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Natwest Group PLC

Interim / Quarterly Report Jul 26, 2024

4644_iss_2024-07-26_84b6848c-cee3-4de9-9a1c-1029d629a3e6.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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Business performance summary

H1 2024 performance summary Performance key metrics and ratios Chief Financial Officer review Retail Banking Private Banking Commercial & Institutional Central items & other Segment performance

Risk and capital management

17 Credit risk
17 Economic loss drivers
21 Governance and post model adjustments
23 Measurement uncertainty and ECL
sensitivity analysis
25 Measurement uncertainty and ECL
adequacy
26 Credit risk –
Banking activities
26 Financial instruments within the scope of the
IFRS 9 ECL framework
27 Segment analysis –
portfolio summary
30 Segment loans and impairment metrics
31 Sector analysis –
portfolio summary
37 Wholesale forbearance
39 Personal portfolio
42 Commercial real estate
42 Flow statements

Risk and capital management continued

  • Stage 2 decomposition by a significant increase in credit risk trigger Asset quality Credit risk - Trading activities Capital, liquidity and funding risk
  • Non-traded market risk
  • Traded market risk
  • Pension risk
  • Compliance and conduct risk

Financial statements and notes

77 Condensed consolidated income statement
78 Condensed consolidated statement of
comprehensive income
79 Condensed consolidated balance sheet
80 Condensed consolidated statement of
changes in equity
82 Condensed consolidated cash flow
83 statement
Presentation of condensed consolidated
financial statements
83 Net interest income
84 Non-interest income
85 Operating expenses
86 Segmental analysis
89 Tax
90 Financial instruments -
classification

Financial instruments - valuation

Financial statements and notes continued

97 Trading assets and liabilities
98 Loan impairment provisions
99 Provisions for liabilities and charges
99 Dividends
99 Contingent liabilities and commitments
100 Litigation and regulatory matters
106 Related party transactions
106 Acquisitions
106 Post balance sheet events
106 Date of approval
Independent review report to NatWest
107 Group plc

Additional information

108 NatWest Group plc summary risk factors
110 Statement of directors' responsibilities
111 Presentation of information
111 Statutory accounts
111 Forward-looking statements
112 Share information and contacts

Appendix

113 Non-IFRS financial measures
Performance measures not defined
118 under IFRS

Financial statements

Risk and capital management

Chief Executive, Paul Thwaite, commented:

"As the UK's leading business bank, and one of the largest retail banks, NatWest Group's strong performance is grounded in the vital role we play in the UK economy and in the lives of our 19 million customers. In the first half of the year, we have delivered an operating profit of £3 billion, a return on tangible equity of 16.4% and a 6 pence interim dividend, up 9% on last year's dividend. We are also pleased with the continued reduction of the Government's stake, which has almost halved this year.

We have made good progress against our strategic priorities, taking decisive action to grow and simplify our business and to manage our capital and costs more efficiently. There has been growth across all three of our businesses, we have attracted over 200,000 new customers and our acquisition from Sainsbury's Bank is expected to add around one million customer accounts on completion. We have also agreed to acquire £2.5 billion of UK prime residential mortgages from Metro Bank plc, adding further scale to our Retail Banking business.

The positive momentum and progress in the first half reflect the ambition across the bank to deliver its full potential. Our customers are beginning to feel more confident, with activity increasing and asset quality remaining strong, and we are well positioned to help unlock growth across the UK through our unrivalled regional network. Fundamentally, if we succeed with our customers, we will succeed for our shareholders and the wider economy."

Strong H1 2024 and Q2 performance

  • − H1 2024 attributable profit of £2,099 million and a return on tangible equity (RoTE) of 16.4%.
  • − Q2 2024 total income excluding notable items(1) of £3,590 million was £176 million, or 5.2%, higher than Q1 2024 primarily reflecting increased deposit income whilst H1 2024 was £379 million lower than H1 2023 due to lower average deposit balances and mix changes and lending margin pressure.
  • − Net interest margin (NIM) of 2.10% was 5 basis points higher than Q1 2024 primarily due to improved deposit margins.
  • − Q2 2024 other operating expenses were £100 million lower than Q1 2024, or £21 million lower excluding costs in relation to bank levies of £87 million and the potential retail share offering. H1 2024 other operating expenses were £149 million higher than H1 2023, or £42 million, 1.1%, higher excluding costs in relation to the potential retail share offering of £24 million and additional bank levies of £83 million.
  • − Net impairment charge of £48 million in H1 2024, or 3 basis points of gross customer loans. Levels of default remain stable and at low levels across the portfolio.

Robust balance sheet with strong capital and liquidity levels

  • − Net loans to customers excluding central items decreased by £1.7 billion in the quarter and decreased £0.3 billion in the first half as growth in Commercial & Institutional was offset by UK Government scheme repayments and lower mortgage balances as customer redemptions offset new lending.
  • − Up to 30 June 2024 we have provided £78.3 billion against our target to provide £100 billion climate and sustainable funding and financing between 1 July 2021 and the end of 2025.
  • − Customer deposits excluding central items were up by £6.1 billion in the first half of the year and increased £5.2 billion in Q2 2024. Term balances remained consistent in the quarter at 17% of our book and up from 16% at the end of 2023.
  • − The loan:deposit ratio (LDR) (excl. repos and reverse repos) was 83% at Q2 2024, with customer deposits exceeding net loans to customers by around £72 billion.
  • − The liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) of 151%, representing £54.5 billion headroom above 100% minimum requirement was unchanged compared with Q1 2024.
  • − TNAV per share increased by 12 pence in H1 2024 to 304 pence primarily reflecting the profit for the period, partially offset by the 2023 final ordinary dividend of 11.5 pence.

(1) Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of notable items.

Additional

H1 2024 performance summary continued

Shareholder return supported by strong capital generation

  • − We are pleased to announce an interim dividend of 6 pence per share which, including the £1.2 billion directed buyback completed in May, brings total distributions announced to £1.7 billion for H1 2024.
  • − Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 13.6% was 10 basis points higher than Q1 2024 reflecting the attributable profit and reduction in RWAs, partially offset by capital distributions.
  • − During Q2 2024 we agreed to acquire the outstanding credit card, unsecured personal loans and savings balances of Sainsbury's Bank, subject to court and regulatory approvals. On completion we expect this acquisition to add around one million customer accounts to our Retail Banking business.
  • − RWAs of £180.8 billion reduced by £5.5 billion in Q2 2024 largely reflecting RWA management of £3.9 billion.

Outlook(1)

We continue to assess the economic outlook and will monitor and react to market conditions and refine our internal forecasts as the economic position evolves. The following statements are based on our current expectations for interest rates and economic activity.

In 2024 we now expect:

  • − to achieve a return on tangible equity above 14%.
  • − income excluding notable items to be around £14.0 billion.
  • − Group operating costs, excluding litigation and conduct costs, to be broadly stable compared with 2023 excluding around £0.1 billion increase in bank levies and £24 million of costs in relation to the potential retail share offering by HM Treasury.
  • − our loan impairment rate for 2024 to be below 15 basis points.

In 2026 we continue to expect:

− to achieve a return on tangible equity for the Group of greater than 13%.

Capital – we continue to:

  • − target a CET1 ratio in the range of 13-14%.
  • − expect RWAs to be around £200 billion at the end of 2025, including the impact of Basel 3.1, however this remains subject to final rules and approval.
  • − expect to pay ordinary dividends of around 40% of attributable profit and maintain capacity to participate in directed buybacks from the UK Government, recognising that any exercise of this authority would be dependent upon HMT's intentions. We will also consider further on-market buybacks as appropriate.

(1) The guidance, targets, expectations, and trends discussed in this section represent NatWest Group plc management's current expectations and are subject to change, including as a result of the factors described in the NatWest Group plc Risk Factors section in the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F and the Summary Risk Factors in this announcement. These statements constitute forward-looking statements. Refer to Forward-looking statements in this announcement.

