis

Net interest income

            170                 

              34                 

                 - 

            - 

            - 

            204                 

Net fee and commission income

              75                 

                6                 

                 - 

           (6)              

            - 

              75                 

Net foreign exchange gains and net gains on other financial instruments transactions and disposal/
dissolution of subsidiaries and associates

              26                 

              - 

                 - 

            - 

             0              

              26                 

Insurance income net of insurance claims and commissions

              30                 

              - 

                 - 

            - 

            - 

              30                 

Net gains from revaluation and disposal of investment properties and on disposal of stock of properties

              16                 

              - 

                 - 

            - 

            - 

              16                 

Other income

              16                 

              - 

                 - 

            - 

            - 

              16                 

Total income

           333                 

              40                 

                 - 

           (6)              

             0              

           367                 

Total expenses

       (208)                 

           (23)                 

                 - 

            - 

           (9)              

       (240)                 

Operating profit

           125                 

              17                 

                 - 

           (6)              

           (9)              

           127                 

Loan credit losses

           (87)                 

           (17)                 

                 - 

            - 

             0              

         (104)                 

Impairments of other financial and non‑financial assets

           (10)                 

              - 

                 - 

           (8)              

            - 

           (18)                 

Reversal of provisions for litigation, regulatory and other matters

                3                 

              - 

                 - 

            - 

           (3)              

              - 

Remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale

              - 

              - 

             (26)                   

            - 

            - 

           (26)                 

Share of profit from associate

              - 

              - 

                  5                   

            - 

            - 

                5                 

Profit/(loss) before tax and non‑recurring items 

             31                 

              - 

             (21)                   

         (14)              

         (12)              

          (16)                 

Tax

                0                 

              - 

                 - 

         115              

            - 

            115                 

(Profit) attributable to non‑controlling interests

             (2)                 

              - 

                 - 

            - 

            - 

             (2)                 

Profit after tax and before non‑recurring items

             29                 

              - 

             (21)                   

         101              

         (12)              

             97                 

Advisory and other restructuring costs excluding discontinued operations and NPE sale (Helix)

           (12)                 

              - 

                 - 

            - 

           12              

              - 

Profit after tax ‑ organic*

             17                 

              - 

             (21)                   

         101              

            - 

             97                 

Profit/(loss) relating to NPE sale (Helix)

                0                 

(0)

                 - 

            - 

            - 

              - 

Loss on remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale (CNP) net of share of profit from associates

           (21)                 

              - 

                21                   

            - 

            - 

              - 

Reversal of impairment of deferred tax assets (DTA) and impairment of other tax receivables

            101                 

              - 

                 - 

       (101)              

            - 

              - 

Profit after tax (attributable to the owners of the Company)

             97                 

              - 

                 - 

            - 

            - 

             97                 


*This is the profit after tax, before the loss on remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale (CNP) net of share of profit from associates and the reversal of impairment of DTA and impairment of other tax receivables.

This measure best represents the true performance of the Group for management.

The reclassification differences between the statutory basis and underlying basis mainly relate to the impact from 'non‑recurring items' and are explained as follow:

Helix portfolio

·             Net interest income of €34 million and fee and commission income of €6 million relating to the NPE sale (Helix) is disclosed under non‑recurring items within 'Profit/(loss) relating to NPE sale (Helix)' under the underlying basis.

·             Total expenses include staff costs of €3 million, operating expenses of €12 million and restructuring costs of €8 million relating to NPE sale (Helix), and are presented within 'Profit/(loss) relating to NPE sale (Helix)' under the underlying basis.

·             Net loan credit losses of €17 million, is disclosed under non‑recurring items within 'Profit/(loss) relating to NPE sale (Helix)' under the underlying basis.

Investment in associate classified as HFS

·             Loss on remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale (CNP) net of share of profit form associate of €21 million comprises the share of profit for associate of €5 million which is reported in the 'Share of profits from associates' under the statutory basis and the loss on remeasurement of €26 million which is classified as 'Remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale' under the statutory basis. 

Tax related items

·             Reversal of impairment of the deferred tax asset amounting to €115 million included within 'Tax' under the statutory basis is classified as a non‑recurring item and disclosed within 'Reversal of impairment of DTA and impairment of other tax receivables' under the underlying basis. 'Fee and commission expense' relating to the revised income tax legislation of €6 million, which has been disclosed within 'Reversal of impairment of deferred tax asset and impairment of other tax receivables' under the underlying basis, is disclosed within the 'Net fee and commission income' under the statutory basis.

·             Impairment of other financial assets of €8 million, which are included in 'Credit losses of other financial instruments' under the statutory basis, relate to the impairment of Greek tax receivables and are classified as a non‑recurring item and dislcosed within 'Reversal of impairment of DTA and impairment of other tax receivables' under the underlying basis.

Other reclassifications

·             Advisory and other restructuring costs of approximately €12 million included in 'Other operating expenses' under the statutory basis, are separately presented under the underlying basis.

·             Reversal of provisions for litigation, regulatory and other matters amounting to €3 million included in 'Other operating expenses' under the statutory basis, are separately presented under the underlying basis.

Balance Sheet Analysis

Capital Base

Total equity (excluding non‑controlling interests) totalled €2,442 million at 30 June 2019, compared to €2,341 million at 31 December 2018. Shareholders' equity totalled €2,222 million at 30 June 2019, compared to €2,121 million at 31 December 2018.


The Common Equity Tier 1 capital (CET1) ratio on an IFRS 9 transitional basis stood at 14.9% at 30 June 2019 (and 15.2% pro forma for the sale of investment in CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Ltd ('CNP')), compared to 11.9% at 31 December 2018 (adjusted to take into account the DTAs which were fully phased in as of 1 January 2019). During the six months ended 30 June 2019 the Project Helix was completed, positively impacting CET1 ratio by c.140 bps. The CET1 ratio was positively affected by the tax legislation amendments relating to the conversion of deferred tax assets into deferred tax credits (DTC) and includes reviewed profits for the six months ended 30 June 2019.

The Group has elected to apply the EU transitional arrangements for regulatory capital purposes (EU Regulation 2017/2395) where the impact on the impairment amount from the initial application of IFRS 9 on the capital ratios is phased‑in gradually. The amount added each year decreases based on a weighting factor until the impact of IFRS 9 is fully absorbed back to CET1 at the end of the five years. The impact on the capital ratios for the year 2018 was 5% of the impact on the impairment amounts from the initial application of IFRS 9, increasing to 15% (cumulative) for the year 2019. The CET1 ratio on a fully‑loaded basis amounts to 13.3% at 30 June 2019 and 13.5% pro forma for the sale of investment in CNP, compared to 10.1% at 31 December 2018 (and 13.5% pro forma for DTC and Helix). On a transitional basis and on a fully phased‑in basis after the five year period of transition is complete, the impact of IFRS 9 is expected to be manageable and within the Group's capital plans.

As at 30 June 2019, the Total Capital ratio (TCR) stood at 17.8% (and 18.1% pro forma for the sale of investment in CNP), compared to 14.9% at 31 December 2018.

The Group's capital ratios are above the minimum CET1 regulatory capital ratio of 10.5% (comprising a 4.5% Pillar I requirement, a 3.0% Pillar II requirement, the Capital Conservation Buffer of 2.5% and the Other Systemically Important Institution Buffer of 0.5%) and the overall Total Capital requirement of 14.0%, comprising an 8.0% Pillar I requirement (of which up to 1.5% can be in the form of Additional Tier 1 capital and up to 2.0% in the form of Tier 2 capital), a 3.0% Pillar II requirement (in the form of CET1), the Capital Conservation Buffer of 2.5% and the Other Systemically Important Institution Buffer of 0.5%. The ECB has also provided non‑public guidance for an additional Pillar II CET1 buffer.

Pillar II add‑on capital requirements derive from the context of the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) process, which is a point in time assessment and are therefore subject to change over time. 

In accordance with the provisions of the Macroprudential Oversight of Institutions Law of 2015, the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) is also the responsible authority for the designation of banks that are Other Systemically Important Institutions (O‑SIIs) and for the setting of the O‑SII buffer requirement for these systemically important banks. The Group has been designated as an O‑SII and the O‑SII buffer currently set by the CBC for the Group is 2%. This buffer is being phased‑in gradually having started from 1 January 2019 at 0.5% and increasing by 0.5% every year thereafter, until being fully implemented (2.0%) on 1 January 2022. 

Based on the SREP decisions of prior years, the Company and BOC PCL were under a regulatory prohibition for equity dividend distribution and therefore no dividends were declared or paid during years 2018 and 2017. Following the 2018 SREP decision, the Company and BOC PCL are still under equity dividend distribution prohibition. This prohibition does not apply if the distribution is made via the issuance of new ordinary shares to the shareholders which are eligible as CET1 capital. No prohibition applies to the payment of coupons on any AT1 capital instruments issued by the Company and the BOC PCL.

The EBA final guidelines on SREP and supervisory stress testing in July 2018 and the Single Supervisory Mechanism's (SSM) 2018 SREP methodology provide that CET1 held for the purposes of Pillar II add‑on capital requirements cannot be used to meet any other capital requirements (Pillar 1, P2R or the combined buffer requirements), and therefore cannot be used twice. Such restrictions are, however, only expected to apply with effect from the 2019 SREP cycle.


Project Helix

In June 2019, the Group completed the sale of a portfolio of loans with a gross book value of €2.8 billion (of which €2.7 billion related to non‑performing loans) (the 'Portfolio') secured by real estate collateral to certain funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management LLC, the agreement for which was announced on 28 August 2018 (Project Helix). Cash consideration of c.€1.2 billion was received on completion, reflecting adjustments resulting from, inter alia, loan repayments received on the Portfolio since the reference date of 31 March 2018.

Overall, the transaction is capital accretive, with a net positive impact on the Group capital ratios of c.60 bps. The impact from the completion of Project Helix on the CET1 ratio and Total Capital ratio at 30 June 2019 is an increase of c.140 bps. 

The participation of the Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited (BOC PCL) in the senior debt in relation to financing the Transaction has been syndicated down from the initial level of €450 million to c.€45 million, representing c.4% of the total acquisition funding.

Agreement for the sale of investment in CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Ltd

In June 2019, the Group signed an agreement to sell its entire shareholding of 49.9% in its associate CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Limited ('CNP') that had been acquired as part of the acquisition of certain operations of Laiki Bank in 2013 for a cash consideration of €97.5 million. The sale is expected to be completed in the second half of 2019, subject to regulatory approvals. On completion, the sale is expected to have a positive impact of c.30 bps on both the Group's CET1 ratio and Total Capital ratio (based on the Financial results as at 30 June 2019) resulting mainly from the release of risk weighted assets.

Additional Tier 1 (AT1)

In December 2018, the Company proceeded with the issuance of €220 million of Additional Tier 1 Capital Securities (AT1). AT1 constitues an unsecured and subordinated obligation of the Company. The coupon is at 12.50% and is payable semi‑annually. The first coupon payment to AT1 holders was made in June 2019 and was recognised in retained earnings.

Legislative amendments for the conversion of deferred tax asset (DTA) to deferred tax credit (DTC)

Legislative amendments allowing for the conversion of specific deferred tax assets (DTA) into deferred tax credits (DTC) were adopted by the Cyprus Parliament on 1 March 2019 and published on the Official Gazette of the Republic on 15 March 2019. The law amendments cover the income tax losses transferred from Laiki Bank to BOC PCL in March 2013. The introduction of CRD IV in January 2014 and its subsequent phasing‑in led to a more capital intensive treatment of this DTA for the Company. The law amendments have resulted in improved regulatory capital treatment of the DTA, under Capital Requirements Regulation (EU) No. 575/2013 ('CRR'), amounting to c.€285 million or a CET1 uplift of c.190 bps.

Pro forma capital ratios

With the completion of the sale of investment in CNP, expected in the second half of 2019, the CET1 ratio (IFRS 9 transitional basis) of 14.9% as at 30 June 2019 improves to 15.2% pro forma for CNP. The Total Capital ratio of 17.8% as at 30 June 2019 improves to 18.1% pro forma for CNP.


Share premium reduction of BOC PCL

BOC PCL will proceed (subject to approvals mainly by the Court of Cyprus and the ECB) with a capital reduction process which will result in the reclassification of approximate €551 million of BOC PCL share premium account balance as distributable reserves which shall be available for distribution to the shareholders of BOC PCL, resulting in total net distributable reserves of c.€1 billion on a pro forma basis (31 December 2018). The reduction of capital will not have any impact on regulatory capital or the total equity position of BOC PCL or the Group.

The distributable reserves provide the basis for the calculation of distributable items under the CRR, which provides that coupons on AT1 capital instruments may only be funded from distributable items.

Funding

Funding from Central Banks

At 30 June 2019, BOC PCL's funding from central banks amounted to €830 million, which relates to ECB funding, (at the same level as at 31 December 2018), comprising solely of funding through the Targeted Longer‑Term Refinancing Operations (TLTRO II). 

Deposits

Customer deposits totalled €16,377 million at 30 June 2019 compared to €16,844 million at 31 December 2018, down by 3%.

BOC PCL's deposit market share in Cyprus reached 34.7% as at 30 June 2019, compared to 36.0% at 31 December 2018. Customer deposits accounted for 75% of total assets at 30 June 2019.

Upon completion of the project Helix, the Loan to Deposit ratio (L/D) was reduced by 5 p.p. to 67%, compared to 72% to 31 December 2018 when ignoring the classification of the Helix portfolio as a disposal group held for sale and compared to a pick of 151% at 31 March 2014.

Subordinated Loan Stock

At 30 June 2019 BOC PCL's subordinated loan stock (including accrued interest) amounted to €261 million (compared to €271 million as at 31 December 2018) and relates to unsecured subordinated Tier 2 Capital Notes of nominal value €250 million, issued by BOC PCL in January 2017.

Liquidity

At 30 June 2019 the Group Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) stood at 253% (compared to 231% at 31 December 2018) and was in compliance with the minimum regulatory requirement of 100%. The liquidity surplus at 30 June 2019 increased to €3.8 billion, reflecting a €1.2 billion increase of liquidity on Helix completion.

The Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) has not yet been introduced. It will become a regulatory indicator when Capital Requirement Regulation 2 (CRR2) is enforced, currently expected in 2021, with the limit set at 100%. At 30 June 2019, the Group's NSFR, on the basis of Basel ΙΙΙ standards, stood at 128% (compared to 119% at 31 December 2018).


Loans

Group gross loans totalled €13,072 million at 30 June 2019 compared to €15,900 million at 31 December 2018. Gross loans in Cyprus totalled €12,945 million at 30 June 2019. The reduction in gross loans by 17% is attributed mainly to the completion of Project Helix (sale of €2.8 billion of gross loans of which €2.7 billion related to non‑performing loans) and to a lesser extent to the completion of Project Velocity (sale of €30 million gross loans, of which the whole amount related to non‑performing loans) in the second quarter of 2019.

New loans granted in Cyprus reached €1,111 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019, exceeding new lending in the six months ended 30 June 2018. 

At 30 June 2019, the Group net loans and advances to customers totalled €10,949 million (compared to €10,922 million at 31 December 2018 excluding Project Helix loans).

BOC PCL is the single largest credit provider in Cyprus with a market share of 41.3% at 30 June 2019 compared to 45.4% at 31 December 2018 with the reduction reflecting the derecognition of the Helix portfolio on completion of project Helix.

Loan portfolio quality

Tackling the Group's loan portfolio quality remains the top priority for management. The Group continues to make steady progress across all asset quality metrics and the loan restructuring activity continues. The Group has been successful in engineering restructuring solutions across the spectrum of its loan portfolio.

Non‑performing exposures (NPEs) as defined by the European Banking Authority (EBA) were reduced to €4,312 million at 30 June 2019, accounting for 33% of gross loans compared to 47% at 31 December 2018 (including the Helix and Velocity portfolios).

The provisioning coverage ratio of NPEs improved to 50% at 30 June 2019 compared to 47% at 31 December 2018 on the same basis. Ignoring the classification of the Helix (and Velocity) Portfolios as disposal groups held for sale, the NPE Provision coverage as at 31 December 2018 stood at 52%.

When taking into account tangible collateral at fair value, NPEs are fully covered.

 

 

30 June 2019

31 December 2018

 

€ million

% of gross loans

€ million

% of gross loans

NPEs as per EBA definition

            4,312                     

           33.0%                     

             7,419                     

            46.7%

Of which:
‑ NPEs with forbearance measures, no arrears

                657                     

             5.0%                     

             1,211                     

              7.6%

Overall, the Group has recorded organic NPE reductions for seventeen consecutive quarters and expects the organic reduction of NPEs to continue during the coming quarters.

Project Helix

In June 2019, the Group announced the completion of Project Helix, that refers to the sale of a portfolio of loans with a gross book value of €2.8 billion (of which €2.7 billion related to non‑performing loans) (the 'Portfolio') secured by real estate collateral to certain funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management LLC, the agreement for which was announced on 28 August 2018.

Following the completion of Project Helix, the Group's gross NPEs are c.70% lower than its peak in 2014. Project Helix reduced the NPE ratio by c.11 p.p. to 33% as at 30 June 2019.


Cash consideration of c.€1.2 billion was received on completion, reflecting adjustments resulting from, inter alia, loan repayments received on the Portfolio since the reference date of 31 March 2018.

The participation of BOC PCL in the senior debt in relation to financing the Transaction has been syndicated down from the initial level of €450 million to c.€45 million, representing c.4% of the total acquisition funding.

The Group remains focused on continuing to improve its asset quality position and to seek solutions, both organic and inorganic, to make BOC PCL a stronger and safer institution, capable of supporting the local economy.

ESTIA

In July 2018, the Government announced a scheme aimed at addressing NPEs backed by primary residence, known as ESTIA (the 'Scheme'). This Scheme is expected to impact approximately €0.84 billion of retail core NPEs, subject to eligibility criteria and participation rate. The ESTIA eligible portfolio refers to the potentially eligible portfolio following on‑going detailed assesment based on the BOC PCL's available data on Open Market Value (OMV) and NPE status. Eligibility criteria relate primarily to the OMV of the residence, total income and net wealth of the household. These will act as a clear definition of socially protected borrowers, acting as an enabler against strategic defaulters. In accordance with the Scheme, the eligible loans are to be restructured to the lower of the contractual balance and OMV. The Government will subsidise one third of the instalment. In July 2019, the Memorandum of the Understanding was signed by the banks and the Government for participation in the Scheme, which is underway for official launch in September 2019. According to the timeline provided by the Government, the application submissions will occur from September to mid‑November 2019, with evaluation by the banks running concurrently until the end of November 2019. During the fourth quarter of 2019, participating banks will offer restructuring solutions to the applicants and simultaneously the applications will be reviewed and approved by the Government, with the process expected to finish by March 2020. The first payment of the state subsidy installment is expected to occur between December 2019 and April 2020.

Project Velocity

In June 2019, BOC PCL completed the sale of an NPE portfolio of primarily retail unsecured exposures, with a contractual balance of €245 million and a gross book value of €30 million as at the date of disposal (known as 'Project Velocity' or the 'Sale') to APS Delta s.r.o. This portfolio comprised 9,700 heavily delinquent borrowers, including 8,800 private individuals and 900 small‑to‑medium‑sized enterprises. The Sale was broadly neutral to both, the income statement and to capital.

The Group continues to assess the potential to accelerate the decrease in NPEs on its balance sheet through an additional sale of NPEs. To that extent the Group has, during the second half of 2019, embarked on a preparation phase to review the feasibility of NPE reduction structures with the aim of identifying the option that best meets the Group's strategic objectives. The preparation phase involves defining the relevant NPE portfolio, evaluation of real estate collaterals, data remediation and enhancement of data tapes, borrower information memorandums, legal due diligence and transaction structuring options. For the purposes of completing the workstreams outlined above and in order to conclude on the best possible structure, the Group has engaged international advisors, and is proceeding to engage in high level discussions via the signing of confidentiality agreements with various third parties, including financial investors and investment banks, that may be interested in pursuing a possible collaboration with the Group. A range of potential outcomes of this preparation phase is possible, including an outright sale (including BOC PCL retaining a portion of the related financing). Any potential transaction is expected to involve a portfolio of NPEs in excess of €2 billion by gross book value. The Group is not committed to any outcome arising from this preparation phase, which is currently expected to be finalised in the first half of 2020.


Real Estate Management Unit (REMU)

The Real Estate Management Unit (REMU) on‑boarded €126 million of assets during the six months ended 30 June 2019, via the execution of debt for asset swaps and repossessed properties. The focus for REMU is increasingly shifting from on‑boarding of assets resulting from debt for asset swaps towards the disposal of these assets. The Group completed organic disposals of €92 million during the six months ended 30 June 2019 (compared to €126 million for the same period last year), resulting in a profit on disposal of €16 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019. During the six months ended 30 June 2019, the Group executed sale‑purchase agreements (SPAs) with contract value of €110 million (258 properties), excluding the sale of Cyreit. In addition, the Group signed SPAs for disposals of assets with contract value of €89 million.

In November 2018, BOC PCL signed an agreement for the disposal of its entire holding in the investment shares of the Cyreit Variable Capital Investment Company PLC (Cyreit). During the first half of 2019, the Group completed the sale of the Cyreit (21 properties) recognising a loss on disposal of approximate €1 million. The total proceeds, since November 2018, from the disposal of Cyreit were €160 million.

With the completion of Project Helix, properties with carrying value of €109 million, which were included in the portfolio for the NPE sale (Helix), were derecognised as at 30 June 2019.

The Group has decided to classify the leased properties acquired in exchange of debt and leased out under operating leases as 'Investment Properties' instead of 'Inventories'. This change has been applied retrospectively resulting in the restatement of comparatives.

As a result of the above change in classification, properties with carrying value of €118 million were reclassified from the stock of properties (measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value under IAS 2) to investment properties (measured at fair value under IAS 40) as at 30 June 2019 (compared to €103 million at 31 December 2018). These properties continue to be managed by REMU.

This change in classification had no material impact on the Group's comparative retained earnings and a cumulative impact of €1 million gain has been recognised under 'Net gains from revaluation and disposal of investment properties and on disposal of stock of properties'  in the income statement of first half of 2019.

Overseas exposure

At 30 June 2019 there were overseas exposures of €311 million in Greece relating to both loans and properties (compared to €144 million as at 31 December 2018), not identified as non‑core exposures, since they are considered by management as exposures arising in the normal course of business. The increase is mainly driven by new lending to Greek entities investing in Cyprus, granted by BOC PCL in the normal course of business.

During the six months ended 30 June 2019, the Group signed a binding agreement for the disposal of the overseas exposure in Serbia, comprising loans and properties, amounting to €8 million. As at 30 June 2019 the exposure was classified as held for sale.

The Group continues its efforts for further deleveraging and disposal of non‑essential assets and operations.

Income Statement Analysis

Total income

Net interest income (NII) and net interest margin (NIM) for the six months ended 30 June 2019 amounted to €170 million and 1.88% respectively on the underlying basis. NII was up by 3% compared to €166 million a year earlier. The NIM remained broadly flat when compared to previous year, negatively affected by the continued pressure on lending rates and positively affected by the reduction of cost of deposits.

Average interest earning assets for the six months ended 30 June 2019 amounted to €18,270 million, up by 1% a year earlier.


Non‑interest income for the six months ended 30 June 2019 amounted to €163 million, mainly comprising net fee and commission income of €75 million, net foreign exchange gains and net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries of €26 million, net insurance income of €30 million, net gains from revaluation and disposal of investment properties and on disposal of stock of properties of €16 million and other income of €16 million.

Net foreign exchange gains and net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries of €26 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019, comprising mainly net foreign exchange gains of €14 million and net gains on revaluation of financial instruments of €12 million, decreased by 37% compared to same period last year mainly due to one‑off gain on disposal of bonds during the six months ended 30 June 2018 amounting to €19 million. 

Net insurance income amounted to €30 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019, compared to €25 million for the same period last year, up by 20%, reflecting increased income and positive investment returns. 

Net gains from revaluation and disposal of investment properties and on disposal of stock of properties for the six months ended 30 June 2019 amounted to €16 million, of which net profit from the disposal of stock properties of €17 million (REMU gains), and a valuation loss of €1 million, compared to net gains of €21 million for the same period last year which related mainly to the net profit from the disposal of stock of properties (REMU gains).

Total income for the six months ended 30 June 2019 amounted to €333 million, compared to €345 million for the same period last year (down by 4%). 

Total expenses

Total expenses for the first half of 2019 were €208 million compared to €194 million for the same period last year), 54% of which related to staff costs (€112 million), 40% to other operating expenses (€84 million) and 6% (€12 million) to special levy and contribution to Single Resolution Fund (SRF).  

Total operating expenses for the first half of 2019 were €196 million compared to €182 million in the corresponding period last year, up by 8%.

Staff costs of €112 million for the first half of 2019 increased by 9% compared to €102 million in the first six months of 2018 mainly driven by the increase in employer's social insurance contributions from the beginning of the year and the additional contributions to the new general healthcare system which commenced in March 2019. 

The number of persons employed by the Group as at 30 June 2019 was 4,155 and includes 108 persons relating to the Helix transaction, where the full migration and transfer to the buyer is expected to conclude by the end of the year (31 December 2018: 4,146 and 30 June 2018: 4,158 represented).

Other operating expenses were €84 million, increased by 6% from the same period last year, mainly due to higher property related costs and higher depreciation and amortisation resulting from increased capital expenditure following the Digital Transformation Programme.

Cost management, including containment of staff costs, remains a key focus for this year and going forward.

Profit before tax and non‑recurring items

Profit before tax and non‑recurring items for the six months ended 30 June 2019 was €125 million, compared to €151 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018, down by 17%, mainly due to the lower volume on loans and pressure on lending rates. 

The loan credit losses for the six months ended 30 June 2019 totalled €87 million, compared to €85 million for the same period last year, reflecting further balance sheet de‑risking.


The annualised loan credit losses charge (cost of risk) for the first half of 2019, following the completion of NPE sales which led to the reduction of gross loans by €2.8 billion, accounted for 1.3% of gross loans, compared to an annualised loan credit losses charge of 1.22% for the same period last year, on the same basis. 

At 30 June 2019, the allowance for expected loan credit losses, including fair value adjustment on initial recognition and provisions for off‑balance sheet exposures totalled €2,145 million (compared to €2,254 million at 31 December 2018 pro forma for Helix) and accounted for 16.4% of gross loans on the same basis. 

Impairments of other financial and non‑financial instruments for the six months ended 30 June 2019 amounted to €10 million compared to €13 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018, mainly driven by the de‑risking of the legacy REMU properties.

Reversal of provisions for litigation, regulatory and other matters relates to reversal of provisions of previously provided cases with a favourable outcome.

Profit/(loss) after tax

The tax credit for the six months ended 30 June 2019 is minimal, positively affected by overprovisions relating to prior years, compared to a tax charge of €4 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018. 

Profit after tax and before non‑recurring items for the six months ended 30 June 2019 was €29 million, compared to a profit of €57 million for the same period last year, down by 51%.  

Advisory and other restructuring costs‑excluding discontinued operations and NPE sale (Helix) amounted to €12 million, compared to €15 million for the first half of 2018, down by 22%.

Profit after tax arising from the organic operations of the Group for the first half of 2019 amounted to €17 million, compared to €42 million for the corresponding period last year, down by 61%.

The net result relating to NPE sale (Helix) comprising the interest income, non‑interest income, staff costs, other operating expenses and loan credit losses related to Project Helix, for the first six months of 2019 was nil compared to a net loss of €105 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018.

The loss on remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale (CNP) net of share of profit from associates totalled €21 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019, comprising a loss on remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale of €26 million and a share of profit from investment in associate of €5 million (compared to a share of profit from associates of €5 million in the period ended 30 June 2018). During 2019 the Group announced a binding agreement to sell its entire shareholding of 49.9% in its associate CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Limited (CNP) that had been acquired as part of the acquisition of certain operations of Laiki Bank in 2013, for a cash consideration of €97.5 million.

The reversal of impairment of DTA and impairment of other tax receivables totalled €101 million for the first half of 2019, comprising the positive impact of €109 million following amendments to the Income Tax legislation in Cyprus adopted in March 2019, and an impairment of €8 million relating to Greek tax receivables adversely impacted from legislative changes.

Profit after tax attributable to the owners of the Company for the six months ended 30 June 2019 was €97 million, compared to a loss of €54 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018. 


Operating environment

Economic expansion continued into 2019 with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing by 3.4% in the first quarter and by 3.2% in the second quarter seasonally adjusted, after rising by 3.9% in 2018, and by 4.5% and 4.8% respectively in 2017 and 2016 (Cyprus Statistical Service). The deceleration was driven by slowing activity in the traditional sectors including tourism and construction. From the demand side the slowdown was driven by a deteriorating external balance. Excluding ships registrations, net exports have been contributing negatively to real GDP growth in 2018 and in the first quarter of 2019. Exports and imports of goods and services excluding ships, declined in the first quarter. Regarding exports, both the goods and services components declined, the latter reflecting a poorer tourism performance at the start of the year. Government consumption surged in the quarter. Other than transport equipment which fluctuates with ship registrations, fixed investment was driven by construction related activities.

Total employment increased by 6% in the first quarter (Cyprus Statistical Service) driven by full‑time hirings, and the unemployment rate dropped to 7.3% when seasonally adjusted (Eurostat). Consumer inflation remained tamed in the first seven months of the year rising by 0.8% compared with 1.4% for 2018 due in part to low energy prices in world markets, but also limited pricing power in most categories of goods and services with the exception of housing. Tourist arrivals dropped marginally by 0.9% in the first half of the year with the drop of Russian tourists more pronounced at 4.4%, whilst arrivals from the UK were up marginally by 0.4%. In the construction sector, building permits remained strong in the first quarter, particularly for dwellings, with some deceleration in terms of volume. Building permits increased sharply in April 2019 in terms of volume, driven by the hotel sector. On the demand side, the volume of retail sales decelerated sharply in the first quarter of the year, rising by 1.9%, compared to a 5.4% overall yearly increase in 2018.

Looking into the medium term, the economy is expected to continue to grow but at a slowing pace, according to forecasts by the IMF and the European Commission. Employment conditions are expected to continue to improve and the unemployment rate is expected to drop further. Price inflation is expected to rise in later years as capacity utilisation will be tightening. The economy will continue to wrestle with legacy problems to some degree, but the real challenge will be the transformation of the economy towards higher value added activities that will support higher productivity growth and improved competitiveness.

The primary challenges therefore will be, to further de‑risk the economy by reducing public debt and the remaining stock of non‑performing loans; to safeguard fiscal space so as to be able to respond to unforeseen circumstances; and to pursue additional structural reforms especially in the judiciary and public administration domains that will improve the investment environment and in the process induce productivity boosting investments.

Fiscal performance has been strengthening driven by rising public revenues and constrained expenditures. The general government budget surplus rose to 3.5% of GDP in 2018 and remained sizable in the first half of 2019. Public debt remains high and rose further in 2018 to €21.3 billion or 102.5% of GDP, as a result of the fiscal burden associated with the resolution of the Cyprus Cooperative Bank (Eurostat). However, a combination of budget surplus, rising expected inflation and low debt service costs, will be supporting an accelerated decline in the public debt to GDP ratio in the medium term.

In the banking sector, funding conditions remained favourable and the stock of NPEs continued to decline. Specifically, the stock of NPEs declined from €20.9 billion at the end of December 2017 to €10.4 billion at the end of December 2018 after Bank of Cyprus' loans sale and the resolution of the Cyprus Cooperative Bank. The stock of NPEs was €10.3 billion at the end of March 2019 and the ratio to gross loans was 30.9%, marginally higher than 30.5% at the end of December 2018, reflecting a further drop in loans outstanding.

Going forward, downside risks derive from the external environment and the structure of the domestic economy which is characterised by a large foreign balance relative to the GDP. The slowing of global trade, uncertainties over Brexit and fragilities in the EU are having an impact. Brexit presents downside risks to the Cyprus economy given close trade and investment links. Economic growth is expected to remain positive, but to soften. Growth in 2019 and 2020 according to the European Commission is expected to be at 2.9% and 2.6%, respectively. Employment is expected to continue to rise, but at a slower pace than in recent years, and the unemployment rate is expected to continue to drop. Investment is expected to be strengthening, but high imports are expected to limit the contribution to growth from the external sector. Exports growth is expected to decelerate relative to 2014‑2018 against a less favourable international environment.


The sovereign risk ratings of the Cyprus Government improved considerably in the recent period reflecting expectations of a sustained decline in public debt as a ratio to GDP, expected further declines in non‑performing exposures and a more stable price environment following a protracted period of deflation and low inflation. In November 2018 Fitch Ratings upgraded its Long‑Term Issuer Default ratings for Cyprus to investment grade (BBB‑), affirming in April 2019. In September 2018, S&P Global Ratings also upgraded Cyprus to investment grade (BBB‑). In July 2018 Moody's Investors Service upgraded Cyprus' sovereign rating to Ba2 from Ba3, affirmed in April 2019. All maintain stable outlook.

Business Overview

As the Cypriot operations account for 99% of gross loans and 100% of customer deposits, after the disposal of the UK operations in 2018, the Group's financial performance is highly correlated to the economic and operating conditions in Cyprus and is expected to consequently benefit from the country's recovery. Most recently, at the end of July 2019, Standard and Poor's affirmed their long‑term issuer credit rating on the Bank to 'B+' (stable outlook). In March 2019, Fitch Ratings affirmed their long‑term issuer default rating of B‑ (positive outlook). In January 2019, Moody's Investors Service upgraded the Bank's long‑term deposit rating to B3 from Caa1, with a positive outlook. The positive outlook reflects expectations of further improvements in the BOC PCL's financial fundamentals, mainly asset quality over the next 12‑18 months, in the context of an improved operating environment in Cyprus.  The key drivers for the rating actions were the improvement in the BOC PCL's financial fundamentals, mainly in asset quality, and its funding position. 

Tackling the BOC PCL's loan portfolio quality is of utmost importance for the Group. The Group has been successful in engineering restructuring solutions across the spectrum of its loan portfolio, and expects the organic reduction of residual NPEs  to continue, with a target of c. €800 million for 2019, as portfolio size and business line mix has changed radically upon completion of the Project Helix. In parallel, the Group continues to actively explore strategies to further accelerate de‑risking including further portfolio sales. 

The July 2018 foreclosure law amendments have expedited the process and removed options to frustrate execution.  Recently, the Cyprus Parliament voted through certain changes to the 2018 law which, in the most part, seek to (a) provide additional checks and balances where banks are seeking to foreclose small loans (<€350 thousand) secured by a principal private residence, and (b) extend the foreclosure timetable by extending various notice periods. These amendments have not yet passed into law, as the President of the Republic has referred these to the Supreme Court, based on legal advice from the Attorney General that elements thereof are unconstitutional. Discussions are on‑going, including, inter alia, with the Ministry of Finance, the CBC and the Financial Ombudsman, aiming to introduce amendments to the foreclosure and loan restructuring framework that are acceptable to all stakeholders.

The strategic focus of the Group is to reshape its business model to grow in the core Cypriot market through prudent new lending. As at 30 June 2019, the Bank's capital position remains good and is strengthened pro forma for the disposal of investment in CNP. The Group expects to continue to be able to support the recovery of the Cyprus economy through the provision of new lending. Growth in new lending in Cyprus is focused on selected industries that are more in line with the Bank's target risk profile, such as tourism, trade, real estate, professional services, information/communication technologies, energy, education and green projects.

Aiming at supporting investments by SMEs and mid‑caps to boost the Cypriot economy, and create new jobs for young people, the Bank continues to provide joint financed schemes. To this end, the Bank continues its partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Investment Fund (EIF), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Cyprus Government.

Management is also placing emphasis on diversifying income streams by optimising fee income from international transaction services, wealth management and insurance. The Group's insurance companies, EuroLife Ltd and General Insurance of Cyprus Ltd operating in the sectors of life and general insurance respectively, are leading players in the insurance business in Cyprus, with such businesses providing a recurring income, further diversifying the Group's income streams. The insurance income net of insurance claims for the six months ended 30 June 2019 amounted to €30 million, up by 20% compared to same period last year, contributing to 18% of non‑interest income.


In order to further optimise its funding structure, the Bank continues to focus on the shape and cost of deposit franchise, taking advantage of the increased customer confidence towards the Bank, as well as improving macroeconomic conditions. The cost of deposit was reduced by 52 bps to 24 bps over the last 18 months.

In common with other European banks, the changed interest rate environment presents a challenge to the Group's profitability. A key focus for management this year and going forward is the active management of funding costs and on‑going running expenses, including the containment of staff cost. The Digital Transformation Programme that started in 2017 is beginning to deliver an improved customer experience (see section below) and the branch network is half the size it was in 2013.

Digital Transformation

As part of its vision to be the leading financial hub in Cyprus, BOC PCL continues its Digital Transformation Programme in collaboration with IBM, the BOC PCL's Strategic Digital Transformation Partner, which focuses on three strategic pillars: developing digital services and products that enhance the customer experience, streamlining internal processes and introducing new ways of working to improve the workplace environment. In the last few months, various new features were introduced on the new mobile app, such as the ability to apply for e‑products, transfer amounts over €150 through QuickPay, log‑in through biometrics, and view own accounts with UK banks. Also, financial management tools have been introduced that allow our clients to use the 1Bank service to better manage their finances. In addition, Apple Pay was launched that allows Bank of Cyprus Visa cardholders to make secure and fast payments through iOS mobile devices. This has had very positive feedback from customers and rapid adoption. Payments via Android devices are made through the BoC Wallet app. Moreover, the introduction of the 1Bank B2B (business to business) APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) is gaining traction.

These are interfaces that enable businesses to enjoy access to 1Bank functionality directly through their own systems without the need to access the 1Bank website. In addition, the IBU Gateway was introduced that provides 24/7 access to Professional Associates and IBU/Wealth customers to apply for products or services and get a ready‑to‑sign application form.

BOC PCL has led the way in Cyprus in establishing an open banking ecosystem, by being the first bank in Cyprus to launch its PSD2 APIs (Payment Service Directive2, Application Programming Interfaces) and also by integrating with nine UK banks allowing customers to view their account balances and transactions from the integrated banks together with their Bank of Cyprus accounts through 1Bank. Building on the success of the integration of the UK banks BOC PCL is working on integrating Cypriot banks. Furthermore, several other initiatives are in progress, including enhancing digital channels to improve customer experience, providing online services using digital signatures, automating internal end to end processes using a BPM (Business Process Management) platform and introducing collaboration and knowledge sharing tools across the organisation.

The adoption of digital products and services continues to grow and gain momentum, compared to two years ago, when the digital transformation program began. Today, 75% of transactions involving deposits, cash withdrawals and internal/external transfers, are performed through digital channels (with the corresponding rate two years before reaching 65%). Regarding the use of mobile banking, the number of active users increased by 54% from June 2017, while the average monthly number of log‑ins per customer also increased by 44% during the same period. BOC PCL also monitors the Digital Adoption Rate, which is a composite indicator that demonstrates the digital engagement of customers with BOC PCL and the overall digital economy. This indicator is currently 66% and moving steadily upwards (compared to 59% two years ago).

Outlook

The Group remains on track for implementing its strategic objectives aiming to become a stronger, safer and a more focused institution capable of supporting the recovery of the Cypriot economy and delivering appropriate shareholder returns in the medium term.


The key pillars of the Group's strategy are to:

·             Materially reduce the level of delinquent loans

·             Further optimise the funding structure

·             Maintain an appropriate capital position by internally generating capital

·             Focus on the core Cyprus market

·             Achieve a lean operating model

·             Deliver value to shareholders and other stakeholders

 

KEY PILLARS

PLAN OF ACTION

 1. Materially reduce the level of delinquent loans

·             Sustain momentum in restructuring and continue reduction of NPEs

·             Focus on terminated portfolios (in Recovery Unit) - "accelerated consensual foreclosures"

·             Real estate management via REMU

·             Continue to explore alternative accelerating NPE reduction measures such as NPE sales, securitisations etc.

 2. Further optimise the funding structure

·             Focus on shape and cost of deposit franchise

 3. Maintain an appropriate capital position

·             Internally generating capital

 4. Focus on core Cyprus market

·             Targeted lending in Cyprus into promising sectors to fund recovery

·             New loan origination, while maintaining lending yields

·             Revenue diversification via fee income from international banking, wealth, and insurance

 5. Achieve a lean operating model

·             Implementation of digital transformation program underway, aimed at enhancing productivity through alternative distribution channels and reducing operating costs over time, including containment of staff costs

·             Post the execution of further NPE reduction, BOC PCL is focusing on the need to manage costs

 6. Deliver value

·             Deliver appropriate medium term risk‑adjusted returns

Going concern

The Directors have made an assessment of the Group's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of 12 months from the date of approval of these Financial Statements. The Directors believe that the Group is taking all necessary measures to maintain its viability and the development of its business in the current economic environment.

In making this assessment, the Directors considered the significant transactions during 2018 and the six months ended 30 June 2019, which had a positive impact on the capital position of the Group, including the sale of non performing loans (the Helix transaction), the disposal of Bank of Cyprus UK Ltd and the issuance of €220 million Additional Tier 1 Capital Securities. The Directors have also considered the legislative amendments on the Income Tax Law Amendment 28 (I) of 2019, enacted on 1 March 2019, which allow for the conversion of specific deferred tax assets (DTA) into deferred tax credits (DTC), the Group's Financial and Capital Plan and the developments in the operating environment in Cyprus.

The Group has developed a Financial and Capital Plan (the 'Plan'), which has been approved by the Board in February 2019. One of the most important objectives of the Plan was to ensure that the Group has sufficient resources and capital in order to continue the balance sheet de‑risking and further deal with the residual NPEs. The IFRS 9 impact on a fully phased‑in basis has been considered within the Group's Plan.


Despite the implementation risk associated with the outcome of future events outlined in the Plan at the reporting date, the Directors believe that there is sufficient capital throughout the period of assessment to meet regulatory capital requirements. The Group will continue its de‑risking strategy and remains focused to implement the actions contemplated in the Plan.

The Directors, in making their assessment, have given particular attention to the regulatory requirements relating to capital and liquidity as follows:

Non‑Performing Exposures

·             The Group completed the Helix transaction in June 2019 which along with the organic reduction led to a significant decrease of NPEs during the six months ended 30 June 2019; and

·             The reduction of NPEs has been a regulatory focus for a number of years and will continue to be so. The Group has prepared an updated NPE strategy plan for the years 2019‑2021 which was submitted to the ECB in June 2019. The Directors believe that the reduction of NPEs is a significant factor with regards to the future viability of the Group as a pillar bank in Cyprus.

Capital

The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio and the Total Capital ratio on a transitional basis at 30 June 2019 are higher than the minimum required ratios (Note 5.1 of these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial  Statements).

Following the Annual Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) performed by the ECB in 2018 and based on the final 2018 SREP decision received on 27 March 2019, the Group's minimum phased in CET1 ratio and Total Capital ratio remain unchanged, when ignoring the phasing‑in of the Capital Conservations Buffer and the Other Systemically Important Institution Buffer. The final 2018 SREP decision was applied from 1 April 2019.

The projected capital ratios of the Group indicate that there will be sufficient capital throughout the period of assessment when considered in conjunction with the following items:

·             The phase‑in of IFRS 9. The Group has elected to apply the EU transitional arrangements for regulatory capital purposes (EU Regulation 2017/2395) where the total impact on adoption of IFRS 9 of €308,511 thousand, on 1 January 2018 and any subsequent increase allowed by the regulation for phasing‑in (i.e. increase in Stage 1 and Stage 2 allowance), will impact the capital ratios over a period of five years. The impact on the regulatory capital is being phased‑in based on a weighting factor until it is fully absorbed at the end of the five years. The initial impact of IFRS 9 was phased in by 5% on 1 January 2018 and increased to 15% (cumulative) on 1 January 2019.

·             The regulatory capital position of the Group has strengthened further, upon the completion of the Helix transaction. On completion, the derecognition of the Helix portfolio had a positive impact on the Group's capital ratios resulting from the release of risk weighted assets.

·             The Group's capital position is sufficient, allowing acceleration of risk reduction and recalibration of the cost base. The Group remains focused to implement the actions contemplated in the Plan submitted to the ECB.  

·             The agreement for the sale of investment in CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Ltd will further enhance the capital position of the Group.

·             As the Cypriot operations account for 99% of gross loans and 100% of customer deposits (after the disposal of the UK operations in 2018), the Group's financial performance is highly correlated to the economic and operating conditions in Cyprus and is expected to consequently benefit from the country's recovery. The sovereign risk ratings of the Cyprus government improved considerably in the recent period reflecting expectations of a sustained decline in public debt as a ratio to GDP, expected further declines in non‑performing exposures and a more stable price environment following a protracted period of deflation and low inflation. In November 2018, Fitch Ratings upgraded its Long‑Term Issuer Default ratings for Cyprus to investment grade (BBB‑), affirming in April 2019. In September 2018, S&P Global Ratings also upgraded Cyprus to investment grade (BBB‑). In July 2018 Moody's Investors Service upgraded Cyprus' sovereign rating to Ba2 from Ba3, affirmed in April 2019. All maintain stable outlook.


·             Most recently, at the end of July 2019, Standard and Poor's affirmed their long‑term issuer credit rating on the BOC PCL's of 'B+' (stable outlook). In March 2019, Fitch Ratings affirmed their long‑term issuer default rating of B‑ (positive outlook). In January 2019, Moody's Investors Service upgraded the Bank's long‑term deposit rating to B3 from Caa1, with a positive outlook. The positive outlook reflects expectations of further improvements in the BOC PCL's financial fundamentals, mainly asset quality over the next 12‑18 months, in the context of an improved operating environment in Cyprus. The key drivers for the ratings were the improvement in the BOC PCL's financial fundamentals, mainly in asset quality, and its funding position.

Funding and liquidity

·             The Group is monitoring its liquidity position and is considering ways to reduce the deposits cost; and

·             The Group is in compliance with the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and is significantly above the minimum requirements (Note 31 of these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial  Stetaments).

Based on the projections of the management, it is expected that the Group will maintain compliance with these liquidity requirements for the period of the going concern assessment.

Principal risks and uncertainties ‑ Risk management and mitigation

Like other financial organisations, the Group is exposed to risks, the most significant of which are credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk (arising from adverse movements in exchange rates, interest rates and security prices) and insurance risk.  The Group monitors, manages and mitigates these risks through various control mechanisms. Detailed information relating to Group risk management is set out in Note 29 to 31 of these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements and in the Additional Risk and Capital Management Disclosures including Pillar 3 Semi‑annual disclosures which form part of the Interim Financial Report for the six months ended 30 June 2019.

The Group is also exposed to litigation risk, arising from claims, investigations, regulatory and other matters. Further information is disclosed in Note 25 to these Consolidated Condensed  Interim Financial Statements.

Additionally, the Group is exposed to the risk on changes in the fair value of property which is held either for own use or as stock of property or as investment property.  Stock of property is predominately acquired in exchange of debt and is intended to be disposed of in line with the Group's strategy. Further information is disclosed in Note 17 to these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements.

The Group activities are mainly in Cyprus therefore the Group performance is impacted by changes in the Cyprus operating environment as described in the 'Operating environment' section of this Interim Management Report.

In addition, details of the significant judgements, estimates and assumptions which may have a material impact on the Group's financial performance and position are set out in Note 6 of these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial statements.

Details of the financial instruments and hedging activities of the Group are set out in Note 14 of these Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements.

Events after the reporting date

ESTIA Memorandum of Understanding

In July 2019 the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by BOC PCL and the Government for the implementation of ESTIA scheme, which is underway for official launch in September 2019. ESTIA is a scheme aimed at addressing NPEs backed by primary residence, announced by the Government in July 2018. According to the timeline provided by the Government, the application submissions will occur from September 2019 to mid‑November 2019. During the forth quarter of 2019 BOC PCL, will offer restructuring solutions to the applicants and simultaneously the applications will be reviewed and approved by the Government. The first payment of the state subsidy installment is expected to occur between December 2019 and April 2020.


Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Interim Financial Report in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 on Interim Financial Reporting (IAS 34) as adopted by the European Union, the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 and the Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland.

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed on page 1, confirms that to the best of each person's knowledge and belief:

·             the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Group at 30 June 2019, and its profit for the period then ended; and

·             that as required by the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007, the Interim Financial Report includes a fair review of:

(a)     important events that have occurred during the first six months of the year, and their impact on the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements;

(b)     a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the next six months of the financial year; and

(c)     details of any related party transactions that have materially affected the Group's financial position or performance in the six months ended 30 June 2019, and material changes to related party transactions described in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2018.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Group's website. Legislation in Ireland governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

 

 

 

Efstratios‑Georgios Arapoglou

Chairman

 

 

 

John Patrick Hourican

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

26 August 2019


 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

             Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements    for the six months ended

30 June 2019

 

 


BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS GROUP

Interim Consolidated Income Statement

 

 

 

 

Six months ended
30 June

 

 

2019

2018
(represented)*

 

Notes

€000

€000

Continuing operations

 

 

 

Turnover

3

               487,145                           

                521,469

Interest income

 

               251,805                           

                286,581

Income similar to interest income

 

                 26,683                           

                  26,296

Interest expense

 

              (50,415)                           

               (78,016)

Expense similar to interest expense

 

              (23,964)                           

               (22,777)

Net interest income

 

               204,109                           

                212,084

Fee and commission income

 

                 87,467                           

                  85,282

Fee and commission expense

 

              (12,955)                           

                 (4,946)

Net foreign exchange gains

 

                 14,117                           

                  18,039

Net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates

8

                 12,155                           

                  37,378

Insurance income net of claims and commissions

 

                 30,036                           

                  25,094

Net (losses)/gains from revaluation and disposal of investment properties

 

                (1,349)                           

                    1,165

Net gains on disposal of stock of property

 

                 17,747                           

                  20,266

Other income

 

                 15,679                           

                  11,276


 

               367,006                           

                405,638

Staff costs

9

            (114,244)                           

             (104,670)

Special levy on deposits on credit institutions in Cyprus and contribution to Single Resolution Fund

 

              (12,477)                           

               (12,073)

Other operating expenses

9

            (112,967)                           

             (102,292)


 

               127,318                           

                186,603

Net gains on derecognition of financial assets measured at amortised cost

 

                   5,429                           

                  19,381

Credit losses to cover credit risk on loans and advances to customers

10

            (108,911)                           

             (252,953)

Credit losses of other financial instruments

10

                (7,367)                           

                 (3,331)

Impairment of non‑financial instruments

10

              (11,585)                           

               (10,117)

Profit/(loss) before share of profit from associates and remeasurement

 

                   4,884                           

               (60,417)

Remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale

19

              (25,943)                           

                         -  

Share of profit from associates

36

                   5,312                           

                    4,520

Loss before tax from continuing operations

 

              (15,747)                           

               (55,897)

Income tax

11

               115,144                           

                 (3,890)

Profit/(loss) after tax from continuing operations

 

                 99,397                           

               (59,787)

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

Profit after tax from discontinued operations

7

                         - 

                    4,010

Profit/(loss) for the period

 

                 99,397                           

               (55,777)

Attributable to:

 

 

 

Owners of the Company‑continuing operations profit/(loss)

 

                 97,398                           

               (58,058)

Owners of the Company‑discontinued operations profit

 

                         - 

                    4,010

Total profit/(loss) attributable to the owners of the Company

 

                 97,398                           

               (54,048)

Non‑controlling interests‑continuing operations profit/(loss)

 

                   1,999                           

                 (1,729)

Total profit/(loss) attributable to non‑controlling interests

 

                   1,999                           

                 (1,729)

Profit/(loss) for the period

 

                 99,397                           

               (55,777)

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted profits/(losses) per share attributable to the owners of the Company (€ cent)‑continuing operations

12

                     21.8                           

                   (13.0)

Basic and diluted profits/(losses) per share attributable to the owners of the Company (€ cent)

12

                     21.8                           

                   (12.1)

* For comparative represented information refer to Note 3.1.


BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS GROUP

Interim Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

 

 

 

Six months ended
30 June

 

 

2019

2018
(represented)

 

Notes

€000

€000

Profit/(loss) for the period

 

          99,397                    

         (55,777)                     

Other comprehensive income (OCI)

 

 

 

OCI that may be reclassified in the consolidated income statement in subsequent periods

 

 

 

Fair value reserve (debt instruments)

 

 

 

Net gains/(losses) on investments in debt instruments measured at fair value through OCI (FVOCI)

 

          14,426                    

         (10,455)                     

Transfer to the consolidated income statement on disposal

 

                  - 

         (19,787)                     


 

          14,426                    

         (30,242)                     

Foreign currency translation reserve

 

 

 

(Loss)/profit on translation of net investments in foreign branches and subsidiaries

 

         (7,200)                    

              4,017                     

Profit/(loss) on hedging of net investments in foreign branches and subsidiaries

14

            8,279                    

           (3,859)                     

Transfer to the consolidated income statement on dissolution/disposal of foreign branches and subsidiaries

 

            (426)                    

                (48)                     

 

 

               653                    

                110                     

Total OCI that may be reclassified in the consolidated income statement in subsequent periods

 

          15,079                    

         (30,132)                     

OCI not to be reclassified in the consolidated income statement in subsequent periods

 

 

 

Fair value reserve (equity instruments)

 

 

 

Share of net gains/(losses) from fair value changes of associates

 

            4,199                    

           (1,935)                     

Net gains on investments in equity instruments designated at FVOCI

 

               236                    

              2,857                     


 

            4,435                    

                922                     

Property revaluation

 

 

 

Deferred tax

11

                 29                    

                  17                     

Actuarial (losses)/gains on the defined benefit plans

 

 

 

Remeasurement (losses)/gains on defined benefit plans

 

         (2,149)                    

              2,784                     

Total OCI not to be reclassified in the consolidated income statement in subsequent periods

 

            2,315                    

              3,723                     

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the period net of taxation

 

          17,394                    

         (26,409)                     

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period

 

        116,791                    

         (82,186)                     

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

Owners of the Company

 

        114,770                    

         (80,453)                     

Non‑controlling interests

 

            2,021                    

           (1,733)                     

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period

 

        116,791                    

         (82,186)                     


BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS GROUP

Interim Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December
2018
(restated)

Assets

Notes

€000

€000

Cash and balances with central banks

27

             5,261,896                            

            4,610,491                           

Loans and advances to banks

27

                403,041                            

               472,532                           

Derivative financial assets

14

                  13,651                            

                 24,754                           

Investments

13

             1,588,582                            

               777,104                           

Investments pledged as collateral

13

                292,317                            

               737,587                           

Loans and advances to customers

16

           10,949,002                            

          10,921,786                           

Life insurance business assets attributable to policyholders

 

                438,560                            

               402,565                           

Prepayments, accrued income and other assets

18

                323,253                            

               256,002                           

Stock of property

17

             1,430,441                            

            1,426,857                           

Deferred tax assets

11

                379,126                            

               301,778                           

Investment properties

 

                141,864                            

               128,006                           

Property and equipment

 

                292,133                            

               260,723                           

Intangible assets

 

                173,608                            

               170,411                           

Investments in associates and joint venture

36

                    2,191                            

               114,637                           

Non‑current assets and disposal groups held for sale

19

                197,521                            

            1,470,038                           

Total assets

 

           21,887,186                            

          22,075,271                           

Liabilities

 

 

 

Deposits by banks

 

                532,023                            

               431,942                           

Funding from central banks

20

                830,000                            

               830,000                           

Repurchase agreements

 

                247,813                            

               248,945                           

Derivative financial liabilities

14

                  56,702                            

                 38,983                           

Customer deposits

21

           16,376,686                            

          16,843,558                           

Insurance liabilities

 

                626,512                            

               591,057                           

Accruals, deferred income, other liabilities and other provisions

23

                331,408                            

               285,483                           

Pending litigation, claims, regulatory and other matters

25

                102,375                            

               116,951                           

Subordinated loan stock

22

                261,417                            

               270,930                           

Deferred tax liabilities

11

                  44,818                            

                 44,282                           

Non‑current liabilities and disposal group held for sale

19

                    6,760                            

                   5,812                           

Total liabilities

 

           19,416,514                            

          19,707,943                           

Equity

 

 

 

Share capital

24

                  44,620                            

                 44,620                           

Share premium

24

             1,294,358                            

            1,294,358                           

Revaluation and other reserves

 

                213,532                            

               190,411                           

Retained earnings

 

                670,143                            

               591,941                           

Equity attributable to the owners of the Company

 

             2,222,653                            

            2,121,330                           

Other equity instruments

24

                220,000                            

               220,000                           

Total equity excluding non‑controlling interests

 

             2,442,653                            

            2,341,330                           

Non‑controlling interests

 

                  28,019                            

                 25,998                           

Total equity

 

             2,470,672                            

            2,367,328                           

Total liabilities and equity

 

           21,887,186                            

          22,075,271                           

Mr. E.G. Arapoglou

Chairman

Mr. J. P. Hourican

Chief Executive Officer

Mr. I. Zographakis

Director

Mrs. E. Livadiotou

Finance Director


BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS GROUP

Interim Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

 

 

Attributable to shareholders of the Company

 

 

 

 

Share capital

(Note 24)

Share premium

(Note 24)

Treasury shares

(Note 24)

Retained earnings

 

Property revaluation reserve

Financial instruments fair value reserve

Life insurance in‑force business reserve

Foreign currency translation reserve

Total

Other equity instruments

Non‑ controlling interests

Total equity

 

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January 2019

      44,620               

        1,294,358                     

       (21,463)                  

                    591,941                              

             79,433                     

                   15,289                           

        101,001                  

         16,151                  

2,121,330               

        220,000                  

          25,998

   2,367,328                  

Profit for the period

            - 

                  - 

               - 

                      97,398                              

                  - 

                         - 

               - 

               - 

     97,398               

               - 

           1,999

        99,397                  

Other comprehensive (loss)/income after tax for the period

            - 

                  - 

               - 

                     (2,149)                              

                   22                     

                   18,846                           

               - 

              653                  

     17,372               

               - 

                22

        17,394                  

Total comprehensive income after tax for the period

            - 

                  - 

               - 

                      95,249                              

                   22                     

                   18,846                           

               - 

              653                  

   114,770               

               - 

           2,021

      116,791                  

Increase in value of in‑force life insurance business

            - 

                  - 

               - 

                     (4,114)                              

                  - 

                         - 

           4,114                  

               - 

            - 

               - 

               -  

               - 

Tax on decrease in value of in‑force life insurance business

            - 

                  - 

               - 

                          514                              

                  - 

                         - 

           (514)                  

               - 

            - 

               - 

               -  

               - 

Payment of coupon to AT1 holders (Note 24)

            - 

                  - 

               - 

                   (13,447)                              

                  - 

                         - 

               - 

               - 

  (13,447)               

               - 

               -  

     (13,447)                  

30 June 2019

     44,620               

      1,294,358                     

     (21,463)                  

                  670,143                              

           79,455                     

                 34,135                           

      104,601                  

        16,804                  

2,222,653               

      220,000                  

        28,019

   2,470,672                  


 

 

 

Attributable to shareholders of the Company

 

 

 

Share capital

(Note 24)

Share premium

(Note 24)

Treasury shares

(Note 24)

Accumulated losses

 

Property revaluation reserve

Financial instruments fair value reserve

Other reserves

Life insurance in‑force business reserve

Foreign currency translation reserve

Total

Non‑ controlling interests

Total equity

 

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January 2018

        44,620                 

     2,794,358                  

       (21,463)                  

           (527,128)                        

             92,878                     

                      54,485                              

           6,059                  

           105,651                     

             36,098                     

   2,585,558                  

          31,150

   2,616,708                  

Impact of adopting IFRS 9 at 1 January 2018

              - 

               - 

               - 

           (299,150)                        

                  - 

                     (8,470)                              

               - 

                  - 

                  - 

   (307,620)                  

               -  

   (307,620)                  

Restated balance at 1 January 2018

        44,620                 

     2,794,358                  

       (21,463)                  

           (826,278)                        

             92,878                     

                      46,015                              

           6,059                  

           105,651                     

             36,098                     

   2,277,938                  

          31,150

   2,309,088                  

Loss for the period

              - 

               - 

               - 

             (54,048)                        

                  - 

                            - 

               - 

                  - 

                  - 

     (54,048)                  

         (1,729)

     (55,777)                  

Other comprehensive income/(loss) after tax for the period

              - 

               - 

               - 

                 2,784                        

                   17                     

                   (29,316)                              

               - 

                  - 

                 110                     

     (26,405)                  

               (4)

     (26,409)                  

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the period

              - 

               - 

               - 

             (51,264)                        

                   17                     

                   (29,316)                              

               - 

                  - 

                 110                     

     (80,453)                  

         (1,733)

     (82,186)                  

Increase in value of in‑force life insurance business

              - 

               - 

               - 

                 (515)                        

                  - 

                            - 

               - 

                 515                     

                  - 

               - 

               -  

               - 

Tax on increase in value of in‑force life insurance business

              - 

               - 

               - 

                      65                        

                  - 

                            - 

               - 

                (65)                     

                  - 

               - 

               -  

               - 

Transfer of realised profits on disposal of properties

              - 

               - 

               - 

                 3,361                        

            (3,361)                     

                            - 

               - 

                  - 

                  - 

               - 

               -  

               - 

Transfer of property revaluation reserve and other reserve of subsidiary to retained earnings 

              - 

               - 

               - 

                14,014                        

            (7,955)                     

                            - 

        (6,059)                  

                  - 

                  - 

               - 

               -  

               - 

Decrease in share capital of subsidiary

              - 

               - 

               - 

                 (554)                        

                  - 

                            - 

               - 

                  - 

                  - 

          (554)                  

           (395)

          (949)                  

Transfer of loss on disposal of FVOCI equity investments to accumulated losses

              - 

               - 

               - 

                   (67)                        

                  - 

                            67                              

               - 

                  - 

                  - 

               - 

               -  

               - 

Increase in non‑controlling interests due to change in shareholding of subsidiary

              - 

               - 

               - 

                    705                        

                  - 

                            - 

               - 

                  - 

                  - 

             705                  

          16,596

        17,301                  

30 June 2018

       44,620                 

   2,794,358                  

     (21,463)                  

         (860,533)                        

           81,579                     

                    16,766                              

               - 

         106,101                     

           36,208                     

   2,197,636                  

        45,618

   2,243,254                  


BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS GROUP

Interim Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

Six months ended
30 June

 

 

2019

2018 (represented)

Net cash flow from operating activities

Note

€000

€000

Loss before tax from continuing operations


        (15,747)                     

          (55,897)                     

Profit before tax from discontinued operations

7

                  - 

               4,934                     

Share of profit from associates

36

          (5,312)                     

            (4,520)                     

Credit losses to cover credit risk on loans and advances to customers and net gains on derecognition of financial assets measured at amortised cost


         103,482                     

           233,572                     

Depreciation of property and equipment and amortisation of intangible assets


           17,462                     

             12,013                     

Change in value of in‑force life insurance business


          (4,114)                     

               (515)                     

Credit losses of other financial instruments

10

             7,367                     

               3,331                     

Amortisation of discounts/premiums, catch‑up adjustment on debt securities and interest on debt securities

 

        (15,546)                     

          (11,883)                     

Dividend income


             (139)                     

               (143)                     

Net gains on disposal of investments at FVOCI and amortised cost


                  - 

          (19,787)                     

(Profit)/loss from revaluation of debt securities designated as fair value hedges


        (13,416)                     

                   94                     

Interest on funding from central banks


                  - 

                     3                     

Interest on subordinated loan stock


           11,567                     

             11,567                     

Impairment of stock of property

10

           11,585                     

             10,106                     

Remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale

19

           25,943                     

                  -  

Loss on disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries/associates


                  - 

                 145                     

Net gains on disposal of stock of property


        (17,747)                     

          (20,266)                     

Net losses/(gains) from revaluation of investment properties and investment properties held for sale


                  44                     

            (1,238)                     



         105,429                     

           161,516                     

Net increase in loans and advances to customers and other accounts


      (239,065)                     

         (268,760)                     

Net (decrease)/increase in customer deposits and other accounts


      (272,430)                     

           590,977                     



      (406,066)                     

           483,733                     

Tax paid


             (912)                     

            (1,470)                     

Net cash (used in)/from operating activities


      (406,978)                     

           482,263                     

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

Purchases of debt securities and equity securities

 

      (277,244)                     

         (226,103)                     

Proceeds on disposal/redemption of investments:

 

                                           

                                           

‑ debt securities

 

             9,523                     

           235,062                     

‑ equity securities

 

                  - 

               5,030                     

Interest received from debt securities

 

             9,726                     

               7,441                     

Dividend income from equity securities

 

                139                     

                 143                     

Proceeds on disposal of subsidiaries and associates

 

         139,760                     

               2,083                     

Proceeds on disposal of the Helix portfolio

 

      1,140,231                     

                  -  

Purchases of property and equipment

 

          (3,889)                     

            (5,476)                     

Purchases of intangible assets

 

          (6,878)                     

            (9,738)                     

Proceeds on disposals of property and equipment and intangible assets

 

                252                     

               1,778                     

Proceeds on disposals of investment properties and investment properties held for sale

 

           11,945                     

               6,500                     

Net cash from investing activities

 

      1,023,565                     

             16,720                     

Cash flow from financing activities

 

 

 

Payment of AT1 coupon

24

        (13,447)                     

                  -  

Net repayment of funding from central banks

 

                  - 

         (100,000)                     

Interest on subordinated loan stock

 

        (21,080)                     

          (22,258)                     

Interest on funding from central banks

 

                  - 

                  (3)                     

Principle elements of lease payments

 

          (4,682)                     

                  -  

Net proceeds from increase in non‑controlling interests due to change in the shareholding of subsidiary

 

                  - 

             17,596                     

Net cash used in financing activities

 

        (39,209)                     

         (104,665)                     

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

         577,378                     

           394,318                     

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

1 January

 

      4,804,844                     

         4,280,231                     

Foreign exchange adjustments

 

          (2,385)                     

               2,857                     

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

         577,378                     

           394,318                     

30 June

27

      5,379,837                     

         4,677,406                     


Non cash transactions

Repossession of collaterals

During the six months ended 30 June 2019, the Group acquired properties by taking possession of collaterals held as security for loans and advances to customers of €126,480 thousand (six months ended 30 June 2018: €210,241 thousand) (Note 17).

Disposal of Project Helix

Upon the disposal of Project Helix, the Group participated in a senior debt in relation to the financing of the Project Helix amounting to €45 million.

Acquisition of equity investments

During the six months ended 30 June 2019 the Group acquired equity investments amounting to €6,529 thousand as a result of its loan restructuring activities. The Group elected to classify this equity participation at FVOCI. 


BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS GROUP

 

Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements

 

 

 

1.           Corporate information

Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company (the Company) was incorporated in the Republic of Ireland on 11 July 2016, as a public limited company under company number 595903 in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2014 of Ireland (Companies Act 2014). Its registered office is 10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 T380, Ireland.

The Company is the holding company of the Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited (BOC PCL). The Bank of Cyprus Holdings Group (the Group) comprises the Company, its subsidiary BOC PCL and the subsidiaries of BOC PCL.  

The Company is tax resident in Cyprus. The principal activities of BOC PCL and its subsidiary companies (the BOC Group) involve the provision of banking, financial services, insurance services and management and disposal of property predominately acquired in exchange of debt.

The shares of the Company are listed and trading on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE).

The Consolidated Financial Statements are available at the registered office of Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company and on the Group's website www.bankofcyprus.com (Investor Relations).

Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements

The Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements of the Company for the six months ended 30 June 2019 (the Consolidated Financial Statements) were authorised for issue by a resolution of the Board of Directors on 26 August 2019.

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in both the English and the Greek language. In case of a difference or inconsistency between the two, the English version prevails.

2.           Unaudited financial statements

The appointment of the Group external auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), is effective for accounting periods commencing on 1 January 2019 and was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, following the recommendation from the Audit Committee.

The Financial Statements have not been audited by the Group's external auditors.

The Group's external auditors have conducted a review in accordance with the International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 'Review of Interim Financial Information performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity'.

3.          Summary of significant accounting policies

3.1         Basis of preparation

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for properties held for own use and investment properties, investments at fair value through other comprehensive income, financial assets (including loans and advances to customers and investments) at fair value through profit or loss and derivative financial assets and derivative financial liabilities that have been measured at fair value, non‑current assets held for sale measured at fair value less costs to sell and stock of property measured at net realisable value where this is lower than cost. The carrying values of recognised assets and liabilities that are hedged items in fair value hedges, and otherwise carried at cost, are adjusted to record changes in fair value attributable to the risks that are being hedged.

The Group elected as a policy choice permitted under IFRS 9 to continue to apply hedge accounting in accordance with IAS 39.


Presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements

The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Euro (€) and all amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand, except where otherwise indicated. A comma is used to separate thousands and a dot is used to separate decimals.

The Group presents its balance sheet broadly in order of liquidity. An analysis regarding expected recovery or settlement of the assets and liabilities within twelve months after the balance sheet date and more than twelve months after the balance sheet date is presented in Note 28.

Group turnover as presented in the interim consolidated income statement is as defined in the 'Definitions and Explanations on Alternative Performance Measures Disclosures'.

Comparative information

Comparative information was restated following the change in the classification of properties which are leased out under operating leases as investment properties as disclosed in Note 3.3.1. Reclassifications to comparative information were also made as follows:

·             Unrecognised interest on previously credit impaired loans which have cured during the period amounting to €14,918 thousand was reclassified from 'Net interest income' to 'Credit losses to cover credit risk on loans and advances to customers' in line with an IFRIC discussion, which has taken place in November 2018 (Presentation of unrecognised interest following the curing of a credit impaired financial asset (IFRS 9)). The corresponding amount for the six months ended 30 June 2019 stood at €7,781 thousand.

·             The results of the discontinued operations in the UK (Bank of Cyprus UK Ltd and its subsidiary, Bank of Cyprus Financial Services Ltd) were represented as discontinued operations (Note 7).

The changes in presentation did not have a material impact on the financial performance of the Group for the period.

3.2         Statement of compliance

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Accounting Standard (IAS) applicable to interim financial reporting as adopted by the European Union (EU) (IAS 34), the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 and the related Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland.

The Consolidated Financial Statements do not comprise statutory financial statements for the purposes of the Companies Act 2014 of Ireland. The Company's statutory financial statements for the purposes of Chapter 4 of Part 6 of the Companies Act 2014 of Ireland for the year ended 31 December 2018, upon which the previous auditors have expressed an unqualified opinion, were published on 28 March 2019 and are expected to be delivered to the Registrar of Companies of Ireland within 28 days from 30 September 2019.

The Consolidated Financial Statements do not include all the information and disclosures required for the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements of Bank of Cyprus Holdings Group for the year ended 31 December 2018, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU, which are available at the Group's website (www.bankofcyprus.com).


3.3         Changes in accounting policies, presentation and disclosures

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those followed for the preparation of the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018, except from the adoption of new and amended standards and interpretations as explained in Note 3.3.2 and the accounting of deferred tax credits arising from deferred tax assets as explained in Note 11. In addition, there were changes in the classification of properties which are leased out under operating leases as investment properties as explained in Note 3.3.1.

3.3.1      Change in classification of properties which are leased out under operating leases

The Group has decided to classify the leased properties which are acquired in exchange of debt and are leased out under operating leases as 'Investment Properties' instead of 'Inventories'. The Group previously classified these properties as inventory under IAS 2 and measured them upon on‑boarding at cost and subsequently at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 

The aforementioned change in classification has been applied retrospectively in accordance with IAS 8 'Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors', resulting in the restatement of financial information for prior periods.

There was no material impact on the Group's retained earnings as of 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018 as a result of the above described change in classification. The cumulative impact amounted to €1,189 thousand (gain) and has been recognised in the Interim Consolidated Income Statement of the Group for the six months ended 30 June 2019. The earnings per share increased by €0.30 for the six months ended 30 June 2019.

As a result of the change in classification, the following adjustments were made on the consolidated balance sheet as indicated below:

 

 

 

31 December 2018

1 January
2018

 

€000

€000

Consolidated balance sheet

 

 

Stock of property

 

 

Before the change in classification

      1,530,388                     

      1,641,422

Impact of the recognition of leased out property as investment properties

       (103,531)                     

       (154,443)

After the change in classification

     1,426,857                     

      1,486,979

Investment properties

 

 

Before the change in classification

           24,475                     

           19,646

Impact of the recognition of leased out property as investment properties

         103,531                     

         154,443

After the change in classification

        128,006                     

         174,089

3.3.2      New and amended standards and interpretations

The Group applied for the first time certain standards and amendments, which are effective for annual periods beginning on 1 January 2019. The Group has not early adopted any other standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective.

The Group has adopted the new standards, amendments and interpretations to the extent as they were relevant for the Group. The relevant and significant new standards for the Group are:

·             IFRS 16 Leases

·             IFRS 9 Prepayment features with negative compensation (amendment)

·             IAS 28 Long term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures (amendments)


·             IFRIC Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

·             IAS 19: Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement (amendments)

·             Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015‑2017 Cycle

The impact of adoption of IFRS 16 Leases is described below. The amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 19 and IAS 28 and IFRIC 23 did not have any material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. New or amended interim disclosures have been provided for the current period, where applicable, and comparative period disclosures are consistent with those made in the prior year.

IFRS 16: Leases

The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract, i.e. the customer ('lessee') and the supplier ('lessor'). IFRS 16 replaces existing leases guidance, including IAS 17 Leases, IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Agreement contains a Lease, SIC‑15 Operating Leases‑Incentives and SIC‑27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal From of a Lease.

IFRS 16 requires lessees to recognise most leases on their financial statements. Lessees will have a single accounting model for all leases (with certain exemptions) and there is no distinction between operating and finance leases.

A lessee recognises a right‑of‑use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset measured at the amount equal to the lease liabilities and the provision for restoration costs, adjusted for any related prepaid or accrued lease payments previously recognised. Lease liability is recognised based on the present value of remaining lease payments, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be readily determined, an incremental borrowing rate ('IBR') is used.

The IBR used as of 1 January 2019 was based on the Cyprus Government yield curve, with no further adjustment, as a fair proxy for the Group's secured borrowing cost, for a time horizon in accordance to the lease term. The determination of an IBR term structure inherently involves significant judgments and uncertainties. A sensitivity analysis on the yield curve was performed concluding that the value of lease liability and corresponding right of use assets is not materially sensitive to changes in the IBR.

Subsequent to initial recognition, the lessee measures the right of use asset by applying the cost model and depreciation is computed on a straight line basis up to the end of the lease term. The lease liability increases with the accrual of interest throughout the life of the lease and is reduced when payments are made.

Lessor accounting remains similar to IAS 17 Leases - i.e. lessors continue to classify leases as finance or operating leases. 

The Group adopted IFRS 16 on a retrospective basis, but took advantage of the option not to restate comparative periods (and the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard was recognised at the date of initial application), by applying the modified retrospective approach. The IFRS 16 implementation project was led by Finance with representations from the impacted departments. The Group established accounting policies and applied the following transition options available under the modified retrospective approach:

·             Application of a single discount rate to each portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics (such as leases with similar remaining lease term for similar class of underlying assets in a similar economic environment).

·             Calculation of the right of use asset equal to the lease liability and restoration provision, adjusted for prepaid or accrued payments.

·             Application of  the  accounting for short‑term leases with a term not exceeding 12 months of the date of initial application. Hence, right of use assets and lease liabilities do not include the impact of such short term leases.


·             Use of hindsight in determining the lease term if the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease.

·             Exclusion of the initial direct costs from the measurement of the right of use asset.

·             Election to use the transition practical expedient allowing the standard to be applied only to contracts that were previously identified as leases applying IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 at the date of initial application of 1 January 2019.

The Group also elected to use the recognition exemption for lease contracts that, at the commencement date, have a lease term of 12 months or less and do not contain a purchase option ('short‑term leases'), and lease contracts for which the underlying asset is of low value ('low‑value assets'). The Group has exercised judgement in determining the threshold of low value assets which was set at €5,000. Payments associated with short term leases and leases of low value assets are recognised on a straight line basis as an expense in the consolidated income statement. 

The Group holds lease contracts mainly for commercial properties such as office buildings and branches. The implementation of IFRS 16 led to the recognition of the right of use assets at an equal amount as lease liabilities and restoration liability with no effect on equity or retained earnings of the Group as at 1 January 2019.

The table below shows the impact on initial implementation of IFRS 16:

 

 

1 January 2019

 

€000

Assets

 

Right of use assets (disclosed within 'Property, plant and equipment')

          37,474

Liabilities

 

Lease liabilities (disclosed separately within 'Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities) 

          36,164

Restoration liabilities (disclosed within other liabilities within 'Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities')

            1,310

 

          37,474

The lease liabilities as at 1 January 2019 are reconciled to the operating lease commitments as disclosed in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 as follows:

 

 

1 January 2019

 

€000

Operating lease commitments as at 31 December 2018 (non‑cancellable)

             4,453                      

Weighted average incremental borrowing rate as at 1 January 2019

1.05%

Discounted operating lease commitment as at 1 January 2019

            4,226

Add:

 

Payments in optional extension periods not recognised as at 31 December 2018

          31,938

Lease liabilities as at 1 January 2019

          36,164

The effect of the adoption of IFRS 16 remains subject to change until the Group finalises its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019, the year of initial application.


4.          Going concern

The Directors have made an assessment of the Group's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of 12 months from the date of approval of these Financial Statements. The Directors believe that the Group is taking all necessary measures to maintain its viability and the development of its business in the current economic environment.

In making this assessment, the Directors considered the significant transactions during 2018 and the six months ended 30 June 2019, which had a positive impact on the capital position of the Group, including the sale of non performing loans (the Helix transaction), the disposal of Bank of Cyprus UK Ltd and the issuance of €220 million Additional Tier 1 Capital Securities. The Directors have also considered the legislative amendments on the Income Tax Law Amendment 28 (I) of 2019, enacted on 1 March 2019, which allow for the conversion of specific deferred tax assets (DTA) into deferred tax credits (DTC), the Group's Financial and Capital Plan and the developments in the operating environment in Cyprus.

The Group has developed a Financial and Capital Plan (the 'Plan'), which has been approved by the Board in February 2019. One of the most important objectives of the Plan was to ensure that the Group has sufficient resources and capital in order to continue the balance sheet de‑risking and further deal with the residual Non‑Performing Exposures (NPEs). The IFRS 9 impact on a fully phased‑in basis has been considered within the Group's Plan. Despite the implementation risk associated with the outcome of future events outlined in the Plan at the reporting date, the Directors believe that there is sufficient capital throughout the period of assessment to meet regulatory capital requirements. The Group will continue its de‑risking strategy and remains focused to implement the actions contemplated in the Plan.

The Directors, in making their assessment, have given particular attention to the regulatory requirements relating to capital and liquidity as follows:

Non‑Performing Exposures

·             The Group completed the Helix transaction in June 2019 which along with the organic reduction led to a significant decrease of NPEs during the six months ended 30 June 2019; and

·             The reduction of NPEs has been a regulatory focus for a number of years and will continue to be so. The Group has prepared an updated NPE strategy plan for the years 2019‑2021 which was submitted to the European Central Bank (ECB) in June 2019. The Directors believe that the reduction of NPEs is a significant factor with regards to the future viability of the Group as a pillar bank in Cyprus.

Capital

The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio and the Total Capital ratio on a transitional basis at 30 June 2019 are higher than the minimum required ratios (Note 5.1).

Following the Annual Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) performed by the ECB in 2018 and based on the final 2018 SREP decision received on 27 March 2019, the Group's minimum phased in CET1 ratio and Total Capital ratio remain unchanged, when ignoring the phasing‑in of the Capital Conservations Buffer and the Other Systemically Important Institution Buffer. The final 2018 SREP decision was applied from 1 April 2019.

The projected capital ratios of the Group indicate that there will be sufficient capital throughout the period of assessment when considered in conjunction with the following items:

·             The phase‑in of IFRS 9. The Group has elected to apply the EU transitional arrangements for regulatory capital purposes (EU Regulation 2017/2395) where the total impact on adoption of IFRS 9 of €308,511 thousand, on 1 January 2018 and any subsequent increase allowed by the regulation for phasing‑in (i.e. increase in Stage 1 and Stage 2 allowance), will impact the capital ratios over a period of five years. The impact on the regulatory capital is being phased‑in based on a weighting factor until it is fully absorbed at the end of the five years. The initial impact of IFRS 9 was phased in by 5% on 1 January 2018 and increased to 15% (cumulative) on 1 January 2019.


·             The regulatory capital position of the Group has strengthened further, upon the completion of the Helix transaction. On completion, the derecognition of the Helix portfolio had a positive impact on the Group's capital ratios resulting from the release of risk weighted assets.  

·             The Group's capital position is sufficient, allowing acceleration of risk reduction and recalibration of the cost base. The Group remains focused to implement the actions contemplated in the Plan submitted to the ECB.

·             The agreement for the sale of investment in CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Ltd will further enhance the capital position of the Group.

·             As the Cypriot operations account for 99% of gross loans and 100% of customer deposits (after the disposal of the UK operations in 2018), the Group's financial performance is highly correlated to the economic and operating conditions in Cyprus and is expected to consequently benefit from the country's recovery. The sovereign risk ratings of the Cyprus government improved considerably in the recent period reflecting expectations of a sustained decline in public debt as a ratio to GDP, expected further declines in non‑performing exposures and a more stable price environment following a protracted period of deflation and low inflation. In November 2018, Fitch Ratings upgraded its Long‑Term Issuer Default ratings for Cyprus to investment grade (BBB‑), affirming in April 2019. In September 2018, S&P Global Ratings also upgraded Cyprus to investment grade (BBB‑). In July 2018 Moody's Investors Service upgraded Cyprus' sovereign rating to Ba2 from Ba3, affirmed in April 2019. All maintain stable outlook.

·             Most recently, at the end of July 2019, Standard and Poor's affirmed their long‑term issuer credit rating on the BOC PCL's of 'B+' (stable outlook). In March 2019, Fitch Ratings affirmed their long‑term issuer default rating of B‑ (positive outlook). In January 2019, Moody's Investors Service upgraded the Bank's long‑term deposit rating to B3 from Caa1, with a positive outlook. The positive outlook reflects expectations of further improvements in the BOC PCL's financial fundamentals, mainly asset quality over the next 12‑18 months, in the context of an improved operating environment in Cyprus. The key drivers for the ratings were the improvement in the BOC PCL's financial fundamentals, mainly in asset quality, and its funding position.

Funding and liquidity

·             The Group is monitoring its liquidity position and is considering ways to reduce the deposits cost; and

·             The Group is in compliance with the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and is significantly above the minimum requirements (Note 31).

Based on the projections of the management, it is expected that the Group will maintain compliance with these liquidity requirements for the period of the going concern assessment.

5.          Operating environment

5.1        Regulatory capital ratios

The minimum Pillar I total capital ratio requirement is 8.0% and may be met, in addition to the 4.5% CET1 requirement, with up to 1.5% of Additional Tier 1 capital and with up to 2.0% of Tier 2 capital. The Group is also subject to additional capital requirements for risks which are not covered by the Pillar I capital requirements (Pillar II add‑ons). 

Following the annual Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) performed by the ECB in 2018 and based on the final 2018 SREP decision received on 27 March 2019, the Group's minimum phased‑in CET1 capital ratio and Total capital ratio remain unchanged when ignoring the phasing‑in of the Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB) and the Other Systemically Important Institution Buffer. The final 2018 SREP decision applies from 1 April 2019.

The Group's minimum phased‑in CET1 capital ratio requirement is 10.5% (2018: 9.375%), comprising of a 4.5% Pillar I requirement, a 3.0% Pillar II requirement, the CCB of 2.5% (2018: 1.875%) and the Other Systemically Important Institution Buffer of 0.5% (2018: Nil). The ECB has also provided non‑public guidance for an additional Pillar II CET1 buffer.


The Group's Total capital ratio requirement is 14.0% (2018: 12.875%), comprising of a 8.0% Pillar I requirement, a 3.0% Pillar II requirement, the CCB of 2.5% (2018: 1.875%) and the Other Systemically Important Institution Buffer of 0.5% (2018: Nil).

The above minimum ratios apply for both, BOC PCL and the Group. BOC PCL is 100% subsidiary of the Company and its principal activities are the provision of banking, financial services and management and disposal of property predominately acquired in exchange of debt.

The capital position of the Group and BOC PCL at 30 June 2019 exceeds both their Pillar I and their Pillar II add‑on capital requirements. However, the Pillar II add‑on capital requirements are a point‑in‑time assessment and therefore are subject to change over time.

The Group has developed a Plan, which has been approved by the Board in February 2019 (Note 4).

5.2        Asset quality

The Group addresses the asset quality challenge through the operation of the Restructuring and Recoveries Division which is actively seeking to find innovative solutions to manage distressed exposures. The Group has been successful in engineering restructuring solutions across the spectrum of its loan portfolio. 

The Group has prepared an updated NPE strategy plan for the years 2019‑2021 which was submitted to the ECB in June 2019.

5.3        Liquidity

Group customer deposits totalled €16,377 million at 30 June 2019, compared to €16,844 million at 31 December 2018.  At 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018 all deposits were in Cyprus.  Group customer deposits accounted for 75% of total assets as at 30 June 2019 (31 December 2018: 76% and a low of 48% at 31 March 2014).

As at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018, the Group was in compliance with all regulatory liquidity requirements. As at 30 June 2019 the LCR stood at 253% for the Group (compared to 231% at 31 December 2018) and was in compliance with the minimum regulatory requirement of 100% applicable as from 1 January 2018.

5.4        Pending litigation, claims, regulatory and other matters

The management has considered the potential impact of pending litigation and claims, investigations, regulatory and other matters against the Group which include the bail‑in of depositors and the absorption of losses by the holders of equity and debt instrument of BOC PCL. The Group has obtained legal advice in respect of these claims.

Despite the novelty of many of the said claims based on the information available at present and on the basis of the law as it currently stands, management considers that the said claims are considered unlikely to have a material adverse impact on the financial position and capital adequacy of the Group. Additional information on pending litigation, claims, regulatory and other matters is provided in Note 25.

6.          Significant and other judgements, estimates and assumptions

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements requires the Company's Board of Directors and management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that can have a material impact on the amounts recognised in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying disclosures, as well as the disclosures of contingent liabilities. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected in future periods.


The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation of uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are described below. The Group based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments may, however, change due to market changes or circumstances beyond the control of the Group.  Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.

The most significant judgements, estimates and assumptions relate to classification of financial instruments and calculation of expected credit losses (ECL), tax, estimation of the net realisable value of stock of property and provisions which are presented in Notes 6.1 to 6.5 below. Other judgements, estimates and assumptions are disclosed in Notes 5.6 to 5.12 of the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018.

6.1         Classification of financial assets

The Group exercises judgement upon determining the classification of its financial assets, which relate to business models and future cash flows.

Judgement is also required to determine the appropriate level at which the assessment of business models needs to be performed. In general, the assessment for the classification of financial assets into the business models is performed at the level of each business line. Further, the Group exercises judgement in determining the effect of sales of financial instruments on its business model assessment.

The Group also applies judgement upon considering whether contractual features including interest rate could significantly affect future cash flows. Furthermore, judgment is required when assessing whether compensation paid or received on early termination of lending arrangements results in cash flows that are not SPPI.

6.2         Calculation of expected credit losses

The calculation of ECL requires management to apply significant judgement and make estimates and assumptions, involving significant uncertainty at the time these are made.  Changes to these estimates and assumptions can result in significant changes to the timing and amount of ECL to be recognised. The Group's calculations are outputs of models, of underlying assumptions on the choice of variable inputs and their interdependencies.

Elements of ECL models that are considered accounting judgements and estimates include:

Assessment of significant increase of credit risk

IFRS 9 does not include a definition of significant increase in credit risk. The Group assesses whether significant increase in credit risk has occurred since initial recognition using predominantly quantitative and in certain cases qualitative information. The determination of the relevant thresholds to determine whether the significant increase in credit risk has occurred, involves management judgement. The relevant thresholds are set, monitored and updated on a yearly basis by the Risk Management division and endorsed by the Group Provisions Committee.

Determining the probability of default (PD) at initial recognition requires management estimates. In the case of exposures existing prior to the adoption of IFRS 9, a retrospective calculation of the PD is made in order to quantify the risk of each exposure at the time of the initial recognition. In certain cases estimates about the date of initial recognition might be required.

For the retail portfolio, the Group uses a PD at origination driven by behavioural information (score cards) whereas, for the corporate portfolio, the Group uses the internal credit rating information. In determining the relevant PDs, management estimates are required with respect to the life‑time of revolving facilities. For revolving facilities, the origination date is the date when a credit review has taken place instead of the contractual date.


Scenarios and macroeconomic factors

The Group determines the ECL, which is a probability‑weighted amount by evaluating a range of possible outcomes.  Management uses forward‑looking scenarios and assesses the suitability of weights used.  These are based on management's assumptions taking into account macroeconomic, market and other factors. Changes in these assumptions and in the external factors could significantly impact ECL. Macroeconomic inputs and weights per scenario are monitored by the Economic Research Unit and are based on external market data supplemented by expert judgement.

Qualitative adjustments or overlays are occasionally made when inputs calculated do not capture all the characteristics of the market. These are reviewed and adjusted, if considered necessary, by the Risk Management Division and endorsed by the Group Provisions Committee. Qualitative adjustments or overlays made as at the reporting date relate to the positive future property value cap to 0% for all scenarios. 

Economic and credit conditions within geographical areas are influenced by many factors with a high degree of interdependency so that there is no one single factor to which the Group's ECL as a whole are particularly sensitive. Different factors are applied in each country to reflect the local economic conditions, laws and regulations and the assumptions underlying this judgement are highly subjective. 

The Group uses three different economic scenarios. 

The table below indicates the most significant macroeconomic variables as well as the scenarios used by the Group as at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018 respectively. The Group has used the 30‑50‑20 probability structure for the adverse, base and favourable scenarios respectively compared to the 20‑60‑20 structure derived using the method described in Note 2.19.5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018. This is due to the fact that, the data set used to calculate scenario weights (GDP growth over 1980‑2018) is heterogeneous, involving significant breaks deriving from the changing nature of the Cyprus economy and responses to shocks. Additionally, the economy continues to face high public and private indebtedness and a high level of NPEs that together raise the degree of vulnerability of the economy and limit its reaction space thus sustaining conditions; which can lead to deeper recession in response to shocks than under normal times. Furthermore, the economy presents a structure risk given a very large external sector, making it especially vulnerable to the external environment. The heightened uncertainties in 2019 and beyond relating to Brexit, trade disputes between the US and the China and between the US and the EU, and economic fragility in southern Europe, entail a higher risk of a global recession and financial instability. These factors display a relatively high volatility, which the management considered that may not be fully captured in the weights as calculated using the method described in Note 2.19.5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 and hence the management has decided to increase the weight of the adverse scenario to 30%, and correspondingly reduce the weight of the base scenario to 50%.


30 June 2019

 

        Year     

    Scenario  

      Weight
%       

       Real GDP
(% change) 

Unemployment rate (% of labour force)    

   Consumer Price Index (average  % change)

    RICS House Price Index (average  % change)         

2020            

Adverse       

               30.0                     

‑2.8

11.0

‑0.8

‑1.0


Baseline       

               50.0                     

2.7

6.3

1.6

3.2


Favourable   

               20.0                     

4.8

5.8

2.7

4.8

2021            

Adverse       

               30.0                     

‑0.9

11.3

1.7

0.3


Baseline       

               50.0                     

2.5

5.8

2.0

3.6


Favourable   

               20.0                     

3.2

5.3

2.4

4.3

2022            

Adverse       

               30.0                     

2.1

10.7

2.6

3.1


Baseline       

               50.0                     

2.4

5.6

2.3

4.1


Favourable   

               20.0                     

2.4

5.1

2.3

4.2

2023            

Adverse       

               30.0                     

3.6

9.6

2.8

4.6


Baseline       

               50.0                     

2.3

5.5

2.4

4.1


Favourable   

               20.0                     

2.3

5.0

2.4

4.2

2024            

Adverse       

               30.0                     

4.3

8.8

2.8

5.5


Baseline       

               50.0                     

2.3

5.4

2.4

4.2


Favourable   

               20.0                     

2.3

4.9

2.4

4.4

31 December 2018

 

        Year     

    Scenario  

      Weight
%       

       Real GDP
(% change) 

Unemployment rate (% of labour force)    

   Consumer Price Index (average  % change)

    RICS House Price Index (average  % change)         

2019            

Adverse       

               30.0                     

‑1.3

10.0

‑0.2

1.4


Baseline       

               50.0                     

3.1

7.6

1.7

4.4


Favourable   

               20.0                     

4.3

7.2

2.5

5.5

2020            

Adverse       

               30.0                     

‑1.3

12.2

0.3

‑1.7


Baseline       

               50.0                     

2.6

7.3

1.7

2.7


Favourable   

               20.0                     

3.4

6.8

2.6

4.1

2021            

Adverse       

               30.0                     

3.0

12.4

2.1

0.7


Baseline       

               50.0                     

2.4

6.9

2.0

2.9


Favourable   

               20.0                     

2.6

6.5

2.4

3.6

2022            

Adverse       

               30.0                     

4.1

11.1

2.4

3.1


Baseline       

               50.0                     

2.5

6.5

2.0

3.1


Favourable   

               20.0                     

2.6

6.1

2.6

3.7

2023            

Adverse       

               30.0                     

3.9

10.0

2.5

4.7


Baseline       

               50.0                     

2.3

6.3

2.1

3.8


Favourable   

               20.0                     

2.3

5.8

2.6

4.0

The adverse scenarios may outpace the base and favourable scenarios after the initial shock has been adjusted to and the economy starts to expand from a lower base. Thus in the adverse scenario GDP will follow a growth trajectory that will ultimately equal and surpass the baseline before converging. Property prices are primarily determined by GDP growth but with a lag. Thus property prices will initially adjust less steeply than GDP, and will start to accelerate after the recovery in GDP has been entrenched. After this point, property prices will accelerate and will match and surpass the pace in the baseline scenario, before finally converging.


Since 1 January 2018, the Group has reassessed the key economic indicators used in the ECL models and using actual performance ratios of the economy as revised by the Cyprus statistical service for 2016 and 2017 and the forecast upgrades by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Commission. 

The RICS indices, which are considered for the purposes of determining the real estate collateral value on realisation date are capped at the reporting date value, in case of any projected increase, whereas any projected decrease is taken into account. As a result the indexed value for all collaterals is less or equal to their corresponding open market value as of the reporting date.

For Stage 3 customers, the calculation of individually assessed provisions is the weighted average of three scenarios: base, adverse and favourable. The base scenario focuses on the following variables, which are based on the specific facts and circumstances of each customer: the operational cash flows, the timing of recovery of collaterals and the haircuts from the realisation of collateral. The base scenario is used to derive additional scenarios for either better or worse cases. Under the adverse scenario operational cash flows are decreased by 50%, applied haircuts on real estate collateral are increased by 50% and the timing of recovery of collaterals is increased by 1 year with reference to the baseline scenario, whereas under the favourable scenario applied haircuts are decreased by 5%, with no change in the recovery period with reference to the baseline scenario. Assumptions used in estimating expected future cash flows (including cash flows that may result from the realisation of collateral) reflect current and expected future economic conditions and are generally consistent with those used in the Stage 3 collectively assessed exposures.

For collectively assessed customers the calculation is the weighted average of three scenarios: base, adverse and favourable.

Expected lifetime of revolving facilities

Judgement is exercised on the measurement period of expected lifetime for revolving facilities. The determination of the expected life for the revolving portfolio is sensitive to changes in contractual maturities resulting from business decisions. The Group exercises judgement in determining the period over which ECL should be computed.  

Assessment of loss given default 

A factor for the estimation of loss given default (LGD) is the timing and net recoverable amount from repossession or realisation of collaterals which mainly comprise real estate assets.

Assumptions have been made about the future changes in property values, as well as the timing for the realisation of collateral, taxes and expenses on the repossession and subsequent sale of the collateral as well as any other applicable haircuts.  Indexation has been used to estimate updated market values of properties, while assumptions were made on the basis of a macroeconomic scenario for future changes in property values.

At 30 June 2019 the weighted average haircut (including liquidity haircut and selling expenses) used in the collectively assessed provisions calculation for loans and advances to customers excluding those classified as held for sale is c.32% under the baseline scenario (31 December 2018: c.32%).

The timing of recovery from real estate collaterals used in the collectively assessed provisions calculation for loans and advances to customers has been estimated to be on average seven years under the baseline scenario (31 December 2018: seven years).   

For the calculation of individually assessed provisions, the timing of recovery of collaterals as well as the haircuts used are based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. Judgement may also be exercised over staging during the individual assessment.

Any positive cumulative average future change in property values forecasted was capped to zero for the six months ended 30 June 2019 and the year ended 31 December 2018. This applies to all scenarios. 


The above assumptions are also influenced by the ongoing regulatory dialogue the Group maintains with its lead regulator, the ECB, and other regulatory guidance and interpretations issued by various regulatory and industry bodies such as the ECB and the European Banking Authority (EBA), which provide guidance and expectations as to relevant definitions and the treatment/classification of certain parameters/assumptions used in the estimation of provisions.

Any changes in these assumptions or difference between assumptions made and actual results could result in significant changes in the amount of required credit losses of loans and advances. 

Modelling adjustments

Forward looking models have been developed for ECL parameters (PD), Exposure at default (EAD), Loss Given Default (LGD) for all portfolios and segments sharing similar characteristics. Model validation is performed by the independent validation unit within the Risk Management Division on an annual basis and involves several statistical tests that assess the stability and performance of the models. In certain cases, judgment may be exercised in the form of management overlay by applying adjustments on the modelled parameters. Governance of these models lies with the Risk Management Division. Any management overlays are approved by the Risk Management Division and endorsed by the Provisions Committee. 

ECL allowances also include off‑balance sheet credit exposures represented by guarantees given and by irrevocable commitments to disburse funds. Off‑balance sheet credit exposures of the individually assessed assets require assumptions on the probability, timing and amount of cash outflows. For the collectively assessed off‑balance sheet credit exposures, the allowance for provisions is calculated using the Credit Conversion Factor (CCF) model.

Portfolio segmentation

The individual assessment is performed not only for individually significant assets but also for other exposures meeting specific criteria determined by management. The selection criteria for the individually assessed exposures are based on management judgement and are reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Risk Management Division and are adjusted or enhanced, if deemed necessary. 

In addition to individually assessed assets the Group also assesses assets collectively. The collectively assessed portfolio includes all loans which are not individually assessed. The Group categorises the exposures into sufficiently granular portfolios segments with shared risk characteristics. The granularity for the IFRS 9 segments is aligned with the Internal Rating Based (IRB) segmentation. Further details on impairment allowances and related credit information are set out in Note 29.

6.3         Tax

The Group has run down operations and is therefore subject to tax on those countries. Estimates are required in determining the provision for taxes at the reporting date. The Group recognises income tax liabilities for transactions and assessments whose tax treatment is uncertain. Where the final tax is different from the amounts initially recognised in the consolidated income statement, such differences will impact the income tax expense, the tax liabilities and deferred tax assets or liabilities of the period in which the final tax is agreed with the relevant tax authorities.

Deferred tax assets

In the absence of a specific accounting standard dedicated to the accounting of the asset that arose upon the reversal of deferred tax asset impairment recognised in previous years (Note 11), BOC PCL has exercised judgment in applying the guidance of IAS 12 in accounting for this asset item as the most relevant available standard. On the basis of this guidance, BOC PCL has determined that this asset should be accounted for on the basis of IAS 12 principles relating to deferred tax assets.

For changes during the six months ended 30 June 2019 relating to the deferred tax credit legislation refer to  Note 11.


6.4         Stock of property ‑ estimation of net realisable value

Stock of property is measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The net realisable value is determined through valuation techniques, requiring significant judgement, which take into account all available reference points such as, expert valuation reports, current market conditions, the holding period of the asset applying an appropriate illiquidity discount and any other relevant parameters. Selling expenses are always considered and deducted from the realisable value. Depending on the value of the underlying asset and available market information, the determination of costs to sell may require professional judgement which involves a large degree of uncertainty due to the relatively low level of market activity.

