Final Results - Part 2

RNS Number : 9776M
Barclays PLC
09 February 2009
 



Risk Management


On pages 38 to 78 we have provided an analysis of the key risks faced by the Group across a number of asset classes and businesses, referencing significant portfolios and including summary measures of asset quality. Additional information referenced in this section is to be found in the notes to the financial information.

We set out on pages 38 to 41 a detailed analysis of the Group's total assets by valuation basis and underlying asset class, to provide an overview of the nature of the Group's assets and risks.

Detailed disclosures and analysis are provided on Barclays Capital's credit market exposures by asset class, covering current exposures, losses in the year, sales and pay downs, foreign exchange movements and where appropriate details of collateral held; geographic spread, vintage and credit quality. These are set on pages 42 to 58.

On pages 59 to 75, we review the Group's other credit risk exposures, focusing on the quality of the Group's loans and advances to customer and banks, as well as the credit quality of the Group's debt securities.

The Group's principal exposure to market risk is set out on pages 76, as captured through a review of Barclays Capital's average daily value at risk (DVaR).

Finally, on pages 77 to 78, we provide summary information in respect of Barclays liquidity risk.

  


Analysis of Total Assets





 Accounting Basis 

Assets


 As at
31.12.08 


 Fair Value 

 Cost Based Measure 


Notes1

£m


£m

£m

Cash and balances at central banks

 

30,019


 

30,019







Items in the course of collection from other banks

 

1,695


 

1,695






 

Treasury & other eligible bills

 

4,544


4,544

 

Debt securities


148,686


148,686


Equity securities


30,535


30,535


Traded loans


1,070


1,070


Commodities7


802


802


Trading portfolio assets

 

185,637


185,637

 







Financial assets designated at fair value






Loans and advances

 

30,187


30,187

 

Debt securities


8,628


8,628


Equity securities


6,496


6,496


Other financial assets8


9,231


9,231


Held for own account

 

54,542


54,542

 







Held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts9

 

66,657


66,657

 







Derivative financial instruments

16

984,802


984,802

 







Loans and advances to banks

19, 21

47,707


 

47,707



 




Loans and advances to customers

2021

461,815


 

461,815







Debt securities

 

58,831


58,831

 

Equity securities


2,142


2,142


Treasury & other eligible bills


4,003


4,003


Available for sale financial instruments

 

64,976


64,976

 







Reverse repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities borrowed

 

130,354


 

130,354

Other assets


6,302



6,302

Current tax assets


389



389

Investments in associates and joint ventures


341



341

Goodwill


7,625



7,625

Intangible assets


2,777



2,777

Property, plant and equipment


4,674



4,674

Deferred tax assets


2,668



2,668

 

 

2,052,980


1,356,614

696,366

 

 

 

 

 

 





1    Notes start on page 90.

2    Further analysis of loans and advances is on pages 59 to 73.

3    Further analysis of debt securities and other bills is on page 75

4    Reverse repurchase agreements comprise primarily short-term cash lending with assets pledged by counterparties securing the loan.

5    Equity securities comprise primarily equity securities determined by available quoted prices in active markets.

  



Analysis of Total Assets


Sub Analysis

Derivatives

Loans and Advances2

Debt
Securities and Other Bills3

Reverse Repurchase4

Equity Securities5

Other


Credit Market Exposures6

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m


£m

 

 

 

 

 

30,019


 








 

 

 

 

 

 

1,695


 






 


 

 

 

4,544

 

 

 


 



148,686





4,745





30,535



 


1,070






 






802


 

 

1,070

153,230

 

30,535

802


 








 








 

 

30,057

 

 

 

130


14,429



8,628





 





6,496



 


1,469


7,283


479


 

 

31,526

8,628

7,283

6,496

609


 








 

 

 

 

 

 

66,657


 








 

984,802

 

 

 

 

 


9,234








 

 

47,707

 

 

 

 


 








 

 

461,815

 

 

 

 


12,808








 

 

 

58,831

 

 

 


727





2,142



 



4,003





 

 

 

62,834

 

2,142

 


 








 

 

 

 

130,354

 

 


 






6,302


109






389


 






341


 






7,625


 






2,777


 






4,674


 






2,668


 

984,802

542,118

224,692

137,637

39,173

124,558


 




6    Further analysis of Barclays Capital credit market exposures is on pages 42 to 58. Off-balance sheet commitments of £1,030m not included in the table above.

7    Commodities primarily consists of physical inventory positions.

8    These instruments consist primarily of loans with embedded derivatives and reverse repurchase agreements designated at fair value.

9    Financial assets designated at fair value in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts have not been further analysed as the Group is not exposed to the risks inherent in these assets.

  


Analysis of Barclays Capital Credit Market Exposures by Asset Class


As at
31.12.08

ABS CDO
Super

Senior

Other US
Sub-prime

Alt-A

RMBS
Wrapped
 by Monoline
Insurers 

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Debt securities

4,745 


782 

2,532 


Trading portfolio assets

4,745

 

782 

2,532 

 







Loans and advances

14,429 


1,565 

778 


Financial assets designated at fair value

14,429 

 

1,565 

778 

 







Derivative financial instruments

9,234 


643 

398 

1,639 







Loans and advances to customers

12,808 

3,104 

195 

 

 







Debt securities

727 


147 

580 


Available for sale financial instruments

727 

 

147 

580 

 







Other assets

109 

 

109 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposure on balance sheet

 

3,104 

3,441 

4,288 

1,639 


  



Commercial Real Estate Loans

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities

CMBS
Wrapped

by Monoline

Insurers

Leveraged Finance

SIVs and
SIV-
lites

CDPCs

CLO and Other
Exposure

Wrapped by

Monoline

Insurers

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m


1,420



11 




1,420

 

 

11 

 

 








11,555 




531 



11,555 

 

 

 

531 

 

 








23 

(685)

1,854 


273 

150 

4,939 








 

 

 

9,361 

148 

 

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,578

735 

1,854 

9,361 

963 

150 

4,939 


  


Barclays Capital Credit Market Exposures

Barclays Capital's credit market exposures primarily relate to US residential mortgages, commercial mortgages and leveraged finance businesses that have been significantly impacted by the continued deterioration in the global credit markets. The exposures include both significant positions subject to fair value movements in the profit and loss account and positions that are classified as loans and advances and available for sale. None of the exposure disclosed below has been reclassified to loans and advances under the amendments to IAS 39. 

The exposures are set out by asset class in US Dollars and Sterling below:



$m1


£m1

US Residential Mortgages

Notes

As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07

ABS CDO super senior

A1

4,526

9,356


3,104

4,671

 

 

 

 


 

 

Other US sub-prime

A2

5,017

10,089


3,441

5,037



 



 


Alt-A

A3

6,252

9,847


4,288

4,916



 



 


US RMBS exposure wrapped by monoline insurers

A4

2,389

1,462


1,639

730








Commercial Mortgages







Commercial real estate

B1

16,882

22,239


11,578

11,103

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

B1

1,072

2,596


735

1,296

CMBS exposure wrapped by monoline insurers

B2

2,703

395


1,854

197








Other Credit Market Exposures







Leveraged finance

C1

15,152

18,081


10,391

9,027

 

 

 

 


 

 

SIVs and SIV-lites

C2

1,404

1,570


963

784

 

 

 

 


 

 

CDPCs

C3

218

39


150

19

 

 

 

 


 

 

CLO and other exposure wrapped by monoline insurers 

C4

7,202

817


4,939

408


These exposures have been actively managed during the year in an exceptionally challenging market environment and have been reduced by net sales and paydowns of £6,311m, offset by the 37% appreciation of the US Dollar against Sterling. In January 2009, there was an additional sale of £3,056m of leveraged finance exposure which was repaid at par. Exposures at 31st December 2008 included £1,060m of securities from the acquisition of Lehman Brothers North American businesses. Exposures wrapped by monolines have increased during the course of 2008 as a result of declines in the fair value of the underlying assets.

 



1    As the majority of exposure is held in US Dollars the exposures above are shown in both US Dollars and Sterling

  


There were gross losses of £8,053m (2007: £2,999m) in the year to 31st December 2008. These losses were partially offset by related income and hedges of £1,433m (2007: £706m), and gains of £1,663m (2007: £658m) from the general widening of credit spreads on issued notes measured at fair value through the profit and loss account. 

The gross losses, which included £1,763m (2007: £782m) in impairment charges, comprised: £5,584m (2007: £2,811m) against US RMBS exposures; £1,488m (2007: £14m) against commercial mortgage exposures; and £981m (2007: £174m) against other credit market exposures. 


Fair Value Losses

Impairment Charge

Gross Losses


£m

£m

£m

ABS CDO super senior

(78)

(1,383)

(1,461)

 

 

 

 

Other US sub-prime

(1,560)

(168)

(1,728)

 

 

 

 

Alt-A

(1,858)

(125)

(1,983)





US RMBS wrapped by monoline insurers

(412)

-

(412)

 

 

 

 

Total US residential mortgages

(3,908)

(1,676)

(5,584)





US

(671)

-

(671)

Europe

(350)

-

(350)

Total commercial real estate 

(1,021)

-

(1,021)





Commercial mortgage-backed securities

(127)

-

(127)

CMBS wrapped by monoline insurers

(340)

-

(340)

Total commercial mortgages

(1,488)

-

(1,488)





SIVs and SIV-Lites

(143)

(87)

(230)





CDPCs

(14)

-

(14)

 

 

 

 

CLO and other assets wrapped by monoline insurers

(737)

-

(737)





Total other credit market 

(894)

(87)

(981)

 

 

 

 

Total

(6,290)

(1,763)

(8,053)


  


A.     US Residential Mortgages

US residential mortgage exposures have reduced by 41% in US Dollar terms, and 19% in Sterling terms, since
31st December 2007.

A1.    ABS CDO Super Senior 

During the year ABS CDO Super Senior exposures reduced by £1,567m to £3,104m (31st December 2007: £4,671m). Net exposures are stated after writedowns and charges of £1,461m incurred in 2008 (2007: £1,816m) and hedges of £nil (31st December 2007: £1,347m). There were no hedges in place at 31st December 2008 as the corresponding liquidity facilities had been terminated. There were liquidations and paydowns of £2,318m in the year; weaker Sterling and a reduction in hedges increased exposure by £865m and £1,347m respectively. 

The remaining ABS CDO Super Senior exposure at 31st December 2008 comprised five high grade liquidity facilities which were fully drawn and classified within loans and receivables, and no remaining mezzanine exposure. At 31st December 2007 there were 15 facilities of which nine were high grade and six mezzanine. 

The impairment assessment of remaining super senior positions is based on cash flow methodology using standard market assumptions such as default curves and remittance data to calculate the net present value of the future losses for the collateral pool over time. As a result, future potential impairment charges depend on changes in these assumptions.

We have included all ABS CDO Super Senior exposure in the US residential mortgages section as nearly 90% of the underlying collateral relates to US RMBS. The impairment applied to the notional collateral is set out in the table opposite

  


A1.    ABS CDO Super Senior 


As at
31.12.08


As at
31.12.07


As at 31.12.08

As at 31.12.07


High Grade

Total


High Grade

Mezzanine

Total


Marks

Marks


£m

£m


£m

£m

£m


%

%

2005 and earlier

1,226

1,226


1,458

1,152

2,610


90%

69%

2006

471

471


1,654

314

1,968


37%

47%

2007 and 2008

25

25


176

87

263


69%

53%

Sub-prime 

1,722

1,722


3,288

1,553

4,841


75%

60%











2005 and earlier

891

891


714

102

816


77%

96%

2006

269

269


594

68

662


75%

90%

2007 and 2008

62

62


163

13

176


37%

80%

Alt-A

1,222

1,222


1,471

183

1,654


74%

92%











Prime

520

520


662

123

785


100%

100%

RMBS CDO

402

402


842

445

1,287


0%

19%

Sub-prime second lien

127

127


158

-

158


0%

32%

Total US RMBS

3,993

3,993


6,421

2,304

8,725


68%

63%











CMBS

44

44


189

110

299


100%

96%

Non-RMBS CDO

453

453


429

80

509


56%

49%

CLOs

35

35


26

-

26


100%

100%

Other ABS

51

51


136

4

140


100%

100%

Total Other ABS

583

583


780

194

974


66%

72%











Total Notional Collateral

4,576

4,576


7,201

2,498

9,699


68%

64%

Subordination

(459)

(459)


(1,001)

(864)

(1,865)




Gross exposure pre-impairment

4,117

4,117


6,200

1,634

7,834




Impairment allowances

(1,013)

(1,013)


(290)

(432)

(722)




Trading losses gross of hedges

-

-


(1,041)

(53)

(1,094)




Hedges

-

-


(960)

(387)

(1,347)




Net exposure

3,104

3,104


3,909

762

4,671














Collateral marks including liquidated structures






32%

62%



 




1    Marks above reflect the gross exposure after impairment and subordination and do not include the benefit of hedges. The change in marks since 31st December 2007 primarily results from the liquidation during 2008 of the most impaired structures

  


Consolidated collateral of £8.4bn relating to the ten CDOs that were liquidated in 2008 has been sold or are stated at fair value net of hedges within Other US sub-prime, Alt-A and CMBS exposures. The notional collateral remaining at 31st December 2008 is marked at approximately 12%. The collateral valuation for all ABS CDO Super Senior deals, including those liquidated and consolidated in 2008, is approximately 32% (31st December 2007: 62%).

The collateral for the outstanding ABS CDO Super Senior exposures primarily comprises residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS). At 31st December 2008 the residual exposure contains a higher proportion of collateral originated in 2005 and earlier than at 31st December 2007. There is minimal exposure to collateral originated in 2007 or later. The vintages of the sub-prime, Alt-A and US RMBS collateral are set out in the table below.

Sub-prime Collateral by Vintage

As at 31.12.08

As at 31.12.07

2005 and earlier

71%

54%

2006

27%

41%

2007 and 2008

2%

5%




Alt-A Collateral by Vintage



2005 and earlier

73%

49%

2006

22%

40%

2007 and 2008

5%

11%




US RMBS Collateral by Vintage



2005 and earlier

72%

53%

2006

25%

40%

2007 and 2008

3%

7%

RMBS collateral for the ABS CDO Super Senior exposures is subject to public ratings. The ratings of sub-prime,
Alt-A and total US RMBS CDO collateral are set out in the table below.


31.12.08


31.12.07

31.12.07

31.12.07

Sub-prime US RMBS Ratings

High Grade


High Grade

Mezzanine

Total

AAA/AA

42%


43%

2%

30%

A/BBB

21%


51%

82%

60%

Non-investment Grade

37%


6%

16%

10%







Alt-A RMBS Ratings






AAA/AA

66%


89%

47%

85%

A/BBB

7%


8%

45%

12%

Non-investment Grade

27%


3%

8%

3%







Total US RMBS Ratings






AAA/AA

50%


63%

14%

50%

A/BBB

13%


31%

70%

41%

Non-investment Grade

37%


6%

16%

9%

  


A2.    Other US Sub-Prime


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


Marks at
31.12.08

Marks at
31.12.07


£m

£m




Whole loans - performing

1,290 

2,805 


80%

100%

Whole loans - more than 60 days past due

275 

372 


48%

65%

Total whole loans

1,565 

3,177 


72%

94%







AAA securities

111 

735 


40%

92%

Other sub-prime securities

818 

525 


23%

61%

Total securities gross of hedges

929 

1,260 


25%

76%

Hedges

-

(369)


 


Securities (net of hedges)

929 

891 




Residuals

-

233 


0%

24%

Other exposures with underlying sub-prime collateral:

 



 


- Derivatives

643 

333 


87%

100%

- Loans

195 

346 


70%

100%

- Real Estate

109 

57 


46%

68%

Total other direct and indirect exposure

1,876 

1,860 










Total

3,441 

5,037 




The majority of Other US sub-prime exposures are measured at fair value through profit and loss. US sub-prime securities held in conduits and a collateralised debt obligation (CDO) are categorised as available for sale and are recognised in equity.

Exposure declined from £5,037m to £3,441m driven by gross losses of £1,728m and net sales, paydowns and other movements of £1,649m. Weaker Sterling resulted in an increase in exposure of £1,086m. Exposures at
31st December 2008 included assets acquired from Lehman Brothers North American business of £83m in AAA securities and £124m in other US sub-prime securities.

At 31st December 2008, 82% of the whole loan exposure was performing. Whole loans included £1,422m
(31st December 2007: £2,843m) acquired on or originated since the acquisition of EquiFirst in March 2007. Of this balance, £281m of new sub-prime loans were originated in 2008. At 31st December 2008, the average loan to value at origination of all the sub-prime whole loans was 79%. Loans guaranteed by Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are not included in the exposure above. An FHA loan is a mortgage loan fully insured by the US Federal Housing Administration and therefore not considered to be a credit sensitive product. EquiFirst has only originated FHA eligible loans since April 2008, and held £132m of these loans at 31st December 2008. 

Securities included £37m held by consolidated conduits and £110m held in a CDO on which impairment charges of £16m and £53m respectively have been recorded. 

Other exposures with underlying sub-prime collateral include counterparty derivative exposures to vehicles which hold sub-prime collateral. The majority of this exposure was the most senior obligation of the vehicles.







  


A3.    Alt-A


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


Marks at
31.12.08

Marks at
31.12.07


£m

£m


%

%

AAA securities

1,847 

3,553 


43%

87%

Other Alt-A securities

1,265 

208 


9%

75%

Whole Loans

776 

909 


67%

97%

Residuals

25 


6%

66%

Derivative exposure with underlying Alt-A collateral

398 

221 


100%

100%

Total 

4,288 

4,916 




Alt-A securities, whole loans and residuals are measured at fair value through profit and loss. Alt-A securities held in conduits and a collateralised debt obligation (CDO) are categorised as available for sale and are recognised in equity.

Net exposure to the Alt-A market was £4,288m (31st December 2007: £4,916m), through a combination of whole loans, securities and residuals, including those held in consolidated conduits. There were gross losses of £1,983m in the year and net sales, paydowns and other movements of £181m. Weaker Sterling resulted in an increase in exposure of £1,190m. Exposures at 31st December 2008 included assets acquired from Lehman Brothers North American business of £300m in AAA securities and £324m in other Alt-A securities.

Securities included £491m held by consolidated conduits and £89m held in a CDO on which impairment charges of £65m and £58m respectively have been recorded. 

At 31st December 2008, 75% of the Alt-A whole loan exposure was performing, and the average loan to value ratio at origination was 81%. 

Other exposures with underlying Alt-collateral included counterparty derivative exposures to vehicles which hold Alt-collateral. The majority of this exposure was the most senior obligation of the vehicles.


  


A4.    US Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Exposure Wrapped by Monoline Insurers

The deterioration in the US residential mortgage market has resulted in exposure to monoline insurers and other financial guarantors that provide credit protection. 

The table below shows RMBS assets where we held protection from monoline insurers at 31st December 2008. These are measured at fair value through profit and lossDeclines in fair value of the underlying assets are reflected in increases in the value of potential claims against monoline insurers. Such declines have resulted in net exposure to monoline insurers under these contracts increasing to £1,639m by 31st December 2008 (2007: £730m).

Claims would become due in the event of default of the underlying assets and losses would only be realised if both the underlying asset and monoline defaulted. At 31st December 2008 while 81% of the underlying assets were non-investment grade, 97% are wrapped by monolines with investment grade ratings.

There is some uncertainty whether all of the monoline insurers would be able to meet all liabilities if such claims were to arise: certain monoline insurers have been subject to downgrades in 2008. Consequently, a fair value loss of £412m has been recognised in the year. There have been no claims due under these contracts as none of the underlying assets were in default at 31st December 2008

The fair value is determined by a credit valuation adjustment calculation which incorporates stressed cashflow shortfall projections, current market valuations, stressed Probability of Default (PDs) and a range of Loss Given Default (LGD) assumptions. The cashflow shortfall projections are stressed to ensure that we consider the potential for further market deterioration and resultant additional cashflow shortfall in underlying collateral. Monoline ratings are based on external ratings analysis and where appropriate significant internal analysis conducted by the independent Credit Risk function. In addition, we reflect the potential for further deterioration of monolines by using stressed PDs which results in all monolines having an implied sub-investment grade rating. LGDs range from 45% to 100% depending on the monoline. 