Half year ended Quarter ended
30 June 30 June 30 June 31 March 30 June
2024 2023 Variance 2024 2024 Variance 2023 Variance
Summary consolidated income statement £m £m % £m £m % £m %
Net interest income 5,408 5,726 (5.6%) 2,757 2,651 4.0% 2,824 (2.4%)
Non-interest income 1,726 2,001 (13.7%) 902 824 9.5% 1,027 (12.2%)
Total income 7,134 7,727 (7.7%) 3,659 3,475 5.3% 3,851 (5.0%)
Litigation and conduct costs (101) (108) (6.5%) (77) (24) nm (52) 48.1%
Other operating expenses (3,956) (3,807) 3.9% (1,928) (2,028) (4.9%) (1,875) 2.8%
Operating expenses (4,057) (3,915) 3.6% (2,005) (2,052) (2.3%) (1,927) 4.0%
Profit before impairment losses/releases 3,077 3,812 (19.3%) 1,654 1,423 16.2% 1,924 (14.0%)
Impairment (losses)/releases (48) (223) (78.5%) 45 (93) (148.4%) (153) (129.4%)
Operating profit before tax 3,029 3,589 (15.6%) 1,699 1,330 27.7% 1,771 (4.1%)
Tax charge (801) (1,061) (24.5%) (462) (339) 36.3% (549) (15.8%)
Profit from continuing operations 2,228 2,528 (11.9%) 1,237 991 24.8% 1,222 1.2%
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 11 (108) (110.2%) 15 (4) nm (143) (110.5%)
Profit for the period 2,239 2,420 (7.5%) 1,252 987 26.8% 1,079 16.0%
Performance key metrics and ratios
Notable items within total income
(1)
£130m £344m nm £69m £61m nm £288m nm
Total income excluding notable items
(1)
£7,004m £7,383m (5.1%) £3,590m £3,414m 5.2% £3,563m 0.8%
Net interest margin
(1)
2.07% 2.23% (16bps) 2.10% 2.05% 5bps 2.20% (10bps)
Average interest earning assets
(1)
£524bn £518bn 1.2% £528bn £521bn 1.3% £514bn 2.7%
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct)
(1)
55.5% 49.3% 6.2% 52.7% 58.4% (5.7%) 48.7% 4.0%
Loan impairment rate
(1)
3bps 12bps (9bps) (5bps) 10bps (15bps) 16bps (21bps)
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders £2,099m £2,299m (8.7%) £1,181m £918m 28.6% £1,020m 15.8%
Total earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders -
basic
24.2p 24.3p (0.1p) 13.7p 10.5p 3.2p 11.0p 2.7p
Return on tangible equity (RoTE)
(1)
16.4% 18.2% (1.8%) 18.5% 14.2% 4.3% 16.4% 2.1%
Climate and sustainable funding and financing
(2)
£16.3bn £16.0bn 1.9% £9.7bn £6.6bn 47.0% £8.4bn 15.5%

nm = not meaningful.

For the footnotes to this table refer to the following page.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 5

Business performance summary continued

Balance sheet 30 June
2024
£bn
690.3
31 March
2024
£bn
Variance 31 December
2023
Variance
% £bn %
Total assets 697.5 (1.0%) 692.7 (0.3%)
Loans to customers -
amortised cost
379.3 378.0 0.3% 381.4 (0.6%)
Loans to customers excluding central items
(1,3)
355.3 357.0 (0.5%) 355.6 (0.1%)
Loans to customers and banks -
amortised cost and FVOCI
388.9 387.7 0.3% 392.0 (0.8%)
Total impairment provisions
(4)
3.3 3.6 (8.3%) 3.6 (8.3%)
Expected credit loss (ECL) coverage ratio 0.86% 0.94% (8bps) 0.93% (7bps)
Assets under management and administration (AUMA)
(1)
45.1 43.1 4.6% 40.8 10.5%
Customer deposits 433.0 432.8 0.0% 431.4 0.4%
Customer deposits excluding central items
(1,3)
425.2 420.0 1.2% 419.1 1.5%
Liquidity and funding
Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) 151% 151% 0.0% 144% 7.0%
Liquidity portfolio 227 229 (1.0%) 223 1.8%
Net stable funding ratio (NSFR) 139% 136% 3.0% 133% 6.0%
Loan:deposit ratio (excl. repos and reverse repos) (1) 83% 84% (1%) 84% (1%)
Total wholesale funding 83 87 (4.6%) 80 3.8%
Short-term wholesale funding 27 31 (12.9%) 28 (3.6%)
Capital and leverage
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio
(5)
13.6% 13.5% 10bps 13.4% 20bps
Total capital ratio
(5)
19.5% 18.8% 70bps 18.4% 110bps
Pro forma CET1 ratio (excl. foreseeable items)
(6)
14.1% 14.3% (20bps) 14.2% (10bps)
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) 180.8 186.3 (3.0%) 183.0 (1.2%)
UK leverage ratio 5.2% 5.1% 0.1% 5.0% 0.2%
Tangible net asset value (TNAV) per ordinary share
(1,7)
304p 302p 2p 292p 12p
Number of ordinary shares in issue (millions)
(7)
8,307 8,727 (4.8%) 8,792 (5.5%)

(1) Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

(2) NatWest Group uses its climate and sustainable funding and financing inclusion (CSFFI) criteria to determine the assets, activities and companies that are eligible to be included within its climate and sustainable funding and financing target. This includes both provision of committed (on and off-balance sheet) funding and financing, including provision of services for underwriting issuances and private placements.

(3) Central items includes Treasury repo activity and Ulster Bank Republic of Ireland.

(4) Includes £0.1 billion relating to off-balance sheet exposures (31 March 2024 - £0.1 billion; 31 December 2023 – £0.1 billion).

(5) Refer to the Capital, liquidity and funding risk section for details of the basis of preparation.

(6) The pro forma CET1 ratio at 30 June 2024 excludes foreseeable items of £889 million: £839 million for ordinary dividends and £50 million foreseeable charges (31 March 2024 excludes foreseeable items of £1,633 million: £1,380 million for ordinary dividends and £253 million foreseeable charges; 31 December 2023 excludes foreseeable items of £1,538 million: £1,013 million for ordinary dividends and £525 million foreseeable charges).

(7) The number of ordinary shares in issue excludes own shares held.

We delivered an operating profit of £3,029 million in the first half of the year with a RoTE of 16.4%. Total income excluding notable items of £7.0 billion in H1 2024 was down by 5.1% on the prior year but Q2 2024 was up 5.2% on Q1 2024. We continue to see low levels of default across our portfolio, with a net impairment charge of 3 basis points of gross customer loans for the first half of the year.

In the first half of the year net lending excluding central items decreased by £0.3 billion. Excluding repayment of UK Government schemes of £1.0 billion net lending increased by £0.8 billion, driven by Commercial & Institutional customers which offset lower mortgage balances. Customer deposit balances excluding central items increased by £6.1 billion in the first half. Our robust balance sheet means that we remain in a strong liquidity position, with an LCR of 151% representing £54.5 billion headroom above 100% minimum requirement, and an LDR (excl. repos and reverse repos) of 83%.

Our CET1 ratio remains within our targeted range at 13.6%, with total distributions announced of £1.7 billion in H1 2024. An interim dividend of 6 pence per share compares with 5.5 pence in the prior year.

Strong H1 and Q2 2024 performance

  • − Total income increased by 5.3% in Q2 2024 to £3,659 million compared with Q1 2024 and decreased 7.7% in H1 2024 compared with H1 2023, impacted by FX recycling gains in the prior year. Total income excluding notable items was £176 million higher than Q1 2024 primarily reflecting increased deposit income and decreased £379 million, or 5.1%, in the first half compared with H1 2023 due to lower average deposit balances and mix changes throughout 2023, as customers moved towards interest bearing and term accounts, and lending margin pressure, which has eased in Q2 2024.
  • − Q2 2024 NIM of 2.10% was 5 basis points higher than Q1 2024 primarily due to improved deposit margins. H1 2024 NIM was 16 basis points lower than H1 2023 principally reflecting mortgage margin pressure and deposit mix changes, as customers move from non-interest bearing to interest bearing accounts.
  • − Total operating expenses for Q2 2024 were £47 million lower than Q1 2024 and £142 million higher in the first half of the year compared with H1 2023. Q2 2024 other operating expenses were £100 million lower than Q1 2024, or £21 million lower excluding costs in relation to bank levies of £87 million and the potential retail share offering. H1 2024 other operating expenses were £149 million higher than H1 2023, or £42 million, 1.1%, higher excluding costs in relation to the potential retail share offering of £24 million and additional bank levies of £83 million, reflecting increased staff costs due to inflation and severance costs, partially offset by ongoing simplification of our business and lower costs in relation to our withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland.

We remain committed to deliver on our full year cost guidance, excluding the impact of increased bank levies and costs in relation to the potential retail share offering.

Additional

  • − A net impairment charge of £48 million in H1 2024 principally reflected broadly stable Stage 3 inflows partly offset by good book releases, including post model adjustments. Levels of default remain stable and at low levels across the portfolio despite inflationary pressures and the higher interest rate environment. Compared with Q1 2024, our ECL provision decreased by £0.3 billion to £3.3 billion and our ECL coverage ratio has decreased from 0.94% to 0.86%. We retain post model adjustments of £0.3 billion related to economic uncertainty, or 9.0% of total impairment provisions. Whilst we are comfortable with the strong credit performance of our book, we will continue to assess this position regularly and are closely monitoring the impacts of inflationary pressures, which have eased in the first half, on the UK economy and our customers.
  • − As a result, we are pleased to report an attributable profit for H1 2024 of £2,099 million, with earnings per share of 24.2 pence and a RoTE of 16.4%. Q2 2024 RoTE was 18.5%.