More details on the stock of property are presented in Note 17.

6.5         Provisions

The accounting policy for provisions is described in Note 2.39 of the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018. Judgement is involved in determining whether a present obligation exists and in estimating the probability, timing and amount of any outflows.  Provisions for pending litigations, claims, regulatory and other matters usually require a higher degree of judgement than other types of provisions.  It is expected that the Group will continue to have a material exposure to litigation and regulatory proceedings and investigations relating to legacy issues in the medium term.  The matters for which the Group determines that the probability of a future loss is more than remote will change from time to time, as will the matters as to which a reliable estimate can be made and the estimated possible loss for such matters. Actual results may prove to be significantly higher or lower than the estimate of possible loss in those matters, where an estimate was made. In addition, loss may be incurred in matters with respect to which the Group believed the probability of loss was remote. 

For a detailed description of the nature of uncertainties and assumptions and the effect on the amount and timing of pending litigation, claims, regulatory and other matters refer to Note 25.

7.          Segmental analysis

Following the sale in 2018 of its 100% subsidiaries, Bank of Cyprus UK Limited and Bank of Cyprus Financial Services Ltd, the Group's activities are mainly concentrated in Cyprus.  Cyprus operations are organised into operating segments based on the line of business. The operating segments are analysed below:

The Corporate, Small and medium‑sized enterprises and Retail business lines are managing loans and advances to customers as detailed in 'Credit risk concentration of loans and advances to customers' (Note 29).

Restructuring and recoveries is the specialised unit which was set up to tackle the Group's loan portfolio quality and manages exposures to borrowers in distress situation through innovative solutions.

International banking services specialises in the offering of banking services to the international corporate and non‑resident individuals, particularly international business companies whose ownership and business activities lie outside Cyprus. 

Wealth management oversees the provision of institutional wealth private banking, global markets, brokerage, asset management, investment banking and depository services.

The Real Estate Management Unit manages properties acquired through debt‑for‑property swaps and properties acquired through the acquisition of certain operations of Laiki Bank in 2013, and executes exit strategies in order to monetise these assets. 

Treasury is responsible for liquidity management and for overseeing operations to ensure compliance with internal and regulatory liquidity policies and provide direction as to the actions to be taken regarding liquidity availability.


The Insurance business line is involved in both life and general insurance business. 

The business line 'Other' includes head office functions such as finance, risk management, compliance, legal, corporate affairs and human resources. Head office functions provide services to the operating segments. 

Overseas activities include Greece, Romania and Russia which are separate operating segments for which information is provided to management but, due to their size, have been grouped for disclosure purposes into one segment, namely 'Overseas'.

Comparatives are represented for discontinued operations, regarding the results of the UK operations, disposed of during 2018.

Management monitors the operating results of each business segment separately for the purposes of performance assessment and resource allocation.  Segment performance is evaluated based on profit after tax and non‑controlling interests.  Inter‑segment transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation and are made on an arm's length basis.

Operating segment disclosures are provided as presented to the Group Executive Committee.

Income and expenses directly associated with each business line are included in determining the line's performance. Transfer pricing methodologies are applied between the business lines to present their results on an arm's length basis. Total other operating income, staff costs and other operating expenses incurred directly by the business lines are allocated to the business lines as incurred. Indirect other operating income and indirect other operating expenses are re‑allocated from the head office function to the business lines. Management monitors the profit/(loss) before tax of each business line. Additionally, for the purposes of the Cyprus analysis by business line, notional tax at the 12.5% Cyprus tax rate is charged/credited on profit or loss before tax of each business line.

The loans and advances to customers, the customer deposits and the related income and expense are generally included in the segment where the business is originated, instead of the segment where the transaction is recorded. Loans and advances to customers which are originated in countries where the Group does not have operating entities are included in the country where they are managed.


Analysis by business line

Continuing operations


Corporate

Small and medium‑sized enterprises

Retail

Restructuring and recoveries

International banking services

Wealth management

REMU

Insurance

Treasury

Other

Total
Cyprus

Overseas

Total

Six months ended 30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Net interest income/(expense)

       60,029                

        20,327                

         80,099                  

          32,218                   

       17,962                

         3,643                

    (7,403)              

             29                

         (941)                

       2,015              

    207,978                

    (3,869)              

         204,109                     

Net fee and commission income/(expense)

         8,591                

         4,676                

         21,583                  

          11,241                   

       26,050                

         1,024                

           - 

      (3,106)                

         1,063                

       3,283              

      74,405                

          107              

           74,512                     

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)

            425                

            328                

           1,308                  

                96                   

         3,660                

         1,630                

           - 

             - 

         9,451                

    (1,751)              

      15,147                

    (1,030)              

           14,117                     

Net gains/(losses) on financial instrument transactions and on disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             12                

           - 

         1,070                

         4,930                

       6,009              

      12,021                

          134              

           12,155                     

Insurance income net of claims and commissions

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

       28,824                

             - 

           - 

      28,824                

       1,212              

           30,036                     

Net gains/(losses) from revaluation and disposal of investment properties

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

          630              

             - 

             - 

       (748)              

        (118)                

    (1,231)              

          (1,349)                     

Net gains on disposal of stock of property

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

     17,497              

             - 

             - 

           59              

      17,556                

          191              

           17,747                     

Total other income/(expense)

               4                

               6                

               47                  

                23                   

               1                

               1                

       1,128              

               9                

             - 

     13,349              

      14,568                

       1,111              

           15,679                     


       69,049                

        25,337                

        103,037                  

          43,578                   

       47,673                

         6,310                

     11,852              

       26,826                

       14,503                

     22,216              

    370,381                

    (3,375)              

         367,006                     

Staff costs

      (4,395)                

       (2,854)                

       (37,848)                  

        (12,677)                   

      (8,184)                

      (2,078)                

    (1,331)              

      (5,087)                

         (844)                

   (38,539)              

(113,837)                

       (407)              

      (114,244)                     

Other operating (expenses)/income (excluding advisory and other restructuring costs)

     (12,492)                

       (8,603)                

       (49,532)                  

        (18,457)                   

     (12,350)                

      (2,117)                

    (2,636)              

      (4,576)                

      (3,906)                

     24,624              

   (90,045)                

    (3,879)              

        (93,924)                     

Special levy on deposits on credit institutions and contribution to Single Resolution Fund

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

             - 

             - 

   (12,477)              

   (12,477)                

           - 

        (12,477)                     

Other operating expenses ‑ advisory and other restructuring costs

         (187)                

         (108)                

           (781)                  

        (15,442)                   

         (207)                

           (42)                

    (2,237)              

             - 

           (39)                

           - 

   (19,043)                

           - 

        (19,043)                     


       51,975                

        13,772                

         14,876                  

         (2,998)                   

       26,932                

         2,073                

       5,648              

       17,163                

         9,714                

    (4,176)              

    134,979                

    (7,661)              

         127,318                     

Net gains/(losses) on derecognition of financial assets measured at amortised cost

         3,933                

            162                

              171                  

            (844)                   

            294                

             18                

           - 

             - 

             - 

       1,682              

        5,416                

           13              

             5,429                     

Credit gains/(losses) to cover credit risk on loans and advances to customers

         3,306                

         5,395                

       (15,607)                  

      (103,965)                   

            332                

            397                

           - 

             - 

             - 

          632              

(109,510)                

          599              

      (108,911)                     

Credit (losses)/gains of other financial instruments

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

           (86)                

            797                

         (15)              

           696                

    (8,063)              

          (7,367)                     

Impairment of non‑financial instruments

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

    (9,942)              

             - 

             - 

           - 

     (9,942)                

    (1,643)              

        (11,585)                     

Remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

             - 

             - 

   (25,943)              

   (25,943)                

           - 

        (25,943)                     

Share of profit from associates

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

             - 

             - 

       5,312              

        5,312                

           - 

             5,312                     

Profit/(loss) before tax

       59,214                

        19,329                

           (560)                  

      (107,807)                   

       27,558                

         2,488                

    (4,294)              

       17,077                

       10,511                

   (22,508)              

        1,008                

   (16,755)              

        (15,747)                     

Income tax

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

      (1,853)                

             - 

    117,199              

    115,346                

       (202)              

         115,144                     

Profit/(loss) after tax

       59,214                

        19,329                

           (560)                  

      (107,807)                   

       27,558                

         2,488                

    (4,294)              

       15,224                

       10,511                

     94,691              

    116,354                

   (16,957)              

           99,397                     

Non‑controlling interests‑profit

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

             - 

             - 

    (1,999)              

     (1,999)                

           - 

          (1,999)                     

Profit/(loss) after tax attributable to the owners of the Company

      59,214                

      19,329                

          (560)                  

    (107,807)                   

      27,558                

        2,488                

   (4,294)              

      15,224                

      10,511                

    92,692              

    114,355                

(16,957)              

           97,398                     


 


Corporate

Small and medium‑sized enterprises

Retail

Restructuring and recoveries

International banking services

Wealth management

REMU

Insurance

Treasury

Other

Total
Cyprus

Overseas

Total continuing operations

Six months ended 30 June 2018 (represented)

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Net interest income/(expense)

       48,675                

        19,770                

         92,489                  

          31,311                   

       26,585                

         3,856                

    (7,994)              

             92                

         6,964                

    (4,739)              

    217,009                

    (4,925)              

         212,084                     

Net fee and commission income/(expense)

         7,864                

         5,047                

         22,896                  

            4,791                   

       31,795                

         1,153                

           - 

      (2,853)                

            956                

       8,559              

      80,208                

          128              

           80,336                     

Net foreign exchange gains

            388                

            317                

           1,891                  

               149                   

         3,743                

         1,543                

           - 

             - 

         8,710                

          716              

      17,457                

          582              

           18,039                     

Net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             65                

           - 

             60                

       22,211                

     15,017              

      37,353                

           25              

           37,378                     

Insurance income net of claims and commissions

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

       23,971                

             - 

           - 

      23,971                

       1,123              

           25,094                     

Net gains/(losses) from revaluation and disposal of investment properties

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

          743              

             - 

             - 

       1,405              

        2,148                

       (983)              

             1,165                     

Net gains/(losses) on disposal of stock of property

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

     24,040              

             - 

             - 

    (3,833)              

      20,207                

           59              

           20,266                     

Other income/(expenses)

            269                

               6                

               50                  

          13,677                   

               3                

             - 

           - 

            226                

             - 

    (4,245)              

        9,986                

       1,290              

           11,276                     


       57,196                

        25,140                

        117,326                  

          49,928                   

       62,126                

         6,617                

     16,789              

       21,496                

       38,841                

     12,880              

    408,339                

    (2,701)              

         405,638                     

Staff costs

      (3,860)                

       (2,778)                

       (33,993)                  

        (11,543)                   

      (7,071)                

      (1,811)                

       (978)              

      (4,725)                

      (1,000)                

   (36,303)              

(104,062)                

       (608)              

      (104,670)                     

Special levy on deposits on credit institutions and contribution to Single Resolution Fund

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

             - 

             - 

   (12,073)              

   (12,073)                

           - 

        (12,073)                     

Other operating (expenses)/income (excluding advisory and other restructuring costs)

      (9,979)                

       (6,757)                

       (55,727)                  

        (19,037)                   

     (15,119)                

      (1,991)                

    (2,821)              

      (3,895)                

      (4,273)                

     49,156              

   (70,443)                

    (4,519)              

        (74,962)                     

Other operating expenses ‑ advisory and other  restructuring costs

           (17)                

             (3)                

             (40)                  

        (21,331)                   

            (8)                

            (6)                

    (2,641)              

             - 

             - 

    (3,169)              

   (27,215)                

       (115)              

        (27,330)                     


       43,340                

        15,602                

         27,566                  

         (1,983)                   

       39,928                

         2,809                

     10,349              

       12,876                

       33,568                

     10,491              

    194,546                

    (7,943)              

         186,603                     

Net gains on derecognition of financial assets measured at amortised cost

         5,377                

         1,289                

           6,804                  

            5,052                   

            796                

             25                

           - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

      19,343                

           38              

           19,381                     

Credit (losses)/gains to cover credit risk on loans and advances to customers

     (18,062)                

     (10,112)                

       (21,128)                  

      (205,972)                   

      (7,173)                

      (3,334)                

           - 

             - 

             - 

    (1,476)              

(267,257)                

     14,304              

      (252,953)                     

Credit (losses)/gains of other financial instruments

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

             - 

         (670)                

    (2,664)              

     (3,334)                

             3              

          (3,331)                     

Impairment of non‑financial instruments

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

    (7,898)              

             - 

             - 

         (11)              

     (7,909)                

    (2,208)              

        (10,117)                     

Share of profit from associates

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

             - 

             - 

       4,520              

        4,520                

           - 

             4,520                     

Profit/(loss) before tax

       30,655                

         6,779                

         13,242                  

      (202,903)                   

       33,551                

         (500)                

       2,451              

       12,876                

       32,898                

     10,860              

   (60,091)                

       4,194              

        (55,897)                     

Income tax

      (3,832)                

         (847)                

        (1,655)                  

          19,738                   

      (4,194)                

             63                

       (306)              

      (1,390)                

      (4,028)                

    (7,046)              

     (3,497)                

       (393)              

          (3,890)                     

Profit/(loss) after tax

       26,823                

         5,932                

         11,587                  

      (183,165)                   

       29,357                

         (437)                

       2,145              

       11,486                

       28,870                

       3,814              

   (63,588)                

       3,801              

        (59,787)                     

Non‑controlling interests‑loss

             - 

             -  

               - 

                - 

             - 

             - 

           - 

             - 

             - 

       1,729              

        1,729                

           - 

             1,729                     

Profit/(loss) after tax attributable to the owners of the Company

      26,823                

        5,932                

        11,587                  

    (183,165)                   

      29,357                

        (437)                

      2,145              

      11,486                

      28,870                

      5,543              

   (61,859)                

      3,801              

        (58,058)                     


Discontinued operations

 

 

Six months ended
30 June
2018

 

€000

Net interest income

               22,397                          

Net fee and commission income

                 3,077                          

Net foreign exchange gains

                    163                          


               25,637                          

Staff costs

           (11,714)                          

Other operating expenses

              (9,136)                          


                 4,787                          

Credit gains to cover credit risk on loans and advances to customers

                    147                          

Profit before tax

                 4,934                          

Income tax

                 (924)                          

Profit after tax

                 4,010                          

The above information on discontinued operations relates to the disposal of the Group's subsidiary bank in the UK, Bank of Cyprus UK Limited and its subsidiary Bank of Cyprus Financial Services Limited, details of which are disclosed in Note 53.2.1 in the Group's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018.


Analysis of total revenue

Total revenue includes net interest income, net fee and commission income, net foreign exchange gains, net gains on financial instrument transactions, insurance income net of claims and commissions, net gains/(losses) from revaluation and disposal of investment properties, net gains/(losses) on disposal of stock of property and other income.

Continuing operations

 


Corporate

Small and medium‑sized enterprises

Retail

Restructuring and recoveries

International banking services

Wealth management

REMU

Insurance

Treasury

Other

Total Cyprus

Overseas

Total

Six months ended 30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Total revenue from third parties

          71,888                   

          24,657                   

          62,857                   

          98,100                   

          29,511                   

            4,508                   

       19,255                

          29,302                   

            6,126                   

       26,682                

       372,886                   

         (5,880)                   

          367,006                      

Inter‑segment (expense)/revenue

         (2,839)                   

               680                   

          40,180                   

        (54,522)                   

          18,162                   

            1,802                   

      (7,403)                

         (2,476)                   

            8,377                   

      (1,961)                

                - 

                - 

                   - 

Revenue between Cyprus and other countries

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

             - 

                - 

                - 

         5,170                

           5,170                   

         (5,170)                   

                   - 

Total revenue

         69,049                   

         25,337                   

       103,037                   

         43,578                   

         47,673                   

           6,310                   

      11,852                

         26,826                   

         14,503                   

      29,891                

       378,056                   

      (11,050)                   

          367,006                      

 

Six months ended 30 June 2018 (represented)














Total revenue from third parties

          65,094                   

          26,761                   

          53,809                   

         131,205                   

          34,256                   

               761                   

       24,783                

          24,126                   

          32,063                   

       10,837                

       403,695                   

            1,943                   

          405,638                      

Inter‑segment (expense)/revenue

         (7,898)                   

         (1,621)                   

          63,517                   

        (81,277)                   

          27,870                   

            5,856                   

      (7,994)                

         (2,630)                   

            6,778                   

      (2,601)                

                - 

                - 

                   - 

Revenue between Cyprus and other countries

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

             - 

                - 

                - 

         4,644                

           4,644                   

         (4,644)                   

                   - 

Total revenue

         57,196                   

         25,140                   

       117,326                   

         49,928                   

         62,126                   

           6,617                   

      16,789                

         21,496                   

         38,841                   

      12,880                

       408,339                   

        (2,701)                   

          405,638                      

The revenue from 'Overseas segment' mainly relates to banking and financial services for the six months ended 30 June 2019 and 2018.

 


Analysis of assets and liabilities

 


Corporate

Small and medium‑sized enterprises

Retail

Restructuring and recoveries

International banking services

Wealth management

REMU

Insurance

Treasury

Other

Total Cyprus

Overseas

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

      3,791,863                   

      1,123,484                   

      3,674,938                   

      2,054,056                   

         158,581                   

         115,936                   

   1,420,405                

         835,435                   

      7,333,112                   

      1,590,735                   

  22,098,545                   

         315,585                   

     22,414,130                      

Inter‑segment assets

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

             - 

        (33,303)                   

                - 

        (61,978)                   

      (95,281)                   

                - 

         (95,281)                      


    3,791,863                   

    1,123,484                   

    3,674,938                   

    2,054,056                   

       158,581                   

       115,936                   

1,420,405                

       802,132                   

    7,333,112                   

    1,528,757                   

  22,003,264                   

         315,585                   

     22,318,849                      

Assets between Cyprus and overseas operations

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                 

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

       (431,663)                      

Total assets

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                 

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

     21,887,186                      

 

31 December 2018














Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

      3,524,412                   

      1,150,640                   

      3,699,397                   

      2,229,146                   

         178,627                   

          98,851                   

   1,658,982                

         816,336                   

      6,396,620                   

      2,581,386                   

  22,334,397                   

         254,988                   

     22,589,385                      

Inter‑segment assets

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

             - 

        (39,642)                   

                - 

        (59,133)                   

      (98,775)                   

                - 

         (98,775)                      


    3,524,412                   

    1,150,640                   

    3,699,397                   

    2,229,146                   

       178,627                   

         98,851                   

1,658,982                

       776,694                   

    6,396,620                   

    2,522,253                   

  22,235,622                   

       254,988                   

     22,490,610                      

Assets between Cyprus and overseas operations

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                 

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

       (415,339)                      

Total assets

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                 

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

     22,075,271                      


 


Corporate

Small and medium‑sized enterprises

Retail

Restructuring and recoveries

International banking services

Wealth management

Insurance

Treasury

Other

Total Cyprus

Overseas

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

      1,872,614                   

         738,515                   

      9,806,679                   

         114,579                   

      3,459,828                   

         384,471                   

         676,089                   

      1,852,509                   

         582,611                   

  19,487,895                   

         452,659                   

  19,940,554                   

Inter‑segment liabilities

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

        (95,281)                   

                - 

      (95,281)                   

                - 

      (95,281)                   


    1,872,614                   

       738,515                   

    9,806,679                   

       114,579                   

    3,459,828                   

       384,471                   

       676,089                   

    1,757,228                   

       582,611                   

  19,392,614                   

       452,659                   

  19,845,273                   

Liabilities between Cyprus and overseas operations

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

    (428,759)                   

Total liabilities

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

  19,416,514                   

 

31 December 2018













 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

      1,750,517                   

         800,671                   

    10,032,047                   

         121,744                   

      3,707,713                   

         430,866                   

         632,308                   

      1,877,549                   

         452,708                   

  19,806,123                   

         417,159                   

  20,223,282                   

 

Inter‑segment liabilities

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

                - 

        (98,775)                   

                - 

      (98,775)                   

                - 

      (98,775)                   

 


    1,750,517                   

       800,671                   

  10,032,047                   

       121,744                   

    3,707,713                   

       430,866                   

       632,308                   

    1,778,774                   

       452,708                   

  19,707,348                   

       417,159                   

  20,124,507                   

 

Liabilities between Cyprus and overseas operations

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

    (416,564)                   

 

Total liabilities

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

                                       

  19,707,943                   

 

Segmental analysis of customer deposits and loans and advances to customers is presented in Notes 21 and 29.2 and 29.7, respectively.


8.          Net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates 

 

 

Six months ended
30 June

 

2019

2018 (represented)

Trading portfolio:

€000

€000

‑ derivative financial instruments

            1,506                     

                177

Other investments at FVPL:

 

 

‑ debt securities

            9,181                     

             1,973

‑ equity securities

            1,556                     

                662

Net gains on disposal of FVOCI debt securities

                   - 

           19,787

Net gains on loans and advances to customers at FVPL

                  17                     

           13,867

Revaluation of financial instruments designated as fair value hedges:

 

 

‑ hedging instruments

       (11,092)                     

           10,673

‑ hedged items

          11,400                     

           (9,616)

Net loss on financial liabilities at FVPL

            (413)                     

                   - 

Loss on disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates

                   - 

              (145)

 

          12,155                     

           37,378

9.          Staff costs and other operating expenses

Staff costs

 

 

Six months ended
30 June

 

2019

2018 (represented)

 

€000

€000

Salaries

          93,989                     

           86,650

Employer's contributions to state social insurance

          13,045                     

           11,170

Retirement benefit plan costs

            7,210                     

             6,850

 

        114,244                     

         104,670

The number of persons employed by the Group as at 30 June 2019 was 4,155 and includes 108 persons relating to the Helix transaction, where the full migration and transfer to the buyer is expected to conclude by the end of the year (31 December 2018: 4,146 and 30 June 2018: 4,158 represented). 


Other operating expenses   

 

 

Six months ended
30 June

 

2019

2018 (represented)

 

€000

€000

Repairs and maintenance of property and equipment

          15,262                     

           13,337

Other property‑related costs

            9,290                     

             6,535

Operating lease rentals for property and equipment

                   - 

             4,783

Consultancy and other professional services fees

            8,494                     

           10,959

Insurance

            3,454                     

             3,660

Advertising and marketing

            6,819                     

             8,494

Depreciation of property and equipment

            9,862                     

             5,465

Amortisation of intangible assets

            7,600                     

             5,711

Communication expenses

            4,047                     

             4,548

Provisions and settlements of litigations, claims and provisions for regulatory matters (Note 25.3)

            8,961                     

           (5,813)

Printing and stationery

            1,433                     

             1,120

Local cash transfer expenses

            1,397                     

             1,478

Other operating expenses

          17,305                     

           14,685


          93,924                     

           74,962

Advisory and other restructuring costs

          19,043                     

           27,330

 

        112,967                     

         102,292

Advisory and other restructuring costs comprise mainly fees of external advisors in relation to: (i) customer loan restructuring activities which are not part of the effective interest rate and (ii) disposal of operations and non‑core assets.

Following the adoption of IFRS 16 as of 1 January 2019, the Group during the six months ended 30 June 2019, recognised within 'Other property‑related costs' rent expense for short term leases amounting to €235 thousand and 'Depreciation of property and equipment' includes €4,405 thousand relating to the depreciation of right of use assets (Note 3.3.2). Furthermore, as a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 the line item 'Operating lease rentals for property and equipment' is nil for the current period.


10.         Credit losses of financial instruments and impairment of non‑financial instruments

 

 

 

Six months ended
30 June

 

2019

2018 (represented)

 

€000

€000

Credit losses to cover credit risk on loans and advances to customers

                                           

                      

Impairment loss net of reversals on loans and advances to customers

        129,424                     

         410,090

Recoveries of loans and advances to customers previously written off

       (14,739)                     

       (124,880)

Changes in expected cash flows

            (240)                     

         (26,735)

Financial guarantees and commitments

         (5,534)                     

           (5,522)

 

        108,911                     

         252,953

 

Credit losses of other financial instruments

                                           

                      

Amortised cost treasury bills

                  40                     

                   - 

Amortised cost debt securities

            (162)                     

           (1,201)

FVOCI debt securities

                    9                     

              (462)

Loans and advances to banks

            1,304                     

                518

Balances with central banks

                   - 

             2,396

Other financial assets (Note 18)

            6,176                     

             2,080

 

            7,367                     

             3,331

 

Impairment of non‑financial instruments

                                           

                      

Stock of property (Note 17)

          11,585                     

           10,106

Equipment

                   - 

                  11

 

          11,585                     

           10,117

11.         Income tax

 

 

Six months ended
30 June

 

2019

2018 (represented)

 

€000

€000

Current tax:

 

 

‑ Cyprus

            2,570                     

             2,719

‑ Overseas

                223                     

                281

Cyprus special defence contribution

                148                     

                139

Deferred tax (credit)/charge

    (114,692)                     

             1,663

Prior years' tax adjustments

         (3,422)                     

             1,376

Other tax charges/(credits)

                  29                     

           (2,288)

 

    (115,144)                     

             3,890

The Group's share of income tax from associates for the six months ended 30 June 2019 amounts to €703 thousand (30 June 2018: €647 thousand). 


The net deferred tax assets comprise of: 

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December
2018

 

€000

€000

Deferred tax assets

        379,126                     

         301,778

Deferred tax liabilities

       (44,818)                     

         (44,282)

Net deferred tax assets

        334,308                     

         257,496

The deferred tax assets relate to Cyprus operations. 

The movement of the net deferred tax assets is set out below: 

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December
2018

 

€000

€000

1 January

        257,496                     

         337,385

Deferred tax recognised in the consolidated income statement ‑ continuing operations

        114,692                     

         (81,436)

Deferred tax recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income

                  29                     

                579

Disposal of subsidiary

                   - 

                967

Transfer to current tax receivables

       (37,909)                     

                   - 

Foreign exchange adjustments

                   - 

                    1

30 June/31 December

        334,308                     

         257,496

Income Tax Law Amendment 28 (I) of 2019

On 1 March 2019 the Cyprus Parliament adopted legislative amendments on Income Tax Law (the 'Law') published on the Official Gazette of the Republic on 15 March 2019 ('the amendments').

The main provisions of the legislation are set out below:

·             The amendments allow for the conversion of specific tax losses into tax credits.

·             The Law applies only to tax losses transferred following resolution of a credit institution within the framework of 'The Resolution of Credit and Other Institutions Law'.

·             The losses are capped to the amount of Deferred Tax Assets (DTA) recognised on the balance sheet of the audited financial statements of the acquiring credit institution in the year of acquisition. The tax losses in excess of the capped amount can only be utilised in cases involving transfers of tax losses in relation to tax reorganisations, which will be completed before 1 October 2019. Post 1 October 2019, any excess tax losses expire.

·             Acquired tax losses are converted into 15 equal annual instalments for credit institutions that will enter into resolution in the future or into 11 equal annual instalments for credit institutions which were in resolution pre 31 December 2017.

·             Each annual instalment can be claimed as a deductible expense in the determination of the taxable income for the relevant year. Annual instalments are capped and cannot create additional losses for the credit institution.

·             Any amount of annual instalment not utilised as a deductible expense is converted into a tax credit at the year end (with reference to the applicable tax rate enacted at the time of the conversion) and it can be utilised as a tax credit in the tax year following the tax year to which this tax credit relates to.

·             The tax credit can be used against a tax liability (Corporate Income Tax Law, VAT Law or Bank levy Law) of the credit institution or any other eligible subsidiary for group relief. Any unutilised tax credits in the relevant year are converted into a receivable from the Cyprus Government.


·             In financial years a credit institution has accounting losses the amount of the annual instalment is recalculated. Upon recalculation, the mechanics outlined above remain unchanged. 

·             In case a credit institution in scope goes into liquidation the total amount of unused annual instalments are converted to tax credits and immediately become a receivable from the Government.

·             A guarantee fee of 1,5% on annual tax credit is payable annually by the credit institution to the Government.

BOC PCL has DTA that meets the requirements of the Law relating to income tax losses transferred to BOC PCL as a result of the acquisition of certain operations of Laiki Bank, on 29 March 2013, under 'The Resolution of Credit and Other Institutions Law'. The DTA recognised following the acquisition of certain operations of Laiki in 2013 amounted to €417 million for which BOC PCL paid a consideration as part of the respective acquisition. Under the Law, BOC PCL can convert up to an amount of €3.3 billion tax losses to tax credits (which led to the creation of DTA amounting to €417 million), with the conversion being based on the tax rate applicable at the time of conversion. Upon the adoption of the Law a reversal of previously recognised DTA impairment of €115 million was recognised in the current period. Following the amendment of the Law, the period of utilisation of the tax losses which may be converted into tax credits remains unchanged (i.e. by end of 2028).

During the six months ended 30 June 2019, an amount of €37,909 thousand has been reclassified from the DTA to current tax receivables, being the first annual tax credit receivable.

The DTA subject to the Law is accounted for on the same basis, as described in Note 2.13 of the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018.

Accumulated income tax losses 

The accumulated income tax losses are presented in the table below:

 

 

Total income tax losses

Income tax losses for which a deferred tax asset was recognised

Income tax losses for which no deferred tax asset was recognised

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

Expiring within 5 years

            72,171                        

                     - 

            72,171                        

Utilisation in annual instalments up to 2028

       3,032,728                        

       3,032,728                        

                     - 

 

       3,104,899                        

       3,032,728                        

            72,171                        

 

 

 

 

31 December 2018

 

 

 

Expiring within 5 years

            950,084                        

                      - 

            950,084                        

Expiring by the end of 2028

         7,378,801                        

         2,414,176                        

         4,964,625                        

 

         8,328,885                        

         2,414,176                        

         5,914,709                        

In relation to the tax losses that were transferred to BOC PCL in 2013, the income tax authorities in Cyprus issued their tax assessments in March and April 2019. On the basis of these assessments the quantum of Laiki Bank tax losses were c.€5 billion and lower than the initial amount of €7.4 billion estimated in 2013.

The tax losses in excess of the €3.3 billion transferred from Laiki Bank to BOC PCL in March 2013 cannot be utilised by BOC PCL, in line with the March 2019 Law amendments, except in cases where there are transfers arising due to reorganisations made prior to 1 October 2019.


12.        Earnings per share

 

 

Six months ended
30 June

Basic and diluted earnings/(losses) per share attributable to the owners of the Company

2019

2018 (represented)

Profit/(loss) for the period attributable to the owners of the Company (€ thousand)

          97,398                     

         (54,048)

Weighted average number of shares in issue during the period, excluding treasury shares (thousand)

        446,058                     

         446,058

Basic and diluted earnings/(losses) per share (€ cent)

               21.8                     

             (12.1)

 

Basic and diluted earnings/(losses) per share attributable to the owners of the Company‑continuing operations

 

 

Profit/(loss) for the period attributable to the owners of the Company‑continuing operations (€ thousand)

          97,398                     

         (58,058)

Weighted average number of shares in issue during the period, excluding treasury shares (thousand)

        446,058                     

         446,058

Basic and diluted earnings/(losses) per share‑continuing operations (€ cent)

               21.8                     

             (13.0)

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the owners of the Company‑discontinued operations

 

 

Profit for the period attributable to the owners of the Company‑discontinued operations (€ thousand)

                   - 

             4,010

Weighted average number of shares in issue during the period, excluding treasury shares (thousand)

        446,058                     

         446,058

Basic and diluted earnings per share‑discontinued operations (€ cent)

                   - 

                 0.9

13.        Investments

 

Investments

30 June
2019

€000

31 December 2018

€000

Investments mandatorily measured at FVPL

        166,480                     

         152,473

Investments at FVOCI

        644,038                     

         231,548

Investments at amortised cost

        778,064                     

         393,083

 

     1,588,582                     

         777,104

During the six months ended 30 June 2019, the Group has proceeded to invest in debt securities, as part of its investing strategy.  


The amounts pledged as collateral are shown below:

 

Investments pledged as collateral

30 June
2019

€000

31 December 2018

€000

Investments at FVOCI

        282,257                     

         600,291

Investments at amortised cost

          10,060                     

         137,296


        292,317                     

         737,587

The decrease in investments pledged as collateral during the six months ended 30 June 2019 related to the change in the type of collateral pledged by the Group. Encumbered assets are disclosed in Note 31.

All investments pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements can be sold or repledged by the counterparty.

The maximum exposure to credit risk for debt securities is disclosed in Note 29.1.

Investments in equity securities and mutual funds as at 30 June 2019, included above, amount to €19,287 thousand and €141,381thousand respectively (31 December 2018: €15,309 thousand and €134,639 thousand respectively).

There were no reclassifications of investments during the six months ended 30 June 2019.

The debt securities which are measured at FVPL are classified as such because they failed to meet the SPPI criteria.

At 1 January 2018 the Group irrevocably made the election to classify its equity investments previously classified as available‑for‑sale as equity investments at FVOCI on the basis that these are not held for trading. Their carrying value included in the table above amounts to €9,579 thousand at 30 June 2019 and is equal to their fair value. Dividend income amounting to €113 thousand has been received and recognised for the six months ended 30 June 2019 (corresponding period of 2018: €122 thousand). 

During the six months ended 30 June 2019 no equity investments measured at FVOCI have been disposed of (year 2018: €5,458 thousand). The cumulative gain transferred to retained earnings during the year 2018 amounted to €173 thousand.  There were no other transfers from OCI to retained earnings during the period.

The fair value of the financial assets that have been reclassified out of FVPL to FVOCI on transition to IFRS 9, amounts to €15,683 thousand at 30 June 2019 (31 December 2018: €14,940 thousand). The fair value gain that would have been recognised in the consolidated income statement if these financial assets had not been reclassified as part of the transition to IFRS 9, amounts to €834 thousand (year 2018: €359 thousand). The effective interest rate of these instruments is 1.6%‑5.0% per annum and the respective interest income during the six months ended 30 June 2019 amounts to €197 thousand.


14.        Derivative financial instruments

The contract amount and fair value of the derivative financial instruments is set out below:

 

 

30 June 2019

31 December 2018

 

 

Fair value

 

Fair value

 

Contract amount

Assets

Liabilities

Contract amount

Assets

Liabilities

 

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Trading derivatives

                                           

                                       

                                           

                                           

                                       

                      

Forward exchange rate contracts

           23,985                     

              212                   

                118                     

             17,114                     

               240                   

                 192

Currency swaps

      1,476,053                     

              820                   

             6,092                     

        1,219,749                     

            3,405                   

              6,342

Interest rate swaps

           53,664                     

              359                   

                267                     

             57,652                     

               471                   

                 422

Currency options

             1,160                     

                  1                   

                265                     

             12,704                     

                  8                   

                 382

Interest rate caps/floors

      1,650,000                     

           1,944                   

                   - 

        1,650,000                     

               462                   

                   - 


      3,204,862                     

           3,336                   

             6,742                     

        2,957,219                     

            4,586                   

              7,338

Derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting

                                           

                                       

                                           

                                           

                                       

                      

Fair value hedges ‑ interest rate swaps

      1,093,827                     

           8,653                   

           49,884                     

        1,016,083                     

          20,137                   

            29,029

Net investments ‑ forward exchange rate contracts and currency swaps

           88,119                     

           1,662                   

                  76                     

             74,973                     

                31                   

              2,616


      1,181,946                     

         10,315                   

           49,960                     

        1,091,056                     

          20,168                   

            31,645

Total

      4,386,808                     

         13,651                   

           56,702                     

        4,048,275                     

          24,754                   

            38,983

Hedge accounting

The Group elected, as a policy choice permitted by IFRS 9, to continue to apply hedge accounting in accordance with IAS 39. The Group implements the amended IFRS 7 hedge disclosure requirements.

The Group applies fair value hedge accounting using derivatives when the required criteria for hedge accounting are met. The Group also uses derivatives for economic hedging (hedging the changes in interest rates, exchange rates or other risks) which do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting. As a result, these derivatives are accounted for as trading derivatives and the gains or losses arising from revaluation are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges and the fair value of the item in relation to the risk being hedged are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

Fair value hedges

The Group uses interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk arising as a result of the possible adverse movement in the fair value of fixed rate debt securities measured at FVOCI and fixed rate customer loans and deposits. 


Hedges of net investments

The Group's consolidated balance sheet is affected by foreign exchange differences between the Euro and all non‑Euro functional currencies of overseas subsidiaries and other foreign operations. The Group hedges its structural currency risk when it considers that the cost of such hedging is within an acceptable range (in relation to the underlying risk). This hedging is effected by financing with borrowings in the same currency as the functional currency of the overseas subsidiaries and forward exchange rate contracts. 

As at 30 June 2019, deposits, and forward and swap exchange rate contracts amounting to €9,883 thousand and €88,119 thousand respectively (31 December 2018: €9,843 thousand and €74,973 thousand respectively) have been designated as hedging instruments and have given rise to a gain of €8,279 thousand (corresponding period of 2018: loss of €3,859 thousand) which was recognised in the 'Foreign currency translation reserve' in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, against the profit or loss from the retranslation of the net assets of the overseas subsidiaries and other foreign operations.

15.        Fair value measurement

The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of the Group's financial assets and liabilities.

 

 

30 June 2019

31 December 2018


Carrying value

Fair value

Carrying value

Fair value

Financial assets

€000

€000

€000

€000

Cash and balances with central banks

     5,261,896                     

     5,261,896                     

      4,610,491                     

      4,610,491

Loans and advances to banks

        403,041                     

        401,701                     

         472,532                     

         467,026

Investments mandatorily measured at FVPL

        166,480                     

        166,480                     

         152,473                     

         152,473

Investments at FVOCI

        926,295                     

        926,295                     

         831,839                     

         831,839

Investments at amortised cost

        788,124                     

        808,196                     

         530,379                     

         538,631

Derivative financial assets

          13,651                     

          13,651                     

           24,754                     

           24,754

Loans and advances to customers

  10,949,002                     

  10,947,534                     

    10,921,786                     

    10,788,446

Life insurance business assets attributable to policyholders

        426,800                     

        426,800                     

         388,745                     

         388,745

Financial assets classified as held for sale

            8,318                     

            8,318                     

      1,154,108                     

      1,154,108

Other financial assets

        189,929                     

        189,929                     

         144,381                     

         144,381


  19,133,536                     

  19,150,800                     

    19,231,488                     

    19,100,894

Financial liabilities

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Obligations to central banks and deposits by banks

     1,362,023                     

     1,362,023                     

      1,261,942                     

      1,261,942

Repurchase agreements

        247,813                     

        252,749                     

         248,945                     

         263,511

Derivative financial liabilities

          56,702                     

          56,702                     

           38,983                     

           38,983

Customer deposits

  16,376,686                     

  16,383,990                     

    16,843,558                     

    16,849,222

Subordinated loan stock

        261,417                     

        275,592                     

         270,930                     

         276,527

Other financial liabilities

        173,975                     

        173,975                     

         188,512                     

         188,512

 

  18,478,616                     

  18,505,031                     

    18,852,870                     

    18,878,697

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities in the above table is as at the reporting date and does not represent any expectations about their future value.

The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing fair value:

Level 1: investments valued using quoted prices in active markets.



Customer deposits

The fair value of customer deposits is determined by calculating the present value of future cash flows.  The discount rate takes into account current market rates and the credit profile of BOC PCL. The fair value of deposits repayable on demand and deposits protected by the Deposit Protection Guarantee Scheme are approximated by their carrying values.

Repurchase agreements

Repurchase agreements are collateralised bank takings. Given that the collateral provided by the Group is greater than the amount borrowed, the fair value calculation of these repurchase agreements takes into account the time value of money.

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to banks with maturity over one year are discounted using an appropriate risk free rate plus the credit spread of each counterparty.  For short‑term lending, the fair value is approximated by the carrying value.

Deposits by banks

Since almost all deposits by banks are very short‑term, the fair value is an approximation of the carrying value.

Subordinated loan stock

The current issue of BOC PCL is liquid with quoted prices in an active market. 

Model inputs for valuation

Observable inputs to the models for the valuation of unquoted equity and debt securities include, where applicable, current and expected market interest rates, market expected default rates, market implied country and counterparty credit risk and market liquidity discounts.


The following table presents the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group's financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value or for which fair value is disclosed, by level of the fair value hierarchy:

 

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

Loans and advances to customers measured at FVPL

                   - 

                   - 

         393,981                     

        393,981

Trading derivatives

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Forward exchange rate contracts

                   - 

                212                     

                   - 

               212

Currency swaps

                   - 

                820                     

                   - 

               820

Interest rate swaps

                   - 

                359                     

                   - 

               359

Currency options

                   - 

                    1                     

                   - 

                    1

Interest rate caps/floors

                   - 

             1,944                     

                   - 

            1,944


                   - 

             3,336                     

                   - 

            3,336

Derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Fair value hedges‑interest rate swaps

                   - 

             8,653                     

                   - 

            8,653

Net investments‑forward exchange rate contracts and currency swaps

                   - 

             1,662                     

                   - 

            1,662


                   - 

           10,315                     

                   - 

          10,315

Investments mandatorily measured at FVPL

         142,306                     

             1,794                     

           22,380                     

        166,480

Investments at FVOCI

         910,469                     

             1,087                     

           14,739                     

        926,295


     1,052,775                     

          16,532                     

        431,100                     

    1,500,407

Other financial assets not measured at fair value

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Loans and advances to banks

                   - 

         401,701                     

                   - 

        401,701

Investments at amortised cost

         687,785                     

           75,378                     

           45,033                     

        808,196

Loans and advances to customers

                   - 

                   - 

    10,553,553                     

  10,553,553

 

        687,785                     

        477,079                     

  10,598,586                     

  11,763,450

For loans and advances to customers measured at FVPL categorised as Level 3, an increase in the discount factor by 10% would result in a decrease of €10,206 thousand in their fair value and a decrease in the discount factor by 10% would result in an increase of €6,129 thousand in their fair value.

For one investment included in debt securities mandatorily measured at fair value through profit and loss as a result of the SPPI assessment and categorised as Level 3 (Note 13) with a carrying amount of €21,403 thousand as of 30 June 2019, for which a change in the conversion factor by 10% would result in a change in the value of the debt securities by €2,140 thousand.


 

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

Trading derivatives

 

 

 

 

Forward exchange rate contracts

                   - 

                118                     

                   - 

               118

Currency swaps

                   - 

             6,092                     

                   - 

            6,092

Interest rate swaps

                   - 

                267                     

                   - 

               267

Currency options

                   - 

                265                     

                   - 

               265


                   - 

             6,742                     

                   - 

            6,742

Derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting

 

 

 

 

Fair value hedges‑interest rate swaps

                   - 

           49,884                     

                   - 

          49,884

Net investments‑forward exchange rate contracts

                   - 

                  76                     

                   - 

                  76


                   - 

           49,960                     

                   - 

          49,960


                   - 

          56,702                     

                   - 

          56,702

Other financial liabilities not measured at fair value

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Deposits by banks

                   - 

         532,023                     

                   - 

        532,023

Repurchase agreements

                   - 

         252,749                     

                   - 

        252,749

Customer deposits

                   - 

                   - 

    16,383,990                     

  16,383,990

Subordinated loan stock

         275,592                     

                   - 

                   - 

        275,592

 

        275,592                     

        784,772                     

  16,383,990                     

  17,444,354


 

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

Loans and advances to customers measured at FVPL

                   - 

                   - 

         395,572                     

        395,572

Trading derivatives

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Forward exchange rate contracts

                   - 

                240                     

                   - 

               240

Currency swaps

                   - 

             3,405                     

                   - 

            3,405

Interest rate swaps

                   - 

                471                     

                   - 

               471

Currency options

                   - 

                    8                     

                   - 

                    8

Interest rate caps/floors

                   - 

                462                     

                   - 

               462


                   - 

             4,586                     

                   - 

            4,586

Derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Fair value hedges‑interest rate swaps

                   - 

           20,137                     

                   - 

          20,137

Net investments‑forward exchange rate contracts

                   - 

                  31                     

                   - 

                  31


                   - 

           20,168                     

                   - 

          20,168

Investments mandatorily measured at FVPL

         137,093                     

                394                     

           14,986                     

        152,473

Investments at FVOCI

         822,628                     

             1,051                     

             8,160                     

        831,839


        959,721                     

          26,199                     

        418,718                     

    1,404,638

Other financial assets not measured at fair value

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Loans and advances to banks

                   - 

         467,026                     

                   - 

        467,026

Investments at amortised cost

         484,417                     

           54,214                     

                   - 

        538,631

Loans and advances to customers

                   - 

                   - 

    10,392,874                     

  10,392,874

 

        484,417                     

        521,240                     

  10,392,874                     

  11,398,531

For loans and advances to customers measured at FVPL categorised as Level 3, an increase in the discount factor by 10% would result in a decrease of €12,134 thousand in their fair value and a decrease in the discount factor by 10% would result in an increase of €5,263 thousand in their fair value.

For one investment included in debt securites mandatorily measured at fair value through profit and loss as a result of the SPPI assessment and categorised as Level 3 (Note 13) with a carrying amount of €13,569 thousand as at 31 December 2018, for which a change in the conversion factor by 10% would result in a change in the value of the debt securities by €1,357 thousand.


 

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

 

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Trading derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

Forward exchange rate contracts

                   - 

                 192                     

                   - 

                192

 

Currency swaps

                   - 

              6,342                     

                   - 

             6,342

 

Interest rate swaps

                   - 

                 422                     

                   - 

                422

 

Currency options

                   - 

                 382                     

                   - 

                382

 


                   - 

              7,338                     

                   - 

             7,338

 

Derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value hedges‑interest rate swaps

                   - 

             29,029                     

                   - 

           29,029

 

Net investments‑forward exchange rate contracts

                   - 

              2,616                     

                   - 

             2,616

 


                   - 

             31,645                     

                   - 

           31,645

 


                   - 

           38,983                     

                   - 

           38,983

 

Other financial liabilities not measured at fair value

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

 

Deposits by banks

                   - 

           431,942                     

                   - 

         431,942

 

Repurchase agreements

                   - 

           263,511                     

                   - 

         263,511

 

Customer deposits

                   - 

                   - 

      16,849,222                     

    16,849,222

 

Subordinated loan stock

           276,527                     

                   - 

                   - 

         276,527

 

 

         276,527                     

         695,453                     

    16,849,222                     

    17,821,202

 

The cash and balances with central banks and the funding from central banks are financial instruments whose carrying value is a reasonable approximation of fair value, because they are mostly short‑term in nature or are repriced to current market rates frequently.

During the six months ended 30 June 2019 and the year 2018 there were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.

The movement in Level 3 financial assets which are measured at fair value is presented below:

 

30 June 2019

31 December 2018

 

Loans and advances to customers

Financial instruments

Total

Loans and advances to customers

Financial instruments

Total

 

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January

    395,572                

           23,146                     

    418,718                

      389,862                

             22,621                     

      412,483                

Additions

              - 

             6,529                     

        6,529                

       35,601                

                   - 

       35,601                

Disposals

              - 

             (465)                     

        (465)                

              - 

                   - 

              - 

Net gains from fair value changes recognised in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income

              - 

             7,909                     

        7,909                

              - 

                 525                     

            525                

Net gains on loans and advances to customers measured at FVPL

             17                

                   - 

             17                

       16,125                

                   - 

       16,125                

Repayments of loans

     (9,792)                

                   - 

     (9,792)                

     (62,809)                

                   - 

     (62,809)                

Interest on loans

        8,184                

                   - 

        8,184                

       16,793                

                   - 

       16,793                

30 June/31 December

    393,981                

           37,119                     

    431,100                

      395,572                

             23,146                     

      418,718                


16.        Loans and advances to customers

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018


€000

€000

 Gross loans and advances to customers at amortised cost

  12,388,100                     

    12,430,367

 Allowance for ECL for impairment of loans and advances to customers

(Note 29)

(1,833,079)                     

    (1,904,153)

Loans and advances to customers measured at amortised cost

  10,555,021                     

    10,526,214

Loans and advances to customers measured at FVPL

        393,981                     

         395,572


  10,949,002                     

    10,921,786

Loans and advances to customers pledged as collateral are disclosed in Note 31.

Additional analysis and information regarding credit risk and analysis of the allowance for ECL of loans and advances to customers are set out in Note 29.

17.        Stock of property

The carrying value of stock is determined as the lower of cost and net realisable value. Impairment is recognised if the net realisable value is below the cost of the stock of property. During the six months ended 30 June 2019 an impairment loss of €11,585 thousand (30 June 2018: €10,106 thousand) was recognised in 'Impairment of non‑financial instruments' in the consolidated income statement. At 30 June 2019, stock of €353,958 thousand (31 December 2018: €387,085 thousand) is carried at net realisable value which is approximately the fair value less costs to sell.

The stock of property includes residential properties, offices and other commercial properties, manufacturing and industrial properties, hotels, land (fields and plots) and properties under construction. There is no stock of property pledged as collateral for central bank funding facilities under Eurosystem monetary policy operations.

During the six months ended 30 June 2019, the Group changed the classification for properties which are leased out under operating leases as detailed in Note 3.3.1. The comparative note below is restated in accordance with the new classificaton policy.

The carrying value of the stock of property is analysed in the tables below:

 

 

2019

2018
(restated)

 

€000

€000

Net book value at 1 January

     1,426,857                     

      1,486,979

Additions

        102,307                     

         300,626

Disposals

       (80,723)                     

       (184,818)

Tranfers of  stock of property to serbian entities to non‑current assets held for sale

         (2,427)                     

                   - 

Transfers to own use properties

                   - 

         (84,744)

Transfers to disposal groups (Note 19)

         (3,816)                     

         (73,899)

Impairment (Note 10)

       (11,585)                     

         (17,270)

Foreign exchange adjustments

            (172)                     

                (17)

Net book value at 30 June/31 December

     1,430,441                     

      1,426,857

Additions during the year 2018 include costs of construction of €31,860 thousand. There were no costs of construction during the six months ended 30 June 2019 (corresponding period 2018: €10,095 thousand).