Exposure by Credit Rating of Monoline Insurer

As at 31.12.08

Notional

Fair Value
of Underlying

Asset

Fair Value Exposure

Credit
Valuation

Adjustment

Net
Exposure


£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

AAA/AA

A/BBB

2,567 

492 

2,075 

(473)

1,602 

Non-investment grade

74 

66 

(29)

37 

Total

2,641 

500 

2,141 

(502)

1,639 







As at 31.12.07 

 

 

 

 

 

AAA/AA

2,807 

2,036 

771 

(41)

730 

The notional value of the assets, split by the current rating of the monoline insurer, is shown below.


Rating of Monoline Insurers - As at 31.12.08


AAA/AA

A/BBB

Non-
Investment

Grade

Total


£m

£m

£m

£m

2005 and earlier 

-

143 

-

143 

2006

-

1,240

-

1,240 

2007 and 2008 

-

510

-

510 

High Grade

-

1,893

-

1,893 

Mezzanine - 2005 and earlier

-

625

74

699 

CDO2 - 2005 and earlier

-

49

-

49 

US RMBS

-

2,567

74

2,641 


  


The notional value of the assets, split by the current rating of the underlying asset, is shown below


Rating of Underlying Asset - As at 31.12.08


AAA/AA

A/BBB

Non-
Investment Grade

Total

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

2005 and earlier

143

-

-

143

2006

-

-

1,240

1,240

2007 and 2008

-

-

510

510

High Grade

143

-

1,750

1,893

Mezzanine - 2005 and earlier

31

330

338

699

CDO2 - 2005 and earlier

-

-

49

49

US RMBS

174

330

2,137

2,641

  


B.     Commercial Mortgages

Commercial mortgages reduced 18% in US Dollar terms. In Sterling terms these have increased by 12%.

B1.    Commercial Mortgages 

Exposures in Barclays Capital's commercial mortgages portfolio, all of which are measured at fair value, comprised commercial real estate loan exposure of £11,578m (31st December 2007: £11,103m) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) of £735m (31st December 2007: £1,296m). During the year there were gross losses of £1,148m. Gross sales and paydowns of £1,034m in the UK and Continental Europe and £2,167m in the US were partially offset by additional drawdowns. Weaker Sterling increased exposure by £3,058m.

The commercial real estate loan exposure comprised 55% US, 41% UK and Europe and 4% Asia. 5% of the total relates to land or property under construction. 

The US exposure included two large transactions which comprised 42% of the total US exposure and have paid down approximately £789m in the year. The remaining 58% of the US exposure comprised 76 transactions. The remaining weighted average number of years to initial maturity of the US portfolio is 1.4 years.

The UK and Europe portfolio is well diversified with 64 transactions in place as at 31st December 2008. In Europe protection is provided by loan covenants and periodic LTV retests, which cover 90% of the portfolio. 47% of the German exposure relates to one transaction secured on multifamily residential assets. Exposure to the Spanish market represents less than 1% of global exposure at 31st December 2008.

Commercial Real Estate Exposure by Region

As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07

Marks at 31.12.08

Marks at 31.12.07


£m

£m

%

%

US

6,329

5,947

88%

99%

Germany

2,467

1,783

95%

100%

Sweden

265

250

96%

100%

France

270

289

94%

100%

Switzerland

176

127

97%

100%

Spain

106

89

92%

100%

Other Continental Europe

677

779

90%

100%

UK

831

1,422

89%

100%

Asia

457

417

97%

100%

Total

11,578

11,103








Commercial Real Estate Exposure Metrics 


WALTV1

WAM2

WALA3

US

 

79.5%

1.4 yrs

1.6 yrs

Germany


79.4%

4.6 yrs

1.5 yrs

Other Europe


82.2%

4.5 yrs

1.7 yrs

UK


77.8%

5.8 yrs

1.8 yrs

Asia


93.3%

4.7 yrs

1.3 yrs



1    Weighted-average loan- to- value based on the most recent valuation

2    Weighted-average number of years to initial maturity

3    Weighted-average loan age

  



Commercial Real Estate Exposure by Industry
As at 31.12.08

US 

Germany

Other Europe

UK

Asia 

Total


£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

Office

2,081 

436 

802 

192 

145 

3,656 

Residential

1,957 

1,268 

229 

128 

3,582 

Retail

66 

567 

96 

110 

118 

957 

Hotels

1,145 

441 

29 

18 

1,633 

Leisure

233 

233 

Land

232 

232 

Industrial 

582 

126 

131 

38 

10 

887 

Mixed/Others

243 

70 

24 

38 

375 

Hedges

23 

23 

Total

6,329 

2,467 

1,494 

831 

457 

11,578 


Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (Net of Hedges)

As at 31.12.08

As at 31.12.07

Marks1 at 31.12.08

Marks1 at 31.12.07


£m

£m

%

%

AAA securities 

588

1,008

 

 

Other securities

147

288

 


Total 

735

1,296

21%

98%

Exposure is stated net of hedges traded in the liquid index swap market with market counterparties. The counterparty exposure is managed through a standard derivative collateralisation process and none of the hedge counterparties are monoline insurers.

Exposures at 31st December 2008 included assets acquired from Lehman Brothers North American business of £143m in AAA securities and £86m in other securities.




1        Marks are based on gross collateral.

  


B2.    CMBS Exposure Wrapped by Monoline Insurers

The deterioration in the commercial mortgage market has resulted in exposure to monoline insurers and other financial guarantors that provide credit protection. 

The table below shows Commercial Mortgage Backed Security (CMBS) assets where we held protection from monoline insurers at 31st December 2008. These are measured at fair value through profit and loss. Declines in fair value of the underlying assets are reflected in increases in the value of potential claims against monoline insurers. Such declines have resulted in net exposure to monoline insurers under these contracts increasing to £1,854m by 31st December 2008 (31st December 2007: £197m).

Claims would become due in the event of default of the underlying assets and losses would only be realised if both the underlying asset and monoline defaulted. At 31st December 2008 all underlying assets were rated AAA/AA and 89% are wrapped by monolines with investment grade ratings. 

There is some uncertainty whether all of the monoline insurers would be able to meet all liabilities if such claims were to arise: certain monoline insurers have been subject to downgrades in 2008. Consequently, a fair value loss of £340m has been recognised in the year. There have been no claims due under these contracts as none of the underlying assets were in default at 31st December 2008. 

The fair value is determined by a credit valuation adjustment calculation which incorporates stressed cashflow shortfall projections, current market valuations, stressed Probability of Default (PDs) and a range of Loss Given Default (LGD) assumptions. The cashflow shortfall projections are stressed to ensure that we consider the potential for further market deterioration and resultant additional cashflow shortfall in underlying collateral. Monoline ratings are based on external ratings analysis and where appropriate significant internal analysis conducted by the independent Credit Risk function. In addition, we reflect the potential for further deterioration of monolines by using stressed PDs which results in all monolines having an implied sub-investment grade rating. LGDs range from 45% to 100% depending on the monoline. 

Exposure by Credit Rating of Monoline Insurer

As at 31.12.08

Notional

Fair Value of Underlying Asset

Fair Value Exposure

Credit Valuation Adjustment

Net
Exposure


£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

AAA/AA

69 

27 

42 

(4)

38 

A/BBB

3,258 

1,301 

1,957 

(320)

1,637 

Non-investment grade

425 

181 

244 

(65)

179 

Total

3,752 

1,509 

2,243 

(389)

1,854 







As at 31.12.07 

 

 

 

 

 

AAA/AA

3,614 

3,408 

206 

(9)

197 

The notional value of the assets, split by the current rating of the monoline insurer, is shown below.



Rating of Monoline Insurers - As at 31.12.08



AAA/AA

A/BBB

Non- investment Grade

Total



£m

£m

£m

£m

2005 and earlier

 

-

437 

-

437 

2006


69 

544

-

613 

2007 and 2008

 

-

2,277

425

2,702 

CMBS


69 

3,258

425

3,752 

  


The notional value of the assets split by the current rating of the monoline insurer, is shown below. All CMBS assets were rated AAA/AA at 31st December 2008.


Rating of underlying asset - As at 31.12 08


AAA/AA

A/BBB

Non-Investment Grade

Total

 

£m

£m

£m

£m

2005 and earlier

437

-

-

437

2006

613

-

-

613

2007 and 2008

2,702

-

-

2,702

CMBS

3,752

-

-

3,752


  


C.    Other Credit Market Exposures 

In the year ended 31st December 2008 these exposures increased by 17% in US Dollar terms, and 61% in Sterling terms.

C1.    Leveraged Finance

Leveraged loans are classified within loans and advances and are stated at amortised cost less impairment. The overall credit performance of the assets remains satisfactory.

At 31st December 2008, the gross exposure relating to leveraged finance loans was £10,506m (31st December 2007: £9,217m). Barclays Capital expects to hold these leveraged finance positions until redemption. Material movements since 31st December 2007 reflect exchange rate changes rather than changes in loan positions. 

The net exposure relating to leverage finance loans of £10,391m (31st December 2007: £9,027m) was reduced to £7,335m following a repayment of £3,056m at par in January 2009. 

Leveraged Finance Exposure by Region

As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


£m

£m

UK

4,810 

4,401 

US

3,830 

3,037 

Europe

1,640 

1,568 

Asia

226 

211 

Total lending and commitments

10,506 

9,217 

Identified and unidentified impairment1

(115)

(190)

Net lending and commitments

10,391 

9,027 

The industry classification of the exposure was as follows:


As at 31.12.08


As at 31.12.07

Leveraged Finance Exposure by Industry

Drawn

Undrawn

Total


Drawn

Undrawn

Total


£m

£m

£m


£m

£m

£m

Insurance

2,546

31

2,577


2,456

78

2,534

Telecoms

2,998

211

3,209


2,259

240

2,499

Retail

904

128

1,032


828

132

960

Healthcare

659

144

803


577

141

718

Media

655

89

744


469

127

596

Services

568

131

699


388

134

522

Manufacture

500

102

602


371

125

496

Chemicals

317

26

343


46

286

332

Other

329

168

497


233

327

560

Total

9,476

1,030

10,506


7,627

1,590

9,217

New leveraged finance commitments originated after 30th June 2007 comprised £573m (31st December 2007: £1,148m).


 




1    The movement in impairment during the period is primarily due to the release of the provision on the post year end repayment, for which there was a binding commitment as at 31st December 2008.

  


C2.    SIVs and SIV-Lites

SIVs/SIV-Lites

As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


Marks at 31.12.08

Marks at 31.12.07


£m

£m


%

%

Liquidity facilities

679

466


62%

100%

Bond inventory

11

52


7%

37%

Derivatives

273

266


 

 

Total

963

784




SIV exposure increased from £784m to £963m during the year. There were £230m of gross losses against SIVs and SIV lites in the year. Weaker Sterling resulted in an increase in exposure of £281m.

At 31st December 2008 liquidity facilities of £679m (31st December 2007: £466m) include £531m designated at fair value through profit and loss relating to a SIV-lite which had previously been hedged with Lehman Brothers. Following the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy this facility was reflected as a new exposure to the underlying assets. The remaining £148m represented drawn liquidity facilities in respect of SIV-lites and other structured investment vehicles classified as loans and advances stated at cost less impairment.

Bond inventory and derivatives are fair valued through profit and loss.

Movement in derivative exposure primarily related to CDS exposure due to general spread widening. At 31st December 2008 exposure was broadly in line with the prior year. 

C3.    CDPC Exposure

Credit derivative product companies ('CDPCs') are specialist providers of credit protection principally on corporate exposures in the form of credit derivatives. The Group has purchased protection from CDPCs against a number of securities with a notional value of £1,772mThe fair value of the exposure to CDPCs at 31st December 2008 was £150m. There were £14m of gross losses in the year.

Of the notional exposure, 45% related to AAA/AA rated counterparties, with the remainder rated A/BBB.

Exposure by Credit Rating of CDPC

As at 31.12.08

Notional

Gross Exposure

Credit Valuation Adjustment

Net Exposure


£m

£m

£m

£m

AAA/AA

796

77

(14)

63

A/BBB

976

87

-

87

Total

1,772

164

(14)

150






As at 31.12.07 





AAA/AA

1,262

19

-

19


  


C4.    CLO and Other Exposure Wrapped by Monoline Insurers

The table below shows Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs) and other assets where we held protection from monoline insurers at 31st December 2008. The deterioration in markets for these assets has resulted in exposure to monoline insurers and other financial guarantors that provide credit protection. These are measured at fair value through profit and lossDeclines in fair value of the underlying assets are reflected in increases in the value of potential claims against monoline insurers. Such declines have resulted in net exposure to monoline insurers under these contracts increasing to £4,939m by 31st December 2008 (31st December 2007: £408m).

Claims would become due in the event of default of the underlying assets and losses would only be realised if both the underlying asset and monoline defaulted. At 31st December 2008 all of the underlying assets have investment grade ratings and 39% are wrapped by monolines rated AAA/AA. 87% of the underlying assets were CLOs, all of which were rated AAA/AA. 

There is some uncertainty whether all of the monoline insurers would be able to meet all liabilities if such claims were to arise: certain monoline insurers have been subject to downgrades in 2008. Consequently, a fair value loss of £737m, has been recognised in the year. There have been no claims due under these contracts as none of the underlying assets were in default at 31st December 2008

The fair value is determined by a credit valuation adjustment calculation which incorporates stressed cashflow shortfall projections, current market valuations, stressed Probability of Default (PDs) and a range of Loss Given Default (LGD) assumptions. The cashflow shortfall projections are stressed to ensure that we consider the potential for further market deterioration and resultant additional cashflow shortfall in underlying collateral. Monoline ratings are based on external ratings analysis and where appropriate significant internal analysis conducted by the independent Credit Risk function. In addition, we reflect the potential for further deterioration of monolines by using stressed PDs for non-AAA rated monolines, which results in all other monolines having an implied sub-investment grade rating. LGDs range from 45% to 100% depending on the monoline.

Exposure by Credit Rating of Monoline Insurer

As at 31.12.08

Notional

Fair Value
of Underlying
Asset

Fair Value Exposure

Credit
Valuation
Adjustment

Net
Exposure


£m

£m

£m

£m

£m

AAA/AA

8,281

5,854

2,427

(55)

2,372

A/BBB

6,446

4,808

1,638

(204)

1,434

Non-investment grade

6,148

4,441

1,707

(574)

1,133

Total

20,875

15,103

5,772

(833)

4,939







As at 31.12.07 






AAA/AA

15,152

14,735

417

(9)

408

  



The notional value of the assets, split by the current rating of the monoline insurer, is shown below.



Rating of Monoline Insurer - As at 31.12.08



AAA/AA

A/BBB

Non- investment grade

Total



£m

£m

£m

£m

2005 and earlier

 

2,064 

1,647

2,326

6,037 

2006


1,803 

2,173

1,918

5,894 

2007 and 2008

 

3,324 

1,369

1,602

6,295 

CLOs


7,191 

5,189

5,846

18,226 

2005 and earlier


131 

661

70

862 

2006


145 

158

232

535 

2007 and 2008

 

814 

438

-

1,252 

Other

 

1,090 

1,257

302

2,649 

Total


8,281 

6,446 

6,148 

20,875 

The notional value of the assets split by the current rating of the underlying asset is shown below. All of the underlying assets had investment grade ratings as at 31st December 2008.



Rating of Underlying Asset - As at 31.12.08



AAA/AA

A/BBB

Non- investment grade

Total



£m

£m

£m

£m

2005 and earlier

 

6,037

-

-

6,037

2006


5,894

-

-

5,894

2007 and 2008

 

6,295

-

-

6,295

CLOs


18,226

-

-

18,226

2005 and earlier


862

-

-

862

2006


535

-

-

535

2007 and 2008

 

785

467

-

1,252

Other

 

2,182

467

-

2,649

Total


20,408

467

-

20,875

Own Credit

The carrying amount of issued notes that are designated under the IAS 39 fair value option is adjusted to reflect the effect of changes in own credit spreads. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in the income statement.

At 31st December 2008, the own credit adjustment arose from the fair valuation of £54.5bn of Barclays Capital structured notes (31st December 2007: £40.7bn). The widening of Barclays credit spreads in the year affected the fair value of these notes and as a result revaluation gains of £1,663m were recognised in trading income (2007: £658m). 

  


Credit Risk

Loans and Advances to Customers and Banks

Total loans and advances to customers and banks net of impairment allowance grew 32% to £542,118mLoans and advances at amortised cost were £509,522m (2007: £385,518m) and loans and advances at fair value were £32,596m (2007: £25,271m).

Loans and Advances at Amortised Cost

As at 31.12.08

Gross Loans & Advances

Impairment
Allowance

Loans & Advances Net of Impairment


Credit Risk Loans

CRLs % of Gross Loans & Advances

Impairment Charge


Loan Loss 
Rates


£m

£m

£m


£m

%

£m


bp

Wholesale - customers

266,750

2,784

263,966


8,144

3.1%

2,540


95

Wholesale - banks

47,758

51

47,707


48

0.1%

40


8

Total wholesale

314,508

2,835

311,673


8,192

2.6%

2,580


82











Retail - customers

201,588

3,739

197,849


7,508

3.7%

2,333


116

Total retail

201,588

3,739

197,849


7,508

3.7%

2,333


116











Total

516,096

6,574

509,522


15,700

3.0%

4,913


95











As at 31.12.07










Wholesale - customers

187,086

1,309

185,777


5,157

2.8%

1,190


64

Wholesale - banks

40,123

3

40,120


-

-

(13)


(3)

Total wholesale

227,209

1,312

225,897


5,157

2.3%

1,177


52











Retail - customers

162,081

2,460

159,621


4,484

2.8%

1,605


99

Total retail

162,081

2,460

159,621


4,484

2.8%

1,605


99











Total

389,290

3,772

385,518


9,641

2.5%

2,782


71

Gross loans and advances to customers and banks at amortised cost grew 33% to £516,096m (31st December 2007: £389,290m). 

The principal driver in the wholesale portfolio was Barclays Capital which grew by £72,514m (53%)This was driven by a decline in the value of Sterling relative to other currencies, increased draw downs on existing corporate lending facilities and the extension of new loans to corporate clients at current terms. Additionally, continuing market volatility resulted in increased cash collateral being placed with clients relating to OTC derivatives.

The principal drivers in the retail portfolio were: GRCB - Western Europe, which grew £14,436m (59%) as a result of growth in new personal products and currency movements, and UK Retail Banking, which grew £12,319m (15%), principally in the Home Finance business.

Credit risk loans rose 63% to £15,700(31st December 2007: £9,641m). As a percentage of gross loans and advances, credit risk loans rose to 3.0% (31st December 2007: 2.5%). CRL balances were higher in all businesses as credit conditions deteriorated across Barclays areas of operations. The most notable increases were in Barclays Capitalthe international businesses in Global Retail & Commercial Banking, and the UK home finance portfolios

  


Impairment charges on loans and advances increased 77% (£2,131m) to £4,913(2007: £2,782m), and included charges of £1,763m against ABS CDO Super Senior and other credit market exposures. Further analysis of these charges is provided on pages 70, 71 and 92. 

Impairment charges on loans and advances as a percentage of period-end Group total loans and advances ('loan loss rate') increased to 95bp (2007: 71bp). 

In the wholesale and corporate portfolios, impairment charges on loans and advances rose 119% (£1,403m) to £2,580(31st December 2007: £1,177m). Gross loans and advances rose 38% to £314,508(31st December 2007: £227,209m). The loan loss rate on the wholesale and corporate portfolio rose to 82bp (2007: 52bp).

In the retail portfolios, impairment charges on loans and advances rose 45% (£728m) to £2,333(2007: £1,605m), principally as a consequence of increased impairment in the international portfolios, whilst gross loans and advances increased 24% to £201,588(31st December 2007: £162,081m). The retail loan loss rate increased to 116bp (2007: 99bp).

Impairment allowances increased 74% to £6,574m (31st December 2007: £3,772m). The Group's CRL coverage ratio increased to 41.9% (31st December 2007: 39.1%). The most significant drivers were higher coverage of ABS CDO super senior CRLs, offset by an increase in CRLs in well-secured home loan portfolios, and in the general corporate portfolio where the recovered outlook is relatively high, and increased early-cycle delinquent balances in retail unsecured portfolios. The Group's PCRL coverage ratio also increased to 36.2% (31st December 2007: 33.0%), see page 72 for more detail.

  


Wholesale Credit Risk 

Gross loans and advances to wholesale customers and banks grew 38% to £314,508(31st December 2007: £227,209m), largely due to Barclays Capital where loans and advances increased £72,514m (53%). 