Robust balance sheet with strong capital and liquidity levels

  • − Net loans to customers excluding central items decreased by £1.7 billion in the quarter and decreased by £0.3 billion in the first half to £355.3 billion. Growth in Commercial Mid-market and Corporate & Institutions, net of UK Government scheme repayments of £1.0 billion in the first half, largely offset lower mortgage balances.
  • − Up to 30 June 2024 we have provided £78.3 billion against our target to provide £100 billion climate and sustainable funding and financing between 1 July 2021 and the end of 2025. As part of this we aim to provide at least £10 billion in lending for EPC A and B rated residential properties between 1 January 2023 and the end of 2025. During H1 2024 we provided £16.3 billion climate and sustainable funding and financing, which included £1.4 billion in lending for EPC A and B rated residential properties.
  • − Customer deposits excluding central items increased £5.2 billion in Q2 2024 and £6.1 billion in the first half of the year reflecting £3.5 billion growth in Retail Banking and £1.8 billion in Private Banking, largely in savings and other interestbearing balances, and a £0.8 billion increase in Commercial & Institutional primarily within Commercial Mid-market. Term balances remained consistent in the quarter at 17% of our book and up from 16% at the end of 2023.
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 7

Chief Financial Officer review continued

  • − The LCR was unchanged compared with Q1 2024 at 151%, representing £54.5 billion headroom above 100% minimum requirements primarily due to increased customer deposits offset by reduced wholesale funding and capital distributions (share buyback and dividends). Our primary liquidity at H1 2024 was £160.4 billion and £111.8 billion, or 70%, of this was cash and balances at central banks. Total wholesale funding decreased by £3.6 billion in the quarter to £83.0 billion.
  • − TNAV per share increased by 12 pence in H1 2024 to 304 pence primarily reflecting the profit for the period partially offset by the 2023 final ordinary dividend of 11.5 pence.

Shareholder return supported strong capital generation

  • − The CET1 ratio of 13.6% was 10 basis points higher than Q1 2024 principally reflecting the attributable profit for the quarter, c.60 basis points and a decrease in RWAs c.40 basis points, partially offset by distributions deducted from capital of c.90 basis points. CET1 was 20 basis points higher than 31 December 2023 largely reflecting the attributable profit and a £2.2 billion decrease in RWAs, partially offset by distributions. NatWest Group's minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) was 31.7%.
  • − RWAs reduced by £5.5 billion in the second quarter of the year to £180.8 billion largely reflecting RWA management of £3.9 billion and decreased by £2.2 billion in the first half primarily due to RWA management of £4.3 billion, partially offset by the annual update to operational risk.

Retail Banking

Half year ended Quarter ended
30 June 30 June 30 June 31 March 30 June
2024 2023 2024 2024 2023
£m £m £m £m £m
Total income 2,690 3,120 1,365 1,325 1,516
Operating expenses (1,470) (1,367) (697) (773) (671)
of which: Other operating expenses (1,457) (1,343) (690) (767) (650)
Impairment losses (122) (193) (59) (63) (79)
Operating profit 1,098 1,560 609 489 766
Return on equity
(1)
18.4% 29.1% 20.3% 16.5% 28.2%
Net interest margin
(1)
2.26% 2.65% 2.31% 2.22% 2.56%
Cost:income ratio
(excl. litigation and conduct)
(1)
54.2% 43.0% 50.5% 57.9% 42.9%
Loan impairment rate
(1)
12bps 19bps 12bps 12bps 15bps
As at
30 June 31 March 31 December
2024 2024 2023
£bn £bn £bn
Net loans to customers (amortised cost) 203.3 203.5 205.2
Customer deposits 191.5 190.0 188.0
RWAs 62.3 62.5 61.6

(1) Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

During H1 2024, Retail Banking delivered an operating profit of £1.1 billion and a return on equity of 18.4%. Q2 2024 showed positive income momentum with increased net interest margin from deposit margin expansion supporting improved profitability.

Retail Banking provided £1.3 billion of climate and sustainable funding and financing in H1 2024 from lending on properties with an EPC rating of A or B.

H1 2024 performance

− Total income was £430 million, or 13.8%, lower than H1 2023 due to mortgage margin compression and the impact of the deposit balance mix shift from noninterest bearing to interest bearing balances, partly offset by lending growth and the impact of one more day in H1 2024.

Additional

  • − Net interest margin was 39 basis points lower than H1 2023, largely reflecting mortgage margin compression and the impact of deposit balance mix shift.
  • − Other operating expenses were £114 million, or 8.5%, higher than H1 2023 reflecting the Bank of England Levy, increased severance costs, and branch and property exit costs partly offset by savings from an 8.0% reduction in headcount.
  • − An impairment charge of £122 million in H1 2024 was £71 million lower than H1 2023. The H1 2024 charge reflects a broadly stable Stage 3 charge, with the good book benefitting from post model adjustment releases.
  • − Net loans to customers decreased £1.9 billion, or 0.9%, in H1 2024. Mortgage balances decreased by £2.5 billion as customer redemptions more than offset gross new lending. Personal advances decreased by £0.3 billion whilst cards balances increased by £0.7 billion in H1 2024 benefitting from new card issuance, as well as higher customer spend.
  • − Customer deposits increased by £3.5 billion, or 1.9%, in H1 2024 reflecting growth in savings partly offset by lower current account balances.
  • − RWAs increased by £0.7 billion, or 1.1%, in H1 2024 primarily due to the annual update for operational risk calculation, book movements and movement in risk parameters.

  • − Total income was £40 million, or 3.0%, higher than Q1 2024 reflecting deposit margin expansion partly offset by the impact of the deposit balance mix shift from non-interest bearing to interest bearing balances and asset margin compression.

  • − Net interest margin was 9 basis points higher than Q1 2024, largely reflecting improved deposit hedge income, partly offset by the impact of the deposit balance mix shift and asset margin compression.
  • − Other operating expenses were £77 million, or 10.0%, lower than Q1 2024 reflecting the Bank of England Levy in Q1 2024 and lower strategic costs as well as savings from a 3.8% reduction in headcount.
  • − An impairment charge of £59 million in Q2 2024, reflecting a Stage 3 charge broadly in line with Q1 2024, with the good book benefitting from post model adjustment releases.
  • − Net loans to customers decreased by £0.2 billion, or 0.1%, lower than Q1 2024, driven by £0.7 billion lower mortgage balances, as redemptions more than offset stronger gross new lending, and personal advances decreased by £0.1 billion in Q2 2024; whilst cards balances increased by £0.4 billion in Q2 2024.
  • − Customer deposits increased by £1.5 billion, or 0.8%, in Q2 2024 reflecting growth in savings partly offset by lower current account balances.
  • − RWAs decreased by £0.2 billion, or 0.3%, in Q2 2024 primarily due to book movements.

Business performance summary continued

Private Banking

Half year ended Quarter ended
30 June 30 June 30 June 31 March 30 June
2024 2023 2024 2024 2023
£m £m £m £m £m
Total income 444 567 236 208 271
Operating expenses (356) (322) (175) (181) (167)
of which: Other operating expenses (355) (311) (175) (180) (159)
Impairment releases/(losses) 11 (11) 5 6 (3)
Operating profit 99 234 66 33 101
Return on equity
(1)
10.5% 24.7% 14.4% 6.7% 20.8%
Net interest margin
(1)
2.18% 3.13% 2.30% 2.06% 2.94%
Cost:income ratio
(excl. litigation and conduct)
(1)
80.0% 54.9% 74.2% 86.5% 58.7%
Loan impairment rate
(1)
(12)bps 11bps (11)bps (13)bps 6bps
AUM net flows (£bn)
(1)
1.0 1.0 0.6 0.4 0.4
As at
30 June 31 March 31 December
2024 2024 2023
£bn £bn £bn
Net loans to customers (amortised cost) 18.1 18.2 18.5
Customer deposits 39.5 37.8 37.7
RWAs 11.0 11.3 11.2
Assets under management (AUMs)
(1)
34.7 33.6 31.7
Assets under administration (AUAs)
(1)
10.4 9.5 9.1
Total assets under management and administration (AUMA)
(1)
45.1 43.1 40.8

(1) Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

During H1 2024, Private Banking delivered a return on equity of 10.5% and an operating profit of £99 million. Q2 2024 continued to see a positive performance in deposits and AUMA growth supporting improved profitability.

Private Banking provided £0.2 billion of climate and sustainable funding and financing in H1 2024, principally in relation to mortgages on residential properties with an EPC rating of A or B.

H1 2024 performance

− Total income was £123 million, or 21.7% lower than H1 2023 reflecting the change in deposit mix, primarily during the second half of 2023, as customers migrated to savings products offering higher returns combined with a reduction in lending volumes. This was partly offset by an increase in investment income due to higher AUMA balances reflecting net inflows and favourable market movements.