 

 

Analysis by type and country

Cyprus

Greece

Romania

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

Residential properties

         154,330                     

           22,437                     

                117                     

        176,884

Offices and other commercial properties

         171,670                     

           34,406                     

             9,686                     

        215,762

Manufacturing and industrial properties

           53,334                     

           28,213                     

                490                     

          82,037

Hotels

           26,339                     

                489                     

                   - 

          26,828

Land (fields and plots)

         916,479                     

             7,435                     

             3,427                     

        927,341

Properties under construction

             1,589                     

                   - 

                   - 

            1,589

Total

     1,323,741                     

          92,980                     

          13,720                     

    1,430,441

 

31 December 2018 (restated)





Residential properties

         150,106                     

           20,855                     

                313                     

        171,274

Offices and other commercial properties

         179,822                     

           33,283                     

             7,401                     

        220,506

Manufacturing and industrial properties

           54,188                     

           36,212                     

                498                     

          90,898

Hotels

           34,840                     

                484                     

                   - 

          35,324

Land (fields and plots)

         897,020                     

             7,546                     

             3,611                     

        908,177

Properties under construction

                678                     

                   - 

                   - 

               678

Total

     1,316,654                     

          98,380                     

          11,823                     

    1,426,857

18.        Prepayments, accrued income and other assets

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

 

€000

€000

Financial assets

 

 

Receivables relating to disposal of operations, loan portfolios and other assets

        130,716                     

           85,606

Debtors

          42,599                     

           30,671

Receivable relating to tax

            4,692                     

           12,329

Other assets

          11,922                     

           15,775


        189,929                     

         144,381

Non financial assets

 

 

Reinsurers' share of insurance contract liabilities

          51,481                     

           48,348

Current tax receivable

          24,698                     

             2,307

Prepaid expenses

            7,199                     

             8,658

Other assets

          49,946                     

           52,308


        133,324                     

         111,621

 

        323,253                     

         256,002

As at 30 June 2019, the receivable relating to the disposal of operations in the UK amounts to €56,064 thousand (31 December 2018: €54,760 thousand). Half of the consideration was received upon completion of the transaction and the remaining half is deferred up to November 2020, without any performance conditions attached.  The receivable relating to the disposal of the Ukrainian operations in 2014, amounted to €28,023 thousand (31 December 2018: €30,846 thousand) and the deferred consideration is due to be paid to BOC PCL under a repayment programme which has been extended from June 2019 to December 2022. The receivable is fully secured.


During the six months ended 30 June 2019, credit losses of €6,176 thousand were recognised in relation to prepayments, accrued income and other assets. This includes ECL losses of €7,764 thousand and net reversal of impairments amounting to €1,588 thousand. During the six months ended 30 June 2018 credit losses amounted to €2,080 thousand, which includes reversal of ECL of €59 thousand and €2,139 thousand write‑offs (Note 10).

19.        Non‑current assets and disposal groups held for sale

Non‑current assets and disposal groups held for sale

The following non‑current assets and disposal groups were classified as held for sale as at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018:

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

 

€000

€000

Gross loans and advances to customers at amortised cost (Note 29.7)

                   - 

      2,711,960

Allowance for ECL

                   - 

    (1,557,852)


                   - 

      1,154,108

Stock of property (Note 17)

                   - 

           73,899

Disposal group 1

                   - 

      1,228,007

Disposal group 2

                   - 

         151,248

Disposal group 3

          91,701                     

           89,683

Investment in associate

          97,502                     

                   - 

Lending and other exposures to serbian entities

            8,318                     

                   - 

Investment properties held for sale

                   - 

             1,100

 

        197,521                     

      1,470,038

Non‑current liabilities and disposal group held for sale

 



Liabilities relating to disposal group 3

            6,760                     

             5,812

Disposal group 1

Disposal group 1 comprised of a portfolio of loans and advances to customers (the Portfolio) and stock of property (known as 'Project Helix' or the 'Transaction') and a portfolio of loans and advances to customers known as 'Velocity'. During the six months ended 30 June 2019, the Group disposed of the Portfolio through the transfer of the Portfolio by BOC PCL to a licensed Cypriot Credit Acquiring Company (the 'CyCAC'). The shares of the CyCAC were subsequently acquired by certain funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management LLC (together with its consolidated subsidiaries 'Apollo', the purchaser of the Portfolio). Funds managed by Apollo provided equity capital in relation to the financing of the purchase of the Portfolio. In addition, during the six months ended 30 June 2019 the Group disposed of the portfolio of project 'Velocity'.

BOC PCL received consideration of c.€1,186 million on completion, reflecting adjustments resulting from, inter alia, loan repayments received on the Portfolio since the reference date of 31 March 2018, of which €45 million concern the BOC PCL participation in the senior debt issued to finance the transaction. As at the date of the completion of the sale, the Portfolio included loans and advances to customers of gross book value amounting to €2,631 million (net book value €1,054 million) and stock of properties with carrying value amounting to €109 million. As at 30 June 2019 the Group has derecognised the disposed portfolio relating to Project Helix.

The portfolio of project Velocity comprised of gross loans and advances to customers amounting to €30 million with net book value of €4 million and the net proceeds amounted to €4 million. The Group has derecognised the disposed portfolio relating to Project Velocity as of 30 June 2019.


As at 31 December 2018, the portfolios of Project Helix and Project Velocity were classified as a disposal group held for sale as management was committed to sell and had proceeded with an active programme to complete this plan.

Disposal group 2

In June 2019 BOC PCL disposed of its entire holding of 88.2% in the investment shares of Cyreit. Cyreit is the holding company of a group of companies which holds and manages investment properties.  As at 31 December 2018, the subsidiary was classified as a disposal group.

The investment properties held within the disposal group were measured at fair value up to the date of disposal. The results of the fair value changes and the impact on disposal are presented within 'Net losses from revaluation and disposal of investment properties' in the consolidated income statement and are within the Cyprus operating segment since the investment properties are in Cyprus. Further information is presented in Note 35.2.1.

Disposal group 3

As at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018, the disposal group 3 relates to the subsidiary Nicosia Mall Holdings (NMH) Limited and its subsidiaries (NMH group) which are involved in the construction and management of the Nicosia Mall. Management is committed to sell NMH group and has proceeded with an active programme to complete this plan. The disposal is expected to be completed within the next 12 months from the classification date. Disposal group 3 includes stock of property amounting to €91,031 thousand and other assets of €670 thousand.

Investment in the associate company CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Ltd (CNP)

As at 30 June 2019, BOC PCL signed an agreement for the disposal of its entire holding of 49.9%  in CNP. CNP is the parent company of a group of insurance companies in Cyprus and Greece. The completion of the disposal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected in the second half of 2019. Prior to the classification as held for sale, the investment was remeasured at fair value less cost to sell and a loss of €25,943 thousand was recognised in the consolidated income statement. The Group up to the date of disposal will continue to account for the share of profit from associate using equity accounting.

Lending and other exposures to serbian entities

In May 2019, BOC PCL signed an agreement for the disposal of a loan portfolio amounting to €5,891 thousand and a properties portfolio amounting to €2,427 thousand. The portfolio relates to serbian entity loans or with collaterals in Serbia. The disposal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to take place within the third quarter of 2019.

Investment properties

The investment properties classified as held for sale as at 31 December 2018 were properties which management was committed to sell and had proceeded with an active programme to complete this plan. The disposals were completed during the six months ended 30 June 2019. Investment properties classified as held for sale were measured at fair value. The results of the fair value changes were presented within 'Net losses from revaluation and disposal of investment properties' in the consolidated income statement and were within the Cyprus operating segment since these investment properties were in Cyprus.

20.        Funding from central banks

Funding from central banks comprises funding from the ECB under Eurosystem monetary policy operations as set out in the table below:

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

 

€000

€000

Targeted Longer‑Term Refinancing Operations (TLTRO II)

        830,000                     

         830,000

As at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018, ECB funding was at €830 million that was borrowed from the 4‑year TLTRO II.


The interest rate applied to TLTRO II will be fixed for each operation at the rate applied in the MRO prevailing at the time of allotment and is subject to a lower rate for counterparties whose eligible net lending in the pre‑specified period exceeds their benchmark. The interest rate applicable to the amount borrowed by BOC PCL under the TLTRO II transactions will be 0% as eligible net lending in the pre‑specified period did not exceed the benchmark.

Details on encumbered assets related to the above funding facilities are disclosed in Note 31.

21.        Customer deposits

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

 

€000

€000

By type of deposit

                                           

                      

Demand

     6,818,036                     

      6,708,852

Savings

     1,419,200                     

      1,352,452

Time or notice

     8,139,450                     

      8,782,254


  16,376,686                     

    16,843,558

By geographical area

                                           

                      

Cyprus

  16,376,686                     

    16,843,558


                                           

                      

By currency

                                           

                      

Euro

  14,686,817                     

    14,961,025

US Dollar

     1,301,014                     

      1,482,867

British Pound

        274,532                     

         292,640

Russian Rouble

          31,589                     

           25,529

Swiss Franc

            7,713                     

             7,994

Other currencies

          75,021                     

           73,503

 

  16,376,686                     

    16,843,558

 

By customer sector

 

 

Corporate

     1,872,614                     

      1,750,517

SMEs

        738,515                     

         800,671

Retail

     9,806,679                     

    10,032,047

Restructuring

                                           

                      

- Corporate

          54,670                     

           69,180

- SMEs

          24,702                     

           29,299

- Retail other

          16,597                     

           16,773

Recoveries

                                           

                      

- Corporate

          18,610                     

             6,492

International banking services

     3,459,828                     

      3,707,713

Wealth management

        384,471                     

         430,866

 

  16,376,686                     

    16,843,558

Deposits by geographical area are based on the originator country of the deposit.


22.        Subordinated loan stock

 

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

 

Contractual interest rate

€000

€000

Subordinated Tier 2 Capital Note with nominal value of €250 million

9.25% up to 19 January 2022

        261,417                     

         270,930

BOC PCL maintains a Euro Medium Term Note (ΕΜΤΝ) Programme with an aggregate nominal amount up to €4,000 million.

In January 2017, BOC PCL issued a €250 million unsecured and subordinated Tier 2 Capital Note (the Note) under BOC PCL's EMTN Programme. The Note was priced at par with a coupon of 9.25% per annum payable annually up to 19 January 2022 and then a rate at the then prevailing 5‑year swap rate plus a margin of 9.176% per annum up to 19 January 2027, payable annually. The Note matures on 19 January 2027. BOC PCL has the option to redeem the Note early on 19 January 2022, subject to applicable regulatory consents. The Note is listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange's Euro Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) market. The fair value as at 30 June 2019 is disclosed in Note 15.

23.         Accruals, deferred income, other liabilities and other provisions

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

 

€000

€000

Income tax payable and related provisions

            5,022                     

           14,568

Special defence contribution payable

            1,052                     

             4,270

Retirement benefit plans liabilities

            9,327                     

             8,777

Provisions for financial guarantees and commitments

          22,151                     

           27,685

Liabilities for investment‑linked contracts under administration

            3,844                     

             2,971

Accrued expenses and other provisions

          63,013                     

           72,702

Deferred income

          21,213                     

           18,869

Items in the course of settlement

          69,769                     

           47,958

Lease liabilities

          31,760                     

                   - 

Other liabilities

        104,257                     

           87,683

 

        331,408                     

         285,483

24.        Share capital

 

 

30 June 2019

31 December 2018

 

Number of shares (thousand)

€000

Number of shares (thousand)

€000

Authorised

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Ordinary shares of €0.10 each

  10,000,000                     

     1,000,000                     

    10,000,000                     

      1,000,000

Issued

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

1 January

        446,200                     

          44,620                     

         446,200                     

           44,620

30 June 2019/31 December 2018

        446,200                     

          44,620                     

         446,200                     

           44,620

Authorised and issued share capital

All issued ordinary shares carry the same rights.

There were no changes to the authorised or issued share capital during the six months ended 30 June 2019, nor during the year ended 31 December 2018.


Share premium reserve

2019

There were no changes to the share premium reserve during the six months ended 30 June 2019.  

2018

The Annual General Meeting of the shareholders of the Company held in August 2018 approved a reduction of up to €1.5 billion of the Company's share premium to eliminate the Company's accumulated losses and create distributable reserves (retained earnings).  This was approved by the Irish High Court pursuant to sections 85(1) of the Companies Act on 13 December 2018.

Treasury shares of the Company

Shares of the Company held by entities controlled by the Group are deducted from equity on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of such shares. No gain or loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement. Following the restructuring of the Group and the introduction of the Company as the new holding company of the Group, the shares held by the life insurance subsidiary were cancelled and New Shares of the Company were issued.

The life insurance subsidiary of the Group, as at 30 June 2019, held a total of 142 thousand ordinary shares of the Company (31 December 2018: 142 thousand ordinary shares), as part of its financial assets which are invested for the benefit of insurance policyholders.  The cost of acquisition of these shares was €21,463 thousand (31 December 2018: €21,463 thousand).

Share‑based payments ‑ share options

Following the incorporation of the Company and its introduction as the new holding company of the Group in January 2017, the Long Term Incentive Plan was replaced by the Share Option Plan which operates at the level of the Company. The Share Option Plan is identical to the Long Term Incentive Plan except that the number of shares in the Company to be issued pursuant to an exercise of options under the Share Option Plan should not exceed 8,922,945 ordinary shares of a nominal value of €0.10 each and the exercise price was set at €5.00 per share. The term of the options was also extended to between 4‑10 years after the grant date.

No share options were granted since the date of replacement of the Long Term Incentive Plan by the Share Option Plan at the level of the Company and the Share Option Plan remains frozen.  Any shares related to the Share Option Plan carry rights with regards to control of the company that are only exercisable directly by the employee.

Other equity instruments

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

 

€000

€000

Reset Perpetual Additional Tier 1 Capital Securities

        220,000                     

         220,000

In December 2018 the Company issued €220 million Subordinated Fixed Rate Reset Perpetual Additional Tier 1 Capital Securities (AT1). AT1 constitutes an unsecured and subordinated obligation of the Company. The coupon is at 12.50% and is payable semi‑annually. The first coupon payment  to AT1 holders was made in June 2019 and has been recognised in retained earnings. The Company may elect to cancel any interest payment for an unlimited period, on a non‑cumulative basis, whereas it mandatorily cancels interest payment under certain circumstances. AT1 is perpetual and has no fixed date for redemption but can be redeemed (in whole but not in part) at the Company's option on the fifth anniversary of the issue date and each subsequent fifth anniversary subject to the prior approval of the regulator. AT1 is listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange's Euro Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) market.


The transaction costs during 2018, directly attributable to the issuance, amounted to €2,458 thousand and have been recognised in retained earnings.

25.         Pending litigation, claims, regulatory and other matters

The Group, in the ordinary course of business is subject to enquiries and examinations, requests for information, audits, investigations and legal and other proceedings by regulators, governmental and other public bodies, actual and threatened, relating to the suitability and adequacy of advice given to clients or the absence of advice, lending and pricing practices, selling and disclosure requirements, record keeping, filings and a variety of other matters.  In addition, as a result of the deterioration of the Cypriot economy and banking sector in 2012 and the subsequent Restructuring of BOC PCL in 2013 as a result of the bail‑in Decrees, BOC PCL is subject to a large number of proceedings and investigations that either precede, or result from the events that occurred during the period of the bail‑in Decrees.  Most ongoing investigations and proceedings of significance relate to matters arising during the period prior to the issue of the bail‑in Decrees.

Apart from what is described below, the Group considers that none of these matters is material, either individually or in aggregate. The Group has not disclosed an estimate of the potential financial effect on its contingent liabilities arising from these matters where it is not practicable to do so because it is too early or the outcome is too uncertain or, in cases where it is practicable, where disclosure could prejudice conduct of the matters. Provisions have been recognised for those cases where the Group is able to estimate probable losses. Where an individual provision is material, the fact that a provision has been made is stated. Any provision recognised does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing or legal liability.  While the outcome of these matters is inherently uncertain, management believes that, based on the information available to it, appropriate provisions have been made in respect of legal proceedings and regulatory matters as at 30 June 2019 and hence it is not believed that such matters, when concluded, will have a material impact upon the financial position of the Group.

25.1       Pending litigation and claims

Investigations and litigation relating to securities issued by BOC PCL

A number of institutional and retail customers have filed various separate actions against BOC PCL alleging that BOC PCL is guilty of misselling in relation to securities issued by BOC PCL between 2007 and 2011. Remedies sought include the return of the money investors paid for these securities. Claims are currently pending before the courts in Cyprus and in Greece, as well as the decisions and fines imposed upon BOC PCL in related matters by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and/or Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC).

The bonds and capital securities in respect of which claims have been brought are the following: 2007 Capital Securities, 2008 Convertible Bonds, 2009 Convertible Capital Securities (CCS) and 2011 Convertible Enhanced Capital Securities (CECS).

BOC PCL is defending these claims, particularly with respect to institutional investors and retail purchasers who received investment advice from independent investment advisors. In the case of retail investors, if it can be documented that the relevant BOC PCL officers 'persuaded' them to proceed with the purchase and/or purported to offer 'investment advice', BOC PCL may face significant difficulties. To date, a number of cases have been tried in Greece.  BOC PCL has appealed against any such cases which were not ruled in its favour. The resolution of the claims brought in the courts of Greece is expected to take a number of years. Also a small number of cases are being heard in Cyprus. Provision has been made based on management's best estimate of probable outflows and based on advice of legal counsel.

In July 2019 the first capital securities case to reach the Areios Pagos (Supreme Court of Greece) has been adjudged in favour of BOC PCL, ruling in effect that BOC PCL can rely on the defence of Frustration (ie intervening event out of the control of BOC PCL in this case BOC PCL's resolution and recapitalisation through the bail‑in of deposits) to show that the risks associated with the sale of the capital securities because of the consequences of the bail‑in were unforeseeable.


The case will be retried by the Lamia District Court as per the direction of the Supreme Court, however the ruling of the Supreme Court on this point is final and binding on lower courts and BOC PCL's position therefore is that BOC PCL will, most probably, win the case at the Lamia District Court.

In July 2018 the Nicosia District Court ruled in favour of BOC PCL in an action against BOC PCL by a capital securities holder and rejected the claim to reimburse the plaintiff for alleged damages sustained from investing in the capital securities of BOC PCL. In September 2018 judgement was issued by the District Court of Larnaca against BOC PCL with respect to a capital securities case. The plaintiffs were seeking compensation against BOC PCL (and others) for negligence/fraud/breach of statutory duty in selling to the plaintiffs contingent convertible bonds.  The court found in favour of the plaintiffs and against BOC PCL, awarding damages plus interest and legal fees. BOC PCL has filed an appeal against this judgement.

In May 2019 and June 2019 the District Court of Nicosia issued the second and third judgments in favour of BOC PCL relating to capital securities cases. The plaintiffs in the second judgment have filed an appeal.

Bail‑in related litigation

Depositors

A number of the BOC PCL's depositors, who allege that they were adversely affected by the bail in, filed claims against BOC PCL and other parties (such as the CBC and the Ministry of Finance of Cyprus) including against BOC PCL as the alleged successor of Laiki Bank on the grounds that, inter alia, the 'Resolution Law of 2013' and the Bail‑in Decrees were in conflict with the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus and the European Convention on Human Rights. They are seeking damages for their alleged losses resulting from the bail in of their deposits. BOC PCL is defending these actions.

Shareholders

Numerous claims were filed by shareholders in 2013 against the Government and the CBC before the Supreme Court in relation to the dilution of their shareholding as a result of the recapitalisation pursuant to the Resolution Law and the Bail‑in Decrees issued thereunder. These proceedings sought the cancellation and setting aside of the Bail‑in Decrees as unconstitutional and/or unlawful and/or irregular. BOC PCL appeared in these proceedings as an interested party to support the position that the cases should be adjudicated upon in the context of private law. The Supreme Court ruled in these cases in October 2014 that the proceedings fall within private and public law and thus fall within the jurisdiction of the District Courts.

As at the present date, both the Resolution Law and the Bail‑in Decrees have not been annulled by a court of law and thus remain legally valid and in effect. A number of actions for damages have been filed and are still being filed with the District Courts of Cyprus.

Claims based on set‑off

Certain claims have been filed by customers against BOC PCL alleging that the implementation of the bail‑in under the Bail‑in Decrees was not carried out correctly in relation to them and, in particular, that their rights of set‑off were not properly respected. BOC PCL intends to contest such claims.

Implementation of Decrees

Occasionally, other claims are brought against BOC PCL in respect of the implementation of the Decrees issued following the adoption of the Resolution Law (as regards the way and methodology whereby such Decrees have been implemented).

Legal position of the Group

All above claims are being vigorously disputed by the Group, in close consultation with the appropriate state and governmental authorities. The position of the Group is that the Resolution Law and the Decrees take precedence over all other laws. As matters now stand, both the Resolution Law and the Decrees issued thereunder are constitutional and lawful, in that they were properly enacted and have not so far been annulled by any court.


Provident fund case

In December 2015, the Bank of Cyprus Employees Provident Fund (the Provident Fund) filed an action against BOC PCL claiming €70 million allegedly owed as part of BOC PCL's contribution by virtue of an agreement with the union dated 31 December 2011. Based on facts currently known, it is not practicable at this time for BOC PCL to predict the resolution of this matter, including the timing or any possible impact on BOC PCL, however at this stage the Group does not expect a material impact on its financial position.

Employment litigation

Former senior officers of BOC PCL have instituted one claim for unfair dismissal and one claim for Provident Fund entitlements against BOC PCL and Trustees of the Provident Fund. As at the present date one case had been dismissed as filed out of time, but the plaintiff has subsequently filed a civil action in the District Court on the same grounds as the previous case which was filed in the Labour Disputes Court. The Group does not consider that these cases will have a material impact on its financial position.

Swiss Francs loans litigation in Cyprus and UK

A number of actions have been instituted against BOC PCL by borrowers who obtained loans in foreign currencies (mainly Swiss Francs). The central allegation in these cases is that BOC PCL misled these borrowers and/or misrepresented matters, in violation of applicable law. BOC PCL intends to contest such proceedings. The Group does not expect that these actions will have a material impact on its financial position.

UK property lending claims

BOC PCL is the defendant in certain proceedings alleging that BOC PCL is legally responsible for allegedly, inter alia, advancing and misselling loans for the purchase by UK nationals of property in Cyprus. The proceedings in the United Kingdom are currently stayed in order for the parties to have time to negotiate possible settlements.

Banking business cases

There are a number of banking business cases where the amounts claimed are significant. Management has assessed the probability of loss as possible and does not expect any future outflows with respect to these cases to have a material impact on the financial position of the Group. These cases primarily concern allegations as to BOC PCL's standard policies and procedures allegedly resulting to damages and other losses for the claimants.

General criminal investigations and proceedings

The Attorney General and the Cypriot Police (the Police) are conducting various investigations and inquiries following and relating to the financial crisis which culminated in March 2013. BOC PCL is cooperating fully with the Attorney General and the Police and is providing all information requested of it. Based on the currently available information, the Group is of the view that any further investigations or claims resulting from these investigations will not have a material impact on its financial position.

In January 2017 the Attorney General has filed a criminal case against a number of current and former officers of BOC PCL relating to the reclassification of Greek Government Bonds in April 2010. No charges were instituted against BOC PCL in this case. Two of the former officers accused, have already been acquitted on the basis of preliminary objections raised by them. The Attorney General has filed an appeal against the acquittals. The Supreme Court dismissed the Attorney General's appeal. Meanwhile the hearing of this case has not yet commenced.


25.2       Regulatory matters

The Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) Investigation

The HCMC is currently in the process of investigating matters concerning the Group's investment in Greek Government Bonds from 2009 to 2011, including, inter‑alia, related non‑disclosure of material information in BOC PCL's CCS and CECS and rights issue prospectus (tracking the investigation carried out by CySEC in 2013), Greek government bonds' reclassification, ELA disclosures and allegations by some Greek Government Bond investors regarding BOC PCL's non‑compliance with Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) in respect of investors' direct investments in Greek Government Bonds.

A specific estimate of the outcome of the investigations or of the amount of possible fines cannot be given at this stage, though it is not expected that any resulting liability or damages will have a material impact on the financial position of the Group.

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) Investigations

As at 30 June 2019, the only pending CySEC investigation against BOC PCL concerns possible price manipulation attributable to BOC PCL for the period from 1 November 2009 to 30 June 2010 post the investment in Banca Transylvania. In July 2019 the CySEC has submitted their report and the investigation was closed with no findings against BOC PCL.

Commission for the Protection of Competition Investigation

In April 2014, following an investigation which began in 2010, the Cypriot Commission for the Protection of Competition (the CPC) issued a statement of objections, alleging violations of Cypriot and EU competition law relating to the activities and/or omissions in respect of card payment transactions by, among others, BOC PCL and JCC Payment Systems Ltd (JCC), a card‑processing business currently 75% owned by BOC PCL.

There was also an allegation concerning BOC PCL's arrangements with American Express, namely that such exclusive arrangements violated Cypriot and EU competition law. On both matters, the CPC has concluded that BOC PCL (in common with other banks and JCC) has breached the relevant provisions of the applicable law for the protection of competition. In May 2017 the CPC imposed a fine of €18 million upon BOC PCL and BOC PCL filed a recourse against the decision and the fine. The payment of the fine has been stayed pending the final outcome of the recourse. In June 2018 the Administrative court accepted BOC PCL's position and cancelled the decision as well as the fine imposed upon BOC PCL. The Attorney General has filed an appeal before the Supreme court with respect to such decision.

UK regulatory matters

The provision outstanding as at 30 June 2019 is €2,808 thousand (31 December 2018: €15,795 thousand). As part of the agreement for the sale of Bank of Cyprus UK Ltd, liability in regards to UK regulatory matters remains an obligation for settlement by the Group.  The level of the provision represents the best estimate of all probable outflows arising from customer redress based on information available to management. Management continues to reassess the adequacy of the provision, as well as the assumptions underlying the calculations based upon experience and other relevant factors prevailing at the time.


25.3       Provisions for pending litigation, claims, regulatory and other matters

 

 

Pending litigation or claims
(Note 25.1)

Regulatory matters
(Note 25.2)

Other matters
(Note 25.4)

Total

2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January

           74,372                     

           29,569                     

           13,010                     

        116,951

Increase of provisions including unwinding of discount  (Note 9)

                195                     

                390                     

           11,644                     

          12,229

Utilisation of provisions

           (8,234)                     

         (13,325)                     

           (1,926)                     

      (23,485)

Release of provisions (Note 9)

           (1,788)                     

           (1,480)                     

                   - 

         (3,268)

Foreign exchange adjustments

                   - 

                (52)                     

                   - 

              (52)

30 June

          64,545                     

          15,102                     

          22,728                     

        102,375

 

2018





1 January

           62,646                     

           70,672                     

             5,057                     

        138,375

Increase of provisions including unwinding of discount ‑ continuing operations (Note 9)

             3,187                     

                   - 

                   - 

            3,187

Utilisation of provisions

           (2,945)                     

         (16,095)                     

                   - 

      (19,040)

Release of provisions ‑ continuing operations

(Note 9)

                   - 

           (9,000)                     

                   - 

         (9,000)

Foreign exchange adjustments

                   - 

                194                     

                   - 

               194

30 June

          62,888                     

          45,771                     

            5,057                     

        113,716

The decrease of accumulated provisions for regulatory matters during the six months ended 30 June 2019 mainly relates to utilisation of provisions on UK regulatory matters as detailed in Note 25.2.  The decrease of provisions for pending litigation and claims during the six months ended 30 June 2019 mainly relates to utilisation of provision recognised on investigations and litigations relating to securities issued by BOC PCL as detailed in Note 25.1.

25.4       Οther matters

Other matters include other provisions for various open examination requests by governmental and other public bodies or provisions for warranties related to the disposal process of certain operations of the Group (Note 26). The provisions for pending litigation, claims, regulatory and other matters do not include insurance claims arising in the ordinary course of business of the Group's insurance subsidiaries as these are included in 'Insurance liabilities'.

Some information required by the IAS 37 (Provision, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets) is not disclosed on the grounds that it can be expected to prejudice seriously the outcome of the litigation.

26.        Contingent liabilities

The Group, as part of its disposal process of certain of its operations, has provided various representations, warranties and indemnities to the buyers.  These relate to, among other things, the ownership of the loans, the validity of the liens, tax exposures and other matters agreed with the buyers. As a result, the Group may be obliged to compensate the buyers in the event of a valid claim by the buyers with respect to the above representations, warranties and indemnities.

A provision has been made, based on management's best estimate of probable outflows, where it was assessed that such an outflow is probable.


27.        Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise:

 

 

30 June
2019

30 June
2018

 

€000

€000

Cash and non‑obligatory balances with central bank

     5,104,501                     

      4,001,987

Loans and advances to banks with original maturity less than three months

        275,336                     

         675,419

 

     5,379,837                     

      4,677,406

Analysis of cash and balances with central banks and loans and advances to banks

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

 

€000

€000

Cash and non‑obligatory balances with central bank

     5,104,501                     

      4,447,816

Obligatory balances with central banks

        157,395                     

         162,675

Total cash and balances with central banks

     5,261,896                     

      4,610,491

 

Loans and advances to banks with original maturity less than three months

        275,336                     

         357,028

Restricted loans and advances to banks

        125,704                     

         115,504

Other loans and advances to banks

            2,001                     

                   - 

Total loans and advances to banks

        403,041                     

         472,532

Restricted loans and advances to banks include collaterals under derivative transactions of €64,344 thousand (31 December 2018: €42,631 thousand) which are not immediately available for use by the Group, but are released once the transactions are terminated.  


28.        Analysis of assets and liabilities by expected maturity

 

 

30 June 2019

31 December 2018 (restated)

 


Less than one year

Over one year

Total

Less than one year

Over one year

Total

 

Assets

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

 

Cash and balances with central banks

   5,104,501                  

      157,395                  

   5,261,896                  

   4,447,816                 

        162,675                  

     4,610,491                  

 

Loans and advances to banks

      280,184                  

      122,857                  

      403,041                  

      364,655                 

        107,877                  

        472,532                  

 

Derivative financial assets

          4,656                  

          8,995                  

        13,651                  

          4,148                 

          20,606                  

          24,754                  

 

Investments including investments pledged as collateral

      379,373                  

   1,501,526                  

   1,880,899                  

      135,679                 

     1,379,012                  

     1,514,691                  

 

Loans and advances to customers

   1,451,413                  

   9,497,589                  

10,949,002                  

   1,525,865                 

     9,395,921                  

   10,921,786                  

 

Life insurance business assets attributable to policyholders

          8,069                  

      430,491                  

      438,560                  

            498                 

        402,067                  

        402,565                  

 

Prepayments, accrued income and other assets

      184,067                  

      139,186                  

      323,253                  

        82,214                 

        173,788                  

        256,002                  

 

Stock of property

      520,033                  

      910,408                  

   1,430,441                  

      542,419                 

        884,438                  

     1,426,857                  

 

Deferred tax assets

        37,909                  

      341,217                  

      379,126                  

              - 

        301,778                  

        301,778                  

 

Property, equipment and intangible assets

                - 

      465,741                  

      465,741                  

                6                 

        431,128                  

        431,134                  

 

Investment properties

                - 

      141,864                  

      141,864                  

              - 

        128,006                  

        128,006                  

 

Investment in associates and joint venture

                - 

          2,191                  

          2,191                  

              - 

        114,637                  

        114,637                  

 

Non‑current assets and disposal groups held for sale

      197,521                  

                - 

      197,521                  

   1,470,038                 

                - 

     1,470,038                  

 


   8,167,726                  

13,719,460                  

21,887,186                  

   8,573,338                 

   13,501,933                  

   22,075,271                  

 

Liabilities

                                     

                                     

                                     

                                   

                                     

                                     

 

Deposits by banks

      277,059                  

      254,964                  

      532,023                  

      168,740                 

        263,202                  

        431,942                  

 

Funding from central banks

                - 

      830,000                  

      830,000                  

              - 

        830,000                  

        830,000                  

 

Repurchase agreements

      124,586                  

      123,227                  

      247,813                  

        80,692                 

        168,253                  

        248,945                  

 

Derivative financial liabilities

        11,086                  

        45,616                  

        56,702                  

        12,459                 

          26,524                  

          38,983                  

 

Customer deposits

   2,812,842                  

13,563,844                  

16,376,686                  

   2,946,714                 

   13,896,844                  

   16,843,558                  

 

Insurance liabilities

        85,978                  

      540,534                  

      626,512                  

        90,464                 

        500,593                  

        591,057                  

 

Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities and pending litigation, claims, regulatory and other matters

      376,280                  

        57,503                  

      433,783                  

      300,765                 

        101,669                  

        402,434                  

 

Subordinated loan stock

                - 

      261,417                  

      261,417                  

              - 

        270,930                  

        270,930                  

 

Deferred tax liabilities

                - 

        44,818                  

        44,818                  

              - 

          44,282                  

          44,282                  

 

Non‑current liabilities and disposal group classified as held for sale

          6,760                  

                - 

          6,760                  

          5,812                 

                - 

           5,812                  

 

 

   3,694,591                  

15,721,923                  

19,416,514                  

   3,605,646                 

   16,102,297                  

   19,707,943                  

 

The main assumptions used in determining the expected maturity of assets and liabilities are set out below.

The investments are classified in the relevant time band based on expectations as to their realisation.  In most cases this is the maturity date, unless there is an indication that the maturity will be prolonged or there is an intention to sell, roll or replace the security with a similar one.  The latter would be the case where there is secured borrowing, requiring the pledging of bonds and these bonds mature before the maturity of the secured borrowing.  The maturity of bonds is then extended to cover the period of the secured borrowing. Investments in equity securities are classified in the 'less than one year' time band.


Performing loans and advances to customers in Cyprus are classified based on the contractual repayment schedule. Overdraft accounts are classified in the 'over one year' time band.  The Stage 3 Loans are classified in the 'over one year' time band except from expected receipts which are included within time bands, according to historic amounts of receipts in the last months. 

Stock of property is classified in the relevant time band based on expectations as to its realisation.

A percentage of customer deposits in Cyprus maturing within one year is classified in the 'over one year' time band, based on the observed behavioural analysis.

The expected maturity of all prepayments, accrued income and other assets and accruals, deferred income and other liabilities is the same as their contractual maturity.  If they don't have a contractual maturity, the expected maturity is based on the timing the asset is expected to be realised and the liability is expected to be settled.

29.        Risk management ‑ Credit risk

In the ordinary course of its business the Group is exposed to credit risk which is monitored through various control mechanisms across all Group entities in order to prevent undue risk concentrations and to price credit facilities and products on a risk‑adjusted basis.

Credit risk is the risk that arises from the possible failure of one or more customers to discharge their obligations towards the Group.

The Credit Risk Management department sets the Group's credit disbursement policies and monitors compliance with credit risk policy applicable to each business line and the quality of the Group's loans and advances portfolio through the timely assessment of problematic customers.  The credit exposures from related accounts are aggregated and monitored on a consolidated basis.

Credit Risk Management department, safeguards the effective management of credit risk at all stages of the credit cycle, monitors the quality of decisions and processes and ensures that credit sanctioning function is being properly managed.

The credit policies are combined with the methods used for the assessment of the customers' creditworthiness (credit rating and credit scoring systems). 

The loan portfolio is analysed on the basis of assessments about the customers' creditworthiness, their economic sector of activity and the country in which they operate. 

The credit risk exposure of the Group is diversified across the various sectors of the economy. The Credit Risk Management department determines the prohibitive/dangerous sectors of the economy and sets out stricter policy rules for these sectors, according to their degree of riskiness.

The Group's significant judgements, estimates and assumptions regarding the determination of the level of provisions for impairment are described in Note 6 'Significant and other judgements, estimates and assumptions' of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Market Risk department assesses the credit risk relating to investments in liquid assets (mainly loans and advances to banks and debt securities) and submits its recommendation for limits to be set to the Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO) for approval.


29.1       Maximum exposure to credit risk and collateral and other credit enhancements

The Group's maximum exposure to credit risk is analysed by geographic area as follows:

 


30 June
2019

31 December 2018

On‑balance sheet

€000

€000

Cyprus

  18,414,125                     

    18,504,113

Other countries

          45,209                     

           83,307

 

  18,459,334                     

    18,587,420


 

 

Off‑balance sheet

 

 

Cyprus

     2,634,615                     

      2,781,943

Other countries

          58,538                     

           60,592

 

     2,693,153                     

      2,842,535


 

 

Total on and off‑balance sheet

 

 

Cyprus

  21,048,740                     

    21,286,056

Other countries

        103,747                     

         143,899

 

  21,152,487                     

    21,429,955

The Group offers guarantee facilities to its customers under which the Group may be required to make payments on their behalf and enters into commitments to extend credit lines to secure their liquidity needs.

Letters of credit and guarantee (including standby letters of credit) commit the Group to make payments on behalf of customers in the event of a specific act, generally related to the import or export of goods. Such commitments expose the Group to risks similar to those of loans and advances and are therefore monitored by the same policies and control processes.

Loans and advances to customers

The Credit Risk department determines the amount and type of collateral and other credit enhancements required for the granting of new loans to customers.

The main types of collateral obtained by the Group are mortgages on real estate, cash collateral/blocked deposits, bank guarantees, government guarantees, pledges of equity securities and debt instruments of public companies, fixed and floating charges over corporate assets, assignment of life insurance policies, assignment of rights on certain contracts and personal and corporate guarantees.

The Group's management regularly monitors the changes in the market value of the collateral and, where necessary, requests the pledging of additional collateral in accordance with the relevant agreement.

Other financial instruments

Collateral held as security for financial assets other than loans and advances is determined by the nature of the financial instrument.  Debt securities and other eligible bills are generally unsecured with the exception of asset‑backed securities and similar instruments, which are secured by pools of financial assets.  In addition, some debt securities are government‑guaranteed.

The Group has chosen the ISDA Master Agreement for documenting its derivatives activity. It provides the contractual framework within which dealing activity across a full range of over‑the‑counter (OTC) products is conducted and contractually binds both parties to apply close‑out netting across all outstanding transactions covered by an agreement, if either party defaults.  In most cases the parties execute a Credit Support Annex (CSA) in conjunction with the ISDA Master Agreement.  Under a CSA, the collateral is passed between the parties in order to mitigate the market contingent counterparty risk inherent in their open positions.


Settlement risk arises in any situation where a payment in cash or securities is made in the expectation of a corresponding receipt in securities or cash.  The Group sets daily settlement limits for each counterparty.  Settlement risk is mitigated when transactions are effected via established payment systems or on a delivery upon payment basis.

The table below presents the maximum exposure to credit risk, before taking into account the tangible and measurable collateral and  other credit enhancements held.  

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

 

€000

€000

Balances with central banks

     5,126,108                     

      4,456,768

Loans and advances to banks

        403,041                     

         472,532

FVPL debt securities

          22,513                     

           14,616

Debt securities classified at amortised cost and FVOCI

     1,697,718                     

      1,350,127

Derivative financial instruments (Note 14)

          13,651                     

           24,754

Loans and advances to customers (Note 16)

  10,949,002                     

    10,921,786

Loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale (Note 19)

            5,891                     

      1,154,108

Receivables relating to disposal of operations, loan portfolios and other assets (Note 18)

        130,716                     

           85,606

Debtors (Note 18)

          42,599                     

           30,671

Reinsurers' share of insurance contract liabilities (Note 18)

          51,481                     

           48,348

Other assets (Note 18)

          16,614                     

           28,104

On‑balance sheet total

  18,459,334                     

    18,587,420

Contingent liabilities

                                                           

                             

Acceptances and endorsements

            7,705                     

             5,561

Guarantees

        719,012                     

         748,705

Commitments

                                           

                             

Documentary credits

          14,511                     

           24,297

Undrawn formal stand‑by facilities, credit lines and other commitments to lend

     1,951,925                     

      2,063,972

Off‑balance sheet total

     2,693,153                     

      2,842,535

 

  21,152,487                     

    21,429,955

 


29.2       Credit risk concentration of loans and advances to customers

There are restrictions on loan concentrations which are imposed by the Banking Law in Cyprus, the relevant CBC Directives and CRR. According to these restrictions, banks are prohibited from lending more than 25% of their capital base to a single customer group. The Group's risk appetite statement imposes stricter concentration limits and the Group is taking actions to run down those exposures which are in excess of these internal limits over time.

BOC PCL categorises its loans using the following customer sectors:

·             Retail - all personal customers and small businesses with facilities from BOC PCL of up to €260 thousand, excluding professional property loans.

·             SME - any company or group of companies (including personal and housing loans to the directors or shareholders of a company) with facilities with BOC PCL in the range of €260 thousand to €6 million and a maximum annual credit turnover of €10 million.

·             Corporate - any company or group of companies (including personal and housing loans to the directors or shareholders of a company) with available credit lines with BOC PCL in excess of an aggregate principal amount of €6 million or having a minimum annual credit turnover of €10 million.

Fair value adjustment on initial recognition

The fair value adjustment on initial recognition related to the loans and advances to customers acquired as part of the acquisition of certain operations of Laiki Bank in 2013. In accordance with the provisions of IFRS 3, this adjustment decreased the gross balance of loans and advances to customers.  However, for IFRS 7 disclosure purposes as well as for credit risk monitoring, the residual of the fair value adjustment on initial recognition as at each balance sheet date is not presented within the gross balances of loans and advances. 

Industry concentrations and geographical analysis of Group loans and advances to customers are presented in the table below. The loans in Romania, Russia, Greece and the remaining portfolio in UK are disclosed within 'Other countries'.

 

30 June 2019

Cyprus

Other countries

Total

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

By economic activity

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Trade

   1,424,245                 

     34,981              

    1,459,226                   

             (22,323)                          

           1,436,903                          

Manufacturing

      441,324                 

       9,738              

       451,062                   

               (5,284)                          

              445,778                          

Hotels and catering

      933,195                 

       3,419              

       936,614                   

             (18,225)                          

              918,389                          

Construction

      890,295                 

       5,802              

       896,097                   

             (12,138)                          

              883,959                          

Real estate

   1,090,903                 

     23,604              

    1,114,507                   

             (17,025)                          

           1,097,482                          

Private individuals

   6,116,364                 

       1,019              

    6,117,383                   

           (120,479)                          

           5,996,904                          

Professional and other services

      877,347                 

     47,653              

       925,000                   

             (28,387)                          

              896,613                          

Other sectors

      716,833                 

          789              

       717,622                   

               (5,550)                          

              712,072                          

 

12,490,506                 

  127,005              

  12,617,511                   

           (229,411)                          

         12,388,100                          


 

30 June 2019

Cyprus

Other countries

Total

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

By business line

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

   3,611,937                 

    115,247              

    3,727,184                   

             (39,594)                          

           3,687,590                          

SMEs

   1,153,766                 

     10,927              

    1,164,693                   

             (16,400)                          

           1,148,293                          

Retail

                                   

                             

                                       

                                                     

                                                     

‑ housing

   2,860,064                 

            - 

    2,860,064                   

             (43,199)                          

           2,816,865                          

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

      927,404                 

          831              

       928,235                   

                  3,047                          

              931,282                          

Restructuring

                                   

                             

                                       

                                                     

                                                     

‑ corporate

      416,325                 

            - 

       416,325                   

               (7,284)                          

              409,041                          

‑ SMEs

      413,240                 

            - 

       413,240                   

               (7,520)                          

              405,720                          

‑ retail housing

      433,694                 

            - 

       433,694                   

               (2,930)                          

              430,764                          

‑ retail other

      237,948                 

            - 

       237,948                   

               (4,736)                          

              233,212                          

Recoveries

                                   

                             

                                       

                                                     

                                                     

‑ corporate

      119,487                 

            - 

       119,487                   

               (3,651)                          

              115,836                          

‑ SMEs

      570,762                 

            - 

       570,762                   

             (22,726)                          

              548,036                          

‑ retail housing

      776,744                 

            - 

       776,744                   

             (38,533)                          

              738,211                          

‑ retail other

      685,211                 

            - 

       685,211                   

             (42,001)                          

              643,210                          

International banking services

      163,902                 

            - 

       163,902                   

               (1,261)                          

              162,641                          

Wealth management

      120,022                 

            - 

       120,022                   

               (2,623)                          

              117,399                          

 

12,490,506                 

  127,005              

  12,617,511                   

           (229,411)                          

         12,388,100                          

 

31 December 2018

Cyprus

Other countries

Total

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Gross loans after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

By economic activity

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Trade

   1,447,623                 

     39,682              

    1,487,305                   

             (24,096)                          

           1,463,209                          

Manufacturing

      437,030                 

       7,572              

       444,602                   

               (6,439)                          

              438,163                          

Hotels and catering

      877,501                 

       3,806              

       881,307                   

             (20,354)                          

              860,953                          

Construction

      991,122                 

       2,552              

       993,674                   

             (14,661)                          

              979,013                          

Real estate

      980,152                 

     21,644              

    1,001,796                   

             (16,231)                          

              985,565                          

Private individuals

   6,234,765                 

     11,536              

    6,246,301                   

           (135,603)                          

           6,110,698                          

Professional and other services

      866,093                 

     45,758              

       911,851                   

             (36,551)                          

              875,300                          

Other sectors

      720,876                 

       4,704              

       725,580                   

               (8,114)                          

              717,466                          

 

12,555,162                 

  137,254              

  12,692,416                   

           (262,049)                          

         12,430,367                          


 

 

31 December 2018

Cyprus

Other countries

Total

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Gross loans after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

By business line

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

   3,363,298                 

    125,138              

    3,488,436                   

             (49,982)                          

           3,438,454                          

SMEs

   1,188,456                 

     11,188              

    1,199,644                   

             (16,537)                          

           1,183,107                          

Retail

                                   

                             

                                       

                                                     

                                                     

‑ housing

   2,871,294                 

            - 

    2,871,294                   

             (45,016)                          

           2,826,278                          

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

      940,388                 

          904              

       941,292                   

                  2,965                          

              944,257                          

Restructuring

                                   

                             

                                       

                                                     

                                                     

‑ corporate

      531,462                 

            24              

       531,486                   

               (7,907)                          

              523,579                          

‑ SMEs

      560,806                 

            - 

       560,806                   

             (11,637)                          

              549,169                          

‑ retail housing

      498,601                 

            - 

       498,601                   

               (4,481)                          

              494,120                          

‑ retail other

      328,952                 

            - 

       328,952                   

               (8,588)                          

              320,364                          

Recoveries

                                   

                             

                                       

                                                     

                                                     

‑ corporate

      164,821                 

            - 

       164,821                   

               (7,439)                          

              157,382                          

‑ SMEs

      630,968                 

            - 

       630,968                   

             (26,178)                          

              604,790                          

‑ retail housing

      697,212                 

            - 

       697,212                   

             (40,577)                          

              656,635                          

‑ retail other

      480,733                 

            - 

       480,733                   

             (39,923)                          

              440,810                          

International banking services

      192,646                 

            - 

       192,646                   

               (2,158)                          

              190,488                          

Wealth management

      105,525                 

            - 

       105,525                   

               (4,591)                          

              100,934                          

 

12,555,162                 

  137,254              

  12,692,416                   

           (262,049)                          

         12,430,367                          

The residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition for loans and advances to customers included in the Cyprus geographical area amounts to €229,236 thousand (31 December 2018: €261,862 thousand).  

The loans and advances to customers in Cyprus include lending exposures to greek entities granted by BOC PCL in Cyprus in its normal course of business with a carrying value of €231,542 thousand (31 December 2018: €67,930 thousand) and lending exposures in Cyprus with collaterals in Greece with a carrying value of €79,363 thousand (31 December 2018: €76,303 thousand).


29.3       Credit risk concentration of loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale

Loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale as at 30 June 2019 relate to lending exposures to serbian SMEs entities or with collaterals in Serbia with a carrying value of €5,891 thousand. The economic activity of these SMEs relate to hotels and catering, construction and other sectors (mainly agriculture).

Industry and business lines concentrations and geographical analysis of Group loans and advances to customers at amortised cost classified as held for sale as at 31 December 2018 are presented in the table below.

 

31 December 2018

Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

By economic activity

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Trade

      373,351                 

            - 

         373,351                     

             (12,213)                          

              361,138                          

Manufacturing

      202,193                 

            - 

         202,193                     

               (7,216)                          

              194,977                          

Hotels and catering

      258,529                 

            - 

         258,529                     

             (11,960)                          

              246,569                          

Construction

      995,430                 

            - 

         995,430                     

             (74,233)                          

              921,197                          

Real estate

      409,632                 

     55,225              

         464,857                     

             (11,765)                          

              453,092                          

Private individuals

      218,531                 

            - 

         218,531                     

               (9,098)                          

              209,433                          

Professional and other services

      140,748                 

            - 

         140,748                     

               (5,941)                          

              134,807                          

Other sectors

      191,463                 

       6,011              

         197,474                     

               (6,727)                          

              190,747                          

 

  2,789,877                 

    61,236              

      2,851,113                     

           (139,153)                          

           2,711,960                          

 

31 December 2018

Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

By business line

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

        15,249                 

            - 

           15,249                     

                  (584)                          

                14,665                          

SMEs

          2,841                 

            - 

             2,841                     

                        - 

                  2,841                          

Retail

                                   

                             

                                           

                                                     

                                                     

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

            128                 

            - 

                128                     

                      (1)                          

                     127                          

Restructuring

                                   

                             

                                           

                                                     

                                                     

‑ corporate

      859,214                 

            - 

         859,214                     

             (24,379)                          

              834,835                          

‑ SMEs

      216,866                 

            - 

         216,866                     

               (4,858)                          

              212,008                          

‑ retail housing

            272                 

            - 

                272                     

                        - 

                     272                          

‑ retail other

          5,773                 

            - 

             5,773                     

                  (210)                          

                  5,563                          

Recoveries

                                   

                             

                                           

                                                     

                                                     

‑ corporate

   1,274,835                 

     61,236              

      1,336,071                     

             (86,644)                          

           1,249,427                          

‑ SMEs

      374,336                 

            - 

         374,336                     

             (17,991)                          

              356,345                          

‑ retail housing

            635                 

            - 

                635                     

                  (115)                          

                     520                          

‑ retail other

        39,720                 

            - 

           39,720                     

               (4,371)                          

                35,349                          

International banking services

                8                 

            - 

                    8                     

                        - 

                         8                          

 

  2,789,877                 

    61,236              

      2,851,113                     

           (139,153)                          

           2,711,960                          


29.4       Currency concentration of loans and advances to customers

 

 

Cyprus

Other countries

Total

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Euro

  11,894,047                 

        62,651                 

    11,956,698                     

           (225,340)                          

         11,731,358                          

US Dollar

      310,914                 

        23,983                 

         334,897                     

                  (273)                          

              334,624                          

British Pound

        46,061                 

          1,026                 

           47,087                     

                  (283)                          

                46,804                          

Russian Rouble

                3                 

        38,699                 

           38,702                     

                        - 

                38,702                          

Romanian Lei

                1                 

            646                 

                647                     

                        - 

                     647                          

Swiss Franc

      221,709                 

              - 

         221,709                     

               (2,967)                          

              218,742                          

Other currencies

        17,771                 

              - 

           17,771                     

                  (548)                          

                17,223                          

 

12,490,506                 

     127,005                 

    12,617,511                     

           (229,411)                          

         12,388,100                          

 

31 December 2018






Euro

  11,992,100                 

        60,006                 

    12,052,106                     

           (256,720)                          

         11,795,386                          

US Dollar

      300,718                 

        28,523                 

         329,241                     

                  (276)                          

              328,965                          

British Pound

        37,955                 

        11,735                 

           49,690                     

                  (248)                          

                49,442                          

Russian Rouble

              81                 

        36,058                 

           36,139                     

                        - 

                36,139                          

Romanian Lei

              - 

            932                 

                932                     

                        - 

                     932                          

Swiss Franc

      203,026                 

              - 

         203,026                     

               (3,242)                          

              199,784                          

Other currencies

        21,282                 

              - 

           21,282                     

               (1,563)                          

                19,719                          

 

12,555,162                 

     137,254                 

    12,692,416                     

           (262,049)                          

         12,430,367                          

29.5       Currency concentration of loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale

The loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale as at 30 June 2019 amounting to €5,891 thousand are denominated in Euro.   