Credit Risk Loans (CRLsrose 59% to £8,192(31st December 2007: £5,157m). As a percentage of gross loans and advances, CRLs increased 13% to 2.6% (31st December 2007: 2.3%). CRL balances were higher in all businesses, reflecting the downturn in economic conditions, with some deterioration across default grades, higher levels of Early Warning List balances and a rise in impairment and loan loss rates in most wholesale portfolios. The largest rises were in Barclays Capital and GRCB Western Europe. 

Impairment charges on loans and advances rose 119% (£1,403m) to £2,580(31st December 2007: £1,177m), primarily in Barclays Capital, although all other businesses were higher than the previous year. Impairment in Barclays Commercial Bank rose in both the Larger and Medium Business divisions. Deterioration in the Spanish commercial and residential property markets led to higher impairment in GRCB Western Europe, while in GRCB Absa, wholesale credit impairment began to rise from a low base and credit indicators began to show deterioration. The loan loss rate on the wholesale and corporate portfolio rose to 82bp (2007: 52bp).

In the wholesale and corporate portfolios impairment allowances increased 116% to £2,835(31st December 2007: £1,312m). 

Wholesale Loans and Advances to Customers and Banks


As at 31.12.08

Gross Loans and Advances

Impairment
Allowance

Loans and Advances Net of Impairment


Credit Risk Loans

CRLs % of Gross Loans and Advances

Impairment Charge


Loan Loss 
Rates

 

£m

£m

£m


£m

%

£m


bp

BCB

68,904

504

68,400


1,181

1.7%

414


60

Barclaycard

301

2

299


20

6.6%

11


365

GRCB WE

15,432

232

15,200


578

3.7%

125


81

GRCB EM

7,551

122

7,429


191

2.5%

36


48

GRCB Absa

8,648

140

8,508


304

3.5%

19


22

Barclays Capital

208,596

1,796

206,800


5,743

2.8%

1,936


93

BGI

834

-

834


-

-

-


-

Barclays Wealth

3,282

28

3,254


174

5.3%

28


85

Head Office

960

11

949


1

0.1%

11


115

Total

314,508

2,835

311,673


8,192

2.6%

2,580


82











As at 31.12.07

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

BCB

65,535

483

65,052


956

1.5%

292


45

Barclaycard

295

3

292


17

5.8%

9


305

GRCB WE

10,927

63

10,864


93

0.9%

19


17

GRCB EM

4,833

79

4,754


119

2.5%

10


21

GRCB Absa

5,321

112

5,209


97

1.8%

11


21

Barclays Capital

136,082

514

135,568


3,791

2.8%

833


61

BGI

211

-

211


-

-

-


-

Barclays Wealth

2,745

7

2,738


47

1.7%

-


-

Head Office

1,260

51

1,209


37

2.9%

3


24

Total

227,209

1,312

225,897


5,157

2.3%

1,177


52


  


Barclays largest corporate loan portfolios continue to be in Barclays Capital and Barclays Commercial Bank. Barclays Capital's corporate loan book grew 43% to £72,796m, driven by the decline in the value of Sterling relative to other currencies as well as draw downs on existing loan facilities and the extension of new loans at current terms to financial and manufacturing institutions. Loans and advances at amortised cost grew 5% in Barclays Commercial Bank and was focused in lower-risk portfolios in Larger Business.

Portfolio growth rates were higher in the international businesses, where GRCB's wholesale portfolios in Western Europe, Emerging Markets and Absa grew by 40%, 56% and 63%, respectively.

Analysis of Wholesale Loans and Advances Net of Impairment Allowances



Corporate


Government


Settlement Balances & Cash Collateral


Other
Wholesale


Total
Wholesale

Wholesale

2008

2007


2008

2007


2008

2007


2008

2007


2008

2007

 

£m

£m


£m

£m


£m

£m


£m

£m


£m

£m

BCB

67,741

64,773


659

279


-

-


-

-


68,400

65,052

Barclaycard

299

292


-

-


-

-


-

-


299

292

GRCB WE

15,017

10,721


32

4


-

-


151

139


15,200

10,864

GRCB EM

5,283

3,276


1,709

1,193


-

-


437

285


7,429

4,754

GRCB Absa

8,480

5,204


28

5


-

-


-

-


8,508

5,209

Barclays Capital

72,796

51,038


3,760

1,220


79,418

46,639


50,826

36,671


206,800

135,568

BGI

834

211


-

-


-

-


-

-


834

211

Barclays Wealth

3,254

2,738


-

-


-

-


-

-


3,254

2,738

Head Office

949

1,209


-

-


-

-


-

-


949

1,209

Total

174,653

139,462


6,188

2,701


79,418

46,639


51,414

37,095


311,673

225,897


  


Analysis of Barclays Capital Wholesale Loans and Advances Net of Impairment Allowances

As at 31.12.08

Gross
Loans &

Advances

Impairment Allowance

Loans and Advances Net of Impairment

Credit
Risk

Loans

CRLs %
of Gross

Loans &

Advances


Impairment
Charge


Loan Loss 
Rates

Loans & Advances Bank

£m

£m

£m

£m

%


£m


bp

Cash collateral & settlement balances

19,264

-

19,264

-

-


-


-

Interbank lending

24,086

51

24,035

48

0.2%


40


17

Loans & Advances to Customers










Corporate lending

77,042

486

76,556

1,100

1.4%


305


40

ABS CDO Super Senior

4,117

1,013

3,104

4,117

100.0%


1,383


3,359

Other wholesale lending

23,933

246

23,687

478

2.0%


208


87

Cash collateral and settlement balances

60,154

-

60,154

-

-


-


-

Total

208,596

1,796

206,800

5,743

 2.8%


1,936


93

Barclays Capital wholesale loans and advances increased 53% to £208,596m (2007: £136,082m). This was driven by a decline in the value of Sterling relative to other currencies, increased drawdowns on existing corporate lending facilities and the extension of new loans to corporate clients at current terms. Additionally, continuing market volatility resulted in increased cash collateral being placed with clients relating to OTC derivatives. 

The corporate lending portfolio, including leveraged finance, increased 47% to £76,556m (2007: £52,258) primarily due to draw downs on existing loan facilities and the extension of new loans at current terms to financial and manufacturing institutions. 

Included within corporate lending and other wholesale lending portfolios are £7,674m of loans backed by retail mortgage collateral.

Barclays Capital Loans and Advances Held at Fair Value

Barclays Capital loans and advances held at fair value were £19,630m (2007: £18,259m). These assets are primarily made up of US RMBS whole loans and commercial real estate loans, £14,429m of which is discussed within the credit market exposures.

  


Analysis of Barclays Commercial Bank Loans and Advances

The tables below analyses the industry split of Barclays Commercial Bank loans and advances after impairment allowance of £504m. The loan book consists of both loans and advances held at amortised cost and loans and advances held at fair value.

Loans and Advances to Banks at Amortised Cost



Total

 

 

 

£m

Financial institutions services



867

Total

 

 

867





Loans and Advances to Customers at Amortised Cost



Total

 

 

 

£m

Business and other services



16,611

Construction



3,974

Energy and water



1,112

Financial institutions and services



6,427

Finance Lease receivables



6,644

Manufacturing



8,378

Postal and communications



1,303

Property



8,985

Transport



2,014

Wholesale and retail distribution and leisure



11,426

Government



659

Total

 

 

67,533


Loans and Advances Held at Fair Value



Total

 

 

 

£m

Business and other services



535

Construction



39

Financial institutions and services



32

Property



7,366

Government



4,994

Total

 

 

12,966

Loans and advances held at fair value were £12,966m as at 31st December 2008. Of these, £12,360m related to Government, Local Authority and Social Housing. Fair value exceeds amortised cost by £3,018m. Fair value is calculated using a valuation model with reference to observable market inputs and is matched by offsetting fair value movements on hedging instruments. The underlying nominal portfolio increased 47% in 2008.

Property balances within loans and advances at amortised cost and held at fair value totalled £16,351m, of which £8,795m related to social housing.

The weighted average of the drawn balance loss given default, for all of the above loans and advances, is 31%.

  


Barclays Commercial Bank Financial Sponsor Leveraged Finance

As at 31st December 2008, the exposure relating to Financial Sponsor related leveraged finance loans in Barclays Commercial Bank was £2,445m, of which £1,875m related to drawn amounts recorded in loans and advances.

Leveraged Finance Exposure by Region



As at 31.12.08

 

 

 

£m

UK



2,111

Europe



323

Other



11

Total lending and commitments

 

 

2,445

Underwriting



28

Total exposure

 

 

2,473

The industry classification of the exposure was as follows:

Leveraged Finance Exposure by Industry - As at 31.12.08

Drawn

Undrawn

Total


£m

£m

£m

Business and other services

1,083

288

1,371

Construction

12

5

17

Energy and water

43

17

60

Financial institutions and services

58

10

68

Manufacturing

307

130

437

Postal and communications

35

2

37

Property

26

5

31

Transport

14

43

57

Wholesale and retail distribution and leisure

297

70

367

Total exposure

1,875

570

2,445

  


Retail Credit Risk 

Gross Loans and Advances to retail customers grew 24% to £201,588m (31st December 2007: £162,081m). The principal drivers were GRCB Western Europe, UK Retail Banking, and Barclaycard. The GRCB Western Europe retail portfolio grew by £14,436(59%) to £38,918m, largely driven by Home Loans in Spain and Italyand the appreciation in the value of the Euro against Sterling. The UK Retail Banking portfolio increased by £12,319(15%) to £96,083m, primarily driven by UK Home Loans. The Barclaycard Retail portfolios grew by £8,866m (43%) to £29,390m, with growth across the USUK and Western European card portfolios.

Credit Risk Loans rose 67% to £7,508m (31st December 2007: £4,484m). As a percentage of gross loans and advances, Credit Risk Loans increased to 3.7% (31st December 2007: 2.8%). CRL balances were higher in all businesses as credit conditions deteriorated across Barclays areas of operations. The most notable increases were in the international businesses in GRCB, particularly Absa. 

Impairment charges on loans and advances increased 45% (£728m) to £2,333(2007: £1,605m), mainly due to adverse performances in the international portfolios, partially offset by improvement in some UK portfolios. Impairment charges on loans and advances as a percentage of period-end retail loans and advances ('loan loss rate') increased to 116bp (2007: 99bp).

Impairment allowances increased 52% to £3,739(31st December 2007: £2,460m). The CRL coverage ratio decreased to 49.8% (31st December 2007: 54.9%). The PCRL coverage ratio also decreased to 46.7% (31st December 2007: 49.4%).

Retail Loans and Advances to Customers Net of Impairment Allowances

As at 31.12.08

Gross Loans
& Advances

Impairment
Allowance

Loans & Advances Net of Impairment


Credit Risk Loans

CRLs % of Gross Loans & Advances

Impairment Charge


Loan Loss 
Rates


£m

£m

£m


£m

%

£m


bp

UKRB

96,083

1,134

94,949


2,403

2.5%

602


63

Barclaycard

29,390

1,677

27,713


2,566

8.7%

1,086


370

GRCB WE

38,918

302

38,616


794

2.0%

171


44

GRCB EM

4,083

191

3,892


179

4.4%

130


318

GRCB Absa

24,677

411

24,266


1,518

6.2%

328


133

Barclays Wealth

8,437

24

8,413


48

0.6%

16


19

Total

201,588

3,739

197,849


7,508

3.7%

2,333


116











As at 31.12.07










UKRB

83,764

1,005

82,759


2,063

2.5%

559


67

Barclaycard

20,524

1,093

19,431


1,601

7.8%

818


399

GRCB WE

24,482

81

24,401


250

1.0%

57


23

GRCB EM

1,881

44

1,837


67

3.6%

29


154

GRCB Absa

24,994

235

24,759


499

2.0%

135


54

Barclays Wealth

6,436

2

6,434


4

0.1%

7


11

Total

162,081

2,460

159,621


4,484

2.8%

1,605


99

  


Total home loans to retail customers grew by 27% to £135,077m, driven by the 58% rise in GRCB - Western Europe, reflecting currency movements and book growth. The UK home finance portfolios within UK Retail Banking grew 18% to £82,303m (31st December 2007: £69,805m).

Unsecured retail credit (credit card and unsecured loans) portfolios grew 43% to £38,856m, (31st December 2007: £27,256m), principally as a result of growth in Barclaycard US and GRCB - Western Europe as well as the acquisition of Goldfish in the UK.

Analysis of Retail Loans and Advances Net of Impairment Allowances


Home Loans


Cards and Unsecured Loans


Other Retail


Total Retail


2008

2007


2008

2007


2008

2007


2008

2007


£m

£m


£m

£m


£m

£m


£m

£m

UKRB

82,303 

69,805 


8,294 

8,297 


4,352 

4,657 


94,949 

82,759 

Barclaycard


23,224 

14,930 


4,489 

4,501 


27,713 

19,431 

GRCB WE

33,760 

21,393 


4,395

2,660 


461 

348 


38,616 

24,401 

GRCB EM

603 

285 


2,900 

1,369 


389 

183 


3,892 

1,837 

GRCB Absa

18,411 

15,136 


43 


5,812 

9,623 


24,266 

24,759 

Barclays Wealth



8,413 

6,434 


8,413 

6,434 

Total

135,077 

106,619 


38,856 

27,256 


23,916 

25,746 


197,849 

159,621 

  


Home Loans

The Group's principal home loans portfolios continue to be in the UK Retail Banking Home Finance business (61% of the Group's total), GRCB - Western Europe (25%) primarily Spain, and South Africa (14%). During the year, the Group managed the risk profile of these portfolios by strengthening underwriting criteria and reducing the maximum loan to value (LTV) ratios, with greater discrimination between purchases and remortgages and, within the UK buy to let (BTL) segment, between portfolio customers and single property investors.

Credit quality of the principal Home Loan portfolios reflected relatively low levels of high LTV lending. Using current valuations, the LTV of the portfolios as at 31st December 2008 was 40% for UK Home Finance, 48% for Spain and 41% for South Africa. The average LTV for new mortgage business during 2008 at origination was 47% for UK Home Finance, 63% for Spain and 58% for South Africa. The percentage of balances with an LTV of over 85% based on current values was 10% for UK Home Finance, 5% for Spain and 25% for South Africa. In the UK, BTL mortgages comprised 6.8% the total stock.

Impairment charges rose across the home loans portfolios, reflecting the impact of lower house prices as well as some increase in arrears rates. Three-month arrears as at 31st December 2008 were 0.91% for UK mortgages, 0.76% for Spain and 2.11% for South AfricaTo support the Group's risk profile, we increased collections staff across the businesses and improved operational practices to boost effectiveness.

Home Loans - Distribution of Balances by Loan to Value (Current Valuations)1


UK

Spain

South Africa


2008

2007

2008

2007

2008

2007

 

%

%

%

%

%

%

<= 75%

78.2%

90.1%

86.7%

92.2%

60.5%

68.6%

> 75% & <= 80%

6.1%

4.7%

4.8%

4.2%

7.5%

7.2%

> 80% & <= 85%

5.5%

2.5%

3.7%

1.6%

7.2%

7.1%

> 85% & <= 90%

4.5%

1.5%

1.6%

0.7%

7.6%

5.9%

> 90% & <= 95%

2.5%

0.9%

1.3%

0.6%

6.7%

6.1%

> 95%

3.1%

0.3%

1.9%

0.7%

10.5%

5.1%








MTM LTV %

40%

34%

48%

45%

41%

38%

Avg. LTV on New Mortgages

47%

49%

63%

63%

58%

59%

Home Loans - Three-Month Arrears2


As at
31.12.08

As at
30.06.08

As at
31.12.07


%

%

%

UK

0.91%

0.70%

0.63%

Spain

0.76%

0.46%

0.24%

South Africa

2.11%

0.96%

0.25%




1    Based on the following portfolios: UK: UKRB Residential Mortgage and Buy to Let portfolios Spain: GRCB Western Europe Spanish retail home finance portfolio South Africa: GRCB Absa retail home finance portfolio.

2    Defined as total 90 day + delinquent balances as a percentage of outstandings.

  


Credit Cards and Unsecured Loans

The Group's largest card and unsecured loan portfolios are in the UK (47% of Group total). The US accounts for 19%, where Barclaycard's portfolio is largely Prime credit quality (FICO score of 660 or more). To address the impact of economic deterioration and the impact of weaker labour markets on the unsecured portfolios in 2008, the Group used a range of measures to improve new customer quality and control the risk profile of existing customers. 

In the UK Cards portfolio, initial credit lines were made more conservative, followed by selective credit limit increases using more accurately assessed customer behaviour. The overall number of credit limit increases were reduced by strengthening qualification criteria and a proportion of higher-risk dormant accounts were closed. Arrears rates in the UK Cards portfolio fell slightly during the year, reflecting measures taken to improve customer quality in 2007 and 2008. Repayment Plan balances grew to support government initiatives to supply relief to customers experiencing financial difficulty. Payment rates in repayment plans remained relatively stable.

As a percentage of the portfolio, three-month arrears rates rose during 2008 to 1.87% for UK Loans and 2.15% for US Cards. The rate reduced to 1.28% at UK Cards.

Unsecured Lending 3 Month Arrears1


As at
31.12.08

As at
30.06.08

As at
31.12.07


%

%

%

UK Cards2

1.28%

1.36%

1.36%

UK Loans3

1.87%

1.40%

1.35%

US Cards4

2.15%

2.08%

1.83%


 



    Defined as total 90 day + delinquent balances as a percentage of outstandings. Excludes legal and repayment plans.

2    UK Cards now based on Barclaycard branded cards, excluding Goldfish.

3    UK Loans based on Barclayloan.

4    Excludes Business Card and US Airways portfolios.

  


Impairment Charges and Other Credit Provisions


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07

 

 £m 

 £m 

UK Retail Banking

602

559

Barclays Commercial Bank

414

292

Barclaycard

1,097

827

GRCB - Western Europe

296

76

GRCB - Emerging Markets

166

39

GRCB - Absa

347

146

Barclays Capital

419

64

Barclays Wealth

44

7

Head Office Functions & Other Operations

11

3

Group Total

3,396

2,013

ABS CDO Sub-Prime & Other Credit Market Provisions

1,763

782

Group Total (Including ABS CDO)

5,159

2,795

Other AFS Assets & Reverse Repos

260

-

Group Total (Including ABS CDO & AFS/Reverse Repos)

5,419

2,795

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

Impairment charges in UK Retail Banking increased £43m to £602m (2007: £559m), reflecting growth in the book and deteriorating economic conditions. In UK Home Finance, whilst 3 month arrears increased from 0.63% to 0.91%, the quality of the book and conservative loan to value ratios meant that the impairment charges and amounts charged off remained low at £24m (2007: £3m release). Impairment charges in Consumer Lending increased 3% reflecting the current economic environment and loan growth.

The impairment charge in Barclays Commercial Bank increased £122m to £414m (2007: £292m), primarily reflecting higher impairment losses in Larger Business, particularly in the final quarter as the UK corporate credit environment deteriorated. 

The impairment charge in Barclaycard increased £270(33%) to £1,097m (2007: £827m) reflecting higher charges in Barclaycard International portfolios, particularly Barclaycard US which was driven by loan growth, rising delinquency due to deteriorating economic conditions and exchange rate movements; and £68m from the inclusion of Goldfish. These factors were partially offset by lower charges in UK Cards and secured consumer lending.

Impairment charges in GRCB - Western Europe increased £220m to £296m (2007: £76m) principally due to deteriorating economic trends and asset growth in Spain, where there were higher charges in the commercial portfolios as a consequence of the slowdown in the property and construction sectors. In addition higher household indebtedness and rising unemployment has driven up delinquency and charge-offs in the personal sector. 

Impairment charges in GRCB - Emerging Markets increased £127m to £166m (2007: £39m), reflecting: weakening credit conditions which adversely impacted delinquency trends in the majority of the retail portfolios; asset growth, particularly in India; and increased wholesale impairment in Africa.

Impairment charges in GRCB - Absa increased £201m to £347m (2007: £146m) as a result of rising delinquency levels in the retail portfolios, which have been impacted by rising interest and inflation rates and increasing consumer indebtedness.