Additional

  • − Net interest margin was 95 basis points lower than H1 2023, largely reflecting a change in deposit mix.
  • − Other operating expenses were £44 million, or 14.1%, higher than H1 2023 primarily reflecting increased technology and severance costs along with the Bank of England Levy. Staff costs have increased also due to inflationary pressure.
  • − A net impairment release of £11 million, compared with an £11 million charge in H1 2023, largely reflects good book releases including benefits from post model adjustments with the Stage 3 charge broadly flat and remaining at low levels.
  • − Net loans to customers decreased by £0.4 billion, or 2.2%, in H1 2024 driven by lower mortgage balances.
  • − Customer deposits increased by £1.8 billion, or 4.8%, in H1 2024 reflecting strong above-market savings growth and short-term transitory inflows in Q2 2024 offsetting tax outflows in Q1 2024.
  • − AUMA increased by £4.3 billion in H1 2024 to £45.1 billion, primarily driven by £2.9 billion positive market movements, and £1.0 billion AUM and £0.3 billion AUA net inflows.

  • − Total income was £28 million, or 13.5%, higher than Q1 2024 primarily due to higher average deposit and AUMA balances, driving an increase in investment fee income and improved deposit income, partly offset by lower average lending balances.

  • − Net interest margin was 24 basis points higher than Q1 2024 reflecting higher average deposit balances and improvement in deposit margin.
  • − Other operating expenses were £5 million, or 2.8%, lower than Q1 2024 primarily due to the non-repeat of higher technology costs and the Bank of England Levy incurred in Q1 2024.
  • − Net loans to customers decreased by £0.1 billion, or 0.5%, in Q2 2024 primarily due to lower mortgage balances.
  • − Customer deposits increased by £1.7 billion, or 4.5%, compared with Q1 2024 driven by a strong performance on instant access savings, including short-term transitory inflows, partly offset by a small reduction on current accounts.
  • − AUMA increased by £2.0 billion in Q2 2024, reflecting positive market movements of £0.9 billion supported by AUM net inflows of £0.6 billion and AUA inflows of £0.4 billion.

Business performance summary continued

Commercial & Institutional

Half year ended Quarter ended
30 June 30 June 30 June 31 March 30 June
2024 2023 2024 2024 2023
£m £m £m £m £m
Net interest income 2,543 2,504 1,297 1,246 1,243
Non-interest income 1,257 1,244 644 613 552
Total income 3,800 3,748 1,941 1,859 1,795
Operating expenses (2,150) (1,987) (1,099) (1,051) (984)
of which: Other operating expenses (2,073) (1,893) (1,053) (1,020) (934)
Impairment releases/(losses) 57 (20) 96 (39) (64)
Operating profit 1,707 1,741 938 769 747
Return on equity
(1)
16.2% 16.9% 17.8% 14.6% 14.3%
Net interest margin
(1)
2.10% 2.06% 2.12% 2.07% 2.05%
Cost:income ratio
(excl. litigation and conduct)
(1)
54.6% 50.5% 54.3% 54.9% 52.0%
Loan impairment rate
(1)
(8)bps 3bps (28)bps 11bps 20bps
As at
30 June 31 March 31 December
2024 2024 2023
£bn £bn £bn
Net loans to customers (amortised cost) 133.9 135.3 131.9
Customer deposits 194.2 192.2 193.4
Funded assets
(1)
315.5 321.7 306.9

(1) Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

RWAs 104.9 109.9 107.4

In H1 2024, Commercial & Institutional continued to support customers with an increase in lending of 1.5% and delivered a strong performance in income and operating profit supporting a return on equity of 16.2%. Q2 2024 continued to see good client demand for lending, an increase in customer deposits supported by an improving UK deposit market and disciplined capital management delivering strong income and net interest margin growth supporting overall improved profitability.

Commercial & Institutional provided £14.9 billion of climate and sustainable funding and financing in H1 2024 to support customers investing in the transition to net zero.

H1 2024 performance

− Total income was £52 million, or 1.4%, higher than H1 2023 due to strong clientdriven capital markets activity, lending growth in Corporate & Institutions and Commercial Mid-market, partially offset by lower deposit returns reflecting the impact of the lower average volumes and balance mix shift.

Additional

  • − Net interest margin was 4 basis points higher than H1 2023, largely reflecting one-off items partly offset by lower deposit returns.
  • − Other operating expenses were £180 million, or 9.5%, higher than H1 2023 reflecting increased severance costs, the Bank of England Levy, and increased headcount as we continue to invest in the business.
  • − An impairment release of £57 million in H1 2024 reflecting good book releases with benefits from the revised economic outlook, post model adjustment releases, and benefits from capital management activity. Stage 3 charge remains at a low level.
  • − Net loans to customers increased by £2.0 billion, or 1.5%, in H1 2024 largely reflecting a strong performance within Commercial Mid-market and Corporate & Institutions, partly offset by continued UK Government scheme repayments of £1.0 billion.
  • − Customer deposits increased by £0.8 billion, or 0.4%, in H1 2024 reflecting an increase in Commercial Mid-market.
  • − RWAs decreased by £2.5 billion, or 2.3%, in H1 2024 primarily due to RWA management of £3.7 billion, decreases in market risk and counterparty credit risk, partially offset by lending book growth and the annual update for operational risk.

  • − Total income was £82 million, or 4.4%, higher than Q1 2024 primarily reflecting higher deposit income, average lending growth, and higher lending and payment fees.

  • − Net interest margin was 5 basis points higher than Q1 2024 reflecting higher deposit returns.
  • − Other operating expenses were £33 million, or 3.2%, higher than Q1 2024 reflecting increased severance costs, partially offset by the Bank of England Levy in Q1 2024.
  • − An impairment release of £96 million compared with a £39 million charge in Q1 2024, largely reflecting good book releases driven by benefits from the revised economic outlook, post model adjustment releases, and benefits from capital management activity.
  • − Net loans to customers decreased by £1.4 billion, or 1.0%, in Q2 2024 as continued growth in Commercial Mid-Market was offset by lower balances in large Corporate & Institutions, with some customers taking advantage of stronger capital markets as well as continued UK Government scheme repayments of £0.5 billion.
  • − Customer deposits increased by £2.0 billion, or 1.0%, in Q2 2024 reflecting an increase in Commercial Mid-market and Business Banking.
  • − RWAs decreased by £5.0 billion, or 4.5%, compared with Q1 2024 primarily due to strong RWA management of £3.5 billion, decreases in market risk and counterparty credit risk, partially offset by lending book growth.

Business performance summary continued

Central items & other

Half year ended Quarter ended
30 June 30 June 30 June 31 March 30 June
2024 2023 2024 2024 2023
£m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations
Total income 200 292 117 83 269
Operating expenses (81) (239) (34) (47) (105)
of which: Other operating expenses (71) (260) (10) (61) (132)
of which: Ulster Bank RoI direct expenses (55) (163) (30) (25) (63)
Impairment releases/(losses) 6 1 3 3 (7)
Operating profit 125 54 86 39 157
As at
30 June 31 March 31 December
2024 2024 2023
£bn £bn £bn
Net loans to customers (amortised cost) 24.0 21.0 25.8
Customer deposits 7.8 12.8 12.3
RWAs 2.6 2.6 2.8

H1 2024 performance

− Total income was £92 million lower than H1 2023 primarily reflecting £198 million lower notable items which included foreign exchange recycling gains in H1 2023 not repeated in H1 2024 and higher gains on interest and foreign exchange risk management derivatives not in accounting hedge relationships, partially offset with income in relation to our Ulster RoI business.

Additional

  • − Other operating expenses were £189 million, or 72.7%, lower than H1 2023 primarily reflecting lower costs in relation to withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland.
  • − Customer deposits decreased by £4.5 billion, or 36.6%, compared with Q4 2023 primarily reflecting repo activity in Treasury.
  • − Net loans to customers decreased £1.8 billion to £24.0 billion in H1 2024 mainly due to reverse repo activity in Treasury.

  • − Total income was £34 million higher than Q1 2024 primarily reflecting treasury income, a gain on surrender of a property, and income in relation to our Ulster RoI business.

  • − Customer deposits decreased by £5.0 billion, or 39.1%, in Q2 2024 primarily reflecting repo activity in Treasury.
  • − Net loans to customers increased by £3.0 billion in Q2 2024 mainly due to reverse repo activity in Treasury.
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 12
Half year ended 30 June 2024
Retail Private Commercial & Central items Total NatWest
Banking Banking Institutional & other Group
£m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations
Income statement
Net interest income 2,475 285 2,543 105 5,408
Own credit adjustments - - (7) - (7)
Other non-interest income 215 159 1,264 95 1,733
Total income 2,690 444 3,800 200 7,134
Direct expenses (381) (126) (764) (2,685) (3,956)
Indirect expenses (1,076) (229) (1,309) 2,614 -
Other operating expenses (1,457) (355) (2,073) (71) (3,956)
Litigation and conduct costs (13) (1) (77) (10) (101)
Operating expenses (1,470) (356) (2,150) (81) (4,057)
Operating profit before impairment losses/releases 1,220 88 1,650 119 3,077
Impairment (losses)/releases (122) 11 57 6 (48)
Operating profit 1,098 99 1,707 125 3,029
Income excluding notable items
(1)
2,690 444 3,807 63 7,004
Additional information
Return on tangible equity
(1)
na na na na 16.4%
Return on equity
(1)
18.4% 10.5% 16.2% nm na
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct)
(1)
54.2% 80.0% 54.6% nm 55.5%
Total assets (£bn) 226.5 27.2 381.9 54.7 690.3
Funded assets (£bn)
(1)
226.5 27.2 315.5 53.6 622.8
Net loans to customers -
amortised cost (£bn)
203.3 18.1 133.9 24.0 379.3
Loan impairment rate
(1)
12bps (12)bps (8)bps nm 3bps
Impairment provisions (£bn) (1.7) (0.1) (1.5) - (3.3)
Impairment provisions -
Stage 3 (£bn)
(1.0) - (0.9) (0.1) (2.0)
Customer deposits (£bn) 191.5 39.5 194.2 7.8 433.0
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) (£bn) 62.3 11.0 104.9 2.6 180.8
RWA equivalent (RWAe) (£bn) 63.1 11.0 106.7 3.1 183.9
Employee numbers (FTEs -
thousands)
12.6 2.2 12.8 33.0 60.6
Third party customer asset rate
(1)
3.88% 4.99% 6.77% nm nm
Third party customer funding rate
(1)
(2.08%) (3.14%) (1.93%) nm nm
Average interest earning assets (£bn)
(1)
220.1 26.3 244.0 na 524.4
Net interest margin
(1)
2.26% 2.18% 2.10% na 2.07%