The following tables present the currency concentration of the Group's loans and advances at amortised cost classified as held for sale as at 31 December 2018.

 

 

Cyprus

Other countries

Total

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Euro

   2,638,647                 

        61,236                 

      2,699,883                     

           (129,898)                          

           2,569,985                          

US Dollar

        20,593                 

              - 

           20,593                     

                  (123)                          

                20,470                          

British Pound

          2,469                 

              - 

             2,469                     

                    (18)                          

                  2,451                          

Swiss Franc

        90,951                 

              - 

           90,951                     

               (8,239)                          

                82,712                          

Other currencies

        37,217                 

              - 

           37,217                     

                  (875)                          

                36,342                          

 

  2,789,877                 

       61,236                 

      2,851,113                     

           (139,153)                          

           2,711,960                          


29.6       Analysis of loans and advances to customers by staging

The following tables present the Group's loans and advances to customers at amortised cost by staging and by business line concentration.

 

 

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Gross loans at amortised cost before residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

      5,870,781                     

      2,479,903                     

      3,556,499                     

         710,328                     

  12,617,511

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

         (62,590)                     

         (33,674)                     

         (27,864)                     

       (105,283)                     

    (229,411)

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

     5,808,191                     

     2,446,229                     

     3,528,635                     

        605,045                     

  12,388,100

 

Gross loans at amortised cost before residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

By business line

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

      2,320,917                     

      1,034,710                     

         287,224                     

           84,333                     

    3,727,184

SMEs

         728,747                     

         353,560                     

           71,461                     

           10,925                     

    1,164,693

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

‑ housing

      2,014,816                     

         583,298                     

         251,121                     

           10,829                     

    2,860,064

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

         592,266                     

         207,700                     

         108,129                     

           20,140                     

        928,235

Restructuring

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

           35,095                     

         102,800                     

         237,769                     

           40,661                     

        416,325

‑ SMEs

           39,851                     

           65,042                     

         279,481                     

           28,866                     

        413,240

‑ retail housing

             6,355                     

             6,242                     

         407,785                     

           13,312                     

        433,694

‑ retail other

             2,435                     

             1,094                     

         221,433                     

           12,986                     

        237,948

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

           93,057                     

           26,430                     

        119,487

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

         465,876                     

         104,886                     

        570,762

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

         600,966                     

         175,778                     

        776,744

‑ retail other

                  86                     

                   - 

         505,676                     

         179,449                     

        685,211

International banking services

           65,696                     

           78,175                     

           19,288                     

                743                     

        163,902

Wealth management

           64,517                     

           47,282                     

             7,233                     

                990                     

        120,022

 

     5,870,781                     

     2,479,903                     

     3,556,499                     

        710,328                     

  12,617,511


 

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

By business line

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Corporate

         (20,216)                     

         (15,179)                     

           (3,399)                     

              (800)                     

      (39,594)

SMEs

           (9,801)                     

           (5,437)                     

              (547)                     

              (615)                     

      (16,400)

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

‑ housing

         (33,912)                     

           (8,765)                     

                (79)                     

              (443)                     

      (43,199)

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

             2,835                     

                305                     

                  63                     

              (156)                     

            3,047

Restructuring

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

              (288)                     

           (1,883)                     

           (4,115)                     

              (998)                     

         (7,284)

‑ SMEs

                  68                     

           (1,141)                     

           (2,253)                     

           (4,194)                     

         (7,520)

‑ retail housing

                (47)                     

                (31)                     

           (1,541)                     

           (1,311)                     

         (2,930)

‑ retail other

                  22                     

                (13)                     

           (2,051)                     

           (2,694)                     

         (4,736)

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

              (408)                     

           (3,243)                     

         (3,651)

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

           (1,869)                     

         (20,857)                     

      (22,726)

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

           (3,641)                     

         (34,892)                     

      (38,533)

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

           (6,928)                     

         (35,073)                     

      (42,001)

International banking services

              (255)                     

              (961)                     

                (38)                     

                  (7)                     

         (1,261)

Wealth management

              (996)                     

              (569)                     

           (1,058)                     

                   - 

         (2,623)

 

       (62,590)                     

       (33,674)                     

       (27,864)                     

    (105,283)                     

    (229,411)


 

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

By business line

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Corporate

      2,300,701                     

      1,019,531                     

         283,825                     

           83,533                     

    3,687,590

SMEs

         718,946                     

         348,123                     

           70,914                     

           10,310                     

    1,148,293

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

‑ housing

      1,980,904                     

         574,533                     

         251,042                     

           10,386                     

    2,816,865

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

         595,101                     

         208,005                     

         108,192                     

           19,984                     

        931,282

Restructuring

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

           34,807                     

         100,917                     

         233,654                     

           39,663                     

        409,041

‑ SMEs

           39,919                     

           63,901                     

         277,228                     

           24,672                     

        405,720

‑ retail housing

             6,308                     

             6,211                     

         406,244                     

           12,001                     

        430,764

‑ retail other

             2,457                     

             1,081                     

         219,382                     

           10,292                     

        233,212

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

           92,649                     

           23,187                     

        115,836

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

         464,007                     

           84,029                     

        548,036

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

         597,325                     

         140,886                     

        738,211

‑ retail other

                  86                     

                   - 

         498,748                     

         144,376                     

        643,210

International banking services

           65,441                     

           77,214                     

           19,250                     

                736                     

        162,641

Wealth management

           63,521                     

           46,713                     

             6,175                     

                990                     

        117,399

 

     5,808,191                     

     2,446,229                     

     3,528,635                     

        605,045                     

  12,388,100

 

 

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Gross loans at amortised cost before residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

      6,035,781                     

      1,921,255                     

      3,915,591                     

         819,789                     

  12,692,416

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

         (77,738)                     

         (20,673)                     

         (40,432)                     

       (123,206)                     

    (262,049)

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

     5,958,043                     

     1,900,582                     

     3,875,159                     

        696,583                     

  12,430,367


 

Gross loans at amortised cost before residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

By business line

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

      2,215,264                     

         793,249                     

         387,093                     

           92,830                     

    3,488,436

SMEs

         739,166                     

         346,148                     

         103,384                     

           10,946                     

    1,199,644

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

‑ housing

      2,259,976                     

         300,101                     

         300,584                     

           10,633                     

    2,871,294

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

         591,242                     

         199,099                     

         130,816                     

           20,135                     

        941,292

Restructuring

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

           48,943                     

           92,537                     

         303,955                     

           86,051                     

        531,486

‑ SMEs

           55,295                     

           52,573                     

         406,369                     

           46,569                     

        560,806

‑ retail housing

             6,883                     

             3,745                     

         473,444                     

           14,529                     

        498,601

‑ retail other

             5,140                     

             1,226                     

         304,076                     

           18,510                     

        328,952

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

         120,234                     

           44,587                     

        164,821

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

         515,542                     

         115,426                     

        630,968

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

         512,175                     

         185,037                     

        697,212

‑ retail other

                  89                     

                   - 

         313,529                     

         167,115                     

        480,733

International banking services

           69,620                     

           78,109                     

           41,352                     

             3,565                     

        192,646

Wealth management

           44,163                     

           54,468                     

             3,038                     

             3,856                     

        105,525

 

     6,035,781                     

     1,921,255                     

     3,915,591                     

        819,789                     

  12,692,416


 

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

By business line

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Corporate

         (25,159)                     

         (11,564)                     

         (12,282)                     

              (977)                     

      (49,982)

SMEs

         (10,652)                     

           (4,150)                     

           (1,113)                     

              (622)                     

      (16,537)

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

‑ housing

         (43,528)                     

                (97)                     

           (1,246)                     

              (145)                     

      (45,016)

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

             3,248                     

                352                     

              (375)                     

              (260)                     

            2,965

Restructuring

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

              (199)                     

           (1,988)                     

           (2,687)                     

           (3,033)                     

         (7,907)

‑ SMEs

                  28                     

              (580)                     

           (3,931)                     

           (7,154)                     

      (11,637)

‑ retail housing

              (119)                     

                  (3)                     

           (2,796)                     

           (1,563)                     

         (4,481)

‑ retail other

                  34                     

                (40)                     

           (3,971)                     

           (4,611)                     

         (8,588)

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

           (1,654)                     

           (5,785)                     

         (7,439)

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

           (2,073)                     

         (24,105)                     

      (26,178)

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

           (3,200)                     

         (37,377)                     

      (40,577)

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

           (4,695)                     

         (35,228)                     

      (39,923)

International banking services

              (303)                     

           (1,164)                     

              (195)                     

              (496)                     

         (2,158)

Wealth management

           (1,088)                     

           (1,439)                     

              (214)                     

           (1,850)                     

         (4,591)

 

       (77,738)                     

       (20,673)                     

       (40,432)                     

    (123,206)                     

    (262,049)


 

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

By business line

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

Corporate

      2,190,105                     

         781,685                     

         374,811                     

           91,853                     

    3,438,454

SMEs

         728,514                     

         341,998                     

         102,271                     

           10,324                     

    1,183,107

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

‑ housing

      2,216,448                     

         300,004                     

         299,338                     

           10,488                     

    2,826,278

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

         594,490                     

         199,451                     

         130,441                     

           19,875                     

        944,257

Restructuring

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

           48,744                     

           90,549                     

         301,268                     

           83,018                     

        523,579

‑ SMEs

           55,323                     

           51,993                     

         402,438                     

           39,415                     

        549,169

‑ retail housing

             6,764                     

             3,742                     

         470,648                     

           12,966                     

        494,120

‑ retail other

             5,174                     

             1,186                     

         300,105                     

           13,899                     

        320,364

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

         118,580                     

           38,802                     

        157,382

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

         513,469                     

           91,321                     

        604,790

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

         508,975                     

         147,660                     

        656,635

‑ retail other

                  89                     

                   - 

         308,834                     

         131,887                     

        440,810

International banking services

           69,317                     

           76,945                     

           41,157                     

             3,069                     

        190,488

Wealth management

           43,075                     

           53,029                     

             2,824                     

             2,006                     

        100,934

 

     5,958,043                     

     1,900,582                     

     3,875,159                     

        696,583                     

  12,430,367

The movement of the gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition by staging including the loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale is presented in the table below. Details on the loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale are disclosed in Note 29.7.


 

 

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January

      5,964,996                     

      1,991,921                     

      6,073,519                     

      1,111,891                     

  15,142,327

Transfers to stage 1

         342,837                     

       (261,697)                     

         (81,140)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 2

       (840,515)                     

         974,154                     

       (133,639)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 3

         (80,086)                     

         (95,068)                     

         175,154                     

                   - 

                   - 

Foreign exchange and other adjustments

                    9                     

                   - 

             7,064                     

                   - 

            7,073

Write offs

           (2,300)                     

           (4,303)                     

       (196,235)                     

         (42,342)                     

    (245,180)

Interest accrued and other adjustments

         107,253                     

           25,058                     

         162,995                     

           38,340                     

        333,646

New loans originated or purchased and drawdowns of existing facilities

         895,900                     

           73,161                     

           36,519                     

             2,643                     

    1,008,223

Assets derecognised or repaid (excluding write offs)

       (570,940)                     

       (209,254)                     

       (314,563)                     

         (97,583)                     

(1,192,340)

Changes to contractual cash flows due to modifications resulting in derecognition

             1,950                     

           (2,667)                     

             3,090                     

              (659)                     

            1,714

Disposal of Helix and Velocity portfolios

         (10,913)                     

         (45,076)                     

    (2,198,238)                     

       (407,245)                     

(2,661,472)

30 June

     5,808,191                     

     2,446,229                     

     3,534,526                     

        605,045                     

  12,393,991

 

 

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January

      5,100,964                     

      4,418,226                     

      6,838,643                     

      1,308,500                     

  17,666,333

Change in the basis of calculation of gross carrying value (IFRS 9 Grossing up adjustment)

             5,068                     

             6,594                     

      1,350,043                     

         327,792                     

    1,689,497

Restated balance at 1 January 2018

      5,106,032                     

      4,424,820                     

      8,188,686                     

      1,636,292                     

  19,355,830

Transfers to stage 1

      2,180,460                     

    (1,952,997)                     

       (227,463)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 2

       (269,513)                     

         462,775                     

       (193,262)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 3

       (171,920)                     

       (441,097)                     

         613,017                     

                   - 

                   - 

Write offs

         (12,256)                     

         (21,814)                     

    (2,028,137)                     

       (556,097)                     

(2,618,304)

Interest accrued and other adjustments

           97,860                     

           38,850                     

         516,425                     

         109,977                     

        763,112

New loans originated or purchased and drawdowns of existing facilities

      1,752,138                     

         193,416                     

         111,124                     

           33,044                     

    2,089,722

Assets derecognised or repaid (excluding write offs)

    (1,021,693)                     

       (603,701)                     

       (879,866)                     

       (112,836)                     

(2,618,096)

Changes to contractual cash flows due to modifications resulting in derecognition

                (22)                     

                (65)                     

              (654)                     

             1,511                     

               770

Disposal of subsidiary

    (1,696,090)                     

       (108,266)                     

         (26,351)                     

                   - 

(1,830,707)

31 December 

     5,964,996                     

     1,991,921                     

     6,073,519                     

     1,111,891                     

  15,142,327


For revolving facilities, overdrafts and credit cards the net positive change in balance by stage excluding write‑offs is reported in 'New assets originated' and if negative change is reported as 'Assets derecognised or repaid'.

Significant increase in credit risk

IFRS 9 requires that in the event of a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, the calculation basis of the loss allowance would change from 12 month ECLs to lifetime ECLs.  

The assessment of whether credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition, is performed at each reporting period, by considering the change in the risk of default occurring over the remaining life of the financial instrument since initial recognition. 

Significant credit risk increase for loans and advances to customers

Primarily, the Group uses the lifetime PDs as the quantitative metric in order to assess transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2 for all portfolios, by considering whether the lifetime PD at the reporting date exceeds the lifetime PD at origination by using an established relative threshold. The Group considers an exposure to have significant increase in credit risk (SICR) by comparing the lifetime PD at the reporting date with the remaining lifetime PD at initial recognition to compute the increase in regards to the corresponding threshold. The threshold has been determined by using statistical analysis on historic information of credit migration exposures on the basis of days past due, for the different segments.  The Group applies appropriate thresholds at a point in time to each portfolio/segment, based on the following characteristics: customer type, product type and rating at origination. The threshold is then assigned to each facility according to the facilities portfolio/segment. 

For Retail and SME portfolios, the threshold applied varies depending on the original credit quality of the borrower.  For instruments with lower default probabilities at inception due to good credit quality of the counterparty, the SICR threshold is set at a higher level than for instruments with higher default probabilities at inception. 

The SICR trigger, is activated based on the comparison of the ratio of Current remaining Lifetime PD to the remaining Lifetime PD at origination to the pre‑established threshold. If the resulting ratio is higher than the pre‑established threshold then deterioration is assumed to have occurred and the exposure is transferred to Stage 2. The thresholds are calibrated annually following the calibration of the PD models.

For exposures which are subject to individual impairment assessment, the following qualitative factors in addition to the ones incorporated in the PD calculation, are considered: 

·             significant change in collateral value or guarantee or financial support provided by shareholders/directors,

·             significant adverse changes in business, financial and/or economic conditions in which the borrower operates.

The Group also considers, as a backstop criterion, that a significant increase in the credit risk occurs when contractual payments are more than 30 days past due (past due materiality is applied). Loans that meet this condition are classified in Stage 2. In cases where certain exposures are past due for more than 30 days if certain materiality limits are not met (such as arrears equal to €100 and funded balances equal to 1% in the case of retail exposures and arrears equal to €500 and funded balances equal to 1% on all exposures other than retail), then the transfer to Stage 2 does not take place.  The materiality levels are set in accordance with the ECB Regulation (EU) 2018/1845.

The thresholds for movement between Stage 1 and Stage 2 are symmetrical. After a financial asset has transferred to Stage 2, if its credit risk is no longer considered to have significantly increased relative to its initial recognition, the financial asset will move back to Stage 1.


Significant credit risk increase for financial instruments other than loans and advances to customers

Low credit risk simplification is adopted for debt security instruments, loans and advances to banks and balances with central banks with external credit ratings that are rated as investment grade. The assessment of low credit risk is based on both the external credit rating and the internal scoring (which considers latest available information on the instrument and issuer). The combination of the two provides an adjusted credit rating. An adjusted rating which remains investment grade is considered as having low credit risk. 

For debt securities, loans and advances to banks and balances with central banks which are below investment grade, the low credit risk exemption does not apply and therefore an assessment of significant credit deterioration takes place, by comparing their credit rating at origination with the credit rating on the reporting date. Significant deterioration in credit risk is considered to have occurred when the adjusted rating of the exposures drops to such an extent that the new rating relates to a riskier category (i.e. from a non‑investments grade to speculative and then to highly speculative).

Geographical concentration

The following table presents the staging of the Group's loans and advances to customers at amortised cost before residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition by geographical concentration:

 

30 June 2019

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

 

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Cyprus

      5,869,438                     

      2,479,903                     

      3,430,837                     

         710,328                     

  12,490,506

Other countries

             1,343                     

                   - 

         125,662                     

                   - 

        127,005

 

     5,870,781                     

     2,479,903                     

     3,556,499                     

        710,328                     

  12,617,511

 

31 December 2018

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

 

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Cyprus

      6,023,870                     

      1,921,234                     

      3,790,269                     

         819,789                     

  12,555,162

Other countries

           11,911                     

                  21                     

         125,322                     

                   - 

        137,254

 

     6,035,781                     

     1,921,255                     

     3,915,591                     

        819,789                     

  12,692,416

29.7       Analysis of loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale

The loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale as at 30 June 2019 are categorised as stage 3 and their gross value before residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition is €12,422 thousand. Their residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition amounted to €6,531 thousand at 30 June 2019, and their gross value after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition amounted to €5,891 thousand.

The following tables present the staging of the Group's loans and advances at amortised cost classified as held for sale as at 31 December 2018 by business line concentration.


 

 

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Gross loans at amortised cost before residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

             7,148                     

           94,600                     

      2,222,931                     

         526,434                     

    2,851,113

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

              (195)                     

           (3,261)                     

         (24,571)                     

       (111,126)                     

    (139,153)

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

             6,953                     

           91,339                     

      2,198,360                     

         415,308                     

    2,711,960

 

31 December 2018

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

Gross loans at amortised cost before residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

                165                     

                   - 

           14,343                     

                741                     

          15,249

SMEs

             2,835                     

                   - 

                    6                     

                   - 

            2,841

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

                   - 

                   - 

                125                     

                    3                     

               128

Restructuring

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

             2,110                     

           85,783                     

         722,631                     

           48,690                     

        859,214

‑ SMEs

             2,038                     

             8,817                     

         187,831                     

           18,180                     

        216,866

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

                231                     

                  41                     

               272

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

             5,575                     

                198                     

            5,773

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

         967,761                     

         368,310                     

    1,336,071

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

         300,509                     

           73,827                     

        374,336

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

                484                     

                151                     

               635

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

           23,427                     

           16,293                     

          39,720

International banking services

                   - 

                   - 

                    8                     

                   - 

                    8

 

             7,148                     

           94,600                     

      2,222,931                     

         526,434                     

    2,851,113


 

31 December 2018

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

Residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

                   - 

                   - 

              (584)                     

                   - 

            (584)

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

                   - 

                   - 

                   - 

                  (1)                     

                (1)

Restructuring

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

           (2,722)                     

         (13,730)                     

           (7,927)                     

      (24,379)

‑ SMEs

              (195)                     

              (539)                     

           (1,470)                     

           (2,654)                     

         (4,858)

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

              (132)                     

                (78)                     

            (210)

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

           (4,900)                     

         (81,744)                     

      (86,644)

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

           (3,473)                     

         (14,518)                     

      (17,991)

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

                   - 

              (115)                     

            (115)

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

              (282)                     

           (4,089)                     

         (4,371)

 

              (195)                     

           (3,261)                     

         (24,571)                     

       (111,126)                     

    (139,153)

 

31 December 2018

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

Gross loans at amortised cost after residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

                165                     

                   - 

           13,759                     

                741                     

          14,665

SMEs

             2,835                     

                   - 

                    6                     

                   - 

            2,841

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

                   - 

                   - 

                125                     

                    2                     

               127

Restructuring

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

             2,110                     

           83,061                     

         708,901                     

           40,763                     

        834,835

‑ SMEs

             1,843                     

             8,278                     

         186,361                     

           15,526                     

        212,008

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

                231                     

                  41                     

               272

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

             5,443                     

                120                     

            5,563

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

         962,861                     

         286,566                     

    1,249,427

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

         297,036                     

           59,309                     

        356,345

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

                484                     

                  36                     

               520

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

           23,145                     

           12,204                     

          35,349

International banking services

                   - 

                   - 

                    8                     

                   - 

                    8

 

             6,953                     

           91,339                     

      2,198,360                     

         415,308                     

    2,711,960

The following table presents the staging of the Group's gross loans and advances before residual fair value adjustment on initial recognition at amortised cost classified as held for sale as at 31 December 2018 by geographical concentration.


 

31 December 2018

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

 

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Cyprus

             7,148                     

           94,600                     

      2,161,695                     

         526,434                     

    2,789,877

Other countries

                   - 

                   - 

           61,236                     

                   - 

          61,236

 

             7,148                     

           94,600                     

      2,222,931                     

         526,434                     

    2,851,113

 

29.8       Credit losses of loans and advances to customers, including loans and advances to customers held for sale

The movement in ECL of loans and advances, including the loans and advances to customers held for sale, is as follows:

 

30 June 2019

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

Cyprus

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January

           26,233                     

           73,870                     

      2,783,232                     

         431,924                     

    3,315,259

Transfers to stage 1

           14,659                     

           (8,355)                     

           (6,304)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 2

           (4,532)                     

           17,601                     

         (13,069)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 3

           (1,068)                     

         (17,395)                     

           18,463                     

                   - 

                   - 

Impact on transfer between stages during  the period*

           (9,227)                     

           10,713                     

           10,369                     

           (1,049)                     

          10,806

Foreign exchange and other adjustments

                   - 

                   - 

             3,568                     

                331                     

            3,899

Write offs

           (2,426)                     

           (2,339)                     

       (195,808)                     

         (43,538)                     

    (244,111)

Contractual interest (provided) not recognised in the income statement

                   - 

                   - 

           70,257                     

             9,132                     

          79,389

New loans originated or purchased*

             5,074                     

                   - 

                   - 

                   - 

            5,074

Assets derecognised or repaid (excluding write offs)*

              (446)                     

           (3,239)                     

         (55,917)                     

           (7,188)                     

      (66,790)

Write offs*

                996                     

             1,075                     

           24,347                     

             4,138                     

          30,556

Changes to models and inputs (changes in PDs, LGDs and EADs) used for ECL calculations*

           (3,453)                     

                218                     

         127,947                     

           25,952                     

        150,664

Changes to contractual cash flows due to modifications not resulting in derecognition*

                (74)                     

                429                     

              (369)                     

              (275)                     

            (289)

Disposal of Helix and Velocity portfolios

           (7,778)                     

         (22,248)                     

    (1,313,522)                     

       (204,512)                     

(1,548,060)

30 June

          17,958                     

          50,330                     

     1,453,194                     

        214,915                     

    1,736,397

Individually assessed

             6,859                     

           22,983                     

         131,054                     

           14,769                     

        175,665

Collectively assessed

           11,099                     

           27,347                     

      1,322,140                     

         200,146                     

    1,560,732

 

          17,958                     

          50,330                     

     1,453,194                     

        214,915                     

    1,736,397

* Individual components of the 'Impairment loss net of reversals of loans and advances to customers'


 

30 June 2019

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

Other countries

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January

                135                     

                   - 

         146,611                     

                   - 

        146,746

Impact on transfer between stages during  the period*

                   - 

                   - 

                  70                     

                   - 

                  70

Foreign exchange and other adjustments

                   - 

                    2                     

             3,332                     

                   - 

            3,334

Write offs

                   - 

                   - 

           (2,550)                     

                   - 

         (2,550)

Contractual interest (provided) not recognised in the income statement

                   - 

                   - 

             4,514                     

                   - 

            4,514

Assets derecognised or repaid (excluding write offs)*

              (132)                     

                   - 

              (187)                     

                   - 

            (319)

Write offs*

                   - 

                   - 

                  17                     

                   - 

                  17

Changes to models and inputs (changes in PDs, LGDs and EADs) used for ECL calculations*

                   - 

                   - 

              (365)                     

                   - 

            (365)

Disposal of Helix portfolio

                   - 

                   - 

         (54,765)                     

                   - 

      (54,765)

30 June

                    3                     

                    2                     

          96,677                     

                   - 

          96,682

Individually assessed

                   - 

                   - 

           90,937                     

                   - 

          90,937

Collectively assessed

                    3                     

                    2                     

             5,740                     

                   - 

            5,745

 

                    3                     

                    2                     

          96,677                     

                   - 

          96,682

*Individual components of the 'Impairment loss net of reversals of loans and advances to customers'


 

30 June 2019

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January

           26,368                     

           73,870                     

      2,929,843                     

         431,924                     

    3,462,005

Transfers to stage 1

           14,659                     

           (8,355)                     

           (6,304)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 2

           (4,532)                     

           17,601                     

         (13,069)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 3

           (1,068)                     

         (17,395)                     

           18,463                     

                   - 

                   - 

Impact on transfer between stages during  the period*

           (9,227)                     

           10,713                     

           10,439                     

           (1,049)                     

          10,876

Foreign exchange and other adjustments

                   - 

                    2                     

             6,900                     

                331                     

            7,233

Write offs

           (2,426)                     

           (2,339)                     

       (198,358)                     

         (43,538)                     

    (246,661)

Contractual interest (provided) not recognised in the income statement

                   - 

                   - 

           74,771                     

             9,132                     

          83,903

New loans originated or purchased*

             5,074                     

                   - 

                   - 

                   - 

            5,074

Assets derecognised or repaid (excluding write offs)*

              (578)                     

           (3,239)                     

         (56,104)                     

           (7,188)                     

      (67,109)

Write offs*

                996                     

             1,075                     

           24,364                     

             4,138                     

          30,573

Changes to models and inputs (changes in PDs, LGDs and EADs) used for ECL calculations*

           (3,453)                     

                218                     

         127,582                     

           25,952                     

        150,299

Changes to contractual cash flows due to modifications not resulting in derecognition*

                (74)                     

                429                     

              (369)                     

              (275)                     

            (289)

Disposal of Helix and Velocity portfolios

           (7,778)                     

         (22,248)                     

    (1,368,287)                     

       (204,512)                     

(1,602,825)

30 June

          17,961                     

          50,332                     

     1,549,871                     

        214,915                     

    1,833,079

Individually assessed

             6,859                     

           22,983                     

         221,991                     

           14,769                     

        266,602

Collectively assessed

           11,102                     

           27,349                     

      1,327,880                     

         200,146                     

    1,566,477

 

          17,961                     

          50,332                     

     1,549,871                     

        214,915                     

    1,833,079

*Individual components of the 'Impairment loss net of reversals of loans and advances to customers'


 

30 June 2018 

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

Cyprus

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January

             20,840                     

             29,510                     

        2,654,800                     

           500,027                     

      3,205,177

Change in the basis of calculation of gross carrying value (IFRS 9 Grossing up adjustment)

              5,068                     

              6,561                     

        1,294,541                     

           326,152                     

      1,632,322

Impact of adopting IFRS 9 at 1 January 2018

            (6,660)                     

             32,744                     

           235,471                     

             52,373                     

         313,928

Restated balance at 1 January

             19,248                     

             68,815                     

        4,184,812                     

           878,552                     

      5,151,427

Transfer from Romania branch ('Other countries' table)

                   - 

                   - 

                   - 

             19,258                     

           19,258

Transfers to stage 1

             35,649                     

          (20,882)                     

          (14,767)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 2

               (731)                     

             25,830                     

          (25,099)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 3

            (1,049)                     

            (3,857)                     

             34,097                     

          (29,191)                     

                   - 

Impact on transfer between stages during  the period*

          (29,348)                     

          (10,590)                     

             43,015                     

                 236                     

             3,313

Foreign exchange and other adjustments

                   - 

                   - 

                 923                     

                 168                     

             1,091

Write offs

          (15,000)                     

          (26,361)                     

      (1,709,431)                     

        (473,023)                     

   (2,223,815)

Contractual interest (provided) not recognised in the income statement

                   - 

                   - 

             68,475                     

              9,501                     

           77,976

New loans originated or purchased*

              5,759                     

                   - 

                   - 

                   13                     

             5,772

Assets derecognised or repaid (excluding write offs)*

                 588                     

            (2,015)                     

          (61,691)                     

                   - 

        (63,118)

Write offs*

                 735                     

              2,345                     

             43,025                     

                 801                     

           46,906

Changes to models and inputs (changes in PDs, LGDs and EADs) used for ECL calculations*

             15,530                     

             54,757                     

           325,908                     

             38,230                     

         434,425

Changes to contractual cash flows due to modifications not resulting in derecognition*

                   - 

                   - 

                 394                     

                   - 

                394

30 June

           31,381                     

           88,042                     

      2,889,661                     

         444,545                     

      3,453,629

Individually assessed

              9,018                     

             28,680                     

           750,596                     

             68,719                     

         857,013

Collectively assessed

             22,363                     

             59,362                     

        2,139,065                     

           375,826                     

      2,596,616

 

           31,381                     

           88,042                     

      2,889,661                     

         444,545                     

      3,453,629

*Individual components of the 'Impairment loss net of reversals of loans and advances to customers'


 

30 June 2018 

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

Other countries

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January

              1,344                     

                 365                     

           222,389                     

             23,575                     

         247,673

Change in the basis of calculation of gross carrying value (IFRS 9 Grossing up adjustment)

                   - 

                   33                     

             55,502                     

              1,640                     

           57,175

Impact of adopting IFRS 9 at 1 January 2018

                  (7)                     

              4,215                     

                 933                     

                   33                     

             5,174

Restated balance at 1 January

              1,337                     

              4,613                     

           278,824                     

             25,248                     

         310,022

Transfer to Cyprus operations ('Cyprus' table)

                   - 

                   - 

                   - 

          (19,258)                     

        (19,258)

Transfers to stage 2

                   - 

                   25                     

                (25)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Impact on transfer between stages during  the period*

                   62                     

                (41)                     

              1,155                     

            (2,742)                     

          (1,566)

Foreign exchange and other adjustments

                  (2)                     

                     1                     

               (557)                     

                     1                     

             (557)

Write offs

                   - 

                   - 

          (62,325)                     

                  (4)                     

        (62,329)

Contractual interest (provided) not recognised in the income statement

                   - 

                   - 

              1,996                     

                   - 

             1,996

Assets derecognised or repaid (excluding write offs)*

                   - 

                   - 

                (45)                     

                   - 

               (45)

Write offs*

                   - 

                   - 

               (274)                     

                   - 

             (274)

Changes to models and inputs (changes in PDs, LGDs and EADs) used for ECL calculations*

                   21                     

            (1,314)                     

          (13,995)                     

               (429)                     

        (15,717)

Discontinued operations

                   27                     

               (109)                     

                (65)                     

                   - 

             (147)

30 June

             1,445                     

             3,175                     

         204,689                     

             2,816                     

         212,125

Individually assessed

                793                     

             3,150                     

         195,711                     

                   - 

         199,654

Collectively assessed

                652                     

                  25                     

             8,978                     

             2,816                     

           12,471

 

            1,445                     

            3,175                     

        204,689                     

            2,816                     

         212,125

*Individual components of the 'Impairment loss net of reversals of loans and advances to customers'.


 

30 June 2018 

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

Total

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January

             22,184                     

             29,875                     

        2,877,189                     

           523,602                     

      3,452,850

Change in the basis of calculation of gross carrying value (IFRS 9 Grossing up adjustment)

              5,068                     

              6,594                     

        1,350,043                     

           327,792                     

      1,689,497

Impact of adopting IFRS 9 at 1 January 2018 

            (6,667)                     

             36,959                     

           236,404                     

             52,406                     

         319,102

Restated balance at 1 January

             20,585                     

             73,428                     

        4,463,636                     

           903,800                     

      5,461,449

Transfers to stage 1

             35,649                     

          (20,882)                     

          (14,767)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 2

               (731)                     

             25,855                     

          (25,124)                     

                   - 

                   - 

Transfers to stage 3

            (1,049)                     

            (3,857)                     

             34,097                     

          (29,191)                     

                   - 

Impact on transfer between stages during  the period*

          (29,286)                     

          (10,631)                     

             44,170                     

            (2,506)                     

             1,747

Foreign exchange and other adjustments

                  (2)                     

                     1                     

                 366                     

                 169                     

                534

Write offs

          (15,000)                     

          (26,361)                     

      (1,771,756)                     

        (473,027)                     

   (2,286,144)

Contractual interest (provided) not recognised in the income statement

                   - 

                   - 

             70,471                     

              9,501                     

           79,972

New assets originated or purchased*

              5,759                     

                   - 

                   - 

                   13                     

             5,772

Assets derecognised or repaid (excluding write offs)*

                 588                     

            (2,015)                     

          (61,736)                     

                   - 

        (63,163)

Write offs*

                 735                     

              2,345                     

             42,751                     

                 801                     

           46,632

Changes to models and inputs (changes in PDs, LGDs and EADs) used for ECL calculations*

             15,551                     

             53,443                     

           311,913                     

             37,801                     

         418,708

Discontinued operations

                   27                     

               (109)                     

                (65)                     

                   - 

             (147)

Changes to contractual cash flows due to modifications not resulting in derecognition*

                   - 

                   - 

                 394                     

                   - 

                394

30 June

           32,826                     

           91,217                     

      3,094,350                     

         447,361                     

      3,665,754

Individually assessed

              9,811                     

             31,830                     

           946,307                     

             68,719                     

      1,056,667

Collectively assessed

             23,015                     

             59,387                     

        2,148,043                     

           378,642                     

      2,609,087

 

           32,826                     

           91,217                     

      3,094,350                     

         447,361                     

      3,665,754

* Individual components of the 'Impairment loss net of reversals of loans and advances to customers'.

The above tables do not include the residual fair value adjustments on initial recognition of loans acquired from Laiki Bank and ECL on financial guarantees which are part of other liabilities on the balance sheet.  

Loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale as at 30 June 2019 do not carry any credit losses.


The movement of credit losses of loans and advances to customers for the six months ended 30 June 2018 includes credit losses relating to loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale. Their balance at 30 June 2018 by staging and geographical area is presented in the table below:

 

 

 

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

30 June 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Cyprus

             6,473                     

           40,896                     

      1,265,223                     

         178,720                     

    1,491,312

Other countries

                   - 

                   - 

           45,495                     

                   - 

          45,495

Total

            6,473                     

          40,896                     

     1,310,718                     

        178,720                     

    1,536,807

Individually assessed

                   - 

             8,320                     

         639,680                     

           43,920                     

        691,920

Collectively assessed

             6,473                     

           32,576                     

         671,038                     

         134,800                     

        844,887

 

            6,473                     

          40,896                     

     1,310,718                     

        178,720                     

    1,536,807

 

The credit losses of loans and advances as at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018 (including the loans and advances to customers held for sale applicable as at 31 December 2018), by business line is presented in the table below:

 

 

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

             9,168                     

           27,441                     

         132,111                     

             4,629                     

        173,349

SMEs

             1,778                     

             3,717                     

           17,061                     

                253                     

          22,809

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

‑ housing

             3,449                     

             6,570                     

           28,664                     

                361                     

          39,044

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

             2,220                     

             4,068                     

           26,406                     

             1,241                     

          33,935

Restructuring

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                367                     

             5,423                     

           63,015                     

             5,764                     

          74,569

‑ SMEs

                859                     

             1,777                     

           92,463                     

             8,632                     

        103,731

‑ retail housing

                  38                     

                204                     

         121,981                     

             3,657                     

        125,880

‑ retail other

                  31                     

                  53                     

         110,112                     

             6,653                     

        116,849

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

           54,491                     

           14,835                     

          69,326

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

         302,275                     

           43,971                     

        346,246

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

         274,494                     

           56,201                     

        330,695

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

         322,985                     

           68,138                     

        391,123

International banking services

                  46                     

             1,073                     

             2,799                     

                142                     

            4,060

Wealth management

                    5                     

                    6                     

             1,014                     

                438                     

            1,463

 

          17,961                     

          50,332                     

     1,549,871                     

        214,915                     

    1,833,079


 

 

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

             8,322                     

           16,008                     

         165,706                     

             5,143                     

        195,179

SMEs

             5,621                     

             3,333                     

           22,574                     

                320                     

          31,848

Retail

 

 

 

 

 

‑ housing

             4,052                     

             1,028                     

           28,109                     

                301                     

          33,490

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

             4,848                     

             4,655                     

           26,152                     

             1,878                     

          37,533

Restructuring

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

             1,803                     

           42,745                     

         402,181                     

           21,621                     

        468,350

‑ SMEs

             1,507                     

             5,469                     

         253,504                     

           24,325                     

        284,805

‑ retail housing

                  23                     

                102                     

         138,799                     

             4,309                     

        143,233

‑ retail other

                127                     

                  53                     

         171,882                     

             9,479                     

        181,541

Recoveries

 

 

 

 

 

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

         696,310                     

         147,552                     

        843,862

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

         538,148                     

           83,209                     

        621,357

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

         248,429                     

           59,651                     

        308,080

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

         226,379                     

           72,396                     

        298,775

International banking services

                  52                     

                462                     

           10,180                     

             1,175                     

          11,869

Wealth management

                  13                     

                  15                     

             1,490                     

                565                     

            2,083

 

          26,368                     

          73,870                     

     2,929,843                     

        431,924                     

    3,462,005

As from 1 January 2018, to comply with the requirements of IFRS 9, relating to the measurement and presentation of the gross carrying amount and accumulated allowance for impairment as impacted from interest income on impaired loans, the gross carrying amounts of the loans have been increased by an amount of €1,689,497 thousand and an equivalent adjustment was effected on the accumulated allowance for impairment.  There was no impact on the net carrying amount of the customer loans and advances from this change in the presentation.

During the six months ended 30 June 2019 the total non‑contractual write‑offs recorded by the Group amounted to €145,112 thousand (six months ended 30 June 2018: €2,119 million).

Assumptions have been made about the future changes in property values, as well as the timing for the realisation of the collateral, taxes and expenses on the repossession and subsequent sale of the collateral as well as any other applicable haircuts.  Indexation has been used to estimate updated market values of properties, while assumptions were made on the basis of a macroeconomic scenario for future changes in property values.

At 30 June 2019 the weighted average haircut (including liquidity haircut and selling expenses) used in the collectively assessed provision calculation for loans and advances to customers other than those classified as held for sale is c.32% under the baseline scenario (31 December 2018: c.32%).

The timing of recovery from real estate collaterals used in the collectively assessed provision calculation for loans and advances to customers other than those classified as held for sale has been estimated to be on average seven years under the baseline scenario (31 December 2018: average of seven years).   

For the calculation of individually assessed provisions, the timing of recovery of collaterals as well as the haircuts used are based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.


For Stage 3 customers, the calculation of individually assessed ECL is the weighted average of three scenarios; base, adverse and favourable. The base scenario focuses on the following variables, which are based on the specific facts and circumstances of each customer: the operational cash flows, the timing of recovery of collaterals and the haircuts from the realisation of collateral. The base scenario is used to derive additional scenarios for either better or worse cases. Under the adverse scenario operational cash flows are decreased by 50%, applied haircuts on real estate collateral are increased by 50% and the timing of recovery of collaterals is increased by 1 year with reference to the baseline scenario. Under the favourable scenario, applied haircuts are decreased by 5%, with no change in the recovery period with reference to the baseline scenario. Assumptions used in estimating expected future cash flows (including cash flows that may result from the realisation of collateral) reflect current and expected future economic conditions and are generally consistent with those used in the Stage 3 collectively assessed exposures. In the case of loans held for sale the Group has taken into consideration the timing of expected sale and the estimated sale proceeds in determining the ECL. Amounts previously written off which are expected to be recovered through sale are presented in 'Recoveries of loans and advances to customers previously written off' in (Note 10).

For the calculation of expected credit losses three scenarios were used; base, adverse and favourable with 50%, 30% and 20% probability respectively.

Any positive cumulative average future change in forecasted property values was capped to zero for the six months ended 30 June 2019 and year 2018. This applies to all scenarios.

The above assumptions are also influenced by the ongoing regulatory dialogue BOC PCL maintains with its lead regulator, the ECB, and other regulatory guidance and interpretations issued by various regulatory and industry bodies such as the ECB and the EBA, which provide guidance and expectations as to relevant definitions and the treatment/classification of certain parameters/assumptions used in the estimation of provisions.

Any changes in these assumptions or difference between assumptions made and actual results could result in significant changes in the estimated amount of expected credit losses of loans and advances.

Sensitivity analysis

The Group has performed sensitivity analysis relating to the loan portfolio in Cyprus, which represents 99% of the total loan portfolio of the Group (excluding the loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale) with reference date 30 June 2019.

The Group uses three different economic scenarios in the ECL calculation: a base, an adverse and a favourable scenario with weights 50%, 30% and 20% respectively. The same scenarios determined at 30 June 2019 were used for the scenarios determined on 31 December 2018.

The Group has altered for the purpose of sensitivity analysis the weights of the economic scenarios and changed the collateral realisation periods and the impact on the ECL, for both individually and collectively assessed ECL calculations, as presented in the table below:

 


 


Increase/(decrease) on ECL for loans and advances to customers at amortised cost


30 June
2019

31 December 2018


€000

€000

Increase the adverse weight by 5% and decrease the favourable weight by 5%

                4,025                        

                4,963                        

Decrease the adverse weight by 5% and increase the favourable weight by 5%

             (4,025)                        

             (4,956)                        

Increase the expected recovery period by 1 year

              49,398                        

              50,898                        

Decrease the expected recovery period by 1 year

           (48,822)                        

           (49,821)                        

Increase the collateral realisation haircut by 5%

              90,690                        

              89,682                        

Decrease the collateral realisation haircut by 5%

           (82,558)                        

           (81,862)                        

Increase in the PDs of stages 1 and 2 by 20%

              10,824                        

              12,733                        

Decrease in the PDs of stages 1 and 2 by 20%

           (12,344)                        

           (11,126)                        

 

A bundle of sensitivity runs were carried out as at 30 June 2019 in order to stress the imposed lifetime on revolving facilities. The imposed lifetime for all Stage 2 facilities was extended for three, five, seven and nine years and the carrying value was not materially sensitive to the stress on the imposed lifetime.

29.9       Forbearance

Forbearance measures occur in situations in which the borrower is considered to be unable to meet the terms and conditions of the contract due to financial difficulties.  Taking into consideration these difficulties, the Group decides to modify the terms and conditions of the contract to provide the borrower with the ability to service the debt or refinance the contract, either partially or fully. 

The practice of extending forbearance measures constitutes a grant of a concession whether temporarily or permanently to that borrower.  A concession may involve restructuring the contractual terms of a debt or payment in some form other than cash, such as an arrangement whereby the borrower transfers collateral pledged to the Group.

The loans forborne continue to be classified as Stage 3 in the case they are performing forborne exposures under probation for which additional forbearance measures are extended, or performing forborne exposures under probation that present more than 30 days past due within the probation period.

Modifications of loans and advances that do not affect payment arrangements, such as restructuring of collateral or security arrangements, are not regarded as sufficient to categorise the facility as credit impaired, as by themselves they do not necessarily indicate credit distress affecting payment ability such that would require the facility to be classified as NPE.

Rescheduled loans and advances are those facilities for which the Group has modified the repayment programme (provision of a grace period, suspension of the obligation to repay one or more instalments, reduction in the instalment amount and/or elimination of overdue instalments relating to capital or interest) and current accounts/overdrafts for which the credit limit has been increased with the sole purpose of covering an excess. 


For an account to qualify for rescheduling it must meet certain criteria including that the client's business must be considered to be viable.  The extent to which the Group reschedules accounts that are eligible under its existing policies may vary depending on its view of the prevailing economic conditions and other factors which may change from year to year.  In addition, exceptions to policies and practices may be made in specific situations in response to legal or regulatory agreements or orders.

The forbearance characteristic contributes in two specific ways for the calculation of lifetime ECL for each individual facility. Specifically, it is taken into consideration in the scorecard development where if this characteristic is identified as statistically significant it affects negatively the rating of each facility. The second contribution of the forbearance flag is in the construction of the through the cycle probability of default curve, where when feasible a specific curve for the forborne products is calculated and assigned accordingly.

Forbearance activities may include measures that restructure the borrower's business (operational restructuring) and/or measures that restructure the borrower's financing (financial restructuring).

Restructuring options may be of a short or long‑term nature or combination thereof. The Group has developed and deployed restructuring solutions, which are suitable for the borrower and acceptable for the Group.

Short‑term restructuring solutions are defined as restructured repayment solutions of duration of less than two years.  In the case of loans for the construction of commercial property and project finance, a short‑term solution may not exceed one year.

Short‑term restructuring solutions can include the following:

·             Interest only: during a defined short‑term period, only interest is paid on credit facilities and no principal repayment is made.

·             Reduced payments: decrease of the amount of repayment instalments over a defined short‑term period in order to accommodate the borrower's new cash flow position.

·             Arrears and/or interest capitalisation: the capitalisation of arrears and/or of accrued interest arrears; that is forbearance of the arrears and capitalisation of any unpaid interest to the outstanding principal balance for repayment under a rescheduled program.

·             Grace period: an agreement allowing the borrower a defined delay in fulfilling the repayment obligations usually with regard to the principal.

Long‑term restructuring solutions can include the following:

·             Interest rate reduction: permanent or temporary reduction of interest rate (fixed or variable) into a fair and sustainable rate.

·             Extension of maturity: extension of the maturity of the loan which allows a reduction in instalment amounts by spreading the repayments over a longer period.

·             Additional security: when additional liens on unencumbered assets are obtained as additional security from the borrower in order to compensate for the higher risk exposure and as part of the restructuring process.

·             Forbearance of penalties in loan agreements: waiver, temporary or permanent, of violations of covenants in the loan agreements.

·             Rescheduling of payments: the existing contractual repayment schedule is adjusted to a new sustainable repayment program based on a realistic, current and forecasted, assessment of the cash flow generation of the borrower.

·             Strengthening of the existing collateral: a restructuring solution may entail the pledge of additional security for instance, in order to compensate for the reduction in interest rates or to balance the advantages the borrower receives from the restructuring.


·             New loan facilities: new loan facilities may be granted during a restructuring agreement, which may entail the pledge of additional security and in the case of inter‑creditor arrangements the introduction of covenants in order to compensate for the additional risk incurred by the Group in providing a new financing to a distressed borrower.

·             Debt consolidation: the combination of multiple exposures into a single loan or limited number of loans.

·             Debt/equity swaps: partial set‑off of the debt and obtaining of an equivalent amount of equity by the Group, with the remaining debt right‑sized to the cash flows of the borrower to allow repayment to the Group from repayment on the re‑sized debt and from the eventual sale of the equity stake in the business. This solution is used only in exceptional cases and only where all other efforts for restructuring are exhausted and after ensuring compliance with the banking law.

·             Debt/asset swaps: agreement between the Group and the borrower to voluntarily dispose of the secured asset to partially or fully repay the debt.  The asset may be acquired by the Group and any residual debt may be restructured within an appropriate repayment schedule in line with the borrower's reassessed repayment ability.

·             Debt write‑off: cancellation of part or the whole of the amount of debt outstanding by the borrower. The Group applies the debt forgiveness solution only as a last resort and in remote cases having taken into consideration the ability of the borrower to repay the remaining debt in the agreed timeframe and the moral hazard.

·             Split and freeze: the customer's debt is split into sustainable and unsustainable parts. The sustainable part is restructured and continues to operate. The unsustainable part is 'frozen' for the restructured duration of the sustainable part. At the maturity of the restructuring, the frozen part is either forgiven pro‑rata (based on the actual repayment of the sustainable part) or restructured.

29.10    Rescheduled loans and advances to customers

The below table presents the movement of the Group's rescheduled loans and advances to customers measured at amortised cost including those classified as held for sale (by geography). There were no rescheduled loans related to loans and advances classified as held for sale as at 30 June 2019 (31 December 2018: €1,412,802 thousand, 30 June 2018: €1,479,578 thousand).