  


Investment Banking and Investment Management

Barclays Capital impairment charges of £2,423m (2007: £846m) included a charge of £1,763m (2007: £782m) against ABS CDO Super Senior and other credit market positions. Further impairment charges of £241m were incurred in respect of available for sale assets and reverse repos (2007: nil). Other impairment charges increased £355m to £419(2007: £64m) and primarily related to charges in the private equity and other loans business.

The impairment charge in Barclays Wealth increased £37m to £44m (2007: £7m) from a very low base. This increase reflected both the substantial increase in the loan book over the last three years and the impact of the current economic environment on client liquidity and collateral values. 

The impairment charge In Head Office Functions and Other Operations increased £8to £11(2007: £3m) mainly reflecting losses on Floating Rate Notes held for hedging purposes. An additional £19m (2007: nil) of impairment charges were incurred on available for sale assets.

  


Potential Credit Risk Loans and Coverage Ratios



CRLs


PPLs


PCRLS

 

31.12.08

31.12.07


31.12.08

31.12.07


31.12.08

31.12.07

Retail Secured

2,783

1,474


280

317


3,063

1,791

Retail Unsecured and other

4,725

3,010


217

183


4,942

3,193

Retail

7,508

4,484


497

500


8,005

4,984










Corporate/Wholesale (excl ABS)

4,075

1,813


1,959

496


6,034

2,309

Group (excl ABS)

11,583

6,297


2,456

996


14,039

7,293










ABS CDO Super Senior

4,117

3,344


-

801


4,117

4,145

Group

15,700

9,641


2,456

1,797


18,156

11,438











Impairment Allowance


CRL Coverage


PCRL Coverage


31.12.08

31.12.07


31.12.08

31.12.07


31.12.08

31.12.07

Retail Secured

561

320


20.2%

21.7%


18.3%

17.9%

Retail Unsecured and other

3,178

2,140


67.3%

71.1%


64.3%

67.0%

Retail

3,739

2,460


49.8%

54.9%


46.7%

49.4%










Corporate/Wholesale (excl ABS)

1,822

1,022


44.7%

56.4%


30.2%

44.3%

Group (excl ABS)

5,561

3,482


48.0%

55.3%


39.6%

47.7%










ABS CDO Super Senior

1,013

290


24.6%

8.7%


24.6%

7.0%

Group

6,574

3,772


41.9%

39.1%


36.2%

33.0%

Credit Risk Loans

Credit risk loans (CRLs) rose 63% to £15,700m (2007: £9,641m). Balances were higher in all businesses as credit conditions deteriorated across Barclays areas of operations and mirrored the overall growth in loans and advances. The most notable increases were in Barclays Capital and the non-UK businesses in Global Retail and Commercial Banking. 

CRLs in retail secured mortgage products increased by £1,309(89%) to £2,783(2007: £1,474m). The key driver was Absa Home Finance where balances increased significantly as a result of higher interest rates and increasing consumer indebtedness. Increases were also seen in UK Home Finance, reflecting weakening UK house prices and the slowing economy, and in Spain, as economic conditions deteriorated. 

CRLs in the unsecured and other retail portfolios increased by £1,715m (57%) to £4,725m (2007: £3,010m). The key drivers for this increase were: Absa, which was impacted by higher interest rates and increasing consumer indebtedness, Barclaycard US, due to deteriorating credit conditions which resulted in rising delinquency rates, asset growth and exchange rate movements, and in Spain, as economic conditions deteriorated and consumer indebtedness increased. 

Corporate/Wholesale CRLs, excluding ABS CDO Super Senior positions, increased by £2,262m (125%) to £4,075m (2007: £1,813m). The key drivers were in Barclays Capital, following a number credit downgrades, increasing default probabilities and Spain, primarily due to increases to the property-related names. Balances also increased in Barclays Commercial Bank and Absa Commercial and Banking Business as corporate credit conditions deteriorated, particularly in the last quarter of 2008. 

CRLs on ABS CDO Super Senior positions increased £773m (23%) to £4,117m (2007: £3,344m). The majority of this increase resulted from a migration of assets, totalling £801m, from potential problem loans (PPLs) to CRLs.

  


Potential Problem Loans

Balances within the Group's potential problem loans (PPLs) category rose by £659to £2,456(31st December 2007: £1,797m). The principal movements were in the corporate and wholesale portfolios, where PPLs rose £1,463to £1,959m (31st December 2007: £496m) as credit conditions deteriorated. This rise was offset by a fall in PPLs relating to ABS CDO positions, as those balances moved into the CRL category. Broadly flat PPLs from retail portfolios reflected methodology alignments affecting the South African portfolio which transferred balances of just over £200m previously reported as PPLs to CRLs. This was offset by rises in UK Retail Banking, GRCB Western Europe and GRCB Emerging Markets.

Potential Credit Risk Loans

Combining CRLs and PPLs, total potential credit risk loans (PCRL) balances in the corporate and wholesale portfolios increased by 161% to £6,034m (31st December 2007: £2,309m) as a number of names migrated into the CRL and PPL categories, reflecting higher default probabilities in the deteriorating global wholesale environment. PCRLs relating to ABS CDO positions remained stable at £4,117(31st December 2007: £4,145m).

Total retail PCRLs balances increased 61% to £8,005(31st December 2007: £4,984m) as delinquency rates rose across a number of secured and unsecured portfolios following a deterioration in credit conditions, particularly in the UK, US, Spain and South Africa. 

Group PCRL balances rose 59% to £18,156m (31st December 2007: £11,438m). Excluding ABS CDO Super Senior positions, PCRLs increased 92% to £14,039m (31st December 2007: £7,293m). 

Impairment Allowances and Coverage Ratios

Impairment allowances increased 74% to £6,574m (31st December 2007: £3,772m). Excluding ABS CDO Super Senior positions, allowances increased by 60% to £5,561(31st December 2007: £3,482m). Allowances increased in all businesses as credit conditions deteriorated, but most notably in Barclays Capital and GRCB international businesses.

Reflecting this 74% rise in impairment allowance compared with the 63% rise in total CRLs, the Group's CRL coverage ratio rose to 41.9% (31st December 2007: 39.1%). Coverage ratios for PCRLs also rose, to 36.2% (31st December 2007: 33.0%). 

The largest driver for these increases was the near four-fold increase in the impairment held against ABS CDO Super Senior positions as the LGD of these assets increased. 

Allowance coverage ratios of CRLs and PCRLs excluding the drawn ABS CDO Super Senior positions decreased to 48.0% (31st December 2007: 55.3%) and 39.6% (31st December 2007: 47.7%), respectively. These movements in coverage ratios reflected:

An increase in CRLs and PCRLs in the well-secured home loan portfolios.

Higher CRLs and PCRLs in the corporate sector, where the recovery outlook is relatively high.

Increased early-cycle delinquent balances in the retail unsecured portfolios, as credit conditions worsened. These earlier-cycle balances, which tend to attract relatively lower impairment requirements, have increased as a proportion of the total delinquent balances. 

The decrease in the PCRL coverage ratio, excluding the drawn ABS CDO Super Senior positions, was also driven by the overall increase in the PPLs as a proportion of total PCRLs. Since, by definition, PPLs attract lower levels of impairment than CRLs, a higher proportion of PPLs in total PCRLs will tend to lower the overall coverage ratio.

  


Risk Tendency

Risk tendency is a statistical estimate of average expected loss levels for a rolling 12-month period based on averages in the range of possible losses expected, differing from impairment where there must be objective evidence of incurred impairment as at the balance sheet date, and applies to credit exposures not reported as credit risk loans.

Since Risk Tendency and impairment allowances are calculated for different parts of the portfolio, for different purposes and on different bases, Risk Tendency does not predict loan impairment. Risk Tendency is provided to present a view of the evolution of the quality of the credit portfolios.

Risk Tendency

Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07

 

 £m 

 £m 

UK Retail Banking

520

470

Barclays Commercial Bank

400

305

Barclaycard

1,475

955

GRCB - Western Europe

270

135

GRCB - Emerging Markets

350

140

GRCB - Absa

255

190

Barclays Capital

415

140

Barclays Wealth

20

10

Head Office Functions & Other Operations 

5

10

Group total

3,710

2,355

Risk Tendency increased 58% (£1,355m) to £3,710m (31st December 2007: £2,355m), compared with 32% growth in the Group's loans and advances balances. This was reflective of the higher credit risk profile, weakening credit conditions across our main businesses, and changing mix, as a consequence of planned growth, in a number of businesses and portfolios. Risk Tendency in 2008 also increased as a result of the weakening of Sterling against a number of other foreign currencies, including the US Dollar and the Euro.

UK Retail Banking Risk Tendency increased £50m to £520m (31st December 2007: £470m). This reflected a higher risk profile in the unsecured and secured loans portfolios, weakening UK credit conditions, and asset growth, primarily in the Home Finance portfolio.

Risk Tendency in Barclays Commercial Bank increased £95m to £400m (31st December 2007: £305m). This reflected the deteriorating UK corporate credit environment and asset growth.

Barclaycard Risk Tendency increased £520m to £1,475m (31st December 2007: £955m) primarily reflecting the inclusion of new business acquisitions (£260m) as well as asset growth, exchange rate movements, and the economic conditions in the US. Risk Tendency in the UK Cards portfolio remained stable as improvements in portfolio quality were offset by deterioration in the UK economic environment. 

Risk Tendency at GRCB - Western Europe increased £135m to £270m (31st December 2007: £135m) principally reflecting weakening credit conditions across Europe, particularly in Spain, asset growth and movements in the Euro/Sterling exchange rate. 

Risk Tendency at GRCB - Emerging Markets increased £210m to £350m (31st December 2007: £140m) reflecting weakening credit conditions across the majority of regions, a change in the risk profile following a broadening of the product offering through new product launches and new market entry in India and UAE, and asset growth. 

Risk Tendency at GRCB - Absa increased £65m to £255m (31st December 2007: £190m) reflecting weakening retail and, to a lesser extent, corporate credit conditions in South Africa and asset growth and movements in the Rand/Sterling exchange rate. 

Risk Tendency in Barclays Capital increased £275m to £415m (31st December 2007: £140m) reflecting credit downgrades and asset growth. The drawn liquidity facilities on ABS CDO Super Senior positions are classified as credit risk loans and therefore no Risk Tendency is calculated on them.

Risk Tendency at Barclays Wealth increased £10m to £20m (31st December 2007: £10m) reflecting a weakening credit risk profile and asset growth.

  


Debt Securities and Other Bills

The following table presents an analysis of the credit quality of debt and similar securities, other than loans held within the Group. Securities rated as investment grade amounted to 91.6% of the portfolio (2007: 88.0%). 

As at 31.12.08

Treasury
and Other

Eligible Bills

Debt
Securities

Total


 

£m

£m

£m

%

AAA to BBB- (investment grade)

7,314

198,493

205,807

91.6%

BB+ to B 

1,233

15,309

16,542

7.4%

B- or lower

-

2,343

2,343

1.0%

Total

8,547

216,145

224,692

100.0%

 





Of Which Issued By: 





- governments and other public bodies

8,547

73,881

82,428

36.7%

US agency

-

34,180

34,180

15.3%

- mortgage and asset-backed securities

-

34,844

34,844

15.5%

- corporate and other issuers

-

55,244

55,244

24.6%

- bank and building society certificates of deposit

-

17,996

17,996

7.9%

Total

8,547

216,145

224,692

100.0%






Of Which Classified As: 





- trading portfolio assets

4,544

148,686

153,230

68.2%

- financial instruments designated at fair value

-

8,628

8,628

3.8%

- available-for-sale securities

4,003

58,831

62,834

28.0%

Total

8,547

216,145

224,692

100.0%






As at 31.12.07

£m

£m

£m

%

AAA to BBB- (investment grade)

4,114

189,794

193,908

88.0%

BB+ to B 

703

24,693

25,396

11.5%

B- or lower

-

1,181

1,181

0.5%

Total

4,817

215,668

220,485

100.0%

 





Of Which Issued By: 





- governments and other public bodies

4,817

63,798

68,615

31.1%

US agency

-

13,956

13,956

6.3%

- mortgage and asset-backed securities

-

28,928

28,928

13.1%

- corporate and other issuers

-

88,207

88,207

40.0%

- bank and building society certificates of deposit

-

20,779

20,779

9.5%

Total

4,817

215,668

220,485

100.0%






Of Which Classified As: 





- trading portfolio assets

2,094

152,778

154,872

70.2%

- financial instruments designated at fair value

-

24,217

24,217

11.0%

- available-for-sale securities

2,723

38,673

41,396

18.8%

Total

4,817

215,668

220,485

100.0%


  


Market Risk

Market Risk is the risk that Barclays earnings or capital, or its ability to meet business objectives, will be adversely affected by changes in the level or volatility of market rates or prices such as interest rates, credit spreads, commodity prices, equity prices and foreign exchange rates. The significant majority of Market Risk exposure is in Barclays Capital.

Measurement and Key Risk Controls

Daily Value at Risk (DVaR) is an important market risk control tool and is measured using the historical simulation method with a two-year unweighted historical period. In 2008, the confidence level was changed to 95% from 98% as an increasing incidence of significant market movements made the existing measure more volatile and less effective for risk management purposes. Switching to 95% made DVaR more stable and consequently improved transparency of the market risk profile. To further improve the control framework, formal daily monitoring of Expected Shortfall (ES) was started. This metric is the average of all the hypothetical losses beyond DVaR.

Other controls, including stress testing and scenario testing, and a large suite of non-DVaR limits such as foreign exchange position limits, option based limits and interest rate delta limits, are also in place. 

Analysis of Barclays Capital's Market Risk Exposure

Barclays Capital's market risk exposure, as measured by average total DVaR (95%), increased by 64% to £53.4m in 2008. This was mainly due to higher market volatility within the credit spread and interest rate DVaRs. The average ES in 2008 was £70.0m, a rise of £34.7m, compared with 2007.

Total DVaR increased significantly in the fourth quarter, mainly due to extreme market volatility following the failure of several financial institutions and a material deterioration in the global economic outlook. Total DVaR (95%) as at 31st December 2008 was £86.6m (31st December 2007: £39.6m) which was within limit. 

On a 98% basis, average total DVaR increased 82% to £76.5m.

The daily average, maximum and minimum values of DVaR, 95% and 98%, were calculated as below:


Year Ended 31.12.08


Year Ended 31.12.07

DVaR (95%)

Average

High1

Low1


Average

High1

Low1

 

£m

£m

£m


£m

£m

£m

Interest rate risk

28.9 

47.8

15.1


15.3 

26.5

10.0

Credit spread risk

31.1 

71.7

15.4


17.3 

28.0

10.8

Commodity risk

18.1 

25.4

12.5


15.3 

19.0

10.7

Equity risk

9.1 

21.0

4.8


8.0 

12.1

4.5

Foreign exchange risk

5.9 

13.0

2.1


3.8 

7.2

2.1

Diversification effect

(39.7)

 

 


(27.2)



Total DVaR

53.4 

95.2 

35.5 


32.5 

40.9

25.2










Year Ended 31.12.08


Year Ended 31.12.07

DVaR (98%)

Average

High1

Low1


Average

High1

Low1


£m

£m

£m


£m

£m

£m

Interest rate risk

45.0 

80.9

21.0


20.0 

33.3

12.6

Credit spread risk

54.0 

143.4

30.1


24.9 

43.3

14.6

Commodity risk

23.9 

39.6

16.5


20.2 

27.2

14.8

Equity risk 

12.8 

28.9

6.7


11.2 

17.6

7.3

Foreign exchange risk

8.1 

21.0

2.9


4.9 

9.6

2.9

Diversification effect

(67.3)

 

 


(39.2)



Total DVaR

76.5 

158.8

47.5


42.0 

59.3

33.1


1    The high (and low) DVaR figures reported for each category did not necessarily occur on the same day as the high (and low) DVaR reported as a whole. Consequently a diversification effect number for the high (and low) DVaR figures would not be meaningful and it is therefore omitted from the above table.

  


Liquidity Risk

Barclays has maintained a strong liquidity profile in 2008, sufficient to absorb the impact of a stressed funding environment. We have access to a substantial pool of liquidity both in secured markets and from unsecured depositors including numerous foreign governments and central banks. In addition our limited reliance on securitisations as a source of funding has meant that the uncertainty in securitisation markets has not impacted our liquidity risk profile.

Whilst funding markets have been extremely difficult in the past six months, and particularly since September 2008, Barclays has been able to increase available liquidity, extend the term of unsecured liabilities, and reduce reliance on unsecured funding. Barclays has participated in various government and central bank liquidity facilities, both to aid central banks implementation of monetary policy and support central bank initiatives, where participation has enabled the lengthening of the term of our refinancing. These facilities have improved access to term funding, and helped moderate money market rates.

For the Group, loans and advances to customers and banks are more than covered by the combination of customer deposits and longer term debt at 112% at 31st December 2008 (2007: 125%).

Global Retail and Commercial Banking

The sum of liabilities in Global Retail and Commercial BankingBarclays Wealth and Head Office Functions exceeds assets in those businesses. As a result they have no reliance on wholesale funding. The balance sheet is modelled to reflect behavioural experience in both assets and liabilities, and is managed to maintain a positive cash profile. 

Expected Net Cash Inflows (Outflows) on Behavioural Basis


Up to 1yr

1-3yr

3-5yrs

Over 5yrs



£bn

£bn

£bn

£bn

As at 31.12.08

 

20

34

14

(95)

Throughout 2008 GRCB has continued to grow the amount of deposits despite competitive pressures.

GRCB Deposit Balances

As at
31.12.06

As at
31.06.07

As at
31.12.07

As at
31.06.08

As at
31.12.08


£bn

£bn

£bn

£bn

£bn

Total customer deposits

190

200

211

218

235

Barclays Capital

Barclays Capital manages liquidity to be self-funding through wholesale sources, managing access to liquidity to ensure that potential cash outflows in a stressed environment are covered.

Funding reliability is maintained by accessing a wide variety of investors and geographies and by building and maintaining strong relationships with these providers of liquidity.


Wholesale Depositor Split By Counterparty Type


Asset Managers

Banks

Corporates

Money
Funds

Govts

Central
Banks



%

%

%

%

%

%

As at 31.12.08

 

30%

23%

4%

27%

11%

5%









Wholesale Depositor Split By Geography

North
America

UK

Europe

Japan

Far East
(excl 
Japan)

Emerging Markets

Supra-
National


%

%

%

%

%

%

%

As at 31.12.08

44%

14%

22%

9%

3%

7%

1%

Unsecured Funding

Additionally, unsecured funding is managed within specific term limits. The term of unsecured liabilities has been extended, with average life improving by 5 months from 8 months at the end of December 2007 to 13 months at the end of December 2008

Our capital markets debt issuance includes issues of senior and subordinated debt in US registered offerings and medium term note programmes and European medium term note programs. Substantially all of our unsecured senior issuance is without covenants that trigger increased cost or accelerate maturity. Furthermore, between September and December 2008 we issued £11bn in government guaranteed debt in maturities of 1 to 3 years.

Barclays funds securities based on liquidity characteristics. Limits are in place for each security asset class reflecting liquidity in the cash and financing markets for these assets. Approximately 85% of assets funded in repurchase and stock loan transactions are fundable within central bank facilities (excluding Bank of England Emergency facilities and the Federal Reserve Primary Dealer Credit Facility).

Liquidity risk to secured funding is also mitigated by: 

      selecting reliable counterparties
      maintaining term financing and by limiting the amount of overnight funding
      limiting overall secured funding usage

Secured Financing by Asset Class (% of Total Secured Funding)1


Govt

Agy

MBS

ABS

Corp

Equity

Other


%

%

%

%

%

%

%

By percentage

45

8

10

6

13

7

11

Scenario Analysis and Stress Testing

Substantial resources are maintained to offset maturing deposits and debt. These readily available assets are sufficient to absorb stress level losses of liquidity from unsecured as well as contingent cash outflows, such as collateral requirements on ratings downgrades. The sources of liquidity and contingent liquidity are from a wide variety of sources, including deposits held with central banks and unencumbered securities.

Sources of Readily Available Contingent Liquidity



Deposits with
Central Banks

Deposits
with 
Other
 Financial

 Institutions

Government
Guaranteed

Issuance

Collateral
Eligible

for 
Repo

Other
Contingent

Liquidity


%

%

%

%

%

By percentage

39

7

13

37

4

In addition, Barclays maintains significant pools of securitisable assets.