nm = not meaningful, na = not applicable.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 13
Half year ended 30 June 2023
Retail Private Commercial & Central items
& other
Total NatWest
Banking Banking Institutional Group
£m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations
Income statement
Net interest income 2,908 428 2,504 (114) 5,726
Own credit adjustments - - 9 - 9
Other non-interest income 212 139 1,235 406 1,992
Total income 3,120 567 3,748 292 7,727
Direct expenses (398) (118) (741) (2,550) (3,807)
Indirect expenses (945) (193) (1,152) 2,290 -
Other operating expenses (1,343) (311) (1,893) (260) (3,807)
Litigation and conduct costs (24) (11) (94) 21 (108)
Operating expenses (1,367) (322) (1,987) (239) (3,915)
Operating profit before impairment losses/releases 1,753 245 1,761 53 3,812
Impairment (losses)/releases (193) (11) (20) 1 (223)
Operating profit 1,560 234 1,741 54 3,589
Income excluding notable items
(1)
3,120 567 3,739 (43) 7,383
Additional information
Return on tangible equity
(1)
na na na na 18.2%
Return on equity
(1)
29.1% 24.7% 16.9% nm na
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct)
(1)
43.0% 54.9% 50.5% nm 49.3%
Total assets (£bn) 229.1 27.3 401.5 44.7 702.6
Funded assets (£bn)
(1)
229.1 27.3 320.6 43.7 620.7
Net loans to customers -
amortised cost (£bn)
204.4 19.1 129.2 21.2 373.9
Loan impairment rate
(1)
19bps 11bps 3bps nm 12bps
Impairment provisions (£bn) (1.7) (0.1) (1.5) (0.1) (3.4)
Impairment provisions -
Stage 3 (£bn)
(1.0) - (0.8) (0.1) (1.9)
Customer deposits (£bn) 183.1 36.5 201.5 11.4 432.5
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) (£bn) 57.3 11.5 103.6 5.1 177.5
RWA equivalent (RWAe) (£bn) 57.3 11.5 104.9 5.8 179.5
Employee numbers (FTEs -
thousands)
13.7 2.3 12.6 32.9 61.5
Third party customer asset rate
(1)
3.03% 4.24% 5.61% nm nm
Third party customer funding rate
(1)
(1.02%) (1.43%) (1.03%) nm nm
Average interest earning assets (£bn)
(1)
220.9 27.6 244.6 na 518.4
Net interest margin
(1)
2.65% 3.13% 2.06% na 2.23%

nm = not meaningful, na = not applicable.

NatWest Group
2024 Interim Results
Business performance
summary
Risk and capital
management
Financial
statements
Additional
information
14
Quarter ended 30 June 2024
Retail Private Commercial & Central items Total NatWest
Banking Banking Institutional & other Group
£m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations
Income statement
Net interest income 1,259 151 1,297 50 2,757
Own credit adjustments - - (2) - (2)
Other non-interest income 106 85 646 67 904
Total income 1,365 236 1,941 117 3,659
Direct expenses (192) (65) (380) (1,291) (1,928)
Indirect expenses (498) (110) (673) 1,281 -
Other operating expenses (690) (175) (1,053) (10) (1,928)
Litigation and conduct costs (7) - (46) (24) (77)
Operating expenses (697) (175) (1,099) (34) (2,005)
Operating profit before impairment losses/releases 668 61 842 83 1,654
Impairment (losses)/releases (59) 5 96 3 45
Operating profit 609 66 938 86 1,699
Income excluding notable items
(1)
1,365 236 1,943 46 3,590
Additional information
Return on tangible equity
(1)
na na na na 18.5%
Return on equity
(1)
20.3% 14.4% 17.8% nm na
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct)
(1)
50.5% 74.2% 54.3% nm 52.7%
Total assets (£bn) 226.5 27.2 381.9 54.7 690.3
Funded assets (£bn)
(1)
226.5 27.2 315.5 53.6 622.8
Net loans to customers -
amortised cost (£bn)
203.3 18.1 133.9 24.0 379.3
Loan impairment rate
(1)
12bps (11)bps (28)bps nm (5)bps
Impairment provisions (£bn) (1.7) (0.1) (1.5) - (3.3)
Impairment provisions -
Stage 3 (£bn)
(1.0) - (0.9) (0.1) (2.0)
Customer deposits (£bn) 191.5 39.5 194.2 7.8 433.0
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) (£bn) 62.3 11.0 104.9 2.6 180.8
RWA equivalent (RWAe) (£bn) 63.1 11.0 106.7 3.1 183.9
Employee numbers (FTEs -
thousands)
12.6 2.2 12.8 33.0 60.6
Third party customer asset rate
(1)
3.97% 5.01% 6.73% nm nm
Third party customer funding rate
(1)
(2.10%) (3.15%) (1.93%) nm nm
Average interest earning assets (£bn)
(1)
219.6 26.5 246.0 na 527.6
Net interest margin
(1)
2.31% 2.30% 2.12% na 2.10%

nm = not meaningful, na = not applicable.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 15
Quarter ended 31 March 2024
Retail Private Commercial &
Institutional
Central items Total NatWest
Banking Banking & other Group
£m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations
Income statement
Net interest income 1,216 134 1,246 55 2,651
Own credit adjustments - - (5) - (5)
Other non-interest income 109 74 618 28 829
Total income 1,325 208 1,859 83 3,475
Direct expenses (189) (61) (384) (1,394) (2,028)
Indirect expenses (578) (119) (636) 1,333 -
Other operating expenses (767) (180) (1,020) (61) (2,028)
Litigation and conduct costs (6) (1) (31) 14 (24)
Operating expenses (773) (181) (1,051) (47) (2,052)
Operating profit before impairment losses/releases 552 27 808 36 1,423
Impairment (losses)/releases (63) 6 (39) 3 (93)
Operating profit 489 33 769 39 1,330
Income excluding notable items
(1)
1,325 208 1,864 17 3,414
Additional information
Return on tangible equity
(1)
na na na na 14.2%
Return on equity
(1)
16.5% 6.7% 14.6% nm na
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct)
(1)
57.9% 86.5% 54.9% nm 58.4%
Total assets (£bn) 226.4 26.5 388.8 55.8 697.5
Funded assets (£bn)
(1)
226.4 26.5 321.7 54.7 629.3
Net loans to customers -
amortised cost (£bn)
203.5 18.2 135.3 21.0 378.0
Loan impairment rate
(1)
12bps (13)bps 11bps nm 10bps
Impairment provisions (£bn) (1.9) (0.1) (1.5) (0.1) (3.6)
Impairment provisions -
Stage 3 (£bn)
(1.2) - (0.8) - (2.0)
Customer deposits (£bn) 190.0 37.8 192.2 12.8 432.8
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) (£bn) 62.5 11.3 109.9 2.6 186.3
RWA equivalent (RWAe) (£bn) 62.6 11.3 111.1 3.1 188.1
Employee numbers (FTEs -
thousands)
13.1 2.2 12.7 33.3 61.3
Third party customer asset rate
(1)
3.79% 4.97% 6.81% nm nm
Third party customer funding rate
(1)
(2.05%) (3.14%) (1.93%) nm nm
Average interest earning assets (£bn)
(1)
220.6 26.2 241.9 na 521.1
Net interest margin
(1)
2.22% 2.06% 2.07% na 2.05%