 

 


Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

2019

€000

€000

€000

1 January

      4,566,470                     

           48,806                     

    4,615,276

New loans and advances rescheduled in the period

         101,057                     

                   - 

        101,057

Assets no longer classified as rescheduled (including repayments)

       (439,401)                     

              (713)                     

    (440,114)

Applied in writing off rescheduled loans and advances

         (76,914)                     

                   - 

      (76,914)

Interest accrued on rescheduled loans and advances

           57,936                     

                122                     

          58,058

Foreign exchange adjustments

             2,247                     

             4,784                     

            7,031

Disposal of Helix and Velocity portfolios

    (1,370,825)                     

                   - 

(1,370,825)

30 June

     2,840,570                     

          52,999                     

    2,893,569


 


Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

2018

€000

€000

€000

1 January

      6,272,946                     

           99,068                     

    6,372,014

Rescheduled loans measured at FVPL on adoption of IFRS 9

       (341,765)                     

                   - 

    (341,765)

Change in the basis of calculation of
gross carrying value (IFRS 9 Grossing up adjustment)

         416,093                     

             3,678                     

        419,771

Restated balance at 1 January

      6,347,274                     

         102,746                     

    6,450,020

Transfer between geographical areas

             4,465                     

           (4,465)                     

                   - 

New loans and advances rescheduled in the period

         147,624                     

                522                     

        148,146

Assets no longer classified as rescheduled (including repayments)

       (703,140)                     

           (2,738)                     

    (705,878)

Applied in writing off rescheduled loans and advances

       (599,686)                     

              (504)                     

    (600,190)

Interest accrued on rescheduled loans and advances

           88,378                     

                  21                     

          88,399

Foreign exchange adjustments

             2,313                     

           (3,556)                     

         (1,243)

30 June

     5,287,228                     

          92,026                     

    5,379,254

The classification as rescheduled loans is discontinued when all EBA criteria for the discontinuation of the classification as forborne exposure are met.  These are set out in EBA Final draft Implementing Technical Standards (ITS) on supervisory reporting and non‑performing exposures.

The below tables present the Group's rescheduled loans and advances to customers by staging, industry sector, geography and business line classification excluding those classified as held for sale, as well as ECL allowances and tangible collateral held for rescheduled loans.  

 

 


Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

Stage 1

         285,953                     

                114                     

        286,067

Stage 2

         531,221                     

                   - 

        531,221

Stage 3

      1,804,397                     

           52,885                     

    1,857,282

POCI

         218,999                     

                   - 

        218,999

 

     2,840,570                     

          52,999                     

    2,893,569

 


Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

Stage 1

         508,664                     

                120                     

        508,784

Stage 2

         376,794                     

                  24                     

        376,818

Stage 3

      2,001,947                     

           48,662                     

    2,050,609

POCI

         266,263                     

                   - 

        266,263

 

     3,153,668                     

          48,806                     

    3,202,474


Fair value of collateral

 


Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

Stage 1

         269,814                     

                101                     

        269,915

Stage 2

         470,732                     

                   - 

        470,732

Stage 3

      1,460,076                     

           17,695                     

    1,477,771

POCI

         202,477                     

                   - 

        202,477

 

     2,403,099                     

          17,796                     

    2,420,895

 


Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

Stage 1

         480,611                     

                101                     

        480,712

Stage 2

         327,142                     

                  21                     

        327,163

Stage 3

      1,631,012                     

           11,204                     

    1,642,216

POCI

         248,691                     

                   - 

        248,691

 

     2,687,456                     

          11,326                     

    2,698,782

 

The fair value of collateral presented above has been computed based on the extent that the collateral mitigates credit risk.

Credit risk concentration

 

30 June 2019

Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

By economic activity

€000

€000

€000

Trade

         221,193                     

           21,378                     

        242,571

Manufacturing

           76,744                     

             5,414                     

          82,158

Hotels and catering

         123,332                     

                   - 

        123,332

Construction

         349,476                     

                579                     

        350,055

Real estate

         189,355                     

           12,471                     

        201,826

Private individuals

      1,615,596                     

                143                     

    1,615,739

Professional and other services

         194,123                     

           13,011                     

        207,134

Other sectors

           70,751                     

                    3                     

          70,754


     2,840,570                     

          52,999                     

    2,893,569


 

30 June 2019

Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

By business line

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

         314,139                     

           49,031                     

        363,170

SMEs

         151,510                     

             3,854                     

        155,364

Retail

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ housing

         445,276                     

                   - 

        445,276

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

         136,360                     

                114                     

        136,474

Restructuring

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ corporate

         277,854                     

                   - 

        277,854

‑ SMEs

         270,470                     

                   - 

        270,470

‑ retail housing

         331,639                     

                   - 

        331,639

‑ retail other

         136,546                     

                   - 

        136,546

Recoveries

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ corporate

           51,792                     

                   - 

          51,792

‑ SMEs

         126,588                     

                   - 

        126,588

‑ retail housing

         313,518                     

                   - 

        313,518

‑ retail other

         241,131                     

                   - 

        241,131

International banking services

           40,344                     

                   - 

          40,344

Wealth management

             3,403                     

                   - 

            3,403


     2,840,570                     

          52,999                     

    2,893,569

 

30 June 2019

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

By business line

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

           82,084                     

         197,384                     

           80,973                     

             2,729                     

        363,170

SMEs

           33,494                     

           67,947                     

           51,396                     

             2,527                     

        155,364

Retail

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ housing

         115,777                     

         105,831                     

         218,958                     

             4,710                     

        445,276

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

           25,192                     

           23,626                     

           85,393                     

             2,263                     

        136,474

Restructuring

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ corporate

                167                     

           69,520                     

         183,964                     

           24,203                     

        277,854

‑ SMEs

           21,114                     

           37,752                     

         195,972                     

           15,632                     

        270,470

‑ retail housing

             4,123                     

             3,123                     

         317,216                     

             7,177                     

        331,639

‑ retail other

                859                     

                549                     

         131,937                     

             3,201                     

        136,546

Recoveries

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

           40,014                     

           11,778                     

          51,792

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

           89,540                     

           37,048                     

        126,588

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

         255,187                     

           58,331                     

        313,518

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

         192,848                     

           48,283                     

        241,131

International banking services

             2,741                     

           25,489                     

           11,946                     

                168                     

          40,344

Wealth management

                516                     

                   - 

             1,938                     

                949                     

            3,403


        286,067                     

        531,221                     

     1,857,282                     

        218,999                     

    2,893,569


 

31 December 2018

Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

By economic activity

€000

€000

€000

Trade

         245,919                     

           20,430                     

        266,349

Manufacturing

           84,267                     

             2,729                     

          86,996

Hotels and catering

         123,596                     

                    1                     

        123,597

Construction

         373,539                     

                532                     

        374,071

Real estate

         221,011                     

           13,186                     

        234,197

Private individuals

      1,761,663                     

                166                     

    1,761,829

Professional and other services

         249,607                     

           11,761                     

        261,368

Other sectors

           94,066                     

                    1                     

          94,067


     3,153,668                     

          48,806                     

    3,202,474

 

31 December 2018

Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

By business line

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

         337,316                     

           45,192                     

        382,508

SMEs

         207,000                     

             3,466                     

        210,466

Retail

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ housing

         568,879                     

                   - 

        568,879

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

         172,559                     

                124                     

        172,683

Restructuring

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ corporate

         353,210                     

                  24                     

        353,234

‑ SMEs

         363,465                     

                   - 

        363,465

‑ retail housing

         382,478                     

                   - 

        382,478

‑ retail other

         177,241                     

                   - 

        177,241

Recoveries

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ corporate

           64,698                     

                   - 

          64,698

‑ SMEs

         139,309                     

                   - 

        139,309

‑ retail housing

         222,244                     

                   - 

        222,244

‑ retail other

         117,573                     

                   - 

        117,573

International banking services

           43,698                     

                   - 

          43,698

Wealth management

             3,998                     

                   - 

            3,998


     3,153,668                     

          48,806                     

    3,202,474


 

31 December 2018

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

POCI

Total

By business line

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Corporate

           98,485                     

         154,531                     

         126,186                     

             3,306                     

        382,508

SMEs

           67,513                     

           63,170                     

           75,310                     

             4,473                     

        210,466

Retail

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ housing

         246,922                     

           45,090                     

         271,988                     

             4,879                     

        568,879

‑ consumer, credit cards and other

           46,012                     

           17,148                     

         107,184                     

             2,339                     

        172,683

Restructuring

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ corporate

             7,903                     

           44,505                     

         236,389                     

           64,437                     

        353,234

‑ SMEs

           31,579                     

           27,729                     

         281,415                     

           22,742                     

        363,465

‑ retail housing

             3,800                     

                871                     

         369,482                     

             8,325                     

        382,478

‑ retail other

             1,468                     

                153                     

         171,789                     

             3,831                     

        177,241

Recoveries

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                      

‑ corporate

                   - 

                   - 

           49,759                     

           14,939                     

          64,698

‑ SMEs

                   - 

                   - 

         102,355                     

           36,954                     

        139,309

‑ retail housing

                   - 

                   - 

         165,738                     

           56,506                     

        222,244

‑ retail other

                   - 

                   - 

           76,716                     

           40,857                     

        117,573

International banking services

             4,174                     

           23,621                     

           14,185                     

             1,718                     

          43,698

Wealth management

                928                     

                   - 

             2,113                     

                957                     

            3,998


        508,784                     

        376,818                     

     2,050,609                     

        266,263                     

    3,202,474

ECL allowances

 


Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

Stage 1

             2,551                     

                   - 

            2,551

Stage 2

           15,713                     

                   - 

          15,713

Stage 3

         612,120                     

           39,940                     

        652,060

POCI

           80,193                     

                   - 

          80,193

 

        710,577                     

          39,940                     

        750,517

 


Cyprus

Other
countries

Total

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

Stage 1

             4,122                     

                   - 

            4,122

Stage 2

             8,613                     

                   - 

            8,613

Stage 3

         589,372                     

             7,513                     

        596,885

POCI

           85,412                     

                   - 

          85,412

 

        687,519                     

            7,513                     

        695,032


30.        Risk management ‑ Market risk

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices namely from changes in interest rates, exchange rates, property and security prices.  The Market Risk department is responsible for monitoring the risk resulting from such changes with the objective to minimise the impact on earnings and capital. The department also monitors liquidity risk and credit risk with counterparties and countries. It is also responsible for monitoring compliance with the various market risk policies and procedures.

The Group considers that the profile of its market risk has remained similar to the one prevailing at 31 December 2018 as presented in Note 47 of the Annual Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group for the year 2018.

Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk refers to the current or prospective risk to Group's capital and earnings arising from adverse movements in interest rates that affect the Group's banking book positions.

Currency risk

Currency risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates.

Price risk

Equity securities price risk

The risk of loss from changes in the price of equity securities arises when there is an unfavourable change in the prices of equity securities held by the Group as investments.

Debt securities price risk

Debt securities price risk is the risk of loss as a result of adverse changes in the prices of debt securities held by the Group. Debt security prices change as the credit risk of the issuer changes and/or as the interest rate changes for fixed rate securities.  The Group invests a significant part of its liquid assets in debt securities issued mostly by governments. The average Moody's Investors Service rating of the debt securities portfolio of the Group as at 30 June 2019 was A2 (31 December 2018: A1). The average rating excluding the Cyprus Government bonds and bonds from the Helix transaction as at 30 June 2019 was Aa1 (31 December 2018: Aa1).

31.        Risk management ‑ Liquidity risk and funding

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group is unable to fully or promptly meet current and future payment obligations as and when they fall due.  This risk includes the possibility that the Group may have to raise funding at high cost or sell assets at a discount to fully and promptly satisfy its obligations.

It reflects the potential mismatch between incoming and outgoing payments, taking into account unexpected delays in repayment or unexpectedly high payment outflows.  Liquidity risk involves both the risk of unexpected increases in the cost of funding of the portfolio of assets and the risk of being unable to liquidate a position in a timely manner on reasonable terms.

In order to limit this risk, management aims to achieve diversified funding sources in addition to the Group's core deposit base, and has adopted a policy of managing assets with liquidity in mind and monitoring cash flows and liquidity on a daily basis.  The Group has developed internal control processes and contingency plans for managing liquidity risk. 

Management and structure

The Board of Directors sets the Group's Liquidity Risk Appetite being the level of risk at which the Group should operate.


The Board of Directors, through its Risk Committee, approves the Liquidity Policy Statement and reviews almost at every meeting the liquidity position of the Group.  

The ALCO is responsible for setting the policies for the effective management and monitoring of liquidity across the Group.

Group Treasury is responsible for liquidity management at Group level to ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory liquidity requirements and provide direction as to the actions to be taken regarding liquidity needs.  Group Treasury assesses on a continuous basis, and informs ALCO at regular time intervals, the adequacy of the liquid assets and takes the necessary actions to ensure a comfortable liquidity position. 

Liquidity is also monitored daily by Market Risk, which is an independent department responsible for monitoring compliance with both internal policies and limits, and with the limits set by the regulatory authorities. Market Risk reports to ALCO the regulatory liquidity position of the Group, at least monthly.  It also provides the results of various stress tests to ALCO at least quarterly.

Liquidity is monitored and managed on an ongoing basis through:

(i)          Risk appetite: established Group Risk Appetite together with the appropriate limits for the management of all risks including liquidity risk.

(ii)         Liquidity policy: sets the responsibilities for managing liquidity risk as well as the framework, limits and stress test assumptions.

(iii)         Liquidity limits: a number of internal and regulatory limits are monitored on a daily, monthly and quarterly basis. Where applicable, a traffic light system (RAG) has been introduced for the ratios, in order to raise flags when the ratios deteriorate. 

(iv)        Early warning indicators: monitoring of a range of indicators for early signs of liquidity risk in the market or specific to the Group. These are designed to immediately identify the emergence of increased liquidity risk to maximise the time available to execute appropriate mitigating actions.

(v)         Liquidity Contingency Plan: maintenance of a Liquidity Contingency Plan (LCP) which is designed to provide a framework where a liquidity stress could be effectively managed. The LCP provides a communication plan and includes management actions to respond to liquidity stresses.

(vi)        Recovery Plan: the Group has developed a Recovery Plan (RP). The key objectives of the RP are to set key Recovery and Early Warning Indicators so as to monitor these consistently and to set in advance a range of recovery options to enable the Group to be adequately prepared to respond to stressed conditions and restore the Group's position.

Monitoring process

Daily

The daily monitoring of customer flows and the stock of highly liquid assets is important to safeguard and ensure the uninterrupted operations of the Group's activities. Market risk prepares a daily report analysing the internal liquidity buffer and comparing it to the previous day's buffer. This report is made available to Group Treasury and Group Finance. In addition, Group Treasury monitors daily and intraday the customer inflows and outflows in the main currencies used by the Group.

Market Risk also prepares daily stress testing for bank‑specific, market wide and combined scenarios.  The requirement is to have sufficient liquidity buffer to enable BOC PCL to survive a three month stress period, including capacity to raise funding under all scenarios.

Moreover, an intraday liquidity stress test takes place to ensure that the Group maintains sufficient liquidity buffer in immediately accessible form, to enable it to meet the stressed intraday payments.

The liquidity buffer is made up of: Banknotes, CBC balances (excluding the Minimum Reserve Requirements (MRR)), unpledged cash and nostro current accounts, as well as money market placements up to the stress horizon, available ECB credit line and market value net of haircut of unencumbered/available liquid bonds.  These bonds are High Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) as per the LCR definitions and/or ECB Eligible bonds.


The designing of the stress tests followed guidance and was based on the liquidity risk drivers which are recognised internationally by both the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and EBA SREP. The stress tests assumptions are included in the Group Liquidity Policy which is reviewed on an annual basis and approved by the Board. However, whenever it is considered appropriate to amend the assumptions during the year, approval is requested from ALCO and the Board Risk Committee. The main items shocked in the different scenarios are: deposit outflows, wholesale funding, loan repayments, off‑balance sheet commitments, marketable securities and cash collateral for derivatives and repos.

Weekly

Market Risk prepares a report indicating the level of Liquid Assets including Credit Institutions Money Market Placements as per LCR definitions.

Bi‑Weekly report

Market Risk prepares a liquidity report twice a month which is submitted to the ECB. The report includes information on the following: deposits breakdown, cash flow information, survival period, LCR ratio,  rollover of funding, funding gap (through the Maturity ladder analysis), concentration of funding  and collateral details. It concludes on the overall liquidity position of the Bank and describes the measures implemented and to be implemented in the short‑term to improve liquidity position.

Monthly

Market Risk prepares reports monitoring compliance with internal and regulatory liquidity ratios requirements and submits them to the ALCO, the Executive Committee and the Board Risk Committee. It also calculates the expected flows under a stress scenario and compares them with the projected available liquidity buffer in order to calculate the survival days. The fixed deposit renewal rates, the percentage of IBU deposits over total deposits and the percentage of instant access deposits are also presented to the ALCO. The liquidity mismatch in the form of the Maturity Ladder report is also presented to ALCO and resulting mismatch between assets and liabilities is compared to previous month's mismatch.

Market Risk reports the LCR and Additional Liquidity Monitoring Metrics (ALMM) to the CBC/ECB monthly.

Group Treasury prepares a liquidity report which is submitted to the ALCO on a monthly basis. The report indicates the liquidity position of BOC PCL, data on monthly customer flows, as well as other important developments related to liquidity. 

Quarterly

The results of the stress testing scenarios prepared daily are reported to ALCO and Board Risk Committee quarterly as part of the quarterly Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process (ILAAP) review. Market Risk reports the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) to the CBC/ECB quarterly as well as various other liquidity reports, included in the short term exercise of the SSM per their SREP guidelines.

Annually

The Group prepares on an annual basis its report on ILAAP.

As part of the Group's procedures for monitoring and managing liquidity risk, there is a Group Liquidity Contingency Plan (LCP) for handling liquidity difficulties. The LCP details the steps to be taken in the event that liquidity problems arise, which escalate to a special meeting of the extended ALCO. The LCP sets out the members of this Committee and a series of the possible actions that can be taken. The LCP, which forms a part of the Group's Liquidity Policy, is reviewed by ALCO at least annually, during the ILAAP review. The ALCO submits the updated Liquidity Policy with its recommendations to the Board through the Board Risk Committee for approval. The approved Liquidity Policy is notified to the SSM.

Liquidity ratios

The Group LCR presented in the table below, is calculated based on the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/61. It is designed to establish a minimum level of high‑quality liquid assets sufficient to meet an acute stress lasting for 30 calendar days. As from 1 January 2018, the minimum requirement is 100%.


The Group's LCR ratio at 30 June 2019 was 253% (31 December 2018: 231%)

Main sources of funding

During the six months ended 30 June 2019 and the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group's main sources of funding were its deposit base and central bank funding, through the Eurosystem monetary policy operations.

As at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018, ECB funding was at €830 million in the form of 4‑Year TLTRO II.

Funding to subsidiaries

The funding provided by BOC PCL to its subsidiaries for liquidity purposes is repayable as per the terms of the respective agreements.

Any new funding to subsidiaries requires approval from the ECB and the CBC.

Collateral requirements

The carrying values of the Group's encumbered assets as at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018 are summarised below:

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018


€000

€000

Cash and other liquid assets

        128,743                     

         118,627

Investments

        292,317                     

         737,587

Loans and advances

     2,584,294                     

      2,528,241

 

     3,005,354                     

      3,384,455

Cash is mainly used to cover collateral required for (i) derivatives and repurchase transactions and (ii) trade finance transactions and guarantees issued. It is also used as part of the supplementary assets for the covered bond.

Investments are mainly used as collateral for repurchase transactions with commercial banks, supplementary assets for the covered bond and with the ECB.

Loans and advances indicated as encumbered as at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018 are mainly used as collateral for funding from ECB and the covered bond.

Loans and advances to customers include mortgage loans of a nominal amount €1,005 million as at 30 June 2019 (31 December 2018: €1,009 million) in Cyprus, pledged as collateral for the covered bond issued by BOC PCL in 2011 under its Covered Bond Programme. Furthermore as at 30 June 2019 housing loans of a nominal amount €1,570 million (31 December 2018: €1,543 million) in Cyprus are pledged as collateral for the funding from the ECB (Note 20). 

BOC PCL maintains a Covered Bond Programme set up under the Cyprus Covered Bonds legislation and the Covered Bonds Directive of the CBC. Under the Covered Bond Programme, BOC PCL has in issue covered bonds of €650 million secured by residential mortgages originated in Cyprus.  On 6 June 2018, the terms of the covered bonds have been amended to extend the maturity date to 12 December 2021 and set the interest rate to 3 months Euribor plus 2.50% on a quarterly basis. The covered bonds are traded on the Luxemburg Bourse. The covered bonds have a conditional Pass‑Through structure.  All the bonds are held by BOC PCL. The covered bonds are eligible collateral for the Eurosystem credit operations and are placed as collateral for accessing funding from the ECB.


32.        Capital management

The primary objective of the Group's capital management is to ensure compliance with the relevant regulatory capital requirements and to maintain strong credit ratings and healthy capital adequacy ratios in order to support its business and maximise shareholders' value.

The Group follows the EU Regulations, primarily the CRR and CRD IV and any other decisions or circulars issued by the regulators, ECB and CBC with respect to the capital adequacy calculations.

The Group and BOC PCL have complied with the minimum capital requirements (Pillar I and Pillar II).

The insurance subsidiaries of the Group comply with the requirements of the Superintendent of Insurance including the minimum solvency ratio.  The regulated investment firms of the Group comply with the regulatory capital requirements of the CySEC laws and regulations.

Additional information on regulatory capital is disclosed in the Additional Risk and Capital Management Disclosures, including Pillar 3 semi‑annual disclosures (unaudited), which are available on the Group's website www.bankofcyprus.com (Investor Relations).

33.        Related party transactions

Related parties of the Group include associates and joint ventures, key management personnel, Board of Directors and their connected persons.

Fees and emoluments of members of the Board of Directors and other key management personnel

 


Six months ended
30 June


2019

2018

Director emoluments

€000

€000

Executives

                                           

                      

Salaries and other short term benefits

            1,248                     

             1,225

Employer's contributions

                  62                     

                  49

Retirement benefit plan costs

                109                     

                108


            1,419                     

             1,382

Non‑executives

                                           

                      

Fees

                499                     

                452

Total directors' emoluments

            1,918                     

             1,834

Other key management personnel emoluments

                                           

                      

Salaries and other short term benefits

            1,425                     

             1,606

Employer's contributions

                  76                     

                104

Retirement benefit plan costs

                  63                     

                  65

Total other key management personnel emoluments

            1,564                     

             1,775

Total

            3,482                     

             3,609

Other key management personnel emoluments for the six months ended 30 June 2018 include an amount of €367 thousand which relates to emoluments of key management personnel of Bank of Cyprus UK Limited, which was disposed of in November 2018.

The fees of the non‑executive Directors include fees as members of the Board of Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as of committees of the Board of Directors.


Other key management personnel

The other key management personnel emoluments include the remuneration of the members of the Executive Committee since the date of their appointment to the Committee and other members of the management team who report directly to the Chief Executive Officer or to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer.

Aggregate amounts outstanding and additional transactions

The table below shows the loans and advances, deposits and other credit balances held by the directors and their connected persons, as at the balance sheet date:

 

 

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

 

€000

€000

Loans and advances

 

 

‑ members of the Board of Directors and other key management personnel

            2,325                     

             2,476

‑ connected persons

                371                     

                381


            2,696                     

             2,857

Deposits

 

 

‑ members of the Board of Directors and other key management personnel

            1,387                     

             1,575

‑ connected persons

            1,964                     

             3,122


            3,351                     

             4,697

Accruals and other liabilities

 

 

‑ balances with entity providing key management personnel services

            5,061                     

             5,108

 

The above table does not include period/year‑end balances for members of the Board of Directors and their connected persons who resigned during the period/year.

All transactions with members of the Board of Directors and their connected persons are made on normal business terms as for comparable transactions, including interest rates, with customers of a similar credit standing.  A number of loans and advances have been extended to other key management personnel on the same terms as those applicable to the rest of the Group's employees and their connected persons on the same terms as those of customers.

Connected persons include spouses, minor children and companies in which directors/other key management personnel, hold directly or indirectly, at least 20% of the voting shares in a general meeting, or act as executive director or exercise control of the entities in any way.

Additional to members of the Board of Directors, related parties include entities providing key management personnel services to the Group.


 

 

Six months ended
30 June

 

2019

2018

 

€000

€000

Interest income for the period

                  30                     

                  40

Interest expense on deposits for the period

                    3                     

                  26

Commission income for the period

                    1                     

                    7

Insurance premium income for the period

                  75                     

                  72

Subscriptions and insurance expenses for the period

                611                     

                   - 

Staff costs, consultancy and restructuring expenses with entity providing key management personnel services

            6,617                     

           10,481

Interest income and expense are disclosed for the period during which they were members of the Board of Directors or served as key management personnel.

In addition to loans and advances, there were contingent liabilities and commitments in respect of members of the Board of Directors and their connected persons, mainly in the form of documentary credits, guarantees and commitments to lend, amounting to €15 thousand (31 December 2018: €37 thousand).

There were also contingent liabilities and commitments to other key management personnel and their connected persons amounting to €424 thousand (31 December 2018: €402 thousand).

The total unsecured amount of the loans and advances and contingent liabilities and commitments to members of the Board of Directors, key management personnel and other connected persons (using forced‑sale values for tangible collaterals and assigning no value to other types of collaterals) at 30 June 2019 amounted to €502 thousand (31 December 2018: €532 thousand).

At 30 June 2019 the Group has a deposit of €4,201 thousand (31 December 2018: €4,086 thousand) with Piraeus Bank SA, in which Mr Arne Berggren is a non‑executive Director. The Group has also provided certain indemnities to Piraeus Bank SA as part of the disposal of Kyprou Leasing SA in 2015.

During the period ended 30 June 2019 premiums of €17 thousand (corresponding period of 2018: €19 thousand) and claims of €690 thousand (corresponding period 2018: €1 thousand) were paid between the members of the Board of Directors of the Company and their connected persons and the insurance subsidiaries of the Group.

There were no other transactions during the six months ended 30 June 2019 and the year ended 31 December 2018 with connected persons of the current members of the Board of Directors or with any members who resigned during the period/year.


34.        Group companies

The main subsidiary companies and branches included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group, their country of incorporation, their activities and the percentage held by the Company (directly or indirectly) as at 30 June 2019 are:

 

Company

Country

Activities

Percentage holding
(%)

Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company

Ireland

Holding company

n/a

Bank of Cyprus Public Company Ltd

Cyprus

Commercial bank

100

The Cyprus Investment and Securities Corporation Ltd (CISCO)

Cyprus

Investment banking, asset management and brokerage

100

General Insurance of Cyprus Ltd

Cyprus

General insurance

100

EuroLife Ltd

Cyprus

Life insurance

100

Kermia Ltd

Cyprus

Property trading and development

100

Kermia Properties & Investments Ltd

Cyprus

Property trading and development

100

Global Balanced Fund of Funds Salamis Variable Capital Investment Company PLC (formerly Cytrustees Investment Public Company Ltd)

Cyprus

UCITS Fund

61

LCP Holdings and Investments Public Ltd

Cyprus

Holding company

67

JCC Payment Systems Ltd

Cyprus

Card processing transaction services

75

CLR Investment Fund Public Ltd

Cyprus

Investment company

20

Auction Yard Ltd

Cyprus

Auction company

100

BOC Secretarial Company Ltd

Cyprus

Secretarial services

100

S.Z. Eliades Leisure Ltd

Cyprus

Land development and operation of a golf resort

70

BOC Asset Management Ltd

Cyprus

Management administration and safekeeping of UCITS Units

100

Bank of Cyprus Public Company Ltd (branch of BOC PCL)

Greece

Administration of guarantees and holding of real estate properties

n/a

BOC Asset Management Romania S.A.

Romania

Collection of the existing portfolio of receivables, including third party collections

100

MC Investment Assets Management LLC

Russia

Problem asset management company

100

Fortuna Astrum Ltd

Serbia

Problem asset management company

100


In addition to the above companies, at 30 June 2019 BOC PCL had 100% shareholding in the companies listed below whose activity is the ownership and management of immovable property:

Cyprus:  Belvesi Properties Ltd, Hamura Properties Ltd, Legamon Properties Ltd, Domilas Properties Ltd, Noleta Properties Ltd, Tolmeco Properties Ltd, Arlona Properties Ltd, Dilero Properties Ltd, Ensolo Properties Ltd, Folimo Properties Ltd, Pelika Properties Ltd, Cobhan Properties Ltd, Bramwell Properties Ltd, Birkdale Properties Ltd, Innerwick Properties Ltd, Ramendi Properties Ltd, Ligisimo Properties Ltd, Nalmosa Properties Ltd, Emovera Properties Ltd, Estaga Properties Ltd, Skellom Properties Ltd, Blodar Properties Ltd, Tebane Properties Ltd, Cranmer Properties Ltd, Vieman Ltd, Les Coraux Estates Ltd, Natakon Company Ltd, Oceania Ltd, Dominion Industries Ltd, Ledra Estate Ltd, EuroLife Properties Ltd, Laiki Lefkothea Center Ltd, Labancor Ltd, Steparco Ltd, Joberco Ltd, Zecomex Ltd, Domita Estates Ltd, Memdes Estates Ltd, Thryan Properties Ltd, Edoric Properties Ltd, Canosa Properties Ltd, Kernland Properties Ltd, Jobelis Properties Ltd, Melsolia Properties Ltd, Koralmon Properties Ltd,  Kedonian Properties Ltd, Lasteno Properties Ltd, Spacous Properties Ltd, Calinora Properties Ltd, Marcozaco Properties Ltd, Soluto Properties Ltd, Solomaco Properties Ltd, Linaland Properties Ltd, Andaz Properties Ltd, Unital Properties Ltd, Neraland Properties Ltd, Wingstreet Properties Ltd, Nolory Properties Ltd, Lynoco Properties Ltd, Fitrus Properties Ltd, Lisbo Properties Ltd, Mantinec Properties Ltd, Syniga Properties Ltd, Colar Properties Ltd, Irisa Properties Ltd, Provezaco Properties Ltd, Hillbay Properties Ltd, Ofraco Properties Ltd, Forenaco Properties Ltd, Hovita Properties Ltd, Badrul Properties Ltd, Astromeria Properties Ltd, Orzo Properties Ltd, Regetona Properties Ltd, Arcandello Properties Ltd, Camela Properties Ltd, Subworld Properties Ltd, Jongeling Properties Ltd, Introserve Properties Ltd, Cereas Properties Ltd, Fareland Properties Ltd, Sindelaco Properties Ltd, Barosca Properties Ltd, Fogland Properties Ltd, Tebasco Properties Ltd, Homirova Properties Ltd, Valecross Properties Ltd, Altco Properties Ltd, Marisaco Properties Ltd, Olivero Properties Ltd, Jaselo Properties Ltd, Elosa Properties Ltd, Flona Properties Ltd, Toreva Properties Ltd, Resoma Properties Ltd, Mostero Properties Ltd, Helal Properties Ltd, Yossi Properties Ltd, Gozala Properties Ltd, Pendalo Properties Ltd, Frontyard Properties Ltd, Bonsova Properties Ltd, Nasebia Properties Ltd, Garmozy Properties Ltd, Palmco Properties Ltd, Thermano Properties Ltd, Indene Properties Ltd, Ingane Properties Ltd, Venicous Properties Ltd, Lorman Properties Ltd,  Eracor Properties Ltd, Rulemon Properties Ltd, Thelemic Properties Ltd, Maledico Properties Ltd, Dentorio Properties Ltd, Valioco Properties Ltd, Bascone Properties Ltd, Balasec Properties Ltd, Bendolio Properties Ltd, Diafor Properties Ltd, Kartama Properties Ltd, Paradexia Properties Ltd, Paramina Properties Ltd, Nouralia Properties Ltd, Resocot Properties Ltd, Soblano Properties Ltd, Talamon Properties Ltd, Weinar Properties Ltd, Zemialand Properties Ltd, Asianco Properties Ltd, Cimonia Properties Ltd, Coeval Properties Ltd, Comenal Properties Ltd, Finevo Properties Ltd, Ganina Properties Ltd, Intelamon Properties Ltd, Kenelyne Properties Ltd, Mazima Properties Ltd, Nesia Properties Ltd, Nigora Properties Ltd, Riveland Properties Ltd, Rosalica Properties Ltd, Secretsky Properties Ltd, Senadaco Properties Ltd, Tasabo Properties Ltd, Venetolio Properties Ltd, Zandexo Properties Ltd, Flymoon Properties Ltd, Meriaco Properties Ltd, Odolo Properties Ltd, Calandomo Properties Ltd, Molemo Properties Ltd, Nivamo Properties Ltd, Edilia Properties Ltd, Icazo Properties Ltd, Limoro Properties Ltd, Rofeno Properties Ltd, Samilo Properties Ltd, Jalimo Properties Ltd, Sendilo Properties Ltd and Prodino Properties Ltd.

Romania: Otherland Properties Dorobanti SRL, Battersee Real Estate SRL, Trecoda Real Estate SRL, Green Hills Properties SRL, Bocaland Properties SRL, Romaland Properties SRL, Imoreth Properties SRL, Inroda Properties SRL, Tantora Properties SRL, Zunimar Properties SRL, Allioma Properties SRL and Nikaba Properties SRL. 

Further, at 30 June 2019 BOC PCL had 100% shareholding in Obafemi Holdings Ltd, Stamoland Properties Ltd, Unoplan Properties Ltd and Gosman Properties Ltd.

Additionally, BOC PCL holds 64% in Nicosia Mall Management (NMM) Limited, Nicosia Mall Finance (NMF) Limited, Nicosia Mall Holdings (NMH) Limited and Nicosia Mall Property (NMP) Ltd.

The main activities of the above companies are the holding of shares and other investments and the provision of services except for Nicosia Mall Property (NMP) Ltd whose activity is the ownership and management of immovable property. 


At 30 June 2019 BOC PCL had 100% shareholding in the companies listed below which are reserved to accept property:

Cyprus: Tavoni Properties Ltd, Amary Properties Ltd, Holstone Properties Ltd, Alepar Properties Ltd, Cramonco Properties Ltd, Monata Properties Ltd, Aktilo Properties Ltd, Alezia Properties Ltd, Aparno Properties Ltd, Enelo Properties Ltd, Mikosa Properties Ltd, Stormino Properties Ltd, Petrassimo Properties Ltd, Stevolo Properties Ltd, Baleland Properties Ltd, Lomenia Properties Ltd, Vemoto Properties Ltd, Vertilia Properties Ltd, Zenoplus Properties Ltd, Carilo Properties Limited, Gelimo Properties Limited, Rifelo Properties Limited, Avaleto Properties Limited, Midelox Properties Limited, Ameleto Properties Limited, Orilema Properties Limited, Montira Properties Limited, Larizemo Properties Limited and Olisto Properties Limited.

Romania: Selilar Properties SRL.

In addition, BOC PCL holds 100% of the following intermediate holding companies:

Cyprus: Otherland Properties Ltd, Battersee Properties Ltd, Trecoda Properties Ltd, Bonayia Properties Ltd, Bocaland Properties Ltd, Commonland Properties Ltd, Romaland Properties Ltd, Fledgego Properties Ltd, Janoland Properties Ltd, Loneland Properties Ltd, Frozenport Properties Ltd, Imoreth Properties Ltd, Inroda Properties Ltd, Melgred Properties Ltd, Tantora Properties Ltd, Zunimar Properties Ltd, Selilar Properties Ltd, Nikaba Properties Ltd, Allioma Properties Ltd, Landanafield Properties Ltd and Hydrobius Ltd.

BOC PCL also holds 100% of the following companies which are inactive:

Cyprus: Laiki Bank (Nominees) Ltd, Thames Properties Ltd, Paneuropean Ltd, Philiki Ltd, Cyprialife Ltd, Imperial Life Assurance Ltd, Philiki Management Services Ltd, Nelcon Transport Co. Ltd, Ilera Properties Ltd, Weinco Properties Ltd, Renalandia Properties Ltd, Crolandia Properties Ltd, Iperi Properties Ltd, Finerose Properties Ltd, Fantasio Properties Ltd, Demoro Properties Ltd, Elosis Properties Ltd, Polkima Properties Ltd, Pariza Properties Ltd, Prosilia Properties Ltd, Otoba Properties Ltd, Dolapo Properties Ltd, Nivoco Properties Ltd, CYCMC II Ltd, CYCMC III Ltd and CYCMC IV Ltd.

Greece: Kyprou Zois (branch of EuroLife Ltd), Kyprou Asfalistiki (branch of General Insurance of Cyprus Ltd), Kyprou Commercial SA and Kyprou Properties SA.

All Group companies are accounted for as subsidiaries using the full consolidation method. All companies listed above, except from Global Balanced Fund of Funds Salamis Variable Capital Investment Company PLC which is a UCITS Fund, have share capital consisting of ordinary shares.

Control over CLR Investment Fund Public Ltd (CLR) and its subsidiaries without substantial shareholding

The Group considers that it exercises control over CLR and its subsidiaries (Europrofit Capital Investors Public Limited, Axxel Ventures Limited and CLR Private Equity Limited) through control of the members of the Board of Directors and is exposed to variable returns through its holding.


Dissolution and disposal of subsidiaries

As at 30 June 2019, the following subsidiaries were in the process of dissolution or in the process of being struck off:  Bank of Cyprus (Channel Islands) Ltd, BC Romanoland Properties Ltd, Blindingqueen Properties Ltd, Buchuland Properties Ltd, Corner LLC, Diners Club (Cyprus) Ltd, Fairford Properties Ltd, Frozenport Properties SRL, Leasing Finance LLC, Loneland Properties SRL, Melgred Properties SRL, Mirodi Properties Ltd, Nallora Properties Ltd, Omiks Finance LLC, Salecom Ltd, Sylvesta Properties Ltd and Unknownplan Properties Ltd.

Bank of Cyprus Romania (Romanian branch), BOC Ventures Ltd, Lameland Properties Ltd, Calomland Properties Ltd, Pittsburg Properties Ltd and Kyprou Finance (NL) B.V. were dissolved during the six months ended 30 June 2019. Asendo Properties Ltd, Gylito Properties Ltd, Lamezoco Properties Ltd, Timeland Properties Ltd, Spaceglowing Properties Ltd, Pamaco Platres Complex Ltd, Racotino Properties Ltd, Rondemio Properties Ltd, Rylico Properties Ltd, Vatino Properties Ltd, Valecast Properties Ltd, Teresan Properties Ltd, Virevo Properties Ltd, Armozio Properties Ltd, Garveno Properties Ltd, Dorfilo Properties Ltd, Barway Properties Ltd, Bokeno Properties Ltd, Sailoma Properties Ltd, Fodilo Properties Ltd, Gordian Holdings Limited (formerly CYCMC I Ltd), Citlali Properties Ltd, Livena Properties Ltd and Volparo Properties Ltd were disposed of during the six months ended 30 June 2019.

During the six months ended 30 June 2019, the Group disposed of its entire shareholding in Cyreit, and subsequently its indirect holding in the following Cyreit's subsidiaries: Smooland Properties Ltd, Threefield Properties Ltd, Vameron Properties Ltd, Bascot Properties Ltd, Vanemar Properties Ltd, Consoly Properties Ltd, Alomnia Properties Ltd, Artozaco Properties Ltd, Elizano Properties Ltd, Letimo Properties Ltd, Allodica Properties Ltd, Wiceco Properties Ltd, Primaco Properties Ltd, Arleta Properties Ltd, Kuvena Properties Ltd, Nuca Properties Ltd, Orleania Properties Ltd, Ravenica Properties Ltd, Rouena Properties Ltd, Lancast Properties Ltd and Azemo Properties Ltd.

35.        Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

35.1       Acquisitions during 2019

There were no acquisitions during the six months ended 30 June 2019.

35.2       Disposals during 2019

35.2.1   Disposal of Cyreit

In June 2019, the Group completed the sale of its entire holding of 88.2% in Cyreit.   

The carrying value of the BOC PCL's share of assets and liabilities disposed of as at the date of their disposal are presented below:

 

Assets

€000

Loans and advances to banks

              7,980                       

Investment properties

         133,401                       


         141,381                       

Liabilities

 

Other liabilities

              (314)                       

Net identifiable assets sold

         141,067                       

The purchase consideration amounts to €139,760 thousand. The disposal resulted in a loss of €1,307 thousand disclosed within 'Net losses from revaluation and disposal of investment properties'.


The net cash flows of Cyreit are as follows:

 

 

30 June
2019

30 June
2018

 

€000

€000

Net cash inflow for the period from operating activities

                 1,330                          

                     652                          

There were no cash equivalents as at the date of disposal.

35.3       Acquisitions during 2018

There were no acquisitions during the six months ended 30 June 2018.

35.4       Disposals during 2018

There were no disposals during the six months ended 30 June 2018.

36.        Investments in associates and joint venture

Carrying value of the investments in associates and joint venture

 

 

Percentage holdings

30 June
2019

31 December 2018

 

(%)

€000

€000

CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Ltd (Note 19)

49.9

                        - 

              114,637                          

Apollo Global Equity Fund of Funds Variable Capital Investment Company Plc

31.6

                 2,191                          

                        - 

Aris Capital Management LLC

30.0

                        - 

                        - 

Rosequeens Properties Limited

33.3

                        - 

                        - 

Rosequeens Properties SRL

33.3

                        - 

                        - 

Tsiros (Agios Tychon) Ltd

50.0

                        - 

                        - 

M.S. (Skyra) Vassas Ltd

15.0

                        - 

                        - 

D.J. Karapatakis & Sons Limited

7.5

                        - 

                        - 

Rodhagate Entertainment Ltd

7.5

                        - 

                        - 

Fairways Automotive Holdings Ltd

45.0

                        - 

                        - 

 

 

                 2,191                          

              114,637                          

Investments in associates

CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Ltd

The holding in CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Ltd of 49.9% had been acquired as part of the acquisition of certain operations of Laiki Bank in 2013. The share of profit from associate for the six months ended 30 June 2019 amounts to €5,312 thousand (corresponding period 2018: €4,589 thousand profit). In June 2019 BOC PCL signed a binding agreement to sell its entire shareholding to CNP Assurances S. A. who owns the remaining 50.1% and is the controlling party.  The sale consideration of €97.5 million is payable in cash on completion and the accounting loss from the sale is estimated at c.€26 million.

The sale is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2019. The investment in associate is classified as held for sale as at 30 June 2019 (Note 19).


Apollo Global Equity Fund of Funds Variable Capital Investment Company Plc (Apollo)

The Group holds effectively 31.6% of the UCITS of Apollo due to gradual redemption of the other holders of Apollo. The Group considers that it exercises significant influence over Apollo even though no Board representation exists, because due to its UCITS holdings, it possesses the power to potentially appoint members of the Board of Directors.

Rosequeens Properties Limited and Rosequeens Properties SRL

The Group effectively owns 33.3% of the share capital of Rosequeens Properties SRL which is incorporated in Romania and owns a shopping mall in Romania. The shareholding was acquired after BOC PCL took part in a public auction for the settlement of customer loan balances amounting to approximately €21 million. The Group's share of net assets of the associate at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018 had nil accounting value as the net assets of the associate had a negative balance.

Aris Capital Management LLC

The Group's holding in Aris Capital Management LLC of 30.0% was transferred to the Group following the acquisition of certain operations of Laiki Bank. The investment is considered to be fully impaired and its value is restricted to zero.

M.S. (Skyra) Vassas Ltd

In the context of its loan restructuring activities, the Group acquired 15.0% interest in the share capital of M.S. (Skyra) Vassas Ltd.  M.S. (Skyra) Vassas Ltd is the parent company of a group of companies (Skyra Vassas group) with operations in the production, processing and distribution of aggregates (crushed stone and sand) and provision of other construction materials, and services based on core products such as ready‑mix concrete, asphalt and packing of aggregates. The Group considers that it exercises significant influence over the Skyra Vassas group as the Group has the power to have representation to the Board of Directors and to vote for matters relating to the relevant activities of the business. The investment is considered to be fully impaired and its value is restricted to zero.

D.J. Karapatakis & Sons Limited and Rodhagate Entertainment Ltd

In the context of its loan restructuring activities, the Group acquired 7.5% interest in the share capital of D.J. Karapatakis & Sons Limited and Rodhagate Entertainment Ltd, operating in leisure, tourism, film and entertainment industries in Cyprus. The Group considers that it exercises significant influence over the two companies as the Group has the power to have representation to the Board of Directors and to vote for matters relating to the relevant activities of the business. The investments are considered to be fully impaired and their value is restricted to zero.

Fairways Automotive Holdings Ltd

In the context of its loan restructuring activities, the Group acquired 45.0% interest in the share capital of Fairways Automotive Holdings Ltd. Fairways Automotive Holdings Ltd is the parent company of Fairways Ltd operating in the import and trading of motor vehicles and spare parts. The Group considers that it exercises significant influence over the company. The investment is considered to be fully impaired and its value is restricted to zero.

Investment in joint venture

Tsiros (Agios Tychon) Ltd

The Group holds a 50.0% shareholding in Tsiros (Agios Tychon) Ltd.  The shareholder agreement with the other shareholder of Tsiros (Agios Tychon) Ltd stipulates a number of matters which require consent by both shareholders, therefore the Group considers that it jointly controls the company. The carrying value of Tsiros (Ayios Tychon) Ltd is restricted to zero.

The percentage holdings are in ordinary shares or membership interests.

 


37.        Events after the reporting period

37.1       ESTIA Memorandum of Understanding

In July 2019 the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the banks and the Government for participation in the Estia scheme, which is underway for official launch in September 2019. ESTIA is a scheme aimed at addressing NPEs backed by primary residence, announced by the Government in July 2018. According to the timeline provided by the Government, the application submissions will occur from September to mid‑November 2019 with evaluation by the banks running concurrently until the end of November 2019. During the forth quarter of 2019, the participating banks will offer restructuring solutions to the applicants and simultaneously the applications will be reviewed and approved by the Government. The first payment of the state subsidy installment is expected to occur between December 2019 and April 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Independent review report to Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company

Report on the consolidated condensed interim financial statements

Our conclusion

We have reviewed Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company's (the 'company') (together with its subsidiaries the 'group') consolidated condensed interim financial statements (the 'interim financial statements') in the interim financial report for the six month period ended 30 June 2019 ('interim financial report'). Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 and the Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland.

What we have reviewed

The interim financial statements, comprising:

·      the interim consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2019;

·      the interim consolidated income statement and interim consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the period then ended;

·      the interim consolidated statement of cash flows for the period then ended;

·      the interim consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period then ended; and

·      the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.

The interim financial statements included in the interim financial report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union and the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 and the Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland.

As disclosed in note 3.2 to the interim financial statements, the financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the full annual financial statements of the group is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the review

Our responsibilities and those of the directors

The interim financial report, including the interim financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim financial report in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 and the Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland.

 

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial statements in the interim financial report based on our review. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 and the Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

What a review of interim financial statements involves

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom and Ireland. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.

 

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (Ireland) and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

 

We have read the other information contained in the interim financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Chartered Accountants

26 August 2019

PwC Ireland

             Additional Risk and Capital Management Disclosures, including Pillar 3 semi-annual disclosures

30 June 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS GROUP

Additional Risk and Capital Management Disclosures,

including Pillar 3 semi-annual disclosures (Unaudited)

 

 

 

This report includes additional risk and capital management disclosures. 

 

In addition, this report includes information prepared in accordance with the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) and amended Capital Requirements Directive IV (CRD IV).  The disclosures have been prepared in accordance with the European Banking Authority (EBA) Guidelines on materiality, proprietary and confidentiality and on disclosure frequency under Articles 432(1), 432(2) and 433 of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 (EBA/2014/14) and EBA Guidelines on disclosure requirements under Part Eight of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013. 

 

1.           Credit risk

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) issued to credit institutions the Loan Impairment and Provisioning Directives of 2014 and 2015 (Directive), which provides guidance to banks for loan impairment policy and procedures for provisions.  The purpose of this Directive is to ensure that credit institutions have in place adequate provisioning policies and procedures for the identification of credit losses and prudent application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) in the preparation of their financial statements.

 

The Directive requires certain disclosures in relation to the loan portfolio quality, provisioning policy and levels of provision.  The disclosures required by the Directive, in addition to those presented in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 and Note 29 of the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements are set out in the following tables.  The tables disclose Non-Performing Exposures (NPEs) based on the definitions of the EBA standards.

 

According to the EBA standards and European Central Bank's (ECB) Guidance to Banks on Non-Performing loans (which was published in March 2017), Non-Performing Exposures (NPEs) are defined as those exposures that satisfy one of the following conditions:

(i)      The debtor is assessed as unlikely to pay its credit obligations in full without the realisation of the collateral, regardless of the existence of any past due amount or of the number of days past due.

(ii)      Defaulted or impaired exposures as per the approach provided in the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) (Article 178).

(iii)     Material exposures (as defined below) which are more than 90 days past due.

(iv)     Performing forborne exposures under probation for which additional forbearance measures are extended.

(v)     Performing forborne exposures under probation that present more than 30 days past due within the probation period.

 

Exposures include all on and off balance sheet exposures, except those held for trading, and are categorised as such for their entire amount without taking into account the existence of collateral.

 

The following materiality criteria are applied:

·           When the problematic exposures of a customer that fulfil the NPE criteria set out above are greater than 20% of the gross carrying amount of all on balance sheet exposures of that customer, then the total customer exposure is classified as non-performing; otherwise only the problematic part of the exposure is classified as non-performing.

 

·           Material arrears/excesses are defined as follows:

-    Retail exposures:

-    Loans: Arrears amount greater than €500 or number of instalments in arrears is greater than one.

-    Overdrafts: Excess amount is greater than €500 or greater than 10% of the approved limit.

-    Exposures other than retail: Total customer arrears/excesses are greater than €1,000 or greater than 10% of the total customer funded balances.

 

NPEs may cease to be considered as non-performing only when all of the following conditions are met:

(i)      The extension of forbearance measures does not lead to the recognition of impairment or default.

(ii)      One year has passed since the forbearance measures were extended.

(iii)     Following the forbearance measures and according to the post-forbearance conditions, there is no past due amount or concerns regarding the full repayment of the exposure.

(iv)     No unlikely-to-pay criteria exist for the debtor.

(v)     The debtor has made post-forbearance payments of a non-insignificant amount of capital (different capital thresholds exist according to the facility type).


 

1.         Credit risk (continued)

 

The tables below present the analysis of loans and advances to customers in accordance with the EBA standards.