 




1    MBS includes only agency mortgages. ABS includes private label issuance of residential mortgage backed securities.

  Capital and Performance Management


Total Assets by Business


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07

 

£m 

£m 

UK Retail Banking

101,384

88,477

Barclays Commercial Bank

84,029

74,566

Barclaycard

30,925

22,121

GRCB - Western Europe 

64,732

43,702

GRCB - Emerging Markets 

14,653

9,188

GRCB - Absa

40,391

36,368

Barclays Capital

1,629,117

839,850

Barclays Global Investors

71,340

89,218

Barclays Wealth

13,263

18,188

Head Office Functions and Other Operations 

3,146

5,683

Total assets

2,052,980

1,227,361

Risk Weighted Assets by Business


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07
1


Basel II

Basel II


£m 

£m

UK Retail Banking

30,491

31,463

Barclays Commercial Bank

63,081

57,040

Barclaycard

27,316

20,199

GRCB - Western Europe 

36,480

24,971

GRCB - Emerging Markets 

15,080

10,484

GRCB - Absa

18,846

17,829

Barclays Capital

227,448

178,206

Barclays Global Investors

3,910

4,369

Barclays Wealth

10,300

8,216

Head Office Functions and Other Operations 

350

1,101

Total risk weighted assets

433,302

353,878

Risk Weighted Assets by Risk


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


Basel II

Basel II


£m

£m

Credit risk

266,912 

244,474 

Counterparty risk

70,902 

41,203 

Market risk

65,372 

39,812 

Operational risk

30,116 

28,389 

Total risk weighted assets

433,302 

353,878 



 


1    Under the Group's securitisation programme, certain portfolios subject to securitisation or similar risk transfer transaction are adjusted in calculating the Group's risk weighted assets. Previously, for pre-2008 transactions, regulatory capital adjustments were allocated to the business in proportion to their RWAs. From 1st January 2008, the regulatory capital adjustments for all transactions are allocated to the business undertaking the securitisation unless the transaction has been undertaken for the benefit of a cluster of businesses, in which case the regulatory capital adjustments are shared.

  



Capital Resources

As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07

Tier 1

£m

£m

Called up share capital

2,093

1,651

Eligible reserves

31,156

22,939

Minority interests1

13,915

10,551

Tier 1 notes2

1,086

899

Less: intangible assets

(9,964)

(8,191)

Less: deductions from Tier 1 capital

(1,036)

(1,106)

Total qualifying Tier 1 capital

37,250

26,743




Tier 2



Revaluation reserves

26

26

Available for sale-equity gains

122

295

Collectively assessed impairment allowances

1,654

440

Minority interests

607

442

Qualifying Subordinated Liabilities:3

 


Undated loan capital

6,745

3,191

Dated loan capital

14,215

10,578

Less: deductions from Tier 2 capital

(1,036)

(1,106)

Total qualifying Tier 2 capital

22,333

13,866

 



Less: Regulatory Deductions



Investments not consolidated for supervisory purposes

(403)

(633)

Other deductions

(453)

(193)

Total deductions

(856)

(826)


 


Total net capital resources

58,727

39,783




Capital Ratios



Equity Tier 1 ratio5

5.8%

5.1%

Tier 1 ratio

8.6%

7.6%

Risk asset ratio

13.6%

11.2%




Pro Forma Capital Ratios4



Equity Tier 1 ratio5

6.7%


Tier 1 ratio

9.7%


Risk asset ratio

14.4%



 




1    Includes equity minority interests of £1,981m (31st December 2007: £1,608m).

2    Tier 1 notes are included in subordinated liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

3    Subordinated liabilities include excess innovative Tier 1 instruments and are subject to limits laid down in the regulatory requirements.

4    Reflects conversion of Mandatorily Convertible Notes and inclusion of all innovative Tier 1 capital.

5    Equity Tier 1 ratio is defined as the ratio of called-up share capital and eligible reserves plus equity minority interests less intangible assets, to risk weighted assets.

  


Capital Resources

Tier 1 capital increased by £10.5bn during the year, driven by issues of ordinary shares (£5.2bn), other capital issuances (£4.3bn), retained profits (£2.0bn) and exchange rate movements (£3.2bn). These movements were partially offset by an increase in intangible assets (£1.3bn), innovative Tier 1 capital in excess of regulatory limits being reclassified as Tier 2 capital (£1.3bn) and the reversal of gains on own credit, net of tax (£1.2bn).

Tier 2 capital increased by £8.5bn due to issuance of loan capital (£3.6bn) net of redemptions (£1.1bn), inclusion of innovative capital in excess of the Tier 1 limits (£1.3bn), increases in collective impairment (£1.2bn) and exchange rate movements (£3.9bn).

The Mandatorily Convertible Notes (MCNs) issued during the year (£4.1bn) will qualify as equity capital from the date of their conversion, on or before 30 June 2009.

All capital issuance referred to above is stated gross of issue costs.

Basel I Transitional Floor

Barclays commenced calculating capital requirements under the Basel II capital framework from 1st January 2008. The Group manages its businesses and reports capital requirements on a Basel II basis. During the transition period for the adoption of Basel II, banks' capital requirements may not fall below a transitional floor. In 2008 this floor was 90% of adjusted Basel 1 capital requirements. As at 31st December 2008, the Group had additional capital requirements under the transitional floor rules of £1.5bn. The Group's total capital resources of £58.7bn exceeded its capital requirements taking into account the transitional floor by £22.5bn. On 1st January 2009, the transitional floor reduced to 80% of adjusted Basel 1 capital requirements and there were no additional capital requirements resulting from its application.

Reconciliation of Regulatory Capital 

Capital is defined differently for accounting and regulatory purposes. A reconciliation of shareholders' equity for accounting purposes to called up share capital and eligible reserves for regulatory purposes is set out below:


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


Basel II

Basel II


£m

£m

Shareholders' equity excluding minority interests

36,618

23,291

MCNs not yet converted

(3,652)

-

Available for sale reserve

1,190

(154)

Cash flow hedging reserve

(132)

(26)

Adjustments to Retained Earnings

 


Defined benefit pension scheme

849

1,053

Additional companies in regulatory consolidation and non-consolidated companies

(94)

(281)

Foreign exchange on RCIs and upper Tier 2 loan stock

(231)

478

Adjustment for own credit

(1,650)

(461)

Other adjustments

351

690

Called up share capital and eligible reserves for regulatory purposes

33,249

24,590

  


Economic Capital

Barclays assesses capital requirements by measuring the Group's risk profile using both internally and externally developed models. The Group assigns economic capital primarily within seven risk categories: credit risk, market risk, business risk, operational risk, insurance risk, fixed assets and private equity.

The Group regularly reviews its economic capital methodology and benchmarks outputs to external reference points. The framework uses default probabilities during average credit conditions, rather than those prevailing at the balance sheet date, thus seeking to remove cyclicality from the economic capital calculation. The framework also adjusts economic capital to reflect time horizon, correlation of risks and risk concentrations. 

Economic capital is allocated on a consistent basis across all of Barclays businesses and risk activities with allocations reflecting varying levels of risk. A single cost of equity is applied to calculate the cost of risk.

The total average economic capital required by the Group, as determined by risk assessment models and after considering the Group's estimated portfolio effects, is compared with the supply of economic capital to evaluate economic capital utilisation. Supply of economic capital is calculated as the average available shareholders' equity after adjustment and including preference shares.

Economic capital forms the basis of the Group's submission for the Basel II Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP).

  


Economic Capital Demand1


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

UK Retail Banking

3,950

3,400

Barclays Commercial Bank

3,500

3,200

Barclaycard

2,700

2,050

GRCB - Western Europe

1,900

1,250

GRCB - Emerging Markets

1,100

450

GRCB - Absa

1,100

900

Barclays Capital

8,250

5,200

Barclays Global Investors

400

200

Barclays Wealth 

500

500

Head Office Functions and Other Operations2

50

250

Economic Capital requirement (excluding goodwill)

23,450

17,400

Average historic goodwill and intangible assets3

9,450

8,400

Total economic capital requirement4

32,900

25,800

UK Retail Banking economic capital allocation increased £550m to £3,950m (31st December 2007: £3,400m) reflecting mortgage asset growth and movements in benchmark house price indices

Barclays Commercial Bank economic capital allocation increased £300m to £3,500m (31st December 2007: £3,200m) primarily as a consequence of asset growth with some mitigation from portfolio management activity.

Barclaycard economic capital allocation increased £650m to £2,700m (31st December 2007: £2,050m) driven by acquisitions, the redemption of securitisation deals and exposure growth predominantly in the US

GRCB - Western Europe economic capital allocation increased £650m to £1,900m (31st December 2007: £1,250m), primarily reflecting the weakening of Sterling and underlying lending growth.

GRCB - Emerging Markets economic capital allocation increased £650m to £1,100m (31st December 2007: £450m), reflecting broad based retail and wholesale asset growth across the business, especially in India, UAE and the new markets of Russia and Pakistan.

GRCB - Absa economic capital allocation increased £200m to £1,100m (31st December 2007: £900m), reflecting balance sheet growth.

Barclays Capital economic capital allocation increased £3,050m to £8,250m (31st December 2007: £5,200m). This was driven by growth in the investment portfolio, deterioration in credit quality, exposure to drawn leveraged finance underwriting positions and an increase in market volatility.

Barclays Global Investors economic capital allocation increased £200m to £400m (31st December 2007: £200m). This was primarily driven by an increase in the support for selected cash funds and some increase in proprietary investments.

Barclays Wealth economic capital allocation in 2008 remained unchanged at £500m despite strong growth on the balance sheet. This was due to the impact of greater geographical diversification and increased levels of collateralisation.


 





1    Calculated using an adjusted average over the year and rounded to the nearest £50m for presentation purposes. EC demand excludes the EC calculated for pension risk (£650m average EC on 31st December 2008).

2    Includes Transition Businesses and capital for central functional risks.

3    Average goodwill relates to purchased goodwill and intangible assets from business acquisitions. 

4    Total period end economic capital requirement as at 31st December 2008 stood at £39,200 (31st December 2007: £29,650m). 

  


Economic Capital Supply

The capital resources to support economic capital comprise adjusted shareholders' equity including preference shares but excluding other minority interests. Preference shares have been issued to optimise the long-term capital base of the Group.

The capital resources to support economic capital are impacted by a number of factors arising from the application of IFRS and are modified in calculating available funds for economic capital. This applies specifically to:

Cash flow hedging reserve - to the extent that the Group undertakes the hedging of future cash flows, shareholders' equity will include gains and losses which will be offset against the gain or loss on the hedged item when it is recognised in the income statement at the conclusion of the future hedged transaction. Given the future offset of such gains and losses, they are excluded from shareholders' equity when calculating economic capital supply.
Available for sale reserve - unrealised gains and losses on Available for sale securities are included in shareholders' equity until disposal or impairment. Such gains and losses are excluded from shareholders' equity for the purposes of calculating economic capital supply. Realised gains and losses, foreign exchange translation differences and any impairment charges recorded in the income statement will impact economic profit.
Retirement benefits liability - the Group has recorded a net liability with a consequent reduction in shareholders' equity. This represents a non-cash reduction in shareholders' equity. For the purposes of calculating economic capital supply, the Group does not deduct the pension liability from shareholders' equity.
Own credit gains - gains on the fair valuation of notes issued are included in the income statement but are excluded from shareholders’ equity when calculating economic capital supply.
The average supply of capital to support the economic capital framework is set out below1:


Average
2008 

Average
2007 


£m

£m

Shareholders' equity excluding minority interests less goodwill2

17,650

14,150

Retirement benefits liability

1,050

1,150

Cashflow hedging reserve

100

250

Available for sale reserve

400

(150)

Gains on own credit

(1,250)

(100)

Preference shares

5,500

3,700

Available funds for economic capital excluding goodwill

23,450

19,000

Average historic goodwill and intangible assets2

9,450

8,400

Available funds for economic capital including goodwill3

32,900

27,400

In addition, the Group holds other Tier 1 Instruments of £6,829m as at 31st December 2008 (31st December 2007: £4,807m) consisting of Tier 1 notes of £1,086m and reserve capital instruments of £5,743m.

These EC supply figures quoted exclude the £3,652m Mandatorily Convertible Notes that will be converted to equity by June 2009.






1    Averages for the period will not correspond to period-end balances disclosed in the balance sheet. Numbers are rounded to the nearest £50m for presentational purposes only.

2    Average goodwill relates to purchased goodwill and intangible assets from business acquisitions. 

3    Available funds for economic capital as at 31st December 2008 stood at £40,150m (31st December 2007: £29,200m).

  


Economic Profit

Economic profit comprises: 

      Profit after tax and minority interests; less
      Capital charge (average shareholders' equity excluding minority interests multiplied by the Group cost of capital).

The Group cost of capital has been applied at a uniform rate of 10.5%1. The costs of servicing preference shares are included in minority interests, and so preference shares are excluded from average shareholders' equity for economic profit purposes.

The economic profit in 2008 and 2007 is shown below:


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Profit after tax and minority interests

4,382

4,417

Addback of amortisation charged on acquired intangible assets2

254

137

Profit for economic profit purposes

4,636

4,554




Average shareholders' equity excluding minority interests 3,4

17,650

14,150

Adjust for unrealised loss/(gains) on available for sale investments4

400

(150)

Adjust for unrealised loss on cashflow hedge reserve4

100

250

Adjust for gains on own credit

(1,250)

(100)

Add: retirement benefits liability 

1,050

1,150

Goodwill and intangible assets arising on acquisitions4

9,450

8,400

Average shareholders' equity for economic profit purposes3,4

27,400

23,700




Capital charge at 10.5% (2007: 9.5%)

(2,876)

(2,264)




Economic profit

1,760

2,290

 




1    The Group cost of capital changed from 1st January 2008 from 9.5% to 10.5%.

2    Amortisation charged for purchased intangibles, adjusted for tax and minority interests.

3    Average ordinary shareholders' equity for Group economic profit calculation is the sum of adjusted equity and reserves plus goodwill and intangible assets arising on acquisition, but excludes preference shares.

4    Averages for the period will not correspond exactly to period end balances disclosed in the balance sheet. Numbers are rounded to the nearest £50m for presentation purposes only.

  


Economic Profit Generated by Business


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

UK Retail Banking

633 

617 

Barclays Commercial Bank

544 

635 

Barclaycard

335 

213 

GRCB - Western Europe

164 

16 

GRCB - Emerging Markets

(11)

26 

GRCB - Absa

70 

98 

Barclays Capital

825 

1,172 

Barclays Global Investors

289 

430 

Barclays Wealth 

553 

233 

Head Office Functions and Other Operations 

(953)

(470)

 

2,449 

2,970 

Historic goodwill and intangibles arising on acquisition

(989)

(800)

Variance to average shareholders' funds (excluding minority interest)

300 

120 

Economic profit

1,760 

2,290 

Economic profit for the Group decreased 23% (£530m) to £1,760m (2007: £2,290m) due to a decrease of £35m in attributable profit and a £612m increase in the economic capital charge. 

UK Retail Banking economic profit increased 3% (£16m) to £633m (2007: £617m) due to a 7% increase in profit before tax offset by a 10% increase in the economic capital charge reflecting mortgage asset growth and movements in benchmark house price indices.

Barclays Commercial Bank economic profit decreased 14% (£91m) to £544m (2007: £635m) due to a 7% decrease in profit before tax and an 8% increase in the economic capital charge arising from the impact of asset growth.

Barclaycard economic profit increased 57% (£122m) to £335m (2007: £213m), reflecting a 31% increase in profit before tax offset by a 34% increase in the economic capital charge arising from the acquisition of Goldfish cards portfolio, asset growth in Barclaycard US and the redemption of securitisation deals.

GRCB - Western Europe economic profit increased £148m to £164m (2007: £16m), due to a £139m release of a deferred tax liability and a 31% increase in profit before tax, partially offset by a 43% increase in the economic capital charge reflecting asset growth and appreciation of the value of the Euro against Sterling.

GRCB - Emerging Markets economic profit decreased 142% (£37m) to a loss of £11m (2007: profit of £26m) due to a 34% increase in profit before tax being more than offset by a 147% increase in the economic capital charge due to asset growth in the newer markets. 

GRCB - Absa economic profit decreased 29% (£28m) to £70m (2007: £98m) principally due to a 8% decrease in profit before tax.

Barclays Capital economic profit decreased to £825m (2007: £1,172m), due to a 44% decrease in profit before tax and a 57% increase in the economic capital charge driven by growth in the investment portfolio and deterioration in credit quality, exposure to drawn leveraged finance underwriting positions and increase in market volatility.

Barclays Global Investors economic profit decreased 33% (£141m) to £289m (2007: £430m), due to a 19% decrease in profit before tax and a 101% increase in the economic capital charge primarily driven by an increase in the support for the cash funds business and an increase in proprietary investment in funds.

Barclays Wealth economic profit increased 137(£320m) to £553m (2007: £233m), principally due to a 119% increase in profit before tax, mainly due to the £326m gain on the sale of the closed life business.


 

Balances and Margins 

Business net interest income is derived from the interest rate earned on average assets or paid on average liabilities relative to the average Bank of England base rate, local equivalents for international businesses or the rate managed by the bank using derivatives. The margin is expressed as annualised business interest income over the relevant average balance. Asset and liability margins cannot be added together as they are determined relative to the average Bank of England base rate, local equivalent for international businesses or the rate managed by the bank using derivatives. The benefit of capital attributed to these businesses is excluded from the calculation of business margins and business net interest income.

Average balances are calculated on daily averages for most UK banking operations and monthly averages elsewhere.

Within the reconciliation of Group net interest income, there is an amount captured as Other. This relates to the benefit of capital excluded from the business margin calculation, Head Office Functions and Other Operations and net funding on non-customer assets and liabilities.

Business Net Interest Income

Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m 

£m 

UK Retail Banking assets

1,132 

939 

UK Retail Banking liabilities

1,723 

1,763 

Barclays Commercial Bank assets

955 

970 

Barclays Commercial Bank liabilities

700 

693 

Barclaycard assets

1,629 

1,236 

GRCB - Western Europe assets

483 

341 

GRCB - Western Europe liabilities

129 

123 

GRCB - Emerging Markets assets

356 

235 

GRCB - Emerging Markets liabilities

164 

39 

GRCB - Absa assets

774 

686 

GRCB - Absa liabilities

411 

369 

Barclays Wealth assets

101 

82 

Barclays Wealth liabilities

355 

320 

Business net interest income

8,912 

7,796 


Reconciliation of Business Net Interest Income to Group Net Interest Income

Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m 

£m 

Business net interest income

8,912 

7,796 

Other:

 


- Barclays Capital

1,724 

1,179 

- Barclays Global Investors

(38)

(8)

- Other

871 

643 

Group net interest income

11,469 

9,610 

  


 

Business Margins

Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


%

%

UK Retail Banking assets

1.25

1.20

UK Retail Banking liabilities

2.01

2.15

Barclays Commercial Bank assets

1.55

1.80

Barclays Commercial Bank liabilities

1.47

1.49

Barclaycard assets

6.92

6.51

GRCB - Western Europe assets

1.16

1.13

GRCB - Western Europe liabilities

1.24

1.64

GRCB - Emerging Markets assets

4.95

6.62

GRCB - Emerging Markets liabilities

2.17

0.75

GRCB - Absa assets

2.79

2.70

GRCB - Absa liabilities

3.06

3.21

Barclays Wealth assets

1.04

1.11

Barclays Wealth liabilities

0.95

1.03




Average Balances

Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

UK Retail Banking assets

90,263

78,502

UK Retail Banking liabilities

85,892

81,848

Barclays Commercial Bank assets

61,710

53,947

Barclays Commercial Bank liabilities

47,624

46,367

Barclaycard assets

23,552

18,976

GRCB - Western Europe assets

41,540

30,145

GRCB - Western Europe liabilities

10,429

7,489

GRCB - Emerging Markets assets

7,195

3,559

GRCB - Emerging Markets liabilities

7,568

5,115

GRCB - Absa assets

27,706

25,333

GRCB - Absa liabilities

13,454

11,511

Barclays Wealth assets

9,749

7,403

Barclays Wealth liabilities

37,205

31,151


  Accounting Policies


Group Reporting Changes 2008

Barclays announced on 22 July 2008 the impact of certain changes in Group Structure and reporting on the 2007 results. There was no impact on the Group income statement or balance sheet.

The businesses previously managed and reported as International Retail and Commercial Banking - excluding Absa are now reported and managed separately as Global Retail and Commercial Banking - Western Europe and Global Retail and Commercial Banking - Emerging Markets.