nm = not meaningful, na = not applicable.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 16
Quarter ended 30 June 2023
Retail Private
Banking
Commercial &
Institutional
£m
Central items Total NatWest
Banking & other Group
£m £m £m £m
Continuing operations
Income statement
Net interest income 1,416 199 1,243 (34) 2,824
Own credit adjustments - - 3 - 3
Other non-interest income 100 72 549 303 1,024
Total income 1,516 271 1,795 269 3,851
Direct expenses (187) (58) (381) (1,249) (1,875)
Indirect expenses (463) (101) (553) 1,117 -
Other operating expenses (650) (159) (934) (132) (1,875)
Litigation and conduct costs (21) (8) (50) 27 (52)
Operating expenses (671) (167) (984) (105) (1,927)
Operating profit before impairment losses 845 104 811 164 1,924
Impairment losses (79) (3) (64) (7) (153)
Operating profit 766 101 747 157 1,771
Income excluding notable items
(1)
1,516 271 1,792 (16) 3,563
Additional information
Return on tangible equity
(1)
na na na na 16.4%
Return on equity
(1)
28.2% 20.8% 14.3% nm na
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct)
(1)
42.9% 58.7% 52.0% nm 48.7%
Total assets (£bn) 229.1 27.3 401.5 44.7 702.6
Funded assets (£bn)
(1)
229.1 27.3 320.6 43.7 620.7
Net loans to customers -
amortised cost (£bn)
204.4 19.1 129.2 21.2 373.9
Loan impairment rate
(1)
15bps 6bps 20bps nm 16bps
Impairment provisions (£bn) (1.7) (0.1) (1.5) (0.1) (3.4)
Impairment provisions -
Stage 3 (£bn)
(1.0) - (0.8) (0.1) (1.9)
Customer deposits (£bn) 183.1 36.5 201.5 11.4 432.5
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) (£bn) 57.3 11.5 103.6 5.1 177.5
RWA equivalent (RWAe) (£bn) 57.3 11.5 104.9 5.8 179.5
Employee numbers (FTEs -
thousands)
13.7 2.3 12.6 32.9 61.5
Third party customer asset rate
(1)
3.11% 4.41% 5.84% nm nm
Third party customer funding rate
(1)
(1.20%) (1.71%) (1.18%) nm nm
Average interest earning assets (£bn)
(1)
221.5 27.1 243.2 na 514.5
Net interest margin
(1)
2.56% 2.94% 2.05% na 2.20%

nm - not meaningful, na - not applicable

Certain disclosures in the Risk and capital management section are within the scope of EY's review report and are marked as 'reviewed' in the section header.

Credit risk

Economic loss drivers (reviewed)

Introduction

The portfolio segmentation and selection of economic loss drivers for IFRS 9 follows the approach used in stress testing. To enable robust modelling, the forecasting models for each portfolio segment (defined by product or asset class and where relevant, industry sector and region) are based on a selected, small number of economic variables (typically three to four) that best explain the movements in portfolio loss rates. The process to select economic loss drivers involves empirical analysis and expert judgement.

The most significant economic loss drivers for the most material portfolios are shown in the table below:

Portfolio Economic loss drivers
UK Personal mortgages Unemployment rate, sterling swap rate, house price
index, real wage
UK Personal unsecured Unemployment rate, sterling swap rate, real wage
UK corporates Stock price index, gross domestic product (GDP)
UK commercial real estate Stock price index, commercial property price index, GDP

Economic scenarios

At 30 June 2024, the range of anticipated future economic conditions was defined by a set of four internally developed scenarios and their respective probabilities. In addition to the base case, they comprised upside, downside and extreme downside scenarios. The scenarios primarily reflected the current risks faced by the economy, particularly in relation to the path of inflation and interest rates.

For 30 June 2024, the four scenarios were deemed appropriate in capturing the uncertainty in economic forecasts and the non-linearity in outcomes under different scenarios. These four scenarios were developed to provide sufficient coverage across potential rises in unemployment, inflation, asset price declines and the degree of permanent damage to the economy, around which there remains pronounced levels of uncertainty.

Upside – This scenario assumes robust growth as inflation falls sharply and rates are lowered quicker than expected. Consumer spending is supported by quicker recovery in household income, and further helped by higher consumer confidence, fiscal support and strong business investment. The labour market remains resilient with the unemployment rate falling. The housing market shows robust growth.

Compared to 31 December 2023, the upside scenario remains similarly configured, exploring a more benign set of economic outcomes, including a stronger performing stock market, real estate prices, and supported by a stronger global growth backdrop, relative to the base case view.

Additional

Base case – Continued declining inflation allows an easing cycle to start in the second half of 2024. The unemployment rate rises modestly over 2024 but there are no wide-spread job losses. Inflation remains very close to the current level of 2% through the forecast period. Economic output also experiences modest but stable growth in contrast to the stagnation of recent years. The housing market experiences modest nominal price increase. Housing market activity gradually strengthens as interest rates fall and real incomes recover.

Since 31 December 2023, the economic outlook has improved as household income continued to recover, and the labour market remained resilient. The declining inflation trend has continued, albeit the progress was slower than expected. As a result, rates are expected to remain higher-for-longer than previously expected. The unemployment rate still rises but the peak is marginally lower and is underpinned by a resilient labour market. House prices were assumed to decline previously in 2024, but there has been a better-than-expected recovery in early 2024 and prices are now expected to show a modest increase.

Downside – Core inflation remains persistently high leading to resurgent inflation. The economy experiences a recession as consumer confidence weakens due to a fall in real incomes. Interest rates are raised higher than the base case and remain higherfor-longer. High rates are assumed to have a more significant impact on the labour market. Unemployment is higher than the base case scenario while house prices lose approximately ten percent of their value.

Compared to 31 December 2023, the downside scenario is similarly configured and explores risks associated with high inflation and significantly higher interest rates across the period.

Extreme downside – This scenario assumes a significant economic downturn with a loss of consumer confidence leading to a deep economic recession. This results in widespread job losses with the unemployment rate rising above the levels seen during the 2008 financial crisis, further compounding consumer weakness. Rates are cut sharply in response to the demand shock, leading to some support to the recovery. House prices lose approximately a third of their value.

Compared to 31 December 2023, the extreme downside is similarly configured with an extreme set of economic outcomes, low interest rates, very sharp falls in asset prices and a marked deterioration in the labour market.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 18

Credit risk continued

Economic loss drivers (reviewed)

The main macroeconomic variables for each of the four scenarios used for expected credit loss (ECL) modelling are set out in the main macroeconomic variables table below.

Main macroeconomic variables 30 June 2024 31 December 2023
Extreme Weighted Extreme Weighted
Upside Base case Downside downside average Upside Base case Downside downside average
Five-year summary % % % % % % % % % %
GDP 1.9 1.2 0.6 (0.2) 1.1 1.8 1.0 0.5 (0.3) 0.9
Unemployment rate 3.5 4.3 5.4 7.1 4.7 3.5 4.6 5.2 6.8 4.8
House price index 5.3 3.3 1.0 (4.2) 2.5 3.9 0.3 (0.4) (5.7) 0.3
Commercial real estate price 4.4 1.2 (0.7) (5.1) 0.8 3.1 (0.2) (2.0) (6.8) (0.6)
Consumer price index 1.1 2.1 4.8 1.3 2.3 1.7 2.6 5.2 1.8 2.8
Bank of England base rate 3.3 3.7 5.7 2.6 3.8 3.8 3.7 5.6 2.9 4.0
Stock price index 4.7 3.3 1.3 0.2 2.8 4.8 3.3 1.2 (0.4) 2.8
World GDP 3.7 3.1 2.7 1.8 3.0 3.7 3.2 2.7 1.8 3.0
Probability weight 22.0 45.0 19.4 13.6 21.2 45.0 20.4 13.4

(1) The five-year summary runs from 2024-2028 for 30 June 2024 and from 2023-27 for 31 December 2023.

(2) The table shows compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for GDP, average levels for the unemployment rate and Bank of England base rate and Q4 to Q4 CAGR for other parameters.

Credit risk continued

Economic loss drivers (reviewed)

Climate transition

In 2023, NatWest Group for the first time explicitly included assumptions about the changes in transition policy, in the base case macroeconomic scenario. Last year, an economy-wide implicit carbon price, consistent with the CCC Balanced Net Zero Scenario, was applied to all sectors. During the first half of 2024, NatWest Group continued to add climate policy and technology related transition assumptions into its base case macroeconomic scenario used for financial planning. As in 2023, this process included an assessment of ECL in this IFRS 9 reporting period. This resulted in climate transition policy contributing £5.4 million to total ECL, compared with an increase in ECL of less than £1 million at the end of 2023.

In 2024, NatWest Group refined the approach. In this reporting period, NatWest Group calculated expected implicit carbon prices associated with specific climate transition policies. NatWest Group has individually assessed 46 active and potential transition policies that will have a significant impact on the cost of emissions and converted them into equivalent sectoral carbon prices, calculated as the cost per tonne of the emissions abated, as a result of each policy. This approach enables NatWest Group to estimate an aggregate macroeconomic impact of the transition policies, and as a result, ECL.

NatWest Group and its customers have a dependency on timely and appropriate government policies to provide the necessary impetus for technology development and customer behaviour changes, to enable the UK's successful transition to net zero. Policy delays and the risks outlined in the UK CCC 2022 and 2023 Progress Reports, if not adequately addressed in a timely manner, put at risk the UK's net zero transition and in turn, that of NatWest Group and its customers.