 

30 June 2019

Gross loans and advances to customers

Provision for impairment and fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Group gross customer

 loans and advances1

Of which NPEs

Of which exposures with forbearance measures

Total provision for impairment and fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Of which NPEs

Of which exposures with forbearance measures

Total exposures with forbearance measures

Of which  NPEs

Total exposures with forbearance measures

Of which NPEs


€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Loans and advances to customers









General governments

65,343

1

1,253

-

3,527

-

459

-

Other financial corporations

140,273

14,577

6,232

2,546

8,058

4,069

807

730

Non-financial corporations

6,425,493

1,677,875

1,500,016

889,448

902,249

810,060

389,259

372,469

Of which: Small and Medium sized Enterprises2

4,797,119

1,269,815

990,569

652,230

730,839

651,615

277,047

264,776

Of which: Commercial real estate2

4,321,386

1,054,203

971,665

600,195

529,644

459,089

240,702

230,901

Non-financial corporations by sector









Construction

858,863

317,986



162,186




Wholesale and retail trade

1,402,677

455,738



238,273




Accommodation and food service activities

1,060,709

80,473



60,188




Real estate activities

1,257,258

341,831



168,354




Professional, scientific and technical activities

451,332

102,479



59,321




Other sectors

1,394,654

379,368



213,927




Households

6,450,041

2,619,068

1,778,289

1,397,764

1,218,314

1,150,098

502,173

487,784

Of which: Residential mortgage loans2

4,899,475

1,976,590

1,428,118

1,117,686

791,989

732,911

351,842

340,418

Of which: Credit for consumption2

865,993

372,801

214,603

185,650

213,969

212,628

84,485

83,012


13,081,150

4,311,521

3,285,790

2,289,758

2,132,148

1,964,227

892,698

860,983

Loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale

12,422

12,422

-

-

6,531

6,531

-

-

Total on-balance sheet

13,093,572

4,323,943

3,285,790

2,289,758

2,138,679

1,970,758

892,698

860,983

 

1. Excluding loans and advances to central banks and credit institutions.

2. The analysis shown in lines 'non financial corporations' and 'households' is non-additive across categories as certain customers could be in both categories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.         Credit risk (continued)

 

31 December 2018

Gross loans and advances to customers

Provision for impairment and fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Group gross customer

 loans and advances3

Of which NPEs

Of which exposures with forbearance measures

Total provision for impairment and fair value adjustment on initial recognition

Of which NPEs

Of which exposures with forbearance measures

Total exposures with forbearance measures

Of which NPEs

Total exposures with forbearance measures

Of which NPEs


€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Loans and advances to customers









General governments

70,638

3

1,595

-

3,681

-

468

-

Other financial corporations

167,910

21,338

28,028

5,621

13,378

8,471

3,374

2,076

Non-financial corporations

6,331,381

1,941,479

1,682,997

1,042,164

947,857

864,983

367,235

347,924

Of which: Small and Medium sized Enterprises4

4,573,824

1,488,289

1,108,153

793,579

759,484

692,343

280,675

266,736

Of which: Commercial real estate4

4,473,159

1,284,145

1,124,078

742,839

569,351

501,842

231,694

216,486

Non-financial corporations by sector









Construction

972,059

382,697



184,282




Wholesale and retail trade

1,431,706

522,151



254,823




Accommodation and food service activities

1,005,691

96,702



58,563




Real estate activities

1,140,596

406,226



174,269




Manufacturing

428,828

134,950



74,884




Other sectors

1,352,501

398,753



201,036




Households

6,588,202

2,805,496

1,924,928

1,486,583

1,271,429

1,208,624

481,701

471,184

Of which: Residential mortgage loans4

5,022,617

2,112,152

1,552,445

1,180,705

828,205

774,656

336,651

327,956

Of which: Credit for consumption4

891,964

397,747

234,572

195,422

225,505

221,996

79,417

77,930


13,158,131

4,768,316

3,637,548

2,534,368

2,236,345

2,082,078

852,778

821,184

Loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale

2,851,113

2,749,301

1,492,083

1,437,851

1,697,005

1,646,091

825,977

797,692

Total on-balance sheet

16,009,244

7,517,617

5,129,631

3,972,219

3,933,350

3,728,169

1,678,755

1,618,876

 

3. Excluding loans and advances to central banks and credit institutions.

4. The analysis shown in lines 'non financial corporations' and 'households' is non-additive across categories as certain customers could be in both categories.


2.         Liquidity risk and funding

2.1      Encumbered and unencumbered assets

Asset encumbrance arises from collateral pledged against secured funding and other collateralised obligations. 

 

An asset is classified as encumbered if it has been pledged as collateral against secured funding and other collateralised obligations and, as a result, is no longer available to the Bank of Cyprus Holdings Group (the Group) for further collateral or liquidity requirements.  The total encumbered assets of the Group amounted to €3,005,354 thousand as at 30 June 2019 (31 December 2018: €3,384,455 thousand).  

 

An asset is classified as unencumbered if it has not been pledged as collateral against secured funding and other collateralised obligations.  Unencumbered assets are further analysed into those that are available and can be potentially pledged and those that are not readily available to be pledged. As at 30 June 2019, the Group held €14,317,652 thousand (31 December 2018: €12,518,132 thousand) of unencumbered assets that can be potentially pledged and can be used to support potential liquidity funding needs and €3,176,101 thousand (31 December 2018: €4,878,219 thousand) of unencumbered assets that are not readily available to be pledged for funding requirements in their current form.

 

Loans and advances indicated as encumbered as at June 2019 and 31 December 2018 are mainly used as collateral for funding from the ECB and the covered bond.

 

Loans and advances to customers include mortgage loans of a nominal amount €1,005 million as at 30 June 2019 (31 December 2018: €1,009 million) in Cyprus, pledged as collateral for the covered bond issued by Bank of Cyprus Public Company Ltd (BOC PCL) in 2011 under its Covered Bond Programme. Furthermore, as at 30 June 2019 housing loans of a nominal amount €1,570 million (31 December 2018: €1,543 million) in Cyprus are pledged as collateral for the funding from the ECB (Note 20 of the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2019). 

 

The table below presents an analysis of the Group's encumbered and unencumbered assets and the extent to which these assets are currently pledged for funding or other purposes.  The carrying amount of such assets is disclosed below:

30 June 2019

Encumbered

Unencumbered

Total

Pledged as collateral

Which can potentially be pledged

Which are not readily available to be pledged

€000

€000

€000

€000

Cash and bank placements

128,743

5,003,766

532,428

5,664,937

Investments

292,317

1,520,845

67,737

1,880,899

Loans and advances to customers

2,584,294

6,015,014

2,349,693

10,949,001

Non-current assets held for sale

-

-

197,521

197,521

Property

-

1,778,027

28,722

1,806,749

Total on-balance sheet

3,005,354

14,317,652

3,176,101

20,499,107

 

31 December 2018





Cash and bank placements

118,627

4,326,166

638,230

5,083,023

Investments

737,587

742,152

34,952

1,514,691

Loans and advances to customers

2,528,241

5,708,960

2,684,585

10,921,786

Non-current assets held for sale

-

-

1,470,038

1,470,038

Property

-

1,740,854

50,414

1,791,268

Total on-balance sheet

3,384,455

12,518,132

4,878,219

20,780,806



 

2.        Liquidity risk and funding (continued)

2.1      Encumbered and unencumbered assets (continued)

Encumbered assets primarily consist of loans and advances to customers and investments in debt securities.  These are mainly pledged for the funding facilities of the Central Banks (ECB and CBC) (Note 20 of the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2019) and for the covered bond. Investments are mainly used as collateral for repurchase transactions with commercial banks as well as supplementary assets for the covered bond (Note 31 of the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2019). Encumbered assets include cash and other liquid assets placed with banks as collateral under ISDA/GMRA agreements which are not immediately available for use by the Group but are released once the transactions are terminated. Cash is mainly used to cover collateral required for (i) derivatives and repurchase transactions and (ii) trade finance transactions and guarantees issued. It is also used as part of the supplementary assets for the covered bond and for other operational purposes.

 

BOC PCL maintains a Covered Bond Programme set up under the Cyprus Covered Bonds legislation and the Covered Bonds Directive of CBC. Under the Covered Bond Programme, BOC PCL has in issue covered bonds of €650 million secured by residential mortgages originated in Cyprus. On 6 June 2018, the terms of the covered bond have been amended to extend the maturity date to 12 December 2021, and set the interest rate to 3 months Euribor plus 2.50% on a quarterly basis. The covered bonds are traded on the Luxemburg Bourse. The covered bonds have a conditional Pass-Through structure.  All the bonds are held by BOC PCL. The covered bonds are eligible collateral for the Eurosystem credit operations and are placed as collateral for accessing funding from the ECB.

 

Unencumbered assets which can potentially be pledged include Cyprus loans and advances which are less than 90 days past due and are expected to be eligible for ELA funding, as well as loans of overseas subsidiaries and branches which are available to be pledged. Customer loans of overseas subsidiaries and branches cannot be pledged with the CBC as collateral for ELA. Moreover, for some of the overseas subsidiaries and branches, these assets are only available to be pledged for other purposes for the needs of the particular subsidiary/branch and not to provide liquidity to any other entity of the Group. Balances with central banks are reported as unencumbered and can be pledged, to the extent that there is excess available over the minimum reserve requirement.  The minimum reserve requirement is reported as unencumbered not readily available to be pledged.

 

Unencumbered assets that are not readily available to be pledged primarily consist of loans and advances which are prohibited by contract or law to be encumbered or which are over 90 days past due or for which there are pending litigations or other legal actions against the customer, a proportion of which would be suitable for use in secured funding structures but are conservatively classified as not readily available for collateral.  Properties whose legal title has not been transferred in the name of the Company or the subsidiary are not considered to be readily available as collateral.

 

Insurance assets held by Group insurance subsidiaries are not included in the table below as they are primarily due to the insurance policyholders.



 

2.        Liquidity risk and funding (continued)

2.1      Encumbered and unencumbered assets (continued)

The carrying and fair value of the encumbered and unencumbered investments of the Group as at 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018 are as follows:

30 June 2019

Carrying value of encumbered investments

Fair value of encumbered investments

Carrying value of unencumbered investments

Fair value of unencumbered investments

€000

€000

€000

€000

Equity securities

-

-

160,668

160,668

Debt securities

292,317

292,581

1,427,914

1,447,722

Total investments

292,317

292,581

1,588,582

1,608,390

 

31 December 2018





Equity securities

-

-

149,948

149,948

Debt securities

737,587

739,222

627,156

633,773

Total investments

737,587

739,222

777,104

783,721

 

2.2      Liquidity regulation

The Group has to comply with provisions on the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) under CRD IV/CRR (as supplemented by the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2015/61 which prescribes the criteria for liquid assets and methods of calculation as from 1 October 2015 and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2016/322 which prescribes supervisory reporting requirements and applied from 10 September 2016). It also monitors its position against the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) as proposed under Basel III. The LCR is designed to promote short-term resilience of a Group's liquidity risk profile by ensuring that it has sufficient high quality liquid resources to survive an acute stress scenario lasting for 30 days. The NSFR has been developed to promote a sustainable maturity structure of assets and liabilities.

 

In October 2014, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision proposed the methodology for calculating the NSFR. It is noted that the NSFR did not become effective on 1 January 2018 as opposed to what was expected. It will become a regulatory indicator when CRR2 is enforced with the limit set at 100%.

 

As at 30 June 2019 the Group was in compliance with all regulatory liquidity requirements. As at 30 June 2019 the LCR stood at 253% for the Group (compared to 231% at 31 December 2018) and was in compliance with the minimum regulatory requirement of 100% applicable as from 1 January 2018. As at 30 June 2019 the Group's NSFR, on the basis of the Basel ΙΙΙ standards, was 128% (compared to 119% at 31 December 2018).

 

 

 



 

2.        Liquidity risk and funding (continued)

2.3      Liquidity reserves

The below table sets out the Group's liquidity reserves:

Composition of the liquidity reserves

30 June 2019

31 December 2018

Internal Liquidity reserves

Liquidity reserves as per LCR Delegated Reg (EU)

2015/61 LCR eligible

Internal Liquidity reserves

Liquidity reserves as per LCR Delegated Reg (EU)

2015/61 LCR eligible

Level 1

Level 2A

Level 1

Level 2A

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Cash and balances with central banks

5,104,296

5,104,296

-

4,447,511

4,447,511

-

Nostro and overnight placements with banks

61,344

-

-

281,383

-

-

Other placements with banks

138,050

-

-

-

-

-

Liquid investments

1,172,841

1,117,496

130,343

881,091

929,380

93,165

Available ECB Buffer

277,241

-

-

108,374

-

-

Total

6,753,772

6,221,792

130,343

5,718,359

5,376,891

93,165

 

Internal Liquidity Reserves show the total liquid assets as defined in the Bank's Liquidity Policy.  Liquidity reserves as per LCR Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/61 show the liquid assets as per the definition of the aforementioned regulation i.e. High Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA).

 

Under Liquidity reserves as per LCR, Nostro and placements with banks are not included, as they are not considered HQLA (they are part of the LCR Inflows). 

 

Liquid investments under the Liquidity reserves as per LCR, are shown at market values reduced by standard weights as prescribed by the LCR regulation.  Liquid investments under Internal Liquidity reserves, include all LCR and/or ECB eligible investments and are shown at market values net of haircut based on ECB haircuts and methodology. 

 

Finally, available ECB buffer is not part of the Liquidity reserves as per LCR, since the collateralised assets in the ECB pool are not LCR eligible but only ECB eligible.

 

The Liquidity Reserves are managed by Group Treasury. 

 



 

3.         Minimum Required Own Funds for Credit, Market and Operational Risk   

Group's approach to assessing the adequacy of its internal capital

The Group assesses its capital requirements taking into consideration its regulatory requirements, risk profile and appetite set by the Board of Directors. A Financial and Capital Plan (the Plan) is annually prepared revising the financial forecasts and capital projections over a three year horizon in light of recent developments and it is approved by the Board of Directors. The Plan takes into account the Group key strategic pillars and Risk Appetite Statement (RAS). The Plan is rolled forward on a quarterly basis after taking into account the actual results of each quarter.

 

The Group's capital projections are developed with the objective of maintaining capital that is adequate in quantity and quality to support the Group's risk profile, regulatory and business needs.  These are frequently monitored against relevant internal target capital ratios to ensure they remain appropriate and consider risks to the plan, including possible future regulatory changes.

 

The main strategic and business risks are monitored regularly by the Executive Committee (ExCo), the Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO) and the Board Risk Committee (RC). These committees receive regular reports of risk and performance indicators, from relevant managers and make decisions to ensure adherence to the Group's strategic objective, while remaining within the Group RAS.

 

The Group remains on track for implementing its strategic objectives aiming to become a stronger, safer and a more focused institution capable of supporting the recovery of the Cypriot economy and delivering appropriate shareholder returns in the medium term.

 

The key pillars of the Group's strategy are to:

 

·       Materially reduce the level of delinquent loans

·       Further improve the funding structure

·       Maintain an appropriate capital position by internally generating capital

·       Focus on the core Cyprus market

·       Achieve a lean operating model

·       Deliver value to shareholders and other stakeholders

 

The Risk Weighted Assets (RWA) that form the denominator of the risk-based capital ratio are presented below. Minimum capital requirements are calculated as 8% of the RWA. All rows that are not relevant to the Group's activities are not included.

 

As of 1 January 2018 the RWA are reported on an IFRS 9 transitional basis under article 473(a) of the CRR by which provisions amounts are decreased by an appropriate ratio hence creating higher exposures compared to the actual balance sheet values and as a result comparatively higher RWA and capital requirements. The IFRS 9 transitional basis effect will be phased out by 1 January 2023.

 



 

3.         Minimum Required Own Funds for Credit, Market and Operational Risk (continued)  

Overview of RWA 


RWA

Minimum capital requirements


30 June

2019

31 March

2019

30 June

2019

€000

€000

€000

1

Credit risk (excluding counterparty credit risk (CCR))

11,974,850

13,523,159

957,988

2

Of which the Standardised Approach

11,974,850

13,523,159

957,988

6

CCR

19,194

19,765

1,536

7

Of which mark to market

12,881

12,615

1,030

11

Of which risk exposure amount for contributions to the default fund of a CCP

-

-

-

12

Of which Credit Valuation Adjustment (CVA)

6,313

7,150

505

13

Settlement risk

-

-

-

14

Securitisation exposures in the banking book (after the cap)

52,504

-

4,200

18

Of which Standardised Approach

52,504

-

4,200

19

Market risk

61,712

-

4,937

20

Of which the Standardised Approach

61,712

-

4,937

22

Large exposures

-

-

-

23

Operational risk

1,538,588

1,538,588

123,087

25

Of which Standardised Approach

1,538,588

1,538,588

123,087

27

Amounts below the thresholds for deduction (subject to 250% risk weight)

315,220

309,743

25,218

29

Total

13,962,068

15,391,255

1,116,966

 

The overall decrease in total RWA was mainly driven from "Credit Risk (excluding counterparty credit risk)" observed in line 1 which at its majority was driven from the sale of a portfolio of loans (Projects Helix and Velocity) which at the same time created a new position in "Securitisation exposures in the banking book" observed in line 14 from BOC PCL's investment in a senior debt security issued. The newly created RWA and capital requirements amounts observed in line 19 relate to an open Foreign Currency position created by the Project Helix transaction. This open position closed in early July 2019 and the RWA and capital requirements have been reversed.

 

There were no large exposures for institutions that exceeded the relevant limits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

3.         Minimum Required Own Funds for Credit, Market and Operational Risk (continued)

3.1      Credit Risk  

The Standardised Approach has been applied to calculate the minimum capital requirement in accordance with the requirements laid down in Article 92 of the CRR as shown in the table below. Minimum capital requirements are calculated as 8% of the RWAs.

 

As of 1 January 2018 the RWA are reported on an IFRS 9 transitional basis under article 473(a) of the CRR by which provisions amounts are decreased by an appropriate ratio hence creating comparatively higher exposures compared to the actual balance sheet values and as a result higher RWA and capital requirements. The IFRS 9 transitional basis effect will be phased out by 1 January 2023.

 

Further analysis on the RWA intensity is available in Sections 8.13.1 and 8.13.2.

 

Exposure Portfolio

30 June 2019

31 December 2018

€000

€000

Central governments or central banks

30,608

26,659

Regional governments or local authorities

116

56

Public sector entities

1

1

Institutions

15,906

15,328

Corporates

261,208

241,352

Retail

83,089

78,985

Secured by mortgages on immovable  property

86,590

86,172

Exposures in default

204,022

295,647

Items associated with particular high risk

106,850

162,587

Covered bonds

1,356

1,132

Collective Investments Undertakings (CIU)

24

14

Items representing securitisation positions

4,200

-

Equity

26,416

20,338

Other items

168,050

177,628

Total Capital Requirement for Credit Risk

988,436

1,105,899

 

The movement in capital requirements in exposure class "Central governments or central banks" derives from the law amendment of the Cyprus Parliament legislative on 1 March 2019 allowing for the conversion of deferred tax assets into deferred tax credits for regulatory capital purposes carrying a RW of 100% which were previously risk weighted at 250% or deducted from capital. The material decrease in capital requirements observed in exposure classes "Exposures in Default" and "Items associated with particular high risk" results mainly from the sale of a portfolio of loans (Projects Helix and Velocity). Additionally the decrease in these exposure classes was strengthened by the on-going deleveraging actions in the form of customer loan restructurings, increased provisioning and debt-for-asset swaps. New lending and curing increased the exposure values and respectively the capital requirements in exposure classes "Corporates", "Retail", and "Secured by mortgages on immovable property". "Other Items" show a decrease in the capital requirements at its majority from the disposal of properties held for sale from debt-for-asset swaps in the portfolio of loans in Project Helix. The newly created capital requirements in exposure class "Items representing securitisation positions" relates to the investment of BOC PCL in a senior debt security issued for the financing of Project Helix. The increase in "Equity" mainly results from the increase in the amount of the Financial Sector Entities (FSE) carrying a risk weight of 250%. All movements in all other exposure classes are in line with balance sheet movements.

 

 

 

 



 

3.         Minimum Required Own Funds for Credit, Market and Operational Risk (continued)   

3.2      EU MR1 Market risk under the standardised approach

All rows that are not relevant to the Group's activities are not included in the table below.

 

The minimum capital requirement calculated under the Standardised Approach in accordance with Title IV: Own funds requirements for Market Risk of the CRR are exclusively related to equity risk. The BOC PCL does not have any exposures in the trading book in "Interest rate risk", "Commodity Risk", "Options" or "Securitisation" positions.

 

Due to the small trading book, Article 94 of the CRR was applied in 2019 allowing the RWA for trading book positions to be calculated in accordance with Article 92 paragraph 3(a) of the CRR, hence the RWA and capital requirements are included in the Credit Risk tables.

 

The newly created RWA and capital requirements amounts observed in line 3 relate to an open Foreign Currency position created by the Project Helix transaction. This open position closed in early July 2019 and the RWA and capital requirements have been reversed.

 


30 June 2019

31 December 2018

RWAs

Capital requirements

RWAs

Capital requirements

€000

€000

€000

€000


Outright products





2

Equity risk (general and specific)

-

-

1,006

80

3

Foreign exchange risk

61,712

4,937

-

-

9

Total Capital Requirement for Market Risk

61,712

4,937

1,006

80

 

3.3      Operational Risk

The minimum capital requirement for operational risk is calculated in accordance with Title III: Own funds requirements for operational risk of the CRR.

 

The Group uses the Standardised Approach for the operational risk capital calculation.

 

As at 30 June 2019, the minimum capital requirement in relation to operational risk, calculated in accordance with the Standardised Approach, amounts to €123,087 thousand (31 December 2018: €123,087 thousand).    

30 June 2019/31 December 2018

Standardised approach

€000

Corporate Finance (CF)

119

Trading and Sales (TS)

7,963

Retail Brokerage (RBr)

91

Commercial Banking (CB)

80,506

Retail Banking (RB)

21,239

Payment and Settlement (PS)

12,761

Agency Services (AS)

338

Asset Management (AM)

70

Total Capital Requirement for Operational Risk

123,087

 



 

3.         Minimum Required Own Funds for Credit, Market and Operational Risk (continued)   

3.4      Credit Valuation Adjustment (CVA) Risk

CVA captures the credit risk of derivative counterparties not already included in Counterparty Credit Risk. It calculates the potential loss on derivatives due to increase in the credit spread of the counterparty.

The Standardised Approach has been used to calculate the CVA charge for regulatory purposes in accordance with the requirements of the CRR (Standardised Approach:  Articles 381, 382 and 384).


30 June

2019

31 December

2018

€000

€000

CVA (Capital Requirement)

505

709

 

The decrease in the capital requirements relates to a decrease in derivative values.

 

3.5         EU INS1 Non-deducted participations in insurance undertakings

 

Carrying amount


30 June

2019

31 December

2018

€000

€000

Holdings of own funds instruments of a financial sector entity where the institution has a significant investment not deducted from own funds (before risk-weighting)

117,871

91,094

Total RWAs

294,678

227,734

 

4.        Other risks

4.1      Operational risk

Operational risk is defined as the risk of a direct or indirect impact loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or external events.  The Group includes in this definition compliance, legal and reputational risk.

 

The Group recognises that the control of operational risk is directly related to effective and efficient management practices and high standards of corporate governance. To that effect, the management of operational risk is geared towards maintaining a strong internal control governance framework and managing operational risk exposures through a consistent set of management processes that drive risk identification, assessment, control and monitoring.

 

The main objectives of operational risk management within the Group are: (i) the development of operational risk awareness and culture, (ii) the provision of adequate information to the Group's management at all levels in relation to the operational risk profile at a company, unit and activity level, so as to facilitate decision making for risk control activities, and (iii) the control of operational risk to ensure that operational losses do not cause material damage to the Group's franchise and that the impact on the Group's profitability and corporate objectives is contained.

 

Operational risks can arise from all business lines and from all activities carried out by the Group and are thus diverse in nature. To enable effective management of all material operational risks, the operational risk management framework adopted by the Group is based on the three lines of defence model, through which risk ownership is dispersed throughout the organisation.  The first line of defence comprises of management and staff who have immediate responsibility of day-to-day operational risk management and own the risk.  Each business unit owner is responsible for identifying and managing all the risks that arise from the unit's activities as an integral part of their first line responsibilities. 

 



 

4.        Other risks (continued)

4.1      Operational risk (continued)

The second line of defence comprises of the risk management function whose role is to provide operational risk oversight and independent and objective challenge to the first line of defence, supported by other specialist control and support functions such as the Group Compliance, Legal, Information Technology, Information Security and Health and Safety functions.  The third line of defence comprises of the Internal Audit function, which provides independent assurance over the integrity and effectiveness of the risk management framework throughout the Group.

 

During the first half of 2019, ongoing activities/initiatives towards further enhancement of Operational Risk management involved inter alia the following: (i) successful implementation in production of additional monetary and non-monetary transactions and functionality to enhance customers' profiles of the fraud system (FRMS), (ii) testing the implementation of the interface between the operational loss database (RCMS) with the automated tool used by Legal Department for recording/monitoring of legal cases, with an aim to go live in September 2019, (iii) gradual incorporation of business units' plans into the Business Continuity Management software tool (namely Continuity 2), along with relevant training delivered, (iv) training offered to all staff in the form of e-learning on the basic concepts and management of operational risk, (v) on-going enhancements to the Risk Control Self-Assessment methodology.

 

Operational risk loss events are classified and recorded in the Group's internal loss database (a new improved system was launched in 2016 providing for the integration of all risk-control data under the same system) to enable risk identification, corrective action and statistical analysis.  During the first half of the year 2019, 379 loss events with gross loss equal to or greater than €1,000 each were recorded including incidents of prior years (mostly legal cases) for which losses materialised in the first six months of 2019 (six months ended 30 June 2018: 162 loss events).

 

The Group strives to continuously enhance its risk control culture and increase awareness of its employees on operational risk issues through ongoing staff training (both classroom/workshop type of training and e-learning sessions).

 

The Group also maintains adequate insurance policies to cover for unexpected material operational losses.

 

Business resilience is treated as a priority and as such the Group places significant importance on continuously enhancing the continuity arrangements for all markets in which the Group operates, to ensure timely recovery in the case of events that may cause major disruptions to the business operations.

 

4.2      Political risk

External factors which are beyond the control of the Group, such as developments in the European and the global economy, as well as political and government actions in Cyprus can affect the operations of the Group, its strategy and prospects, either directly or indirectly through their possible impact on the domestic economy.

 

Cyprus is a small open economy with a large external sector. Exports of goods and services in real terms were about 63% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017 and 2018. Imports formed 64% of GDP excluding ship registrations. As a result the Cyprus economy is exposed to developments outside its borders, particularly in Russia, the UK and Greece. Cyprus is also exposed to developments in the European Union and the Eurozone that might impact bond markets and interest rates as well as to developments in the global economy at large, including trade.

 

There is rising risk of a global recession. The world economy is facing slowing growth, the behaviour of great power rivalries, financial uncertainties and geopolitical risks. The International Monetary Fund in its July 2019 World Economic Outlook Update, lowered its global growth forecast to 3.2% in 2019 pointing to weaker-than-anticipated economic activity. Growth in the US is expected to slow to 2.6% in 2019 and to 1.3% in the Eurozone. In China growth is forecasted at 6.2% which is the lowest pace in more than two decades. 

  

The major economies of the US, China and Germany appear to be heading towards a significant slowdown. China depends on exports, but during the financial crisis global demand decreased and economic growth has been slowing since.

 



 

4.        Other risks (continued)

4.2      Political risk (continued)

According to Eurostat, Germany's real GDP increased by 0.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2019 and by 0% in the second quarter. German exports account for 50% of GDP making it especially vulnerable to a slow-down or recession in its export countries.

 

Economic growth in Italy remains one of the lowest in the Eurozone, and its debt the highest in absolute terms and the second highest in relation to GDP after Greece's. Financial markets are therefore especially sensitive to Italian political instability. The ten year yield spread against Germany rose to 240 basis points in early August 2019.

 

Regarding Brexit, the UK new government failed to convince the European Commission to re-open negotiations over the terms of UK's exit from the EU. The risk of a no deal Brexit has been rising as a result. However, opposition parties and a group of conservative members of parliament oppose a no-deal Brexit and are looking for ways to avoid it. Cyprus has close trade and investment links with the UK making its economy vulnerable to the impact of the exit of UK from the EU on the UK economy. Weaker demand in the UK and the depreciation of sterling against the euro following the referendum in 2016 affected the competitiveness of Cypriot exports to the UK. Exports of goods to the UK were about 8% of total exports of goods on average in the three years to 2016 and 5.7% in 2017. Tourist arrivals from the UK accounted for about 34% of total arrivals in 2017-2018. A decline in tourist arrivals from the UK and a drop in their spending will need to be mitigated by increasing arrivals and revenues from other countries.

 

Cyprus is less exposed to Greece than it was prior to the crisis in 2013. Greece's departure from the Eurozone is no longer a short-term risk. Although Greece still has a high unemployment rate, a heavy debt burden and a fragile banking sector, the outlook appears positive and the European Commission projects growth of 2.1% and 2.2% in 2019 and 2020 respectively (European Economic Forecast, Summer 2019, Interim).

 

The Russian economy extended by 1.6% in 2017 and by 2.3% in 2018 and expected to grow by 1.2% in 2019 and by 1.9% in 2020 according to the IMF (World Economic Outlook Update, July 2019). Russia is impacted negatively by persistent sanctions and by low oil prices.  In this respect Russia expanded economic ties with non-western countries primarily with China. While this strategy has been successful in stabilising the macroeconomic environment, in the long term Russia continues to face significant challenges.

 

Developments in other non-EU countries with which Cyprus maintains significant economic links, the unresolved Cyprus problem, and political and social unrest or escalation of military conflict in neighboring countries and/or other overseas areas may adversely affect the Cyprus economy. Political risk remains at an elevated level due to the de facto division of the island and the potential for tension with Turkey over hydrocarbons explorations in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

 

Given the above, the Group recognises that unforeseen political events can have negative effects on the fulfilment of contractual relationships and obligations of its customers and other counterparties, which may have a significant impact on the Group's activities, operating results and position.

 

5.        Capital management

The primary objective of the Group's capital management is to ensure compliance with the relevant regulatory capital requirements and to maintain strong credit ratings and healthy capital adequacy ratios in order to support its business and maximise shareholders' value.

 

With the exception of certain specified provisions, the CRR and Capital Requirements Directive IV (CRD IV) came into effect on 1 January 2014. The CRR and CRD IV transposed the new capital, liquidity and leverage standards of Basel III into the European Union's legal framework. CRR establishes the prudential requirements for capital, liquidity and leverage for credit institutions and investment firms. It is directly applicable in all EU member states. CRD IV governs access to deposit-taking activities and internal governance arrangements including remuneration, board composition and transparency. Unlike the CRR, member states were required to transpose the CRD IV into national laws and it allowed national regulators to impose additional capital buffer requirements. CRR introduced significant changes in the prudential regulatory regime applicable to banks including amended minimum capital adequacy ratios, changes to the definition of capital and the calculation of risk weighted assets and the introduction of new measures relating to leverage, liquidity and funding. CRR permits a transitional period for certain of the enhanced capital requirements and certain other measures, which are largely fully effective in 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.        Capital management (continued)

In addition, the Regulation (EU) 2016/445 of the ECB on the exercise of options and discretions available in Union law (ECB/2016/4) provides certain transitional arrangements which supersede the national discretions unless they are stricter than the EU Regulation 2016/445.

 

The CET1 ratio of the Group at 30 June 2019 stands at 14.9% and the total capital ratio at 17.8% on a transitional basis.

 

The minimum Pillar I total capital requirement is 8.0% and may be met, in addition to the 4.5% CET1 requirement, with up to 1.5% by Additional Tier 1 capital and with up to 2.0% by Tier 2 capital.

 

The Group is also subject to additional capital requirements for risks which are not covered by the Pillar I capital requirements (Pillar II add-ons).

 

Following the annual Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) performed by the ECB in 2018 and based on the final 2018 SREP decision received on 27 March 2019, the Group's minimum phased-in CET1 capital ratio and Total capital ratio remain unchanged when ignoring the phasing-in of the Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB) and the Other Systemically Important Institution Buffer. The Group's phased-in CET1 capital ratio requirement is 10.5%, comprising of a 4.5% Pillar I requirement, a 3.0% Pillar II requirement, the CCB of 2.5% and the Other Systemically Important Institution Buffer of 0.5%. The Group's Total capital ratio requirement is 14.0%, comprising of a 8.0% Pillar I requirement, a 3.0% Pillar II requirement, the Capital Conservation Buffer of 2.5% and the Other Systemically Important Institution Buffer of 0.5%. The final 2018 SREP decision applies from 1 April 2019. The ECB has also provided non-public guidance for an additional Pillar II CET1 buffer.

 

The Group's minimum phased-in CET1 capital ratio for 2018 was 9.375%, comprising of a 4.50% Pillar I requirement, a 3.00% Pillar II requirement and the CCB of 1.875%. The ECB had also provided non-public guidance for an additional Pillar II CET1 buffer. The overall Total Capital Ratio Requirement for 2018 was 12.875% comprising of 8.00% Pillar I requirement (of which up to 1.50% could be in the form of Additional Tier 1 capital and up to 2.00% in the form of Tier 2 capital), a 3.00% Pillar II requirement (in the form of CET1) and the CCB of 1.875% applicable for 2018.

 

The above minimum ratios apply for both, BOC PCL and the Group. BOC PCL is 100% subsidiary of the Company and its principal activities are the provision of banking, financial services and management and disposal of property predominately acquired in exchange of debt.

 

The capital position of the Group and BOC PCL at 30 June 2019 exceeds both their Pillar I and their Pillar II add-on capital requirements. However, the Pillar II add-on capital requirements are a point-in-time assessment and therefore are subject to change over time.

 

Based on the provisions of the Macroprudential Oversight of Institutions Law of 2015 which came into force on 1 January 2016, the CBC is the designated Authority responsible for setting the macroprudential buffers that derive from the CRD IV.

 

In accordance with the provisions of the above law, the CBC sets, on a quarterly basis, the Countercyclical Capital Buffer (CCyB) level in accordance with the methodology described in this law. The CCyB is effective as from 1 January 2016 and is determined for all the countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) by their local competent authorities ahead of the beginning of each quarter. The CBC has set the level of the CCyB for Cyprus at 0% for the nine months up to September 2019 and the year of 2018.

 

In accordance with the provisions of this law, the CBC is also the responsible authority for the designation of banks that are Other Systemically Important Institutions (O-SIIs) and for the setting of the O-SII buffer requirement for these systemically important banks. The Group has been designated as an O-SII and the CBC set the O-SII buffer for the Group at 2.0%. This buffer is being phased-in gradually, having started from 1 January 2019 at 0.5% and increasing by 0.5% every year thereafter, until being fully implemented (2.0%) on 1 January 2022.

 

The Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB) was gradually phased-in at 0.625% in 2016, 1.25% in 2017, 1.875% in 2018 and has been fully implemented on 1 January 2019 at 2.5%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.        Capital management (continued)

The Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD) requires that from January 2016 EU member states shall apply the BRRD's provisions requiring EU credit institutions and certain investment firms to maintain a minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL), subject to the provisions of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1450. Although the precise calibration and ultimate designation of the Group's MREL has not yet been finalised, BOC PCL is monitoring developments in this area very closely.

 

The insurance subsidiaries of the Group comply with the requirements of the Superintendent of Insurance including the minimum solvency ratio. The regulated investment firms of the Group comply with the regulatory capital requirements of the CySEC laws and regulations.

 

The capital position of the Group and the BOC PCL under CRD IV/CRR basis (after applying the transitional arrangements) is presented below:

Regulatory capital 

Group

BOC PCL

30 June

2019

31 December 20185

30 June

2019

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

Transitional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1)6&7

2,080,059

1,864,000

2,093,135

1,861,098

Transitional Additional Tier 1 capital (AT1)

220,000

220,000

220,000

220,000

Tier 2 capital (T2)

191,909

212,000

250,000

250,000

Transitional total regulatory capital7

2,491,968

2,296,000

2,563,135

2,331,098

Risk weighted assets - credit risk8

12,361,768

13,832,589

12,370,997

13,820,385

Risk weighted assets - market risk

61,712

2,182

61,712

-

Risk weighted assets - operational risk

1,538,588

1,538,588

1,411,788

1,411,788

Total risk weighted assets

13,962,068

15,373,359

13,844,497

15,232,173







%

          %

%

          %

Transitional Common Equity Tier 1 ratio

14.9

12.1

15.1

12.2

Transitional total capital ratio

17.8

14.9

18.5

15.3

 

Fully loaded

Group

BOC PCL

30 June

2019*

31 December 2018**

30 June

2019*

31 December 2018**

€000

€000

€000

€000

Common Equity Tier 1 ratio (%)

13.3

10.1

13.5

10.2

Total capital ratio (%)

16.4

13.2

17.0

13.4

 

* IFRS 9 fully loaded

** IFRS 9 & Deferred Tax Asset fully loaded

 

During the period ended 30 June 2019, the CET1 was negatively affected by the phasing-in of transitional adjustments, mainly the IFRS 9, and it was positively affected by the profit9 for the period of €110,930 thousand, in line with the prudential consolidation, primarily driven by legislative changes. Moreover on 1 March 2019 the Cyprus Parliament adopted legislative amendments allowing for the conversion of deferred tax assets into deferred tax credits for regulatory purposes, under the CRR. For more details refer to Note 11 of the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements for the period ended 30 June 2019.

 

5. As per the Annual Report 2018 and Pillar 3 Disclosures 2018

6. CET1 includes regulatory deductions, primarily comprising intangible assets amounting to €42,906 thousand as at 30 June 2019 (31 December 2018: €43,364 thousand). As at 31 December 2018 CET1 included regulatory deductions comprising deferred tax assets amounting to €163,082 thousand.

7. Following the Regulation (EU) 2016/445 of the ECB of 14 March 2016 on the exercise of options and discretions available in Union law (ECB/2016/4), the deferred tax asset was phasing-in for 5 years, with effect as from the reporting of 31 December 2016, and fully phased-in on 1 January 2019.

8. Includes Credit Valuation Adjustments (CVA).

9. No permission has been requested by the ECB for the inclusion of interim profits in capital regulatory submissions. 

5.        Capital management (continued)

The Group has elected to apply the EU transitional arrangements for regulatory capital purposes (EU Regulation 2017/2395) where the impact on the impairment amount from the initial application of IFRS 9 on the capital ratios is phased-in gradually over a five year period. The Group has notified its regulator about its election to adopt the transitional arrangements. The amount added back over the transitional period decreases based on a weighting factor of 95% in 2018, 85% in 2019, 70% in 2020, 50% in 2021 and 25% in 2022. The impact of IFRS 9 is fully absorbed after the five year transitional period.

 

In accordance with the EU Regulation 2017/2395, BOC PCL can choose either a 'Static' or a 'Static and dynamic' approach. These are defined as follows:

 

1.   A 'Static' approach: the transitional adjustment is calculated just once, at the effective date of the transition to ECL accounting.

2.   A 'Static-dynamic' approach: allows for recalculation of the transitional adjustment periodically on Stage 1 and Stage 2 so as to reflect the increase of the ECL provisions within the transition period. The Stage 3 ECL remains static over the transition period as per the impact upon initial recognition.

 

The Group has elected the static-dynamic approach and it therefore applies paragraph 4 of Article 473(a) of the CRR. 

A comparison of the Group's own funds and capital and leverage ratios with the application of transitional arrangements for IFRS 9 or analogous ECLs, is presented in the table below.



30 June

2019*

31 March

2019*

31 December

2018**

30 September

2018**

30 June

2018**



€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

1

Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital

1,969,129

1,970,129

1,862,739

1,865,988

2,017,756

2

CET1 capital as if IFRS 9 or analogous ECLs transitional arrangements had not been applied

1,706,673

1,707,673

1,557,946

1,544,249

1,696,017

3

Tier 1 capital

2,189,129

2,190,129

2,082,739

1,865,988

2,017,756

4

Tier 1 capital as if IFRS 9 or analogous ECLs transitional arrangements had not been applied

1,926,673

1,927,673

1,777,946

1,544,249

1,696,017

5

Total capital

2,389,755

2,410,870

2,294,717

2,104,979

2,284,535

6

Total capital as if IFRS 9 or analogous ECLs transitional arrangements had not been applied

2,146,888

2,148,414

1,989,924

1,783,240

1,962,796


Risk-weighted assets

7

Total risk-weighted assets

13,962,068

15,390,159

15,371,777

15,712,638

 17,193,734

8

Total risk-weighted assets as if IFRS 9 or analogous ECLs transitional arrangements had not been applied

13,676,337

15,091,977

15,035,125

15,353,048

16,832,809

 

*As per the final capital regulatory submission, excluding interim profits.

** As per the final capital regulatory submission.



 

5.        Capital management (continued)



30 June

2019*

31 March

2019*

31 December

2018**

30 September

2018**

30 June

2018**



€000

€000

€000

€000

€000


Capital ratios

9

CET1 (as a percentage of risk exposure amount)

14.1%

12.8%

12.1%

11.9%

11.7%

10

CET1 (as a percentage of risk exposure amount) as if IFRS 9 or analogous ECLs transitional arrangements had not been applied

12.5%

11.3%

10.4%

10.1%

10.1%

11

Tier 1 (as a percentage of risk exposure amount)

15.7%

14.2%

13.5%

11.9%

11.7%

12

Tier 1 (as a percentage of risk exposure amount) as if IFRS 9 or analogous ECLs transitional arrangements had not been applied

14.1%

12.8%

11.8%

10.1%

10.1%

13

Total capital (as a percentage of risk exposure amount)

17.1%

15.7%

14.9%

13.4%

13.3%

14

Total capital (as a percentage of risk exposure amount) as if IFRS 9 or analogous ECLs transitional arrangements had not been applied

15.7%

14.2%

13.2%

11.6%

11.7%


Leverage ratio

15

Leverage ratio total exposure measure

21,873,669

21,731,587

22,051,037

22,072,321

23,715,702

16

Leverage ratio

10.0%

10.1%

9.5%

8.5%

8.5%

17

Leverage ratio as if IFRS 9 or analogous ECLs transitional arrangements had not been applied

8.9%

9.0%

8.0%

6.8%

7.0%

 

*As per the final capital regulatory submission, excluding interim profits.

** As per the final capital regulatory submission.

 

The main driver behind the overall decrease in the RWA during the period is the sale of a portfolio of loans (Projects Helix and Velocity).

 

The overall leverage ratio, which is well above the minimum ratio set at 3% by the amended CRR will be effective on 28 June 2021, has increased since 31 December 2018 mainly due to the increase in Tier 1 Capital. The increase in Tier 1 Capital is primarily driven by the tax legislation amendments relating to the conversion of deferred tax assets into deferred tax credits. The leverage ratio total exposure measure has decreased in line with the movements in the Group's balance sheet assets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

6.        Leverage ratio 

According to CRR Article 429, the leverage ratio, expressed as a percentage, is calculated as the capital measure divided by the total exposure measure of the Group.

 

The leverage ratio of the Group is presented below:


30 June

2019

31 December

2018

Transitional basis

€000

€000

Capital measure (Tier1)

2,189,129

2,084,000

Total exposure measure

21,873,669

22,052,298

Leverage ratio (%)

10.01%

9.45%

 

 

 

IFRS 9 fully loaded

 

 

Capital measure (Tier1)

1,926,673

1,745,473

Total exposure measure

21,657,529

21,893,785

Leverage ratio (%)

8.90%

7.97%

 

The decrease in the 'Total exposure measure' follows the movements in the Group's balance sheet assets.

 

For the 'Capital measure' the increase in Tier1 is primarily driven by the tax legislation amendments relating to the conversion of deferred tax assets into deferred tax credits.

 

The leverage ratio, including the profit (prudential consolidation) of €110,930 thousand for the six month period ended 30 June 2019, is calculated at 10.52% on a transitional basis and 9.41% on IFRS 9 fully loaded basis.

 

7.        Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP), Internal Liquidity Assessment Process (ILAAP), Pillar II and Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP)

The Group prepares the ICAAP and ILAAP reports annually. Both reports for 2018 were approved by the Board of Directors and submitted to the ECB on 25 April 2019.

 

The Group also undertakes a quarterly review of its ICAAP results (as at the end of June and as at the end of September) considering the latest actual and forecasted information. During the quarterly review, the Group's risk profile and risk management policies and processes are reviewed and any changes since the annual ICAAP exercise are taken into consideration. The ICAAP process demonstrates that the Group has sufficient capital under both the base case and stress scenarios under the Normative internal perspective. Under the Economic internal perspective there are shortfalls in the adverse scenario, which however can be largely neutralised by the available mitigants.

 

The Group also undertakes a quarterly review for the ILAAP through quarterly stress tests submitted to the ALCO and RC. During the quarterly review, the liquidity risk drivers are assessed and, if needed, the stress test assumptions are amended accordingly. The quarterly review identifies whether the Group has an adequate liquidity buffer to cover the stress outflows. The Group's ILAAP analysis demonstrates that the volume and capacity of liquidity resources available to the Group are adequate.

 

The ECB, as part of its supervisory role, has been conducting the SREP and onsite inspections on the Group. SREP is a holistic assessment of, amongst other things, the Group's business model, internal governance and institution-wide control arrangements, risks to capital and adequacy of capital to cover these risks and risks to liquidity and adequacy of liquidity resources to cover these risks. The objective of the SREP is for the ECB to form an up-to-date supervisory view of the Group's risks and viability and to form the basis for supervisory measures and dialogue with the Group. Additional capital and other requirements could be imposed on the Group as a result of these supervisory processes, including a revision of the level of Pillar II add-ons as the Pillar II add-ons capital requirements are a point-in-time assessment and therefore subject to change over time.

 



 

8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures

8.1         EU CR1-D Ageing of past-due exposures

 

Gross carrying values

< 30 days

>30 days < 60 days

>60 days < 90 days

>90 days

 < 180 days

>180 days < 1 year

> 1 year

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000


 

 

 

(A)

(B)

(C)

Loans and advances to customers10

738,471

106,193

63,630

146,636

225,324

2,773,900

Loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale10

-

-

-

-

-

12,422

Debt securities

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total exposures

738,471

106,193

63,630

146,636

225,324

2,786,322

 

31 December 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans and advances to customers10

489,133

101,705

77,744

120,615

217,343

2,946,967

Loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale10

35,878

65,185

41,994

56,411

175,380

2,140,639

Debt securities

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total exposures

525,011

166,890

119,738

177,026

392,723

5,087,606

 

The loans and advances to customers in arrear for more than 90 days (i.e. columns A, B and C in the table above) were reduced by €2.5 billion (44%).  The decrease is mainly due to the disposal of the Helix Portfolio.

 

8.2         Non-performing exposures

The tables below disclose NPEs based on the definitions of the EBA standards. The definition of credit impaired loans (Stage 3) is aligned to the EBA NPEs definition (Section 1 'Credit risk').

 

Additional details on the definition of NPEs are disclosed in Note 2.19.2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for 2018.

 

The tables below are presented using figures per the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2019 and the Consolidated Financial Statements for 2018 including loans and advances to customers at amortised cost classified as held for sale and loans and advances to customers measured at FVPL.

 

 

10. Amounts presented are before fair value adjustment on initial recognition. The fair value adjustment on initial recognition relates to the loans and advances to customers acquired as part of the acquisition of certain operations of Laiki Bank in 2013 and originated credit impaired loans. This adjustment has decreased the gross balance of loans and advances to customers.


8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.2         Non-performing exposures (continued)

EU CR1-E Non-performing and forborne exposures


Gross carrying amount of performing and non-performing exposures

Accumulated impairment, accumulated negative fair value and adjustments due to credit risk and provisions

Collaterals and financial guarantees received


Of which performing but past due > 30 days and <= 90 days

Of which performing forborne

Of which non-performing

On performing exposures

On non-performing exposures

On non-performing exposures

On forborne exposures


Of which defaulted

Of which impaired

Of which forborne


Of which forborne


Of which forborne

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Debt securities

1,721,535

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,304

-

-

-

-

-

Loans and advances














   Central banks

5,126,108

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

   Credit institutions

405,064

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,023

-

-

-

-

-

   Loans and advances

   to customers11

13,081,150

33,685

996,032

4,311,521

4,311,521

4,148,473

2,289,758

167,921

31,715

1,964,227

860,983

2,161,498

2,156,248

Loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale11

12,422

-

-

12,422

12,422

12,422

-

-

-

6,531

-

-

-

Off-balance-sheet exposures

2,693,153

n/a12

7,039

252,727

252,727

n/a12

4,741

412

-

21,739

-

11,155

6,619

 

 

11. Amounts presented are before fair value adjustment on initial recognition relating to the loans and advances to customers acquired as part of the acquisition of certain operations of Laiki Bank in 2013 and originated credit impaired loans.

12. Per EBA guidelines no disclosure is required.

8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.2         Non-performing exposures (continued)


Gross carrying amount of performing and non-performing exposures

Accumulated impairment, accumulated negative fair value adjustments due to credit risk and provisions

Collaterals and financial guarantees received



Of which performing but past due > 30 days and <= 90 days

Of which performing forborne

Of which non-performing

On performing exposures

On non-performing exposures

On non-performing exposures

Of which forborne exposures


Of which defaulted

Of which impaired

Of which forborne


Of which forborne


Of which forborne

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Debt securities

1,366,173

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,430

-

-

-

-

-

Loans and advances














   Central banks

4,456,768

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

   Credit

   institutions

473,263

-

-

-

-

-

-

731

-

-

-

-

-

   Loans and

   advances to      

   customers13

13,158,131

47,524

1,103,180

4,768,316

4,768,316

4,607,409

2,534,368

154,267

31,594

2,082,078

821,184

2,456,743

2,455,859

Loans and    

advances to 

customers

classified

as held for sale13

2,851,113

5,888

54,232

2,749,301

2,749,301

2,749,301

1,437,851

50,914

28,285

1,646,091

797,692

991,924

620,995

Off-balance-sheet

2,842,535

n/a14

11,555

326,155

326,155

n/a14

8,774

3,904

-

23,781

-

28,855

10,039

 

The decrease in non-performing exposures of €0.45 billion is mainly due to restructuring activity, write offs of €0.26 billion, debt for asset swap (€0.14 billion), curing and transfer to performing exposures and repayments (€0.25 billion) and inflows (€0.2 billion).