Barclays Commercial Bank. The Marine Finance business, previously part of Barclaycard, is now managed and reported within Barclays Commercial Bank.

Barclaycard. The Absa credit card portfolio, previously part of International Retail and Commercial Banking - Absa is now managed and reported within Barclaycard. Certain credit card portfolios previously part of Barclaycard are now managed and reported as part of Global Retail and Commercial Banking - Western Europe. The Marine Finance business, previously part of Barclaycard is now managed and reported within Barclays Commercial Bank.

Global Retail and Commercial Banking - Western Europe. Certain credit card portfolios previously part of Barclaycard are now managed and reported as part of Global Retail and Commercial Banking - Western Europe.

International Retail and Commercial Banking - Absa. This business will be known going forward as Global Retail and Commercial Banking - Absa. The Absa credit card portfolio previously part of Global Retail and Commercial Banking - Absa is now managed and reported within Barclaycard.

Certain expenses, assets and staff previously reported within International Retail and Commercial Banking - excluding Absa have been allocated across UK Retail Banking, Barclays Commercial Bank, Barclaycard, Global Retail and Commercial Banking - Western Europe, Global Retail and Commercial Banking - Emerging Markets and Global Retail and Commercial Banking - Absa.

Certain pension assets and liabilities have been reclassified from Head Office and Other Operations to the other businesses in the Group.

UK Banking which previously reflected UK Retail Banking and Barclays Commercial Bank combined is no longer reported as a separate segment.

The structure remains unchanged for Barclays Capital, Barclays Global Investors, Barclays Wealth and Head Office and Other Operations.

Basis of Preparation

There have been no significant changes to the accounting policies described in the 2007 Annual report except: 

a)   IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ has been adopted as at 1st January 2008. IFRS 8 was issued in November 2006 and excluding early adoption would first be required to be applied to the Group’s accounting period beginning on 1st January 2009. The standard replaces IAS 14 ‘Segmental Reporting’ and aligns operating segmental reporting with segments reported to senior management as well as requiring amendments and additions to the existing segmental reporting disclosures. The standard does not change the recognition, measurement or disclosure of specific transactions in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
b)   Certain financial assets originally classified as held for trading have been reclassified to loans and receivables on 16 December 2008 as set out on page 104. Following the amendment to IAS 39 in October 2008, a non-derivative financial asset held for trading may be transferred out of the fair value through profit or loss category after 1 July 2008 where:
·       In rare circumstances, it is no longer held for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term;or
·       It is no longer held for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term, it would have met the definition of a loan and receivable on initial classification and the Group has the intention and ability to hold it for the foreseeable future or until maturity.

Other than the exceptions, the information in this announcement has been prepared using the accounting policies and presentation applied in 2007.

  Notes


1.    Net Interest Income


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m 

£m

Cash and balances with central banks

174 

145 

Available for sale investments

2,355 

2,580 

Loans and advances to banks 

1,267 

1,416 

Loans and advances to customers

23,754 

19,559 

Other

460 

1,608 

Interest income

28,010 

25,308 




Deposits from banks 

(2,189)

(2,720)

Customer accounts

(6,697)

(4,110)

Debt securities in issue

(5,910)

(6,651)

Subordinated liabilities

(1,349)

(878)

Other

(396)

(1,339)

Interest expense

(16,541)

(15,698)




Net interest income

11,469 

9,610 

Group net interest income increased 19% (£1,859m) to £11,469m (2007: £9,610m) reflecting balance sheet growth across the Global Retail and Commercial Banking businesses and in particular very strong growth internationally driven by expansion of the distribution network and entrance into new markets. An increase in net interest income was also seen in Barclays Capital due to strong results from global loans and money markets.

Group net interest income includes the impact of structural hedges which function to reduce the impact of the volatility of short-term interest rate movements on equity and customer balances that do not re-price with market rates. The contribution of structural hedges relative to average base rates increased income by £117m (2007: £351m expense), largely due to the effect of the structural hedge on changes in interest rates.

2.    Net Fee and Commission Income


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Brokerage fees

87 

109 

Investment management fees

1,616 

1,787 

Securities lending

389 

241 

Banking and credit related fees and commissions

7,208 

6,363 

Foreign exchange commission

189 

178 

Fee and commission income

9,489 

8,678 


 


Fee and commission expense

(1,082)

(970)




Net fee and commission income

8,407 

7,708 

Net fee and commission income increased 9% (£699m) to £8,407m (2007: £7,708m). Banking and credit related fees and commissions increased 13% (£845m) to £7,208m (2007: £6,363m), reflecting growth in Barclaycard International, increased fees from advisory and origination activities in Barclays Capital and increased foreign exchange, derivative and debt fees in Barclays Commercial Bank.

3.    Principal Transactions


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m 

£m

Rates related business

4,751 

4,162 

Credit related business

(3,422)

(403)

Net trading income

1,329 

3,759 




Net gain from disposal of available for sale assets

212 

560 

Dividend income

196 

26 

Net gain from financial instruments designated at fair value

33 

293 

Other investment income

239 

337 

Net investment income

680 

1,216 




Principal transactions

2,009 

4,975 

Principal transactions decreased 60% (£2,966m) to £2,009m (2007: £4,975m).

Net trading income decreased 65% (£2,430m) to £1,329m (2007: £3,759m). The majority of the Group's net trading income arises in Barclays Capital. Growth in the Rates related business reflected growth in fixed income, prime services, foreign exchange, commodities and emerging markets. The Credit related business included net losses from credit market dislocation partially offset by the benefits of widening credit spreads on the fair value of issued notes. 

Net investment income decreased 44% (£536m) to £680m (2007: £1,216m). The cumulative gain from disposal of available for sale assets decreased 62% (£348m) to £212m (2007: £560m) reflecting the lower profits realised on the sale of investments. The £212m gain in 2008 included the £47m gain from sale of shares in MasterCard.

The dividend income increased £170m to £196m (2007: £26m) reflecting the Visa IPO dividend received by Western Europe, Emerging Markets and Barclaycard in the current year. The Absa gain on the Visa IPO of £47m has been recognised in other income. 

Net gain from financial instruments designated at fair value decreased 89% (£260m) to £33m (2007: £293m), driven by the continued decrease in value of assets backing customer liabilities in Barclays Life Assurance; and fair value decreases of a number of investments reflecting the current market condition.

Other investment income decreased 29% (£98m) to £239m (2007: £337m) due to a number of non recurring disposals in the prior year.

4.    Net Premiums from Insurance Contracts


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m 

£m

Gross premiums from insurance contracts

1,138 

1,062 

Premiums ceded to reinsurers

(48)

(51)

Net premiums from insurance contracts

1,090 

1,011 

Net premiums from insurance contracts increased 8% (£79m) to £1,090m (2007: £1,011m), primarily due to expansion in GRCB - Western Europe reflecting a full year's impact of a range of insurance products launched in late 2007, partially offset by lower net premiums following the sale of the closed life assurance book.  

5.    Other Income


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m 

£m

(Decrease)/increase in fair value of assets held in respect
of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

(10,422)

5,592

Decrease/(increase) in liabilities to customers under investment contracts

10,422

(5,592)

Property rentals

73

53

Other income

304

135

 

377

188

Certain asset management products offered to institutional clients by Barclays Global Investors are recognised as investment contracts. Accordingly the invested assets and the related liabilities to investors are held at fair value and changes in those fair values are reported within Other income. Other income in 2008 includes a £47m gain from the Visa IPO.

6.    Net Claims and Benefits Incurred under Insurance Contracts


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m 

£m

Gross claims and benefits incurred under insurance contracts

263 

520 

Reinsurers' share of claims incurred

(26)

(28)

Net claims and benefits incurred under insurance contracts

237 

492 

Net claims and benefits incurred under insurance contracts decreased 52% (£255m) to £237m (2007: £492m) principally due to a decrease in the value of unit linked insurance contracts in Barclays Wealth; explained by falls in equity markets and disposal of the closed life business in October 2008. Partially offsetting these trends is the increase in contract liabilities associated with increased net premiums driven by the growth in GRCB - Western Europe.

7.    Impairment Charges and Other Credit Provisions


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Impairment charges on loans and advances 

4,584 

2,306 

Charges in respect of undrawn facilities and guarantees

329 

476 

Impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions

4,913 

2,782 

Impairment charges on reverse repurchase agreements

124 

Impairment charges on available for sale assets

382 

13 

Impairment charges and other credit provisions

5,419 

2,795 

Impairment charges and other credit provisions on ABS CDO Super Senior and other credit market exposures included above:


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Impairment charges on loans and advances

1,218 

300 

Charges in respect of undrawn facilities and guarantees

299 

469 

Impairment charges on loans and advances and other credit provisions on ABS CDO Super Senior and other credit market exposures

1,517 

769 

Impairment charges on reverse repurchase agreements

54 

Impairment charges on available for sale assets

192 

13 

Impairment charges and other credit provisions on ABS CDO Super Senior and other credit market exposures

1,763 

782 

  8.    Operating Expenses


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Staff costs

7,779 

8,405 

Administrative expenses

5,153 

3,978 

Depreciation 

630 

467 

Impairment loss - property and equipment and intangible assets

30 

16 

Operating lease rentals

520 

414 

Gain on property disposals

(148)

(267)

Amortisation of intangible assets

291 

186 

Impairment of goodwill

111 

Operating expenses 

14,366 

13,199 

Operating expenses increased 9% (£1,167m) to £14,366m (2007: £13,199m). 

Administrative expenses grew 30% (£1,175m) to £5,153m (2007: £3,978m) reflecting the impact of acquisitions (in particular Lehman Brothers North American business and Goldfish), fees associated with Group capital raisings, the cost of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme as well as continued investment in the Global Retail and Commercial Banking distribution network. In addition Barclays Global Investors selective support of liquidity products increased to £263m in the year (2007: £80m).

Operating expenses were reduced by gains from the sale of property of £148m (2007: £267m) as the Group continued the sale and leaseback of some of its freehold portfolio, principally in UK Retail Banking, Barclays Commercial Bank and GRCB - Western Europe.

Amortisation of intangible assets increased 56% (£105m) to £291m (2007: £186m) primarily related to intangible assets arising from the acquisition of Lehman Brothers North American business

Goodwill impairment of £111m reflects the full writedown of £74m relating to EquiFirst, a US non-prime mortgage originator and a partial writedown of £37m relating to FirstPlus following its closure to new business in August 2008.

Staff Costs


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Salaries and accrued incentive payments

6,273 

6,993 

Social security costs

464 

508 

Pension costs

 


- defined contribution plans

237 

141 

- defined benefit plans 

89 

150 

Other post retirement benefits 

1 

10 

Other

715 

603 

Staff costs

7,779 

8,405 

Staff costs decreased 7% (£626m) to £7,779m (2007: £8,405m). Salaries and accrued incentive payments fell overall by 10% (£720m) to £6,273m (2007: £6,993m), after absorbing increases of £718m relating to in year hiring and staff from acquisitions. Performance related costs were 48% lower, driven mainly by Barclays Capital.

Defined benefit plan pension costs decreased 41% (£61m) to £89m (2007: £150m). This was due to recognition of actuarial gains, higher expected return on assets and reduction in past service costs partially offset by higher interest costs and reduction in curtailment credit.

 

Staff Numbers


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07

UK Retail Banking

30,400

30,700

Barclays Commercial Bank

9,800

9,200

Barclaycard

9,600

8,900

GRCB - Western Europe

10,900

8,800

GRCB - Emerging Markets

22,700

13,900

GRCB - Absa

36,800

35,800

Barclays Capital

23,100

16,200

Barclays Global Investors

3,700

3,400

Barclays Wealth 

7,900

6,900

Head Office Functions and Other Operations 

1,400

1,100

Total Group permanent and fixed term contract staff worldwide

156,300

134,900

Staff numbers are shown on a full-time equivalent basis. Total Group permanent and fixed term contract staff comprised 60,700 (2007: 61,900) in the UK and 95,600 (2007: 73,000) internationally.

UK Retail Banking staff numbers decreased 300 to 30,400 (2007: 30,700).

Barclays Commercial Bank staff numbers increased 600 to 9,800 (2007: 9,200) reflecting investment in product expertise, sales and risk capability and associated support areas.

Barclaycard staff numbers increased 700 to 9,600 (2007: 8,900), primarily due to the transfer of staff into Absacard as a result of the acquisition of a majority stake in the South African Woolworth Financial Services business in October 2008.

GRCB - Western Europe staff numbers increased 2,100 to 10,900 (2007: 8,800), reflecting expansion of the retail distribution network. 

GRCB - Emerging Markets staff numbers increased 8,800 to 22,700 (2007: 13,900) driven by expansion into new markets and continued investment in distribution in existing countries.

GRCB - Absa staff numbers increased 1,000 to 36,800 (2007: 35,800), reflecting continued growth in the business and investment in collections capacity.

Barclays Capital staff numbers increased 6,900 to 23,100 (2007: 16,200) due principally to the acquisition of Lehman Brothers North American business.

Barclays Global Investors staff numbers increased 300 to 3,700 (2007: 3,400). Staff numbers increased primarily in the iShares business due to continued expansion in the global ETF franchise.

Barclays Wealth staff numbers increased 1,000 to 7,900 (2007: 6,900) principally due to the acquisition of the Lehman Brothers North American business.

9.    Share of Post-Tax Results of Associates and Joint Ventures


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Profit from associates

22 

33 

(Loss)/profit from joint ventures

(8)

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

14 

42 

The overall share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures decreased £28m to £14m (2007: £42m).The share of results from associates decreased £11m mainly due to reduced contribution from private equity associates. The share of results from joint ventures decreased £17m mainly due to reduced contribution from Barclays Capital joint ventures.

10.    Profit on Disposal of Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Profit on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 

327 

28

On 31st October 2008 Barclays completed the sale of Barclays Life Assurance Company Ltd to Swiss Reinsurance Company for a net consideration of £729m leading to a net profit on disposal of £326m.

11.    Acquisitions

The Group made the following material acquisitions in 2008:

a)    Lehman Brothers North American businesses

On 22nd September 2008 Barclays completed the acquisition of Lehman Brothers North American businesses

The acquired assets and liabilities summarised in the following table do not represent the entire balance sheet of Lehman Brothers North American businesses, or of discrete business lines within those operations. For this reason it is not practical to reliably determine the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities in the pre-acquisition books and records of Lehman Brothers.

Certain assets were received subsequent to the acquisition date, since it was first necessary to agree their status as assets of the Group with the relevant regulators, custodians, trustees, exchanges and bankruptcy courts. Such assets were initially classified within loans and advances. Once they were received, the related receivable was derecognised and the resulting asset recognised within the appropriate balance sheet category. In the table such assets are classified accordingly.

The initial accounting for the acquisition has been determined only provisionally. Any revisions to fair values that result from the conclusion of the acquisition process with respect to assets not yet received by the Group will be recognised as an adjustment to the initial accounting. Any such revisions must be effected within 12 months of the acquisition date and would result in a restatement of the 2008 income statement and balance sheet.

The excess of the fair value of net assets acquired over consideration paid resulted in £2,262m of gains on acquisition.

It is impracticable to disclose the profit or loss of the acquired Lehman Brothers North American businesses since the acquisition date. The acquired business has been integrated into the corresponding existing business lines and there is no reliable basis for allocating post-acquisition results between the acquirer and the acquiree. Similarly, it is impracticable to disclose the revenue and profit or loss of the combined entity as though the acquisition date had been 1 January 2008. Only parts of Lehman Brothers US and Canadian businesses, and specified assets and liabilities, were acquired. There is no reliable basis for identifying the proportion of the pre-acquisition results of Lehman Brothers that relates to the business acquired by the Group.

b)    Macquarie Bank Limited Italian residential mortgage businesses.

On 6th November 2008 Barclays purchased the Italian residential mortgage business of Macquarie Bank Limited for a cash consideration of £765m, for fair value net assets of £817m, which gave rise to a gain on acquisition of £52m.

The results of these businesses operations have been included from 6th November 2008 and contributed £1loss to the consolidated profit before tax.

c)    Goldfish credit card UK businesses.

On 31st March 2008, Barclays completed the acquisition of Discover's UK credit card business, Goldfish for a cash consideration of £38m (including attributable costs of £3m), for fair value net assets of £130m, which gave rise to a gain on acquisition of £92m.

The results of this business operation have been included from 31st March 2008 and contributed £40m to the consolidated profit before tax.

d)    Expobank

On 1st July 2008, Barclays acquired 100% of the ordinary shares of the Russian bank Expobank for a cash consideration of £393m including attributable costs of £7m, for fair value net assets of £150m, which gave rise to goodwill of £243m

The results of the business's operations have been included from 1st July 2008 and contributed £13m loss to the consolidated profit before tax 

The fair value of the assets and liabilities of the material acquisitions, details of purchase price and the gain on acquisition arising are as follows:

Assets

Lehman Brothers North American Businesses

Goldfish Card Services

Macquarie Bank Businesses

Total


Expobank


Fair Values

Fair Values

Fair Values

Fair Values


Fair Values


£m

£m

£m

£m


£m

Cash and balances at central banks

861

172

3

1,036 


73

Trading portfolio assets

23,837

-

-

 23,837


52

Loans and advances to banks

-

8

-

 8


-

Loans and advances to customers

3,642

1,963

813

 6,418


451

Available-for-sale financial investments

1,948

-

-

 1,948


-

Other assets

41

38

-

 79


9

Intangible assets1

888

32

-

 920


45

Property, plant and equipment

886

40

1

 927


28

Deferred tax asset

229

12

-

 241


-

Total assets

32,332

2,265

817

35,414


658








Liabilities

 

 

 

 


 

Deposits from banks

-

-

-

 -


71

Customer accounts

2,459

1,974

-

 4,433


318

Derivative financial instruments

599

-

-

 599


-

Debt securities in issue

-

-

-

 -


103

Repurchase agreements and cash collateral on securities lent

24,409

-

-

 24,409


-

Other liabilities

1,049

152

-

 1,201


16

Deferred tax liabilities

517

9

-

 526


-

Total liabilities

29,033

2,135

-

31,168


508








Net assets acquired
(excludes Obligation to be settled in shares)

3,299

130

817

4,246


150








Obligation to be settled in shares2

(163)

-

-

(163)


-








Acquisition Cost

 

 

 

 


 

Cash paid

834

35

765

1,634


386

Attributable costs

40

3

-

43


7

Total consideration

874

38

765

1,677


393

 

 

 

 

 


 

Goodwill

-

-

-

-


(243)

 

 

 

 

 


 

Gain on acquisition

2,262

92

52

2,406


-

The excess remaining after the reassessment of the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities which has been recognised within the consolidated income statement as a gain on acquisition is £2,406m.

 




1    Intangible assets within the Lehman Brothers North American businesses acquisition included an amount of £636m relating to independently assessed customer lists.

2    Under the terms of the acquisition, the Group assumed an obligation to make payments to employees of the acquired business in respect of their pre-acquisition service provided to Lehman Brothers. This amount represents the equity-settled portion of that obligation and is recognised as a component of shareholders' equity.

  


12.    Tax

The effective rate of tax for 2008, based on profit before tax, was 13% (2007: 28%). The effective tax rate differs from the 2007 effective rate and the UK corporation tax rate of 28.5% principally due to the Lehman Brothers North American businesses acquisition. Under IFRS the gain on acquisition of £2,262m is calculated net of deferred tax liabilities included in the acquisition balance sheet and is thus not subject to further tax in calculating the tax charge for the year. Furthermore, Barclays has tax losses previously unrecognised as a deferred tax asset but capable of sheltering part of this deferred tax liability. This gives rise to a tax benefit of £492m which, in accordance with IAS 12, is included as a credit within the tax charge for the year. The effective rate has been adversely impacted by the effect of the fall in the Barclays share price on the deferred tax asset recognised on share awards. In common with prior years there have been offsetting adjustments relating to different overseas tax rates, disallowable expenditure and non taxable gains and income.