Probability weightings of scenarios

NatWest Group's quantitative approach to IFRS 9 multiple economic scenarios (MES) involves selecting a suitable set of discrete scenarios to characterise the distribution of risks in the economic outlook and assigning appropriate probability weights. This quantitative approach is used for 30 June 2024.

Additional

The approach involves comparing GDP paths for NatWest Group's scenarios against a set of 1,000 model runs, following which, a percentile in the distribution is established that most closely corresponded to the scenario. Probability weight for base case is set first based on judgement, while probability weights for the alternate scenarios are assigned based on these percentiles scores.

The assigned probability weights were judged to be aligned with the subjective assessment of balance of the risks in the economy. The weights were broadly comparable to those used at 31 December 2023 but with slightly less downside skew. This is reasonable as the inflation outturn since then has been encouraging, with inflation continuing to decline and a reduced risk of stagflation. However, the risks of persistent inflation remain elevated and there is considerable uncertainty in the economic outlook, particularly with respect to persistence and the range of outcomes on inflation. Given that backdrop, NatWest Group judges it appropriate that downside-biased scenarios have higher combined probability weights than the upsidebiased scenario. It presents good coverage to the range of outcomes assumed in the scenarios, including the potential for a robust recovery on the upside and exceptionally challenging outcomes on the downside. A 22% weighting was applied to the upside scenario, a 45% weighting applied to the base case scenario, a 19.4% weighting applied to the downside scenario and a 13.6% weighting applied to the extreme downside scenario.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 20

Credit risk continued

Economic loss drivers (reviewed)

Annual figures

Extreme Weighted
Upside Base case Downside downside average
GDP - annual growth % % % % %
2024 1.7 0.7 0.1 - 0.7
2025 3.9 1.2 (0.9) (4.0) 0.7
2026 1.4 1.4 1.1 0.9 1.3
2027 1.2 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.3
2028 1.2 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.3
2029 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3
Unemployment rate
- annual average
2024 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8 4.4
2025 3.4 4.4 5.7 7.8 4.9
2026 3.2 4.3 5.7 8.3 4.9
2027 3.3 4.3 5.5 7.7 4.7
2028 3.3 4.2 5.4 7.1 4.6
2029 3.3 4.2 5.3 6.8 4.6
House price index
- four quarter change
2024 6.8 3.1 (1.2) (3.3) 2.2
2025 8.9 3.1 (6.0) (13.2) 0.6
2026 4.5 3.4 1.0 (14.5) 1.3
2027 3.1 3.4 6.6 5.4 4.1
2028 3.5 3.4 5.2 6.8 4.1
2029 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4
Commercial real estate price
- four quarter change
2024 6.2 (1.3) (4.2) (7.7) (1.1)
2025 5.5 1.7 (8.0) (30.8) (3.4)
2026 4.6 2.0 3.1 3.3 3.0
2027 3.8 2.2 3.4 7.8 3.3
2028 1.8 1.5 3.0 8.5 2.5
2029 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4
Extreme Weighted
Consumer price index Upside Base case Downside downside average
- four quarter change % % % % %
2024 1.4 2.1 5.7 0.1 2.4
2025 0.5 2.1 6.7 0.5 2.5
2026 1.3 2.0 4.4 2.0 2.4
2027 1.2 2.0 3.8 2.0 2.2
2028 1.1 2.0 3.7 2.0 2.2
2029 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

Bank of England base rate

Risk and capital management continued

Economic loss drivers (reviewed)

Credit risk continued

Annual figures

- annual average
2024 4.83 5.10 5.50 4.69 5.06
2025 3.46 4.06 6.35 2.38 4.14
2026 2.85 3.08 5.83 2.00 3.42
2027 2.75 3.00 5.50 2.00 3.29
2028 2.75 3.00 5.19 2.06 3.24
2029 2.75 3.00 5.00 2.25 3.23

Stock price index

- four quarter change
2024 6.8 3.3 (11.0) (27.7) (2.9)
2025 5.7 3.3 (1.5) (7.4) 1.9
2026 4.1 3.3 8.6 21.2 6.0
2027 3.6 3.3 6.5 12.9 4.9
2028 3.2 3.3 5.3 10.2 4.4
2029 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3

Credit risk continued

Economic loss drivers (reviewed)

Worst points

Extreme Weighted
Downside downside average
30 June 2024 % Quarter % Quarter %
GDP (0.9) Q1 2025 (4.2) Q2 2025 0.6
Unemployment rate -
peak
5.8 Q3 2025 8.5 Q4 2025 5.0
House price index (8.0) Q2 2026 (28.2) Q4 2026 1.1
Commercial real estate price (11.9) Q3 2025 (36.5) Q1 2026 (4.4)
Consumer price index
-
highest four quarter change
8.5 Q2 2025 3.5 Q1 2024 3.5
Bank of England base rate
-
extreme level
6.5 Q2 2025 5.3 Q1 2024 5.3
Stock price index (16.0) Q2 2025 (40.5) Q2 2025 (4.2)
31 December 2023
GDP (1.2) Q3 2024 (4.5) Q4 2024 0.3
Unemployment rate -
peak
5.8 Q1 2025 8.5 Q2 2025 5.2
House price index (12.5) Q4 2025 (31.7) Q2 2026 (6.5)
Commercial real estate price (16.6) Q1 2025 (39.9) Q3 2025 (10.2)
Consumer price index
-
highest four quarter change
10.3 Q1 2023 10.3 Q1 2023 10.3
Bank of England base rate
-
extreme level
6.5 Q4 2024 5.3 Q4 2023 5.3
Stock price index (14.3) Q4 2024 (39.3) Q4 2024 (2.4)

(1) Unless specified otherwise, the figures show falls relative to the starting period. The calculations are performed over five years, with a starting point of Q4 2023 for 30 June 2024 scenarios and Q4 2022 for 31 December 2023 scenarios.

Use of the scenarios in Personal lending

Personal lending follows a discrete scenario approach. The probability of default (PD), exposure at default (EAD), loss given default (LGD) and resultant ECL for each discrete scenario is calculated using product specific economic response models. Probability weighted averages across the suite of economic scenarios are then calculated for each of the model outputs, with the weighted PD being used for staging purposes.

Business Banking utilises the Personal lending methodology rather than the Wholesale lending methodology.

Use of the scenarios in Wholesale lending

Wholesale lending follows a continuous scenario approach to calculate ECL. PD and LGD values arising from multiple economic forecasts (based on the concept of credit cycle indices) are simulated around the central projection. The central projection is a weighted average of economic scenarios with the scenarios translated into credit cycle indices using the Wholesale economic response models.

UK economic uncertainty

The high inflation environment alongside high interest rates are presenting significant headwinds for some businesses and consumers, in many cases compounding. These cost pressures remain a feature of the economic environment, though they are expected to moderate over 2024 and 2025 in the base case scenario. NatWest Group has considered where these are most likely to affect the customer base, with the cost of borrowing during 2023 and 2024 for both businesses and consumers presenting an additional affordability challenge.

The effects of these risks are not expected to be fully captured by forward-looking credit modelling, particularly given the high inflation environment, low unemployment base case outlook. Any incremental ECL effects for these risks will be captured via post model adjustments and are detailed further in the Governance and post model adjustments section.

Governance and post model adjustments (reviewed)

The IFRS 9 PD, EAD and LGD models are subject to NatWest Group's model risk policy that stipulates periodic model monitoring, periodic re-validation and defines approval procedures and authorities according to model materiality. Various post model adjustments were applied where management judged they were necessary to ensure an adequate level of overall ECL provision. All post model adjustments were subject to review, challenge and approval through model or provisioning committees.

Post model adjustments will remain a key focus area of NatWest Group's ongoing ECL adequacy assessment process. A holistic framework has been established including reviewing a range of economic data, external benchmark information and portfolio performance trends with a particular focus on segments of the portfolio (both commercial and consumer) that are likely to be more susceptible to high inflation, high interest rates and supply chain disruption.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 22

Credit risk continued

Economic loss drivers (reviewed)

ECL post model adjustments

The table below shows ECL post model adjustments.

Retail Banking Private Commercial & Central items
Mortgages Other Banking Institutional & other Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m
Deferred model calibrations - - 1 16 - 17
Economic uncertainty 79 43 8 168 4 302
Other adjustments - - - 3 - 3
Total 79 43 9 187 4 322
Of which:
-
Stage 1
36 18 5 78 4 141
-
Stage 2
33 25 4 107 - 169
-
Stage 3
10 - - 2 - 12
31 December 2023
Deferred model calibrations - - 1 23 - 24
Economic uncertainty 118 39 13 256 3 429
Other adjustments 1 - - 8 23 32
Total 119 39 14 287 26 485
Of which:
-
Stage 1
75 14 6 115 10 220
-
Stage 2
31 25 8 167 9 240
-
Stage 3
13 - - 5 7 25

Additional

Risk and capital management continued

Credit risk continued

ECL post model adjustments

Post model adjustments decreased significantly since 31 December 2023, reflecting reduced economic uncertainty from inflation, higher-for-longer interest rates and liquidity.