 

 

 

13. Amounts presented are before fair value adjustment on initial recognition relating to the loans and advances to customers acquired as part of the acquisition of certain operations of Laiki Bank in 2013 and originates credit impaired loans. This adjustment has decreased the gross balance of loans and advances to customers.

14. Per EBA guidelines no disclosure is required.


8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.3         Analysis of Counterparty Credit Risk (CCR) exposure by approach

The table below shows the analysis of CCR per approach. The approach followed by the Group is the mark to market method for derivatives and the financial collateral comprehensive method for securities financing transactions (SFTs). All rows and columns that are not relevant to the Group's activities or methods applied are not included.

 

 

 

Replacement cost/current market value

Potential future credit exposure

Exposure at Default (EAD) post Credit Risk Mitigation (CRM)

RWA

 

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

1

Mark to market

1,857

11,236

1,299

731

9

Financial collateral comprehensive method

(for SFTs)

 

 

24,300

12,150

11

Total

 

 

 

12,881

 

 

31 December 2018

 

 

 

 

1

Mark to market

13,289

13,975

2,484

1,195

9

Financial collateral comprehensive method

(for SFTs)

 

 

25,601

12,801

11

Total

 

 

 

13,996

 

The decrease in the RWA in derivative transactions under the mark-to-market method and SFT transactions under the financial collateral comprehensive method stems an overall decrease in exposure values.

 

Exposures to Qualifying Central Counterparties (QCCPs)

The Group does not hold any initial margins or prefunded default fund contributions. The Group started clearing derivatives through a CCP in 2018. The Exposure at Default post CRM and RWA of these transactions are nil for both 30 June 2019 and 31 December 2018.

 

 

 



8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.4         Regulatory CVA charge for capital calculation

The table below provides a summary of the exposure subject to CVA regulatory calculations. All rows that are not relevant to the Group's activities or methods applied are not included.

 

EU CCR2 - CVA capital charge


30 June 2019

31 December 2018

Exposure value

RWA

Exposure value

RWA

€000

€000

€000

€000

4

All portfolios subject to the standardised method

25,599

6,313

28,086

8,863

5

Total subject to the CVA capital charge

25,599

6,313

28,086

8,863

 

The decrease in the exposure value is the result of a decrease in both derivative transactions (30 June 2019: €1,299 thousand, 31 December 2018: €2,484 thousand) and SFTs (30 June 2019: €24,300 thousand, 31 December 2018: €25,601 thousand). 

 

8.5         EU CCR3 - Standardised approach - CCR exposures by regulatory portfolio and risk

The table below provides a breakdown of all CCR exposures, calculated under the Standardised Approach, by portfolio (type of counterparties) and by risk weight (business attributed according to the Standardised Approach). All rows and columns that are not relevant to the Group's activities are not included.

Exposure classes

Risk Weights

Total

Of which unrated15

20%

50%

75%

100%

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

6

Institutions

465

24,300

-

-

24,765

-

7

Corporates

-

-

-

819

819

819

8

Retail

-

-

15

-

15

15

11

Total

465

24,300

15

819

25,599

834

 

31 December 2018







6

Institutions

525

27,168

-

-

27,693

-

7

Corporates

-

-

-

389

389

389

8

Retail

-

-

4

-

4

4

11

Total

525

27,168

4

389

28,086

393

 

The allocation of exposure values among exposure classes remains unchanged.

 

15.Includes all exposures for which an issue/issuer or country rating (where applicable) is not available or they follow a uniform regulatory treatment under the standardised approach of the CRR.

8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.6         EU CCR5-A Impact of netting and collateral held on exposure values

The net credit exposure of Group derivative contracts, after considering both the benefits from legally enforceable netting agreements and collateral arrangements, is presented in the table below. Collateral received through the CSA agreements from counterparties as at 30 June 2019 was €1,340 thousand (31 December 2018: €12,220 thousand).


Gross positive fair value or net carrying amount

Netting benefits

Netted current credit exposure

Collateral held

Net credit exposure

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Derivatives

13,632

11,777

1,855

1,340

515

SFTs

24,300

-

24,300

-

24,300

Cross-product netting

-

-

-

-

-

Total

37,932

11,777

26,155

1,340

24,815

 

31 December 2018






Derivatives

24,734

11,445

13,289

12,220

1,069

SFTs

25,601

-

25,601

-

25,601

Cross-product netting

-

-

-

-

-

Total

50,335

11,445

38,890

12,220

26,670

 

8.7         EU-CCR5-B Composition of collateral for exposures to CCR

A breakdown of all types of collateral posted or received by banks to support or reduce CCR exposures, is presented below:

30 June 2019

Collateral used in derivative transactions

Collateral used in SFTs

Fair value of collateral received

Fair value of posted collateral

Fair value of collateral received

Fair value of posted collateral

Segregated

Unsegregated

Segregated

Unsegregated

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Cash

-

1,340

21,227

30,866

-

12,361

Total

-

1,340

21,227

30,866

-

12,361

 

31 December 2018







Cash

12,020

200

-

27,947

-

14,684

Total

12,020

200

-

27,947

-

14,684

 

Lower fair values of the outstanding derivative transactions since last reporting date, translate into higher posted amount in the case of derivatives.



 

8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.8         EU CR1-A Credit quality of exposures by exposure class and instrument

The below table analyses the on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet exposures by credit quality and by exposure class and it has been completed in accordance with the regulatory requirements. Column (c) represents the value adjustment used in the calculation of the RWA, while column (e) is a subset of column (c) and represents the partial and total amount of principal and past-due interest of any on-balance sheet instrument that is derecognised because the institution has no reasonable expectations of recovering the contractual cash-flows. Column (f) includes changes in column (c) between the current and the previous year calculated at exposure class level. Column (c) represents the IFRS 9 transitional specific credit risk adjustment values, calculated under article 473(a) of the CRR, which results in decreased provisions used for RWA purposes compared to the provisions reported in the consolidated balance sheet of the Group.

 

The amounts included in column (a) represent all defaulted exposures in accordance with Article 178 of the CRR. Row 'Exposures in default' is an informative row which is not included in the rows 'Total standardised approach' and 'Total'. Column (a) summarises the defaulted exposures that have been reported in exposure class 'Exposures in default' according to Article 112(j) of the CRR and it includes the defaulted exposures in all other exposure classes except for 'Items associated with particularly high risk' and 'Equity Exposures' which is included in row 'Other'.

 

Materiality applied: All exposure classes that do not exceed 1% of total net exposures have been included in 'Other'.


a

b

c

d

e

f

g

Gross carrying values of

Specific credit risk adjustment

General credit risk adjustment

Accumulated write-offs

Credit risk adjustment charges of the period

Net values

Defaulted exposures

Non-defaulted exposures

(a+b-c-d)

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Central governments or central banks

-

6,440,965

1,107

-

-

(181)

6,439,858

Institutions

93,996

702,149

95,772

-

93,988

1,652

700,373

Corporates

2,166,040

4,454,979

1,570,171

-

958,027

(2,929,916)

5,050,848

   Of which: SMEs

1,070,590

2,761,463

775,525

-

438,084

(2,573,635)

3,056,528

Retail

2,441,031

2,659,331

1,782,890

-

934,768

(179,464)

3,317,472

   Of which: SMEs

603,807

768,228

443,289

-

236,954

(50,708)

928,746

Secured by mortgages on immovable property

1,231,676

3,070,797

166,475

-

86,827

(35,449)

4,135,998

   Of which: SMEs

216,369

695,957

32,959

-

15,815

(26,415)

879,367

Exposures in default

5,932,744

-

3,468,937

-

-

(3,127,554)

2,463,807

Items associated with particularly high risk

768,618

932,188

506,068

-

334,736

(1,523,980)

1,194,738

Other exposures

-

2,243,608

9,767

-

-

9,709

2,233,841

Other

49

696,303

2,716

-

567

(2,750)

693,636

Total standardised approach

6,701,410

21,200,320

4,134,966

-

2,408,913

(4,660,379)

23,766,764

Of which: Loans

6,473,633

16,278,980

4,097,958

-

2,408,913

(4,671,433)

18,654,655

Of which: Debt securities

-

1,640,141

1,127

-

-

(169)

1,639,014

Of which: Off-balance sheet exposures

227,729

900,075

26,115

-

-

1,512

1,101,689

 



 

8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.8         EU CR1-A Credit quality of exposures by exposure class and instrument (continued)


a

b

c

d

e

f

g

Gross carrying values of

Specific credit risk adjustment

General credit risk adjustment

Accumulated write-offs

Credit risk adjustment charges of the year

Net values

Defaulted exposures

Non-defaulted exposures

(a+b-c-d)

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Central governments or central banks

-

5,412,797

1,288

-

-

1,287

5,411,509

Institutions

93,631

635,503

94,120

-

93,599

(53,145)

635,014

Corporates

5,969,183

4,254,493

4,500,087

-

2,865,717

(151,115)

5,723,589

   Of which: SMEs

4,368,924

2,498,139

3,349,160

-

2,145,333

(97,832)

3,517,903

Retail

2,650,774

2,584,409

1,962,354

-

1,063,717

25,829

3,272,829

   Of which: SMEs

654,062

773,422

493,997

-

258,433

(19,925)

933,487

Secured by mortgages on immovable property

1,431,256

3,070,309

201,924

-

97,273

43,359

4,299,641

   Of which: SMEs

378,878

654,415

59,374

-

28,304

2,570

973,919

Exposures in default

10,147,231

-

6,596,491

-

-

14,976

3,550,740

Items associated with particularly high risk

2,798,700

913,564

2,030,048

-

1,365,411

70,203

1,682,216

Other exposures

-

2,403,897

58

-

-

58

2,403,839

Other

2,554

622,587

5,466

-

2,772

2,307

619,675

Total Standardised Approach

12,946,098

19,897,559

8,795,345

-

5,488,489

(61,217)

24,048,312

Of which: Loans

12,653,124

15,037,275

8,769,391

-

5,488,489

(38,895)

18,921,008

Of which: Debt securities

-

1,338,418

1,296

-

-

1,296

1,337,122

Of which: Off - balance-sheet exposures

292,807

887,870

24,603

-

-

(23,673)

1,156,074

 

The material decrease in the Gross carrying values of Defaulted exposures results mainly from the sale of projects Helix and Velocity, the decrease in the Non-defaulted exposures in exposure class "Other Exposures" is the result of the disposal of properties held for sale from debt-for-asset swaps relating to the portfolio of loans in project Helix; and the increase in the exposure class in "Central governments or central banks". Respectively "Specific credit risk adjustments" and "Accumulated write-offs" decreased. The decrease in the Defaulted exposures was strengthened by the on-going deleveraging actions in the form of customer loan restructurings, increased provisioning and debt-for-asset swaps. On the other hand, new lending and curing resulted in an increase in non-defaulted exposures, mainly in "Corporates" and "Retail" exposure classes.



 

8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.9         EU CR1-B Credit quality of exposures by industry of counterparty types

The below table analyses the on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet exposures by credit quality and by industry and it has been completed in accordance to the regulatory requirements. Column (c) represents the value adjustment used in for the calculation of the RWA, while column (e) is a subset of column (c) and represents the partial and total amount of principal and past-due interest of any on-balance sheet instrument that is derecognised because the institution has no reasonable expectations of recovering the contractual cash-flows. Column (f) includes changes in column (c) between the current reporting period and the 31 December 2018 balances calculated at exposure class level. Column (c) represents the IFRS 9 transitional specific credit risk adjustment values, calculated under article 473(a) of the CRR, which results in decreased provisions used for RWA purposes compared to the provisions reported in the consolidated balance sheet of the Group.

 

Industry 'Other services' includes exposures to Private individuals, Activities of extraterritorial organizations and bodies, Other services activities and Financial and Insurance activities.

 

Materiality applied: All industry sectors that do not exceed 1% of total net exposures have been included in row 'Other'.


a

b

c

d

e

f

g

Gross carrying values of

Specific risk adjustment

General credit risk adjustment

Accumulated write-offs

Credit risk adjustment charges of the period

Net values

Defaulted exposures

Non-defaulted exposures

(a+b-c-d)

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Manufacturing

252,227

486,154

161,818

-

88,128

(250,935)

576,563

Construction

696,507

1,048,482

370,569

-

200,087

(1,590,141)

1,374,420

Wholesale and retail trade

779,282

1,535,787

508,443

-

222,907

(540,677)

1,806,626

Transport and storage

85,884

318,372

69,881

-

47,932

(71,506)

334,375

Accommo-dation and food service activities

239,135

1,111,112

177,656

-

121,971

(372,489)

1,172,591

Real estate activities

505,847

1,878,664

313,947

-

220,193

(554,130)

2,070,564

Professional, scientific and technical activities

280,181

509,725

200,920

-

137,678

(299,180)

588,986

Administrative and supportive activities

163,917

188,014

105,739

-

54,223

(46,859)

246,192

Public administra-tion and defence, compulsory social security

6

7,064,045

3,791

-

535

(3,147)

7,060,260

Other services

3,415,618

6,417,266

2,066,911

-

1,239,244

(735,590)

7,765,973

Other

282,806

642,699

155,291

-

76,015

(195,725)

770,214

Total

6,701,410

21,200,320

4,134,966

-

2,408,913

(4,660,379)

23,766,764

 



 

8.           PILLAR 3 Disclosures (continued)

8.9         EU CR1-B Credit quality of exposures by industry of counterparty types (continued)


a

b

c

d

e

f

g

Gross carrying values of

Specific risk adjustment

General credit risk adjustment

Accumulated write-offs

Credit risk adjustment charges of the year

Net values

Defaulted exposures

Non-defaulted exposures

(a+b-c-d)

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Manufacturing

587,673

490,080

412,753

-

234,181

29,404

665,000

Construction

2,803,579

1,096,770

1,960,710

-

1,305,120

42,296

1,939,639

Wholesale and retail trade

1,550,969

1,538,151

1,049,120

-

554,667

20,329

2,040,000

Transport and storage

169,272

298,382

141,387

-

96,431

5,799

326,267

Accommodation and food service activities

770,183

1,072,559

550,145

-

394,936

5,972

1,292,597

Real estate activities

1,305,079

1,685,534

868,077

-

494,422

 (141,954)

2,122,536

Professional, scientific and technical activities

635,521

468,806

500,100

-

367,233

116,239

604,227

Administrative and support service activities

218,513

185,885

152,598

-

84,806

81,512

251,800

Public administration and  defence, compulsory social security

3,177

5,649,157

6,938

-

2,973

3,863

5,645,396

Other services

4,361,742

6,778,465

2,802,501

-

1,778,821

 (142,339)

8,337,706

Other

540,390

633,770

351,016

-

174,899

(82,338)

823,144

Total

12,946,098

19,897,559

8,795,345

-

5,488,489

(61,217)

24,048,312

 

The sale of projects Helix and Velocity resulted in a material decrease of exposures from "Defaulted exposures" across all industry sectors. Their "Specific risk adjustments" and "Accumulated write-offs" decreased respectively. The decrease in the Defaulted exposures was strengthened by the on-going deleveraging actions in the form of customer loan restructurings, increased provisioning and debt-for-asset swaps. The increase in the "Non-defaulted" Gross carrying values in "Public administration and defence, compulsory social security" relates mainly to the proceeds from the sale of projects Helix and Velocity.



 

8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.10       EU CR1-C Credit quality of exposures by geography

The below table analyses the on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet exposures by credit quality and by geography and it has been completed in accordance to the regulatory requirements. Column (c) represents the value adjustment used in the calculation of the RWA, while column (e) is a subset of column (c) and represents the partial and total amount of principal and past-due interest of any on-balance sheet instrument that is derecognised because the institution has no reasonable expectations of recovering the contractual cash-flows. Column (f) includes changes in column (c) between the current reporting period and the 31 December 2018 balances calculated at exposure class level. Column (c) represents the IFRS 9 transitional specific credit risk adjustment values, calculated under article 473(a) of the CRR, which results in decreased provisions used for RWA purposes compared to the provisions reported in the consolidated balance sheet of the Group.

 

The country or geographical area in which the exposure is classified is driven by the country of residence/incorporation of the counterparty.

 

The materiality of geographical areas has been determined using the following threshold: All EU countries that do not exceed 1% of total net exposures have been included in 'Other countries' and all non-EU countries that do not exceed 1% of total net exposures have been included in 'Other geographical areas'. There are not non-EU countries that exceed the 1% threshold. 'Supranational' exposures are included in 'Other geographical areas'.

 

The sale of projects Helix and Velocity was the main driver in the material changes in the amounts in country "Cyprus" and "Other geographical areas" which includes balances held with the ECB in which part of the proceeds were placed. There is an increase in the Gross carrying value of "Non-defaulted exposures" and its corresponding "Net Values" in country "Greece" from new lending to counterparties in exposure class "Corporates". Finally, an increase is observed in the Gross carrying value of "Non-defaulted exposures" and its corresponding "Net Values" in country "France" from increased investments in bonds issued by French credit institutions.

 


a

b

c

d

e

f

g

Gross carrying value of

Specific credit risk adjustment

General credit risk adjustment

Accumulated write-offs

Credit risk adjustment charges of the period

Net values

Defaulted exposures

Non-defaulted exposures

(a+b-c-d)

30 June 2019

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

EU Countries

6,432,873

15,476,075

3,957,564

-

2,337,092

(4,646,865)

17,951,384

Cyprus

5,792,334

13,853,989

3,448,026

-

1,945,039

(4,550,882)

16,198,297

United Kingdom

306,801

275,633

212,527

-

156,650

(13,096)

369,907

France

4,286

360,979

173

-

24

106

365,092

Greece

131,280

405,518

124,483

-

100,997

(14,994)

412,315

Other countries

198,172

579,956

172,355

-

134,382

(67,999)

605,773

Other geographical areas

268,537

5,724,245

177,402

-

71,821

(13,514)

5,815,380

Total

6,701,410

21,200,320

4,134,966

-

2,408,913

(4,660,379)

23,766,764

 

 



 

8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.10       EU CR1-C Credit quality of exposures by geography (continued)


a

b

c

d

e

f

g

Gross carrying value of

Specific credit risk adjustment

General credit risk adjustment

Accumulated write-offs

Credit risk adjustment charges of the year

Net values

Defaulted exposures

Non-defaulted exposures

(a+b-c-d)

31 December 2018

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

EU Countries

12,651,108

 14,796,225

8,604,429

-

5,411,507

14,155

18,842,904

Cyprus

11,887,096

 13,439,008

7,998,908

-

4,995,187

130,334

 17,327,196

United Kingdom

325,675

296,789

225,623

-

160,337

(26,706)

396,841

France

100

309,056

67

-

57

(635)

309,089

Greece

153,257

 247,418

139,477

-

101,867

(29,650)

 261,198

Other countries

284,980

 503,954

240,354

-

154,059

(59,188)

 548,580

Other geographical areas

294,990

5,101,334

190,916

-

76,982

(75,372)

5,205,408

Total

12,946,098

19,897,559

8,795,345

-

5,488,489

(61,217)

24,048,312

 

8.11       EU CR2-B Changes in the stock of defaulted and impaired loans and debt securities

Defaulted exposures are exposures that are defaulted in accordance with Article 178 of the CRR.


Contractual value defaulted exposures

30 June 2019

31 December 2018

€000

€000

Opening balance

12,945,931

12,360,502

Loans and debt securities that have defaulted or impaired since the last reporting period

148,312

1,620,193

Returned to non-defaulted status

(240,702)

(231,938)

Amounts written off

(241,896)

(954,242)

Other changes

(5,910,283)

151,416

Closing balance

6,701,362

12,945,931

 

The gross contractual value relates to the contractual balances before any impairments made via an allowance or via a direct reduction in the carrying amount according to the applicable accounting framework.

 

The decrease in the gross contractual value of defaulted exposures is driven at its majority by the sale of projects Helix and Velocity which is reflected in line "Other changes". "Other changes" include to a lesser extent to normal movements in the balances such as accrued interest, repayments and withdrawals. Additionally, the inflows "Loans and debt securities that have defaulted or impaired since the last reporting period" have been restricted while the outflows "Returned to non-defaulted status" have comparatively increased.

 



 

8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.12      EU CR2-A Changes in stock of general and specific credit risks adjustment

The changes in the accumulated specific and general adjustment are as follows:



30 June 2019

31 December 2018

 



Accumulated specific credit risk adjustment

Accumulated general credit risk adjustment

Accumulated specific credit risk adjustment

Accumulated general credit risk adjustment


€000

€000

€000

€000

1 January 2019/2018*

3,462,005

-

3,452,850

-

Change in the basis of calculation of gross carrying value (IFRS 9 Grossing up adjustment)

-

-

1,689,497

-

Impact of adopting IFRS 9 at 1 January 2018

-

-

319,102

-

Restated balance at 1 January 2019/2018

3,462,005

-

5,461,449

-

Increases  due  to  amounts  set  aside  for estimated loan losses during the year

350,486

-

1,494,385

-

Decreases  due  to  amounts  reversed  for estimated loan losses during the year

(221,062)

-

(981,429)

-

Write offs

(246,661)

-

(2,666,113)

-

Contractual interest (provided) not recognized in the income statement

83,903

-

-

-

Foreign exchange and other adjustments

7,233

-

(6,506)

-

Business combinations, including acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

-

-

(3,594)

-

Interest accrued on impaired loans and advances

-

-

164,437

-

Discontinued operations

-

-

(624)

-

Disposal of Helix and Velocity portfolios

(1,602,825)

-

-

-

30 June 2019/31 December 2018

1,833,079

-

3,462,005

-

Recoveries   on   credit   risk   adjustments recorded directly to the income statement

14,739

-

140,735

-

Specific  credit  risk  adjustments  directly recorded to the income statement

240

-

37,756

-

 

*Reclassification of an amount €30,926 thousand from loans and advances to customers relates to loan loss provisions under IAS 39 as at 31 December 2017 on loans and advances to customers which failed the SPPI criteria and, as a result, have been classified at FVPL.

 

All recoveries on credit risk adjustments and specific credit risk adjustments are made via the accumulated allowance account.

 

The above table includes credit losses relating to loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale but does not include the fair value adjustments on initial recognition of loans acquired from Laiki Bank and provisions for impairment on financial guarantees and commitments amounting to €22,151 thousand
(December 2018: €27,685 thousand).

 



 

8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.13.1   EU CR4 Standardised Approach - Credit risk exposure and Credit Risk Mitigation (CRM) effects

The table below illustrates the effect of all CRM techniques applied in accordance with the CRR including the financial collateral comprehensive method.

 

RWA density is a synthetic metric on the riskiness of each portfolio which is calculated by dividing the RWAs  by the Exposure post CCF and CRM (the sum of columns (c) and (d)).

 

All rows and columns that are not relevant to the Group's activities are not included in the table below.

 



a

b

c

d

e

f


30 June 2019

Exposures before CCF and CRM

Exposures post CCF and CRM

RWAs and RWA density


Exposure classes

On-balance-sheet amount

Off-balance-sheet amount

On-balance-sheet amount

Off-balance-sheet amount

RWAs

RWA density

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

%

1

Central governments or central banks

6,439,787

71

6,476,666

-

382,600

5.9%

2

Regional government or local authorities

124,623

8,790

69,661

101

1,444

2.1%

3

Public sector entities

29,636

599

29,608

38

8

0.0%

ultilateral development banks

111,014

-

158,686

-

-

0.0%

107,809

-

107,809

-

-

0.0%

6

Institutions

637,396

62,971

639,248

29,648

186,584

27.9%

7

Corporates

3,238,398

1,145,472

3,073,270

220,278

3,264,470

99.1%

8

Retail

1,655,343

958,824

1,391,192

68,614

1,038,600

71.1%

9

Secured by mortgages on immovable property

2,940,515

101,966

2,839,281

49,456

1,082,376

37.5%

10

Exposures in default

2,286,286

177,521

2,262,617

39,193

2,550,272

110.8%

igher-risk categories

954,588

240,150

843,745

46,669

1,335,621

150.0%

12

Covered bonds

169,557

-

169,557

-

16,956

10.0%

14

Collective investment undertakings (CIUs)

536

-

536

-

302

56.3%

15

Equity

141,071

-

141,071

-

330,203

234.1%

16

Other items

2,233,841

-

2,233,841

-

2,100,634

94.0%

17

Total

21,070,400

2,696,364

20,436,788

453,997

12,290,070

58.8%

 



 

8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.13.1   EU CR4 Standardised Approach - Credit risk exposure and Credit Risk Mitigation (CRM) effects (continued)

31 December 2018

Exposures before CCF and CRM

Exposures post CCF and CRM

RWAs and RWA density


a

b

c

d

e

f


Exposures before CCF and CRM

Exposures post CCF and CRM

RWAs and RWA density

Exposure classes

On-balance

sheet amount

Off-balance sheet amount

On-balance sheet amount

Off-balance

sheet amount

RWAs

RWA density

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

%

Central governments or central banks

5,411,449

60

5,449,804

-

333,243

6.1%

Regional government or local authorities

112,619

12,761

57,294

82

701

1.2%

Public sector entities

37,441

596

37,417

34

7

0.0%

Multilateral development banks

95,974

-

142,654

-

-

0.0%

International organisations

107,988

-

107,988

-

-

0.0%

Institutions

564,793

70,189

565,945

31,388

177,904

29.8%

Corporates

2,959,947

1,205,412

2,823,286

230,929

3,016,593

98.8%

Retail

1,575,155

965,208

1,327,376

61,529

987,312

71.1%

Secured by mortgages on immovable property

2,948,717

90,914

2,838,939

42,797

1,077,148

37.4%

Exposures in default

3,301,085

249,655

3,272,657

63,732

3,695,591

110.8%

Higher-risk categories

1,432,856

249,360

1,299,798

55,096

2,032,341

150.0%

Covered bonds

141,529

-

141,529

-

14,153

10.0%

Collective investment undertakings (CIUs)

172

-

172

-

172

100.0%

Equity

110,593

-

110,593

-

254,220

229.9%

Other items

2,403,839

-

2,403,839

-

2,220,345

92.4%

Total

21,204,157

2,844,155

20,579,291

485,587

13,809,730

65.6%

 

The main driver behind the overall decrease in the RWA density is the sale of projects Helix and Velocity whereby the exposures in exposure classes "Exposures in default", "Higher-risk categories" and "Other items" which carry high risk weights decreased and respectively the exposures in exposure class "Central governments or central banks" which carry a 0% risk weight increased. The increased exposures in "Central governments or central banks" carrying a 0% risk weight, decreased the RWA density of this exposure class. Additionally, the slight decrease in the RWA density at individual class level observed in "Institutions" derives from improved ratings and decreases in residual maturities, and in "Collective investment undertakings (CIUs)" derives from improved ratings. The small increase in the RWA density at individual class level observed in "Equity" derives from increased amounts in investments in FSE risk weighted at 250%, in "Corporates" from new lending to Large Corporates which do not benefit from the SME supporting factor under article 501 of the CRR.

 

The RWA intensity for each exposure class is further explained in table 8.14 below.


8.           Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.13.2   EU CR3 Credit risk mitigation techniques overview

The table below presents the exposure value excluding loans and advances classified as held for sale covered by financial collateral, other collateral, guarantees and credit derivatives.

30 June 2019

Exposures  unsecured - carrying

amount

Exposures secured -  carrying

amount

Exposures secured by collateral

Exposures secured by financial guarantees

Exposures secured by credit derivatives


€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Total loans

792,853

10,156,149

9,173,543

63,042

-

Total debt securities

1,550,674

169,557

169,557

-

-

Total exposures

2,343,527

10,325,706

9,343,100

63,042

-

Of which defaulted

125,865

2,230,147

2,025,074

35,742

-







31 December 2018






Total loans

679,003

10,242,783

9,096,436

63,778

-

Total debt securities

1,223,214

141,529

141,529

-

-

Total exposures

1,902,217

10,384,312

9,237,965

63,778

-

Of which defaulted

123,190

2,564,951

2,260,245

30,105

-

 

Exposures in unsecured debt securities have increased from December 2018 to June 2019 (from a total €1,223 million as at 31December 2018 to a total €1,551 million as at 30 June 2019).  The increase of €328 million during the six months ended 30 June 2019 is mainly the net result of various purchases of bonds issued by credit institutions and supranational, government and regional government bonds. Additional purchases of covered bonds also took place, leading to an increase in the exposure in secured debt securities from a total of €142 million as at 31 December 2018 to a total of €170 million as at 30 June 2019.

 

Defaulted exposures have decreased significantly due to repayments, debt for asset swaps and write offs.



 


8.                     Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.14                EU CR5 Standardised Approach

The table below presents the breakdown of exposures under the standardised approach by asset class and risk weight (corresponding to the riskiness attributed to the exposure according to the standardised approach). The exposures are disclosed post conversion factors and post risk mitigation techniques.

 

All rows and columns that are not relevant to the Group's activities are not included in the table below.

30 June 2019

Risk weight

Total

Of which unrated16

0%

2%

10%

20%

35%

50%

75%

100%

150%

250%

Other

Deducted



Exposure classes

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Central governments or central banks

6,074,491

-

11,284

11,384

-

-

-

379,091

-

-

416

-

6,476,666

379,091

Regional government or local authorities

62,543

-

-

7,219

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

69,762

-

Public sector entities

29,607

-

-

39

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

29,646

-

Multilateral development banks

158,686

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

158,686

111,014

International organisations

107,809

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

107,809

107,809

Institutions

1,420

-

-

598,760

-

56,826

-

8,574

28,081

-

-

-

693,661

-

Corporates

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,272,415

21,952

-

-

-

3,294,367

3,248,900

Retail

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,459,821

-

-

-

-

-

1,459,821

1,459,821

Secured by mortgages on immovable property

-

-

-

-

2,218,347

670,390

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,888,737

2,888,737

Exposures in default

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,804,885

496,925

-

-

-

2,301,810

2,301,810

Higher-risk categories

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

890,414

-

-

-

890,414

890,414

Covered bonds

-

-

169,557

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

169,557

-

Collective investment undertakings (CIUs)

-

-

-

293

-

-

-

243

-

-

-

-

536

243

Equity

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

14,983

-

126,088

-

-

141,071

141,071

Other items

135,772

-

-

41,473

-

-

-

2,038,724

-

-

17,872

42,906

2,276,747

2,276,747

Total

6,570,328

-

180,841

659,168

2,218,347

727,216

1,459,821

7,518,915

1,437,372

126,088

18,288

42,906

20,959,290

13,805,657

 

16.Includes all exposures for which an issue/issuer or country rating is not available or they follow uniform regulatory treatment.

8.                     Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.14                EU CR5 Standardised Approach (continued)

31 December 2018


Risk weight

Total

Of which unrated17

0%

4%

10%

20%

35%

50%

75%

100%

150%

250%

Deducted



Exposure classes

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Central governments or central banks

5,304,909

11,560

232

-

-

-

-

-

-

133,103

-

5,449,804

                   931

Regional government or local authorities

53,873

-

-

3,503

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

57,376

-

Public sector entities

37,416

-

-

35

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

37,451

-

Multilateral development banks

142,654

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

142,654

95,974

International organisations

107,988

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

107,988

107,988

Institutions

1,435

-

-

523,293

-

59,590

-

7,830

32,878

-

-

625,026

-

Corporates

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,054,089

515

-

-

3,054,604

             3,054,602

Retail

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,388,908

-

-

-

-

1,388,908

             1,388,908

Secured by mortgages on immovable property

-

-

-

-

2,235,078

646,658

-

-

-

-

-

2,881,736

2,881,736

Exposures in default

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,617,988

718,401

-

-

3,336,389

3,336,388

Higher-risk categories

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,354,894

-

-

1,354,894

1,354,894

Covered bonds

-

-

141,529

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

141,529

-

Collective investment undertakings (CIUs)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

172

-

-

-

172

172

Equity

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

14,842

-

95,751

-

110,593

110,592

Other items

153,715

-

-

37,224

-

-

-

2,212,900

-

-

212,033

2,615,872

2,615,872

Total

5,801,990

11,560

141,761

564,055

2,235,078

706,248

1,388,908

7,907,821

2,106,688

228,854

212,033

21,304,996

         14,948,057

The sale of projects Helix and Velocity resulted in substantial decrease in exposure values in exposure classes "Exposures in default", "Higher-risk categories" and "Other items" in risk weights 100% and 150% and correspondingly increased the exposure values of "Central governments or central banks" at 0% risk weight. The law amendment of the Cyprus Parliament legislative on 1 March 2019 allowing for the conversion of deferred tax assets into deferred tax credits for regulatory capital purposes resulted in the amounts that previously carried a risk weight of 250% or were deducted from capital to be risk weighted at 100%. The impact of this amendment in the allocation of exposures is observed in exposure class "Central governments or central banks" in risk weights 100% and 250% and in exposure class "Other items" in column "Deducted". The increase in exposure values in exposure classes "Institutions" and "Covered bonds" in risk weights 20% and 10% respectively is in line with increased investments in debt securities issued by credit institutions. The increased exposures in exposure classes "Corporates" and "Retail" represents new lending and curing during the period.

17.Includes all exposures for which an issue/issuer or country rating is not available or they follow uniform regulatory treatment.  


8.                     Other Pillar 3 disclosures (continued)

8.14                EU CR5 Standardised Approach (continued)

The increase in "Equity" in risk weight 250% relates to increased amounts in investments in FSE risk weighted at 250%. The amount observed in "Other items" under "Other" risk weights represents the net book value of properties held for sale which have been on boarded after a failed auction and carry a risk weight of 300% whereas previously were included in the 100% risk weight. Lastly, the implementation of article 114 paragraph 6(a) resulted in exposures to central governments or central banks previously risk weighted at 10% to be risk weighted at 25%.

 

8.15                Securitisation positions

Securitisation results from a transaction or scheme whereby the credit risk associated with an exposure or pool of exposures is tranched having both of the following characteristics:

(a)  payments in the transaction or scheme are dependent upon the performance of the exposure or pool of exposures; and

(b)  the subordination of tranches determines the distribution of losses during the ongoing life of the transaction or scheme.

 

"Tranche" means a contractually established segment of the credit risk associated with an exposure or a number of exposures, where a position in the segment entails a risk of credit loss greater than or less than a position of the same amount in each other such segment, without taking account of credit protection provided by third parties directly to the holders of positions in the segment or in other segments.

 

BOC PCL being the originator (directly involved in the original agreement which created the obligations or potential obligations giving rise to the securitised exposures) in the Project Helix traditional securitisation transaction invested in the senior tranche of the debt securities issued whereby traditional securitisation means the economic transfer of the exposures being securitised (transfer of ownership).

 

BOC PCL has applied the look-through approach in calculating the RWA and capital requirements for the position held in the securitisation under article 261 of the EU Regulation 2017/2401 amending the CRR.

 


Traditional

30 June 2019

Exposure

Value

RWA

Capital Requirements

Bank acts as originator

€000

€000

€000

Loans to corporates or SMEs (treated as corporates)

45,033

52,504

4,200

Total

45,033

52,504

4,200

 

BOC PCL does not hold any re-securitisation positions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BANK OF CYPRUS HOLDINGS GROUP

Definitions and explanations of Alternative Performance Measures Disclosures 

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Allowance for expected credit losses on loans and advances to customers

Allowance for expected credit losses to cover credit risk on loans and advances to customers comprises: (i) allowance for ECL on loans and advances to customers, (ii) the fair value adjustment on initial recognition of loans and advances to customers, (iii) allowance for expected credit losses for off-balance sheet exposures (contingent liabilities and commitments) disclosed on the balance sheet within other liabilities and (iv) accumulated fair value adjustments on loans and advances to customers classified at FVPL.



Cost to income ratio

Cost to income ratio is calculated as the total staff costs (on an underlying basis as reconciled in the table further below), special levy on deposits on credit institutions in Cyprus and other operating expenses (excluding advisory and other restructuring costs) (on an underlying basis as reconciled in the table further below) and (reversals of provisions)/provisions for litigation and regulatory matters divided by total income on the underlying basis (as defined below).



Gross loans and advances to customers

Comprises: (i) gross loans and advances to customers measured at amortised cost before fair value adjustment on initial recognition (including loans and advances to customers classified as non-current assets held for sale) and (ii) loans and advances to customers measured at FVPL, including accumulated fair value adjustments.



Interest earning assets

Interest earning assets is the sum of: cash and balances with central banks, loans and advances to banks, net loans and advances to customers (including loans and advances to customers classified as non-current assets held for sale) and investments (excluding equities and mutual funds).



Leverage ratio

The leverage ratio is calculated as the tangible total equity (including Other equity instruments) to total assets as presented on the balance sheet.



Loan credit losses

Loan credit losses comprises: (i) credit losses to cover credit risk on loans and advances to customers, (ii) net gains on derecognition of financial assets measured at amortised cost and (iii) net gains on loans and advances to customers at FVPL.



Loan credit losses charge (cost of risk)

Loan credit losses charge (cost of risk) (year to date) is calculated as the loan credit losses (as defined) divided by the average gross loans and advances to customers (as defined). The average balance is calculated as the average of the opening and closing balance.



Net fee and commission income over total income

Fee and commission income less fee and commission expense divided by total income (as defined).



Net Interest Margin

Net interest margin is calculated as the net interest income (on an underlying basis) (annualised based on year to date days) divided by the quarterly average interest earning assets. Average interest earning assets exclude interest earning assets of any discontinued operations at each quarter end, if applicable.



Net loans and advances to customers

Loans and advances to customers net of expected credit losses (as defined, but excluding allowance for expected credit losses for off-balance sheet exposures).


 

 

 

 

Net loans to deposits ratio

Net loans to deposits ratio is calculated as the net loans and advances to customers (as defined) divided by customer deposits. Where applicable, loans and deposits held for sale are added to the numerator and denominator respectively.

New loan originations in Directors' Report

New lending includes the average YTD change (if positive) for credit cards and overdraft facilities.



Non-performing exposures (NPEs)

The Group, in line with the European Banking Authority (EBA) standards and European Central Bank's (ECB) Guidance to Banks on Non-Performing Loans (which was published in March 2017), has defined NPEs as those exposures that satisfy one of the following conditions:

(vi)     The borrower is assessed as unlikely to pay its credit obligations in full without the realisation of the collateral, regardless of the existence of any past due amount or of the number of days past due.

(vii)    Defaulted or impaired exposures as per the approach provided in the Capital Requirement Regulation (CRR), which would also trigger a default under specific credit adjustment, distress restructuring and obligor bankruptcy.

(viii)   Material exposures as set by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC), which are more than 90 days past due.

(ix)     Performing forborne exposures under probation for which additional forbearance measures are extended.

(x)     Performing forborne exposures under probation that present more than 30 days past due within the probation period.

 

When a specific part of the exposures of a customer that fulfil the NPE criteria set out above are greater than 20% of the gross carrying amount of all on balance sheet exposures of that customer, then the total customer exposure is classified as non-performing; otherwise only the specific part of the exposure is classified as non-performing.

 

The NPEs are reported before the deduction of allowance for expected credit losses on loans and advances to customers (as defined).



NPE coverage ratio

The NPE coverage ratio is calculated as the allowance for expected credit losses on loans and advances to customers (as defined) over NPEs (as defined).



NPE ratio

The NPE ratio is NPEs (as defined) divided by gross loans and advances to customers (as defined). 



Non-recurring items

Non-recurring items as presented in the 'Consolidated Condensed Interim Income Statement - Underlying basis' relate to: (i) advisory and other restructuring costs, (ii) discontinued operations (UK subsidiary sale), (iii) profit/(loss) relating to NPE sale (Helix), (iv) loss on remeasurement of investment in associate classified as held for sale (CNP) net of share of profit from associates, and (v) reversal of impairment of DTA and impairment of other tax receivables.



Operating profit

Operating profit comprises profit before loan credit losses (as defined), impairments of other financial and non-financial assets, provisions for litigation, regulatory and other matters, tax, (profit)/loss attributable to non-controlling interests and non-recurring items (as defined).



Operating profit return on average assets

Operating profit return on average assets is calculated as the annualised (based on year to date days) operating profit (on an underlying basis) divided by the quarterly average of total assets for the relevant period. Average total assets exclude total assets of discontinued operations at each quarter end, if applicable.

Profit/(loss) after tax - Organic

Profit/(loss) after tax - Organic is the profit/(loss) after tax and before non-recurring items (as defined above), except for the 'Advisory and other restructuring costs - excluding discontinued operations and NPE sale (Helix)'.



Total income

Total income under the underlying basis comprises total of net interest income, net fee and commission income (on the underlying basis), net foreign exchange gains, net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates (excluding net gains on loans and advances to customers at FVPL) (on the underlying basis), insurance income net of claims and commissions, net gains/(losses) from revaluation and disposal of investment properties, net gains on disposal of stock of property and other income. A reconciliation of these amounts between the statutory and the underlying bases is disclosed in the Interim Management Report under section 'Financial Results'.



Turnover

Group turnover comprises interest income, fee and commission income, foreign exchange gains, gross insurance premiums, gains/losses of investment properties and stock of properties, turnover of property and hotel and golf business and other income.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECONCILIATIONS

1.   Reconciliation of Gross loans and advances to customers


30 June

2019

31 December

2018

€000

€000

Gross loans and advances to customers (as defined above)

13,071,801

15,900,427

Reconciling items:



Fair value adjustment on initial recognition (Note 29)*

(289,720)

(322,375)

Loans and advances to customers classified as non-current assets held for sale (Note 29)

-

(2,711,960)

Fair value adjustment on initial recognition on loans and advances to customers classified as non-current assets held for sale (Note 29)

-

(139,153)

Reclassification between gross loans and allowance for expected credit losses on loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale

-

99,000

Loans and advances to customers measured at fair value through profit and loss (Note 16)

(393,981)

(395,572)

Gross loans and advances to customers at amortised cost as per the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements (Note 16)

12,388,100

12,430,367

 

* Including fair value adjustment on initial recognition of loans and advances to customers measured at fair value through profit and loss amounting to €60,309 thousand (31 December 2018: €60,326 thousand).

 

2.   Reconciliation of allowance for expected credit losses

on loans and advances to customers (ECL)


30 June

2019

31 December

2018

€000

€000

Allowance for expected credit losses on loans and advances to customers (as defined above)

2,144,950

3,852,218

Reconciling items:



Fair value adjustment on initial recognition (Note 29)*

(289,720)

(322,375)

Loans and advances to customers classified as non-current assets held for sale (Note 29)

-

(1,557,852)

Fair value adjustment on initial recognition on loans and advances to customers classified as non-current assets held for sale (Note 29)

-

(139,153)

Reclassification between gross loans and allowance for expected credit losses on loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale

-

99,000

Provisions for financial guarantees and commitments (Note 23)

(22,151)

(27,685)

Allowance for ECL of loans and advances to customers as per the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements (Note 16)

1,833,079

1,904,153

 

* Including fair value adjustment on initial recognition of loans and advances to customers measured at fair value through profit and loss amounting to €60,309 thousand (31 December 2018: €60,326 thousand).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.   Reconciliation of NPEs


30 June

2019

31 December

2018

€000

€000

NPEs (as defined above)

4,311,520

7,418,613

Reconciling items:



Loans and advances to customers classified as non-current assets held for sale

-

(2,613,603)

Fair value adjustment on initial recognition on loans and advances to customers classified as non-current assets held for sale

-

(135,697)

Reclassification between gross loans and allowance for expected credit losses on loans and advances to customers classified as held for sale

-

99,000

Loans and advances to customers measured at fair value through profit and loss (NPE)

(163,047)

(160,907)

POCI (NPE)

(591,974)

(691,815)

Stage 3 loans and advances to customers as per the Consolidated Condensed Interim Financial Statements (Note 29)

3,556,499

3,915,591

NPE ratio





NPEs (as per table above) (€000)

4,311,520

7,418,613

Gross loans and advances to customers (as per table above) (€000)

13,071,801

15,900,427

Ratio of NPE/Gross loans (%)

33.0%

46.7%

 

4.   Reconciliation of Loan credit losses


Six months ended

30 June

2019

2018

(represented)

€000

€000

Loan credit losses per the underlying basis

86,883

84,705

Reconciling items:



Loan credit losses relating to Helix portfolio, separately presented under the underlying basis

16,582

135,000

Loan credit losses (as defined above), reconciled to the statutory basis as:

103,465

219,705

Credit losses to cover credit risk on loans and advances to customers (Note 10)

108,911

252,953

Net gains on derecognition of financial assets measured at amortised cost (Interim Consolidated Income Statement)

(5,429)

(19,381)

Net gains on loans and advances to customers at FVPL (Note 8)

(17)

(13,867)

Credit losses per the statutory basis

103,465

219,705

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.   Reconciliation of turnover as recorded in the Interim Consolidated Income Statement 


Six months ended

30 June


2019

2018

(represented)

€000

€000

Interest income and income similar to interest income

278,488

312,877

Fee and commission income

87,467

85,282

Foreign exchange gains

14,117

18,039

Gross insurance premiums

86,581

82,670

Gains of investment properties and stock of properties

4,813

11,325

Other income

15,679

11,276

Turnover as per the Interim Consolidated Income Statement

487,145

521,469

 

RATIOS INFORMATION

1.   Net Interest Margin

Reconciliation of the various components of net interest margin from the underlying basis to the statutory basis is provided below:


Six months ended

30 June

2019

2018

(represented)

1.1.      Reconciliation of Net interest income

€000

€000

Net interest income as per the underlying basis

170,147

165,846

Reclassifications for:



Net interest income relating to the NPE sale (Helix), disclosed under non-recurring items within 'Profit/(loss) relating to NPE sale (Helix)' under the underlying basis

33,962

46,238

Net interest income as per the Interim Consolidated Income Statement

204,109

212,084




Net interest income (annualised)

343,114

334,441

 

1.2.      Interest earning assets

30 June

2019

31 March

2019

31 December

2018

€000

€000

€000

Cash and balances with central banks

5,261,896

3,913,391

4,610,491

Loans and advances to banks

403,041

448,043

472,532

Loans and advances to customers

10,949,002

10,954,529

10,921,786

Loans and advances to customers held for sale (Note 19)

5,891

1,108,440

1,154,108

Investments




Debt securities (Note 13)

1,720,231

1,556,668

1,364,743

Less: Investment which is not interest bearing

(13,563)

(10,181)

(8,606)

Total interest earning assets

18,326,498

17,970,890

18,515,054





1.3.      Quarterly average interest earning assets (€000)




-     as at 30 June 2019

18,270,814



-     as at 30 June 2018

18,005,292



2.   Cost to income ratio

2.1.  Reconciliation of the various components of total expenses used in the cost to income ratio calculation from the underlying basis to the statutory basis is provided below:


Six months ended

30 June

2019

2018

(represented)


€000

€000

2.1.1.   Reconciliation of Staff costs



Total Staff costs as per the underlying basis

111,500

102,070

Reclassifications for:



Staff costs relating to the NPE sale (Helix), reclassified under the underlying basis to 'Profit/(loss) relating to NPE sale (Helix)'

2,744

2,600

Total Staff costs as per the statutory basis

114,244

104,670




2.1.2.   Reconciliation of Other operating expenses



Total Other operating expenses as per the underlying basis

84,398

80,775

Reclassifications for:



Operating expenses relating to the NPE sale (Helix), presented within 'Profit/(loss) relating to NPE sale (Helix)' under the underlying basis

12,209

-

Reversal of provisions for litigation, regulatory and other matters, separately presented under the underlying basis

(2,683)

(5,813)

Advisory and other restructuring costs (excluding Helix), separately presented under the underlying basis

11,463

14,783

Restructuring costs relating to the NPE sale (Helix), presented within 'Profit/(loss) relating to NPE sale (Helix)' under the underlying basis

7,580

12,547

Total Other operating expenses as per the statutory basis

112,967

102,292




 

 

2.1.3.   Special Levy on deposits on credit institutions in Cyprus and contribution to Single Resolution Fund (SRF)



Total Special Levy on deposits on credit institutions in Cyprus and contribution to Single Resolution Fund per the underlying and statutory basis

12,477

12,073

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2.  Reconciliation of the various components of total income (as defined) used in the cost to income ratio calculation from the underlying basis to the statutory basis is provided below:


Six months ended

30 June

2019

2018

(represented)


€000

€000

2.2.1.   Reconciliation of Net fee and commission income



Total net fee and commission income as per the underlying basis

74,900

80,336

Reclassifications for:



Fee and commission expense relating to the revised income tax legislation, which has been disclosed within 'Reversal of impairment of deferred tax assets (DTA) and impairment of other tax receivables' under the underlying basis

(6,255)

-

Fee and commission income relating to NPE sale, disclosed under non-recurring items within 'Profit/(loss) relating to NPE sale (Helix)' under the underlying basis

5,867

-

Total net fee and commission income as per the statutory basis

74,512

80,336




2.2.2.   Reconciliation of Net foreign exchange gains and net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates



Total Net foreign exchange gains and net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates as per the underlying basis

26,255

41,550

Reclassifications for:



Net gains on loans and advances to customers measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL), disclosed within 'Loan credit losses' under the underlying basis (Note 8)

17

13,867

Total Net foreign exchange gains and net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates as per the statutory basis (see below)

26,272

55,417




Net foreign exchange gains as per the statutory basis

14,117

18,039

Net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates as per the statutory basis

12,155

37,378

Total Net foreign exchange gains and net gains on financial instrument transactions and disposal/dissolution of subsidiaries and associates as per the statutory basis

26,272

55,417




Reconciliation of Net interest income between the underlying and the statutory basis has been provided in the tables above.

 

3.   Operating profit return on average assets

The various components used in the determination of the operating profit return on average assets are provided below:


30 June

2019

31 March

2019

31 December

2018

€000

€000

€000

Total assets used in the computation of the operating profit return on average assets/per the Interim Consolidated Balance Sheet

21,887,186

21,745,438

22,075,271

 


30 June

2019

30 June

2018

(represented)

€000

€000

Annualised operating profit

252,152

305,362

Quarterly average total assets

21,902,632

21,417,686

 

The reconciliation of the various components of operating profit between the underlying and the statutory basis has been provided in the tables above.

 


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