13.    Profit Attributable to Minority Interests


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Absa Group Limited

318

299

Preference shares

390

198

Reserve capital instruments

100

87

Upper Tier 2 instruments

12

16

Barclays Global Investors minority interests

17

40

Other minority interests

68

38

Profit attributable to minority interests

905

678


 

14.    Earnings Per Share


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent

4,382 

4,417 

Dilutive impact of convertible options

(24)

(25)

Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent including dilutive impact of
convertible options

4,358 

4,392 




Basic weighted average number of shares in issue

7,389 

6,410 

Number of potential ordinary shares1

188 

177 

Diluted weighted average number of shares

7,577 

6,587 




Basic earnings per ordinary share

59.3p

68.9p

Diluted earnings per ordinary share

57.5p

66.7p

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the profit attributable to equity holders of the parent and the weighted average number of shares excluding own shares held in employee benefit trusts and shares held for trading.

The basic and diluted weighted average number of shares in issue in the year ended 31st December 2008 reflected 1,802 million shares issued during the year and the 2,642 million shares that will be issued following conversion in full of the Mandatorily Convertible Notes. The weighted average number of shares in issue in the year ended 31st December 2008 was increased by 1,034 million shares as a result of this increase.

As required by IAS 33 'Earnings per share', the full 2,642 million shares that will be issued following conversion in full of the Mandatorily Convertible Notes issued during the year were included in the weighted average number of shares calculation from the date the contract was entered into. The basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share therefore reflected the impact of the Mandatorily Convertible Notes issued in 2008.

When calculating the diluted earnings per share, the profit attributable to equity holders of the parent is adjusted for the conversion of outstanding options into shares within Absa Group Limited and Barclays Global Investors UK Holdings Limited. The weighted average number of ordinary shares excluding own shares held in employee benefit trusts and shares held for trading, is adjusted for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, totalling 188 million (2007: 177 million).

15.    Dividends on Ordinary Shares

Dividends Paid During the Period

Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Final dividend (paid 25th April 2008, 27th April 2007)

1,438

1,311

Interim dividend (paid 1st October 2008, 1st October 2007)

906

768


 

 

Final dividend

22.5p

20.5p

Interim dividend

11.5p

11.5p

Dividend Proposed

As announced on 13th October 2008, the Board of Barclays concluded that it would not be appropriate to pay a final dividend for 2008.







1    Potential ordinary shares reflect the dilutive impact of share options outstanding.

  


16.    Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivatives Held for Trading As at 31.12.08 Fair Value

Contract Notional Amount 


Assets

Liabilities


£m


£m

£m

Foreign exchange derivatives

2,639,133


107,113

(113,818)

Interest rate derivatives

37,875,235


613,257

(605,521)

Credit derivatives

4,129,244


184,072

(170,011)

Equity and stock index and commodity derivatives

1,097,170


77,554

(74,721)

Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading

45,740,782


981,996

(964,071)

 





Derivatives in Hedge Accounting Relationships





Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

83,554 


1,322 

(1,790)

Derivatives designated as fair value hedges

35,702 


1,459 

(572)

Derivatives designated as hedges of net investments

5,694 


25 

(1,639)

Total derivative assets/(liabilities) designated in hedge accounting relationships

124,950 


2,806 

(4,001)

Total recognised derivative assets/(liabilities)

45,865,732 


984,802 

(968,072)






Derivatives Held for Trading - As at 31.12.07 Fair Value






£m


£m

£m

Foreign exchange derivatives

2,208,369 


30,348 

(30,300)

Interest rate derivatives

23,608,949 


139,940 

(138,426)

Credit derivatives

2,472,249 


38,696 

(35,814)

Equity and stock index and commodity derivatives

910,328 


37,966 

(42,838)

Total derivative assets/(liabilities) held for trading

29,199,895 


246,950 

(247,378)






Derivatives in Hedge Accounting Relationships





Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

55,292 


458 

(437)

Derivatives designated as fair value hedges

23,952 


462 

(328)

Derivatives designated as hedges of net investments

12,620 


218 

(145)

Total derivative assets/(liabilities) designated in hedge accounting relationships

91,864 


1,138 

(910)

Total recognised derivative assets/(liabilities)

29,291,759 


248,088 

(248,288)


The £737bn (2007: £110bn) increase in the gross derivative assets has been predominantly driven by significant volatility and movements in yield curves during the year together with a substantial depreciation in Sterling against most major currencies.

Derivative assets and liabilities would be £917,074m (2007: £215,485m) lower than reported under IFRS if netting were permitted for assets and liabilities with the same counterparty or for which we hold cash collateral.

The tables below set out the fair values of the derivative assets together with the value of those assets subject to enforceable counterparty netting arrangements for which the Group holds offsetting liabilities and eligible collateral.

Derivatives As at 31.12.08

Gross Assets

Counterparty Netting

Net Exposure

 

£m

£m

£m

Foreign Exchange

107,730

91,572

16,158

Interest Rate

615,321

558,985

56,336

Credit derivatives

184,072

155,599

28,473

Equity and stock index

28,684

20,110

8,574

Commodity derivatives

48,995

35,903

13,092


984,802

862,169

122,633





Total collateral held

 

 

54,905





Net exposure less collateral

 

 

67,728





Derivatives - As at 31.12.07

£m

£m

£m

Foreign Exchange

30,824

22,066

8,758

Interest Rate

140,504

117,292

23,212

Credit derivatives

38,696

31,307

7,389

Equity and stock index

13,296

12,151

1,145

Commodity derivatives

24,768

15,969

8,799


248,088

198,785

49,303





Total collateral held

 

 

16,700





Net exposure less collateral

 

 

32,603






17.    Fair Value Measurement of Financial Instruments

Financial assets and liabilities recognised and measured at fair value analysed by valuation technique

Financial instruments with a fair value based on observable inputs include valuations determined by unadjusted quoted prices in an active market and market standard pricing models that use observable inputs. 

Financial instruments whose fair value is determined, at least in part, using unobservable inputs are futher categorised into Vanilla and Exotic products as follows: 

·       Vanilla products are valued using simple models such as discounted cashflow or Black Scholes models however some of the inputs are not observable
·       Exotic products are over-the-counter products that are relatively bespoke, not commonly traded in the markets, and their valuation comes from sophisticated mathematical models where some of the inputs are not observable.

The table below shows the Group's financial assets and liabilities that are recognised and measured at fair value analysed by valuation technique: 


Valuations
Based on

Observable

Inputs


Valuations Based
on Unobservable Inputs



31st December 2008

Total


Vanilla products

Exotic products

Total


Total

 

£m


£m

£m

£m


£m

Trading Portfolio Assets

174,168


11,469

-

11,469


185,637

Financial Assets Designated at Fair Value







 

- held on own account

37,618


16,559

365

16,924


54,542

- held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

66,657


-

-

-


66,657

Derivative Financial Assets

970,028


12,436

2,338

14,774


984,802

Available for Sale Assets

63,149


1,827

-

1,827


64,976

Total Assets

1,311,620


42,291

2,703

44,994


1,356,614









Trading Portfolio Liabilities

(59,436)


(38)

-

(38)


(59,474)

Financial Liabilities Designated at Fair Value

(71,044)


(290)

(5,558)

(5,848)


(76,892)

Liabilities to customers under investment contracts

(69,183)


-

-

-


(69,183)

Derivative Financial Liabilities

(959,518)


(6,151)

(2,403)

(8,554)


(968,072)

Total Liabilities

(1,159,181)


(6,479)

(7,961)

(14,440)


(1,173,621)









31st December 2007

£m


£m

£m

£m


£m

Trading Portfolio Assets

189,234


4,457

-

4,457


193,691

Financial Assets Designated at Fair Value







 

- held on own account

39,810


16,819

-

16,819


56,629

- held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts

90,851


-

-

-


90,851

Derivative Financial Assets

245,381


1,118

1,589

2,707


248,088

Available for Sale Assets

42,262


810

-

810


43,072

Total Assets

607,538


23,204

1,589

24,793


632,331









Trading Portfolio Liabilities

(65,360)


(42)

-

(42)


(65,402)

Financial Liabilities Designated at Fair Value

(68,317)


(951)

(5,221)

(6,172)


(74,489)

Liabilities to customers under investment contracts

(92,639)


-

-

-


(92,639)

Derivative Financial Liabilities

(243,906)


(1,178)

(3,204)

(4,382)


(248,288)

Total Liabilities

(470,222)


(2,171)

(8,425)

(10,596)


(480,818)


Of the total assets of £1,356,614m measured at fair value, £44,994m, 3% of total assets measured at fair value, (£24,793m, 4% as at 31st December 2007) were valued using models with unobservable inputs

Valuations based on unobservable inputs primarily relate to asset backed securities (commercial and residential mortgage), loans and related derivatives; monoline counterparty, fund-linked and other structured and long dated derivatives (including those embedded in structured notes); and private equity and principal investments. The value of those assets measured using unobservable inputs increased by £20,201to £44,994as at 31st December 2008. While the derivative assets associated with our monoline exposure accounted for a significant portion of this, further increases arose due to weakness in Sterling, as well as increased illiquidity in the market. 

As part of our risk management processes, we apply stress tests on the significant unobservable parameters to generate a range of potentially possible alternative valuations. The results of the most recent stress test showed a potential to increase the fair values by up to £2.4bn (2007: £1.5bn) or to decrease the fair values by up to £3.0bn (2007: £1.2bn) with substantially all the potential effect being recorded in profit or loss rather than equity. The widening of the stress sensitivity over 2007 levels is due to the continued market dislocation and increased volatility in unobservable inputs.

Unobservable Profit


Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m 

£m 

Opening balance

154 

534 

Additions 

77 

134 

Amortisation and releases

(103)

(514)

Closing balance

128 

154 


18.    Reclassification of Financial Assets Held for Trading

On 16th December 2008 the Group reclassified certain financial assets originally classified as held for trading that were no longer held for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term out of fair value through profit or loss to loans and receivables. At the time of transfer, the Group identified rare circumstances permitting such a reclassification, being severe illiquidity in the relevant market.

The following table shows carrying values and fair values of the assets reclassified at 16th December 2008.


As at
16.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.08


Carrying Value

Carrying Value

Fair Value


£m 

£m 

£m 

Trading assets reclassified to loans and receivables

4,046 

3,986 

3,984 

As at the date of reclassification, the effective interest rates on reclassified trading assets ranged from 0.18% to 9.29% with undiscounted interest and principal cash flows of £7.4bn.

If the reclassifications had not been made, the Group's income statement for 2008 would have included unrealised fair value losses on the reclassified trading assets of £1.5m. 

After reclassification, the reclassified financial assets contributed the following amounts to the 2008 income before income taxes.


Year Ended
31.12.08


£m

Net interest income

4

Provision for credit losses

-

Income before income taxes on reclassified trading assets

4


Prior to reclassification in 2008, £144m of unrealised fair value losses on the reclassified trading assets were recognised in the consolidated income statement for 2008 (2007: £218m loss). 

19.    Loans and Advances to Banks 


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07

By Geographical Area

£m

£m

United Kingdom

7,532

5,518

Other European Union

12,600

11,102

United States

13,616

13,443

Africa

2,189

2,581

Rest of the World

11,821

7,479

 

47,758

40,123

Less: Allowance for impairment

(51)

(3)

Total loans and advances to banks

47,707

40,120

Loans and advances to banks included £3,375m (31st December 2007: £4,210m) of settlement balances and £15,889m (31st December 2007: £10,739m) of cash collateral balances.

20.    Loans and Advances to Customers 


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


£m

£m

Retail business

201,588

162,081

Wholesale and corporate business

266,750

187,086

 

468,338

349,167

Less: Allowances for impairment

(6,523)

(3,769)

Total loans and advances to customers

461,815

345,398




By Geographical Area



United Kingdom

216,018

190,347

Other European Union

92,063

56,533

United States

77,387

40,300

Africa

45,230

39,167

Rest of the World

37,640

22,820

 

468,338

349,167

Less: Allowance for impairment

(6,523)

(3,769)

Total loans and advances to customers

461,815

345,398

Loans and advances to customers included £26,411m (31st December 2007: £18,249m) of settlement balances and £33,743(31st December 2007: £13,441m) of cash collateral balances.

21.    Allowance for Impairment on Loans and Advances


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


£m 

£m 

At beginning of period

3,772

3,335

Acquisitions and disposals

307

(73)

Exchange and other adjustments

791

53

Unwind of discount

(135)

(113)

Amounts written off 

(2,919)

(1,963)

Recoveries

174

227

Amounts charged against profit

4,584

2,306

At end of period 

6,574

3,772




Allowance



United Kingdom

2,947

2,526

Other European Union

963

344

United States

1,561

356

Africa

857

514

Rest of the World

246

32

At end of period

6,574

3,772




Amounts Charged Against Profit



New and Increased Impairment Allowances



United Kingdom

2,160

1,960

Other European Union

659

192

United States

1,529

431

Africa

526

268

Rest of the World

242

20

 

5,116

2,871

Less: Releases of Impairment Allowance



United Kingdom

(212)

(213)

Other European Union

(68)

(37)

United States

(9)

(50)

Africa

(36)

(20)

Rest of the World

(33)

(18)

 

(358)

(338)

Less: Recoveries



United Kingdom

(131)

(154)

Other European Union

(4)

(32)

United States

(1)

(7)

Africa

(36)

(34)

Rest of the World

(2)

-

 

(174)

(227)

 



Total amounts charged against profit

4,584

2,306

22.    Provisions


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


£m

£m

Redundancy and restructuring

118 

82 

Undrawn contractually committed facilities and guarantees

109 

475 

Onerous contracts

50 

64 

Sundry provisions

258 

209 

 

535 

830 

Undrawn contractually committed facilities and guarantees have decreased primarily as a result of liquidating the remaining mezzanine ABS CDO Super Senior exposures.

23.    Retirement Benefit Liabilities

The Group's IAS 19 pension deficit across all schemes as at 31st December 2008 was £1,287m (31st December 2007: surplus of £393m). There are net recognised liabilities of £1,292m (31st December 2007: £1,501m) and unrecognised actuarial gains of £5m (31st December 2007: £1,894m). The net recognised liabilities comprised retirement benefit liabilities of £1,357m (31st December 2007: £1,537m) and assets of £65m (31st December 2007: £36m).

The Group's IAS 19 pension deficit in respect of the main UK scheme as at 31st December 2008 was £858m
(31st December 2007: surplus of £668m). Among the reasons for this change were the large loss on the assets over the year andto a lesser extent a strengthening of the allowance made for future improvement in mortality. Offsetting these were the increase in AA+ long-term corporate bond yields which resulted in a higher discount rate of 6.75% (31st December 2007: 5.82%), a decrease in the inflation assumption to 3.16% (31st December 2007: 3.45%) and contributions paid. 

24.    Share Capital and Share Premium


Number of Shares

Called
Up Share Capital

Share Premium

Total


m

£m

£m 

£m 

At 1st January 2008

6,601 

1,651 

56 

1,707 

Issued to staff under the Sharesave Share Option Scheme

13 

14 

Issued under the Incentive Share Option Plan

Issued to staff under the Share Incentive Plan

Issue of new ordinary shares

1,803 

451 

3,971 

4,422 

Repurchase of shares

(37)

(10)

(10)

At 31st December 2008

8,372 

2,093 

4,045 

6,138 






At 1st January 2007

6,535 

1,634 

5,818 

7,452 

Issued to staff under the Sharesave Share Option Scheme

19 

62 

68 

Issued under the Incentive Share Option Plan

10 

40 

42 

Issued under the Executive Share Option Scheme

Issued under the Woolwich Executive Share Option Plan

Transfer to retained earnings

(7,223)

(7,223)

Issue of new ordinary shares

337 

84 

1,357 

1,441 

Repurchase of shares

(300)

(75)

(75)

At 31st December 2007

6,601 

1,651 

56 

1,707 









Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07

Ordinary Shares



£m 

£m 

At beginning of period

 

 

1,650 

1,633 

Issued to staff under the Sharesave Share Option Scheme



Issued under the Incentive Share Option Plan



Issue of new ordinary shares



451 

84 

Repurchase of shares



(9)

(75)

At end of period

 

 

2,093 

1,650 






Staff Shares





At beginning of period

 

 

Repurchase



(1)

At end of period

 

 






Total

 

 

2,093 

1,651 

The authorised share capital of Barclays PLC is £3,540m, US$77.5m, €40m and ¥4,000m. (31st December 2007: £2,500m) comprising 13,996 million (2007: 9,996 million) ordinary shares of 25p each, 0.4 million Sterling preference shares of £100 each, 0.4 million US Dollar preference shares of $100 each, 150 million US Dollar preference shares of $0.25 each, 0.4 million Euro preference shares of €100 each, 0.4 million Yen preference shares of ¥10,000 each and 1 million (2007: 1 million) staff shares of £1 each.

25.    Total Shareholders' Equity


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


£m

£m 

Called up share capital

2,093

1,651 

Share premium account

4,045

56 

Available for sale reserve

(1,190)

154 

Cash flow hedging reserve

132

26 

Capital redemption reserve

394

384 

Other capital reserve

617

617 

Currency translation reserve

2,840

(307)

Other reserves

2,793

874 

Other Equity

3,652

Retained earnings

24,208

20,970 

Less: treasury shares

(173)

(260)

Shareholders' equity excluding minority interests

36,618

23,291 




Preference shares

5,927 

4,744 

Reserve Capital instruments

1,908 

1,906 

Upper Tier 2 instruments

586 

586 

Absa minority interests

1,994 

1,676 

Other minority interests

378 

273 

Minority interests

10,793 

9,185 




Total shareholders' equity

47,411 

32,476 

Total shareholders' equity increased £14,935m to £47,411m (31st December 2007: £32,476m).

Called up share capital comprises 8,372 million ordinary shares of 25p each (2007: 6,600 million ordinary shares of 25p each and 1 million staff shares of £1 each). 

Retained earnings increased £3,238m to £24,208m (2007: £20,970m). Profit attributable to the equity holders of the parent of £4,382m and the proceeds of capital raisings of £1,410m were partially offset by dividends paid to shareholders of £2,344m. Other equity of £3,652m relates to the issuance of Mandatorily Convertible Notes.

Movements in other reserves, except the capital redemption reserve, reflect the relevant amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of recognised income and expense on page 14.

Minority interests increased £1,608m to £10,793m (2007: £9,185m). The increase primarily reflects a preference share issuance by Barclays Bank PLC of £1,345m.

Called up share capital comprises 8,372 million (31st December 2007: 6,600 million) ordinary shares of 25p each and nil (31st December 2007: 1 million) staff shares of £1 each. 

During the year, the following share issues took place:

On 4th July 2008, Barclays PLC raised approximately £500m (before issue costs) through the issue of 168.9 million new ordinary shares at £2.96 per share in a firm placing to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

On 22nd July 2008, Barclays PLC raised approximately £3,969m (before issue costs) through the issue of 1,407.4 million new ordinary shares at £2.82 per share in a placing to Qatar Investment Authority, Challenger Universal Limited (a company representing the beneficial interests of His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani, the chairman of Qatar Holding LLC, and his family), China Development Bank, Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited and certain leading institutional shareholders and other investors, which shares were available for clawback in full by means of an open offer to existing shareholders. Valid applications under the open offer were received from qualifying shareholders in respect of approximately 267 million new ordinary shares in aggregate, representing 19.0 per cent. of the shares offered pursuant to the open offer. Accordingly, the remaining 1,140.3 million shares were allocated to the various investors with whom they had been conditionally placed.

On 18th September 2008, Barclays PLC raised approximately £701m (before issue costs) through the issue of 226 million new ordinary shares at £3.10 per share to certain institutional investors. The proceeds of the issuance, in excess of the nominal value and issue costs, of £634m were credited to retained earnings. This resulted from the operation of section 131 of the Companies Act 1985 with regard to the issue of shares by Barclays PLC in exchange for shares in Long Island Investments Jersey No. 1 Limited and the subsequent redemption of redeemable preference shares of that company for cash.

During the period from 27th November 2008 to 31st December 2008, 33,000 ordinary shares have been issued following conversion of Mandatorily Convertible Notes (see below) at the option of their holders. 

Mandatorily Convertible Notes

On 27th November 2008, Barclays Bank PLC issued £4,050m of 9.75% Mandatorily Convertible Notes (MCNs) maturing on 30th September 2009 to Qatar Holding LLC, and entities representing the beneficial interests of HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi and existing institutional shareholders and other institutional investors. If not converted at the holders' option beforehand, these instruments mandatorily convert to ordinary shares of Barclays PLC on 30th June 2009. The conversion price is £1.53276, and, after taking into account MCNs that were converted on or before 31st December 2008, will result in the issue of 2,64million new ordinary shares. Following conversion the relevant amounts will be credited to share capital and share premium.

Of the net proceeds of the MCNs, £233m have been included in liabilities being the fair value of the couponThe remaining net proceeds are included in Other Equity until conversion (see Note 25).

Warrants

On 31st October 2008 Barclays PLC issued, in conjunction with a simultaneous issue of Reserve Capital Instruments issued by Barclays Bank PLC, warrants to subscribe for up to 1,516.9 million new ordinary shares at a price of £1.97775 to Qatar Holding and HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The fair value, net of transaction costs attributable to the warrants is recorded in retained earnings. These may be exercised at any time up to close of business 31st October 2013. 

26.    Analysis of Statement of Recognised Income and Expense

Available for Sale Reserve

Year Ended
31.12.08

Year Ended
31.12.07


£m

£m

Net (losses)/gains from changes in fair value 

(1,741)

484 

Losses transferred to net profit due to impairment

382 

13 

Net gains transferred to net profit on disposal

(209)

(563)

Net (gains)/losses transferred to net profit due to fair value hedging

(2)

68 

Net movements in available for sale reserves

(1,570)




Cash Flow Hedging Reserve



Net gains from changes in fair value

305 

106 

Net losses transferred to net profit

71 

253 

Net movements in cash flow hedging reserve

376 

359 




Net movements in currency translation reserve

2,407 

54 

Tax

841 

54 

Other movements

(5) 

22 

Amounts included directly in equity

2,049 

491 

Profit after tax

5,287 

5,095 

Total recognised income and expense

7,336 

5,586 

The consolidated statement of recognised income and expense reflects all items of income and expense for the period, including items taken directly to equity. Movements in individual reserves are shown including amounts which relate to minority interests; the impact of such amounts is then reflected in the amount attributable to such interests. Movements in individual reserves are also shown on a pre-tax basis with any related tax recorded on the separate tax line.

The available for sale reserve reflects gains or losses arising from the change in fair value of available for sale financial assets until disposal. The exceptions to reflect fair value movements through the income statement are impairment losses, gains or losses transferred to the income statement due to fair value hedge accounting and foreign exchange gains or losses on monetary items such as debt securities. When an available for sale asset is impaired or derecognised, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in the available for sale reserve is transferred to the income statement. The loss of £1,741m (2007: gain of £484m) from changes in fair value and £382m (2007: £13m) due to impairment reflects the downturn across the US credit markets. The decrease in net gains transferred to net profit is primarily due to the lower level of disposals.

Cash flow hedging aims to minimise exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction that could affect profit or loss. The fair value gain or loss associated with the effective portion of the hedge is initially recognised in shareholders' equity, and recycled to the income statement in the periods when the hedged item will affect profit or loss. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in the income statement immediately. The movement in 2008 relates to an increase in the fair value of received fixed interest rate swaps. These gains were partially offset by losses on interest rate swaps entered into as the payer of US Dollars.

Exchange differences arising on the net investments in foreign operations and effective hedges of net investments are recognised in the currency translation reserve and transferred to the income statement on the disposal of the net investment. The currency movement on net investments is also hedged through preference share capital that is not revalued for accounting purposes and therefore not recognised in the consolidated statement of recognised income and expense. The movement in 2008 primarily reflects the impact of changes in the value of the US Dollar, Euro and Yen against Sterling. These movements largely reflect the value of currency movements on net investments which are economically hedged through preference share capital that is not revalued for accounting purposes and on net investments which are hedged on a post-tax basis.

27.    Contingent Liabilities and Commitments


As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


£m

£m

Acceptances and endorsements

585 

365 

Guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security

15,652 

12,973 

Securities lending arrangements

38,290 

22,719 

Other contingent liabilities

11,783 

9,717 

Contingent liabilities

66,310 

45,774 




Documentary credits and other short-term trade related transactions

859 

522 

Undrawn note issuance and revolving underwriting facilities:

 


Forward asset purchases and forward deposits placed

291 

283 

Standby facilities, credit lines and other

259,666 

191,834 

Commitments

260,816 

192,639 

The Group facilitates securities lending arrangements for its investment management clients whereby securities held by funds are lent to third partiesThe borrowers provide the funds with collateral in the form of cash or other assets equal to at least 100% of the securities lent plus a margin of at least 2% up to 8%. Over the period of the loan, the funds may make margin calls to the extent that the collateral is less than the market value of the securities lent. Amounts disclosed above represent the total market value of the lent securities at 31st December 2008. The market value of collateral held by the funds was £39,690m (2007: £23,559m).

28.    Adjusted Gross Leverage

Adjusted Gross Leverage

Pro Forma
31.12.08

As at
31.12.08

As at
31.12.07


£m

£m 

£m 

Total assets

 

2,052,980

1,227,361

Counterparty net / collateralised derivatives (note 16)


(917,074)

(215,485)

Financial assets designated at fair value and associated cash balances


 


- held in respect of linked liabilities to customers under investment contracts


(69,183)

(92,639)

Net Settlement Balances (note 19 and 20)


(29,786)

(22,459)

Goodwill and intangible assets


(10,402)

(8,296)

Adjusted total tangible assets

 

1,026,535

888,482





Total qualifying Tier 1 capital

42,246

37,250

26,743





Adjusted gross leverage 

24

28

33


 

29.    Legal Proceedings

Barclays has for some time been party to proceedings, including a class action, in the United States against a number of defendants following the collapse of Enron; the class action claim is commonly known as the Newby litigation. On 20th July 2006 Barclays received an Order from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas Houston Division which dismissed the claims against Barclays PLC, Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays Capital Inc. in the Newby litigation. On 4th December 2006 the Court stayed Barclays dismissal from the proceedings and allowed the plaintiffs to file a supplemental complaint. On 19th March 2007 the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued its decision on an appeal by Barclays and two other financial institutions contesting a ruling by the District Court allowing the Newby litigation to proceed as a class action. The Court of Appeals held that because no proper claim against Barclays and the other financial institutions had been alleged by the plaintiffs, the case could not proceed against them. The plaintiffs applied to the United States Supreme Court for a review of this decision. On 22nd January 2008, the United States Supreme Court denied the plaintiffs' request for review. Following the Supreme Court's decision, the District Court ordered a further briefing concerning the status of the plaintiffs' claims. Barclays is seeking the dismissal of the plaintiffs' claims. Barclays considers that the Enron related claims against it are without merit and is defending them vigorously. It is not possible to estimate Barclays possible loss in relation to these matters, nor the effect that they might have upon operating results in any particular financial period. 

Like other UK financial services institutions, the Group faces numerous County Court claims and complaints by customers who allege that its unauthorised overdraft charges either contravene the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 ('UTCCR') or are unenforceable penalties or both. In July 2007, by agreement with all parties, the OFT commenced proceedings against seven banks and one building society, including Barclays, to resolve the matter by way of a 'test case' process. Preliminary issues hearings took place in January, July and December 2008 with judgments handed down in April and October 2008 and January 2009 (a further judgment not concerning Barclays terms). As to current terms, in April 2008 the Court held in favour of the banks on the issue of the penalty doctrine. The OFT did not appeal that decision. In the same judgment the Court held in favour of the OFT on the issue of the applicability of the UTCCR. The banks appealed that decision. As to past terms, in a judgment on 8th October 2008, the Court held that Barclays historic terms, including those of Woolwich, were not capable of being penalties. The OFT indicated at the January 2009 hearing that it was not seeking permission to appeal the Court's findings in relation to the applicability of the penalty doctrine to historic terms. Accordingly, it is now clear that no declarations have or will be made against Barclays that any of its unauthorised overdraft terms assessed in the test case constitute unenforceable penalties and that the OFT will not pursue this aspect of the test case further. The banks' appeal against the decision in relation to the applicability of the UTCCR (to current and historic terms) took place at a hearing in late October 2008. The hearing concluded on 5th November with judgment reserved. A judgment from the Court of Appeal is expected in the first quarter of 2009. The proceedings will now concentrate exclusively on UTCCR issues. It is likely that they will still take a significant period of time to conclude. Pending resolution of the test case process, existing and new claims in the County Courts remain stayed, and there is an FSA waiver of the complaints handling process and a standstill of Financial Ombudsman Service decisions. The Group is defending the test case vigorously. It is not practicable to estimate the Group's possible loss in relation to these matters, nor the effect that they may have upon operating results in any particular financial period. 

Barclays is engaged in various other litigation proceedings both in the United Kingdom and a number of overseas jurisdictions, including the United States, involving claims by and against it which arise in the ordinary course of business. Barclays does not expect the ultimate resolution of any of the proceedings to which Barclays is party to have a significant adverse effect on the financial position of the Group and Barclays has not disclosed the contingent liabilities associated with these claims either because they cannot reasonably be estimated or because such disclosure could be prejudicial to the conduct of the claims. 

30.    Competition and Regulatory Matters

The scale of regulatory change remains challenging, arising in part from the implementation of some key European Union ('EU') directives. Many changes to financial services legislation and regulation have come into force in recent years and further changes will take place in the near future. Concurrently, there is continuing political and regulatory scrutiny of the operation of the retail banking and consumer credit industries in the UK and elsewhere. The nature and impact of future changes in policies and regulatory action are not predictable and beyond the Group's control but could have an impact on the Group's businesses and earnings. 

In September 2005, the Office of Fair Trading ('OFT') received a super-complaint from the Citizens Advice Bureau relating to payment protection insurance ('PPI'). As a result, the OFT commenced a market study on PPI in April 2006. In October 2006 the OFT announced the outcome of the market study and the OFT referred the PPI market to the UK Competition Commission ('CC') for an in-depth inquiry in February 2007. In June 2008, the CC published its provisional findings. The CC published its final report into the PPI market on 29 January 2009. The CC's conclusion is that the businesses which offer PPI alongside credit face little or no competition when selling PPI to their credit customers. The CC has set out a package of measures which it considers will introduce competition into the market (the 'Remedies'). The Remedies, which are expected to be implemented (following consultation) in 2010, are: a ban on sale of PPI at the point of sale; a prohibition on the sale of single premium PPI; mandatory personal PPI quotes to customers; annual statements for all regular premium policies, including the back book (for example credit card and mortgage protection policies); measures to ensure that improved information is available to customers; obliging providers to give information to the OFT to monitor the Remedies and to provide claims ratios to any person on request. Barclays is reviewing the report and considering the next steps, including how this might affect the Group's different products. 

In October 2006, the FSA published the outcome of its broad industry thematic review of PPI sales practices in which it concluded that some firms fail to treat customers fairly and that the FSA would strengthen its actions against such firms. Tackling poor PPI sales practices remains a priority for the FSA, with their most recent update on their thematic work published in September 2008. Barclays voluntarily complied with the FSA's request to cease selling single premium PPI by the end of January 2009. There has been no enforcement action against Barclays in respect of its PPI products. The Group has cooperated fully with these investigations into PPI and will continue to do so.

The OFT has carried out investigations into Visa and MasterCard credit card interchange rates. The decision by the OFT in the MasterCard interchange case was set aside by the Competition Appeals Tribunal in June 2006. The OFT is progressing its investigations in the Visa interchange case and a second MasterCard interchange case in parallel and both are ongoing. The outcome is not known but these investigations may have an impact on the consumer credit industry in general and therefore on the Group's business in this sector. In February 2007 the OFT announced that it was expanding its investigation into interchange rates to include debit cards.

In September 2006, the OFT announced that it had decided to undertake a fact find on the application of its statement on credit card fees to current account unauthorised overdraft fees. The fact find was completed in March 2007. On 29 March 2007, the OFT announced its decision to conduct a formal investigation into the fairness of bank current account charges. The OFT initiated a market study into personal current accounts ('PCAs') in the UK on 26 April 2007. The study's focus was PCAs but it also included an examination of other retail banking products, in particular savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans and mortgages in order to take into account the competitive dynamics of UK retail banking. On 16 July 2008, the OFT published its market study report, in which it concluded that certain features of the UK PCA market were not working well for consumers. The OFT reached the provisional view that some form of regulatory intervention is necessary in the UK PCA market. On 16 July 2008, the OFT also announced a consultation to seek views on the findings and possible measures to address the issues raised in its report. The consultation period closed on 31 October 2008. The Group has participated fully in the market study process and will continue to do so. 

US laws and regulations require compliance with US economic sanctions, administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, against designated foreign countries, nationals and others. HM Treasury regulations similarly require compliance with sanctions adopted by the UK government. The Group has been conducting an internal review of its conduct with respect to US Dollar payments involving countries, persons and entities subject to these sanctions and has been reporting to governmental authorities about the results of that review. The Group received inquiries relating to these sanctions and certain US Dollar payments processed by its New York branch from the New York County District Attorney's Office and the US Department of Justice, which along with other authorities, has been reported to be conducting investigations of sanctions compliance by non-US financial institutions. The Group has responded to those inquiries and is cooperating with the regulators, the Department of Justice and the District Attorney's Office in connection with their investigations of Barclays conduct with respect to sanctions compliance. Barclays has also received a formal notice of investigation from the FSA, and has been keeping the FSA informed of the progress of the US investigations and Barclays internal review. Barclays review is ongoing. It is currently not possible to predict the ultimate resolution of the issues covered by Barclays review and the investigations, including the timing and potential financial impact of any resolution, which could be substantial.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme provides compensation to customers of financial institutions in the event that an institution is unable, or is likely to be unable, to pay claims against it. During the year, a number of institutions failed, including Bradford & Bingley plc, Heritable Bank plc, Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander Limited, Landsbanki 'Icesave', and London Scottish Bank plc. In order to meet its obligations to the depositors of these institutions, the FSCS has borrowed £19.7 billion from HM Treasury, which is on an interest only basis until September 2011. These borrowings are anticipated to be repaid wholly or substantially from the realisation of the assets of the above named institutions. The FSCS raises annual levies from the banking industry to meet its management expenses and compensation costs. Individual institutions make payments based on their level of market participation (in the case of deposits, the proportion that their protected deposits represent of total market protected deposits) at 31st December each year. If an institution is a market participant on this date it is obligated to pay a levy. Barclays Bank PLC was a market participant at 31st December 2007 and 2008. The Group has accrued £101m for its share of levies that will be raised by the FSCS including the interest on the loan from HM Treasury in respect of the levy years to 31st March 2010. The accrual includes estimates for the interest FSCS will pay on the loan and estimates of Barclays market participation in the relevant periods. Interest will continue to accrue on the HM Treasury loan to the FSCS until September 2011 and will form part of future FSCS management expenses levies. If the assets of the failed institutions are insufficient to repay the HM Treasury loan in 2011, the FSCS will agree a schedule of repayments with HM Treasury, which will be recouped from the industry in the form of additional levies. At the date of these financial statements, it is not possible to estimate whether there will ultimately be additional levies on the industry, the level of Barclays market participation or other factors that may affect the amounts or timing of amounts that may ultimately become payable, nor the effect that such levies may have upon operating results in any particular financial period.

31.    Events After the Balance Sheet Date

On 2nd February 2009, Barclays completed the acquisition of PT Bank Akita, which was announced initially on 17th September 2008, following the approval of the Central Bank of Indonesia

  Other Information


Share Capital

The Group manages its debt and equity capital actively. The Group's authority to buy back ordinary shares (up to 984.9 million ordinary shares) was renewed at the 2008 Annual General Meeting. The Group will seek to renew its authority to buy back ordinary shares at the 2009 Annual General Meeting to provide additional flexibility in the management of the Group's capital resources.

At the 2008 Annual General Meeting, shareholders approved the creation of SterlingDollarEuro and Yen preference shares ('Preference Shares') in order to provide the Group with more flexibility in managing its capital resources. No preference shares have been issued.

During the first half of 2008 Barclays repurchased in the market 36,150,000 of its ordinary shares of 25p each at a total cost of £171,923,243. This was the completion of the repurchase programme in order to minimise the dilutive effect on its existing shareholders of the issuance of a total of 336,805,556 Barclays ordinary shares to Temasek Holdings and China Development Bank in 2007.

Barclays purchased all of its staff shares in issue, following approval for such purchase being given at the 2008 Annual General Meeting, at a total cost of £1,023,054.

Group Share Schemes

The independent trustees of the Group's share schemes may make purchases of Barclays PLC ordinary shares in the market at any time or times following this announcement of the Group's results for the purposes of those schemes' current and future requirements. The total number of ordinary shares purchased would not be material in relation to the issued share capital of Barclays PLC. 

General Information

Registered Office

1 Churchill Place, LondonE14 5HPUnited Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7116 1000.

Company number: 48839

Website

www.barclays.com

Registrar 

The Registrar to Barclays, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN99 6DA, United Kingdom

Tel: 0871 384 2055 (calls to this number are charged at 8p per minute if using a BT landline. Call charges may vary if using other providers) or +44 121 415 7004 from overseas.

Listing

The principal trading market for Barclays PLC ordinary shares is the London Stock Exchange. Trading on the New York Stock Exchange is in the form of ADSs under the ticker symbol 'BCS'. Each ADS represents four ordinary shares of 25p each and is evidenced by an ADR. The ADR depositary is JPMorgan Chase Bank, whose international telephone number is +1-651-453-2128, whose domestic telephone number is 1-800-990-1135 and whose address is JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., PO Box 64504St. PaulMN 55164-0504USA.

Filings with the SEC

Statutory accounts for the year ended 31st December 2008, which also include certain information required for the Joint Annual Report on Form 20-F of Barclays PLC and Barclays Bank PLC to the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), can be obtained from Corporate Communications, Barclays Bank PLC, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166, United States of America or from the Director, Investor Relations at Barclays registered office address, shown above, once they have been published in late March. Once filed with the SEC, copies of the form 20-F will also be available from the Barclays Investor Relations website (www.barclays.com/investorrelations) and from the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) 


 

Results Timetable


Item

Date

2009 Annual General Meeting

Thursday, 23rd April 2009

2009 First Quarter Interim Management Statement1

Thursday, 14th May 2009

2009 Interim Results1

Thursday, 6th August 2009

Economic Data



31.12.08

31.12.07

Change

Period end - US$/£

1.46

2.00

37%

Average - US$/£

1.86

2.00

8%

Period end - €/£

1.04

1.36

31%

Average - €/£

1.26

1.46

16%

Period end - ZAR/£

13.74

13.64

(1%)

Average - ZAR/£

15.17

14.11

(7%)

For Further Information Please Contact


Investor Relations

Media Relations

Mark Merson

Howell James/Alistair Smith

+44 (0) 20 7116 5752

+44 (0) 20 7116 6060/6132

More information on Barclays can be found on our website at the following address: 

www.barclays.com/investorrelations



1    Note that these announcement dates are provisional and subject to change

  Glossary of Terms


'Adjusted gross leverage' is calculated as set out in note 28

'Average net income generated per member of staff' is defined as total operating income compared to the average of staff numbers for the reporting period.

'Compensation:net income ratio' is defined as staff compensation based costs compared to total income net of insurance claims less impairment charges.

'Cost:income ratio' is defined as operating expenses compared to total income net of insurance claims.

'Cost:net income ratio' is defined as operating expenses compared to total income net of insurance claims less impairment charges.

'CRL' is defined as Credit Risk Loans.

'Daily Value at Risk (DVaR)' is an estimate of the potential loss which might arise from unfavourable market movements, if the current positions were to be held unchanged for one business day, measured to a defined confidence level.

'Economic profit' is defined as profit after tax and minority interests less capital charge (average shareholder's equity excluding minority interests multiplied by the Group cost of capital.)

'Gain on acquisition' is defined as the amount by which the acquirer's interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities, recognised in a business combination, exceeds the cost of the combination.

'Income' refers to total income net of insurance claims, unless otherwise specified.

'Return on average economic capital' is defined as attributable profit compared to average economic capital.

'Risk tendency' is a statistical estimate of the average loss for each loan portfolio for a 12-month period, taking into account the size of the portfolio and its risk characteristics under current economic conditions, and is used to track the change in risk as the portfolio of loans changes over time.

Absa Definitions

'Absa' refers to the results for Absa Group Limited as consolidated into the results of Barclays PLC; translated into Sterling with adjustments for amortisation of intangible assets, certain head office adjustments, transfer pricing and minority interests. 

'Absa Capital' is the portion of Absa's results that is reported by Barclays within Barclays Capital.

'Absa Card' is the portion of Absa's results that is reported by Barclays within Barclaycard.

'Absa Group Limited' refers to the consolidated results of the South African group of which the parent company is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE Limited) in which Barclays owns a controlling stake.

 



This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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