  • − Retail Banking The post model adjustment for economic uncertainty decreased to £122 million (31 December 2023 – £157 million). This reduction primarily reflected a revision to the cost of living post model adjustment to £111 million (31 December 2023 – £144 million), supported by back-testing of default outcomes for higher risk segments. The cost of living post model adjustment captures the risk on segments in the Retail Banking portfolio that are more susceptible to the effects of cost of living rises. It focuses on key affordability lenses, including customers with lower income in fuel poverty, over-indebted borrowers and customers vulnerable to a potential mortgage rate shock.
  • − Commercial & Institutional The post model adjustment for economic uncertainty decreased to £168 million (31 December 2023 – £256 million). The inflation, supply chain and liquidity post model adjustment of £136 million (31 December 2023 – £206 million) was maintained for lending prior to 1 January 2024, with a sectorlevel downgrade being applied to the sectors that were considered most at risk from the ongoing pressures from inflation and ongoing concerns around reducing cash reserves across many sectors. The £70 million reduction reflected the reduced risk along with portfolio improvements and exposure reduction.
  • − A £32 million (31 December 2023 £50 million) post model adjustment to cover the residual risks from COVID-19 remains for the risks surrounding associated debt to customers that have utilised government support schemes. This adjustment is reducing as customers default or repay.
  • − The £16 million (31 December 2023 £23 million) judgemental overlay for deferred model calibrations relates to refinance risk, with the existing mechanistic modelling approach not fully capturing the risk on deteriorated exposures.
  • − Central items & other A £23 million post model adjustment in other adjustments was removed in the period, reflecting the withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland.

Measurement uncertainty and ECL sensitivity analysis (reviewed)

The recognition and measurement of ECL is complex and involves the use of significant judgment and estimation, particularly in times of economic volatility and uncertainty. This includes the formulation and incorporation of multiple forwardlooking economic conditions into ECL to meet the measurement objective of IFRS 9. The ECL provision is sensitive to the model inputs and economic assumptions underlying the estimate.

The impact arising from the base case, upside, downside and extreme downside scenarios was simulated. These scenarios are used in the methodology for Personal multiple economic scenarios as described in the Economic loss drivers section. In the simulations, NatWest Group has assumed that the economic macro variables associated with these scenarios replace the existing base case economic assumptions, giving them a 100% probability weighting and therefore serving as a single economic scenario.

These scenarios were applied to all modelled portfolios in the analysis below, with the simulation impacting both PDs and LGDs. Post model adjustments included in the ECL estimates that were modelled were sensitised in line with the modelled ECL movements, but those that were judgmental in nature, primarily those for deferred model calibrations and economic uncertainty, were not (refer to the Governance and post model adjustments section) on the basis these would be re-evaluated by management through ECL governance for any new economic scenario outlook and not be subject to an automated calculation. As expected, the scenarios create differing impacts on ECL by portfolio and the impacts are deemed reasonable. In this simulation, it is assumed that existing modelled relationships between key economic variables and loss drivers hold, but in practice other factors would also have an impact, for example, potential customer behaviour changes and policy changes by lenders that might impact on the wider availability of credit.

The focus of the simulations is on ECL provisioning requirements on performing exposures in Stage 1 and Stage 2. The simulations are run on a stand-alone basis and are independent of each other; the potential ECL impacts reflect the simulated impact at 30 June 2024. Scenario impacts on SICR should be considered when evaluating the ECL movements of Stage 1 and Stage 2. In all scenarios the total exposure was the same but exposure by stage varied in each scenario.

Stage 3 provisions are not subject to the same level of measurement uncertainty – default is an observed event as at the balance sheet date. Stage 3 provisions therefore were not considered in this analysis.

NatWest Group's core criterion to identify a SICR is founded on PD deterioration. Under the simulations, PDs change and result in exposures moving between Stage 1 and Stage 2 contributing to the ECL impact.

pital management continued

Credit risk continued

Measurement uncertainty and ECL sensitivity analysis (reviewed)

Additional

Risk and capital management continued

Credit risk continued

Measurement uncertainty and ECL sensitivity analysis (reviewed)

Moderate Moderate Extreme
Base upside downside downside
30 June 2024 Actual scenario scenario scenario scenario
Stage 1 modelled loans (£m)
Retail Banking -
mortgages
166,944 167,405 167,829 164,061 157,458
Retail Banking -
unsecured
9,941 10,025 10,142 9,696 9,019
Wholesale -
property
27,589 27,635 27,769 27,277 23,732
Wholesale -
non-property
130,655 131,355 131,829 128,798 109,550
335,129 336,420 337,569 329,832 299,759
Stage 1 modelled ECL (£m)
Retail Banking -
mortgages
47 45 44 46 44
Retail Banking -
unsecured
228 219 202 250 243
Wholesale -
property
73 54 41 99 148
Wholesale -
non-property
219 189 158 268 337
567 507 445 663 772
Stage 1 coverage
Retail Banking -
mortgages
0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03%
Retail Banking -
unsecured
2.29% 2.18% 1.99% 2.58% 2.69%
Wholesale -
property
0.26% 0.20% 0.15% 0.36% 0.62%
Wholesale -
non-property
0.17% 0.14% 0.12% 0.21% 0.31%
0.17% 0.15% 0.13% 0.20% 0.26%
Stage 2 modelled loans (£m)
Retail Banking -
mortgages
20,315 19,854 19,430 23,198 29,801
Retail Banking -
unsecured
3,097 3,013 2,896 3,342 4,019
Wholesale -
property
3,052 3,006 2,872 3,364 6,909
Wholesale -
non-property
10,983 10,283 9,809 12,840 32,088
37,447 36,156 35,007 42,744 72,817
Stage 2 modelled ECL (£m)
Retail Banking -
mortgages
68 61 55 82 123
Retail Banking -
unsecured
390 361 315 455 596
Wholesale -
property
64 56 49 80 186
Wholesale -
non-property
269 233 202 343 641
791 711 621 960 1,546
Stage 2 coverage
Retail Banking -
mortgages
0.33% 0.31% 0.28% 0.35% 0.41%
Retail Banking -
unsecured
12.59% 11.98% 10.88% 13.61% 14.83%
Wholesale -
property
2.10% 1.86% 1.71% 2.38% 2.69%
Wholesale -
non-property
2.45% 2.27% 2.06% 2.67% 2.00%
2.11% 1.97% 1.77% 2.25% 2.12%
Stage 1 and Stage 2 modelled loans (£m)
Retail Banking -
mortgages
187,259 187,259 187,259 187,259 187,259
Retail Banking -
unsecured
13,038 13,038 13,038 13,038 13,038
Wholesale -
property
30,641 30,641 30,641 30,641 30,641
Wholesale -
non-property
141,638 141,638 141,638 141,638 141,638
372,576 372,576 372,576 372,576 372,576
Moderate Moderate Extreme
Base upside downside downside
30 June 2024 Actual scenario scenario scenario scenario
Stage 1 and Stage 2 modelled ECL (£m)
Retail Banking -
mortgages
115 106 99 128 167
Retail Banking -
unsecured
618 580 517 705 839
Wholesale -
property
137 110 90 179 334
Wholesale -
non-property
488 422 360 611 978
1,358 1,218 1,066 1,623 2,318
Stage 1 and Stage 2 coverage
Retail Banking -
mortgages
0.06% 0.06% 0.05% 0.07% 0.09%
Retail Banking -
unsecured
4.74% 4.45% 3.97% 5.41% 6.44%
Wholesale -
property
0.45% 0.36% 0.29% 0.58% 1.09%
Wholesale -
non-property
0.34% 0.30% 0.25% 0.43% 0.69%
0.36% 0.33% 0.29% 0.44% 0.62%
Reconciliation to Stage 1 and
Stage 2 ECL (£m)
ECL on modelled exposures 1,358 1,218 1,066 1,623 2,318
ECL on UBIDAC modelled exposures - - - - -
ECL on non-modelled exposures 29 29 29 29 29
Total Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECL (£m) 1,387 1,247 1,095 1,652 2,347
Variance to actual total Stage 1 and
Stage 2 ECL (£m) (140) (292) 265 960
Reconciliation to Stage 1 and
Stage 2 flow exposure (£m)
Modelled loans 372,576 372,576 372,576 372,576 372,576
UBIDAC loans 69 69 69 69 69
Non-modelled loans 18,881 18,881 18,881 18,881 18,881
Other asset classes 145,136 145,136 145,136 145,136 145,136

(1) Variations in future undrawn exposure values across the scenarios are modelled, however, the exposure position reported is that used to calculate modelled ECL as at 30 June 2024 and therefore does not include variation in future undrawn exposure values.

(2) Reflects ECL for all modelled exposure in scope for IFRS 9. The analysis excludes non-modelled portfolios and exposure relating to bonds and cash.

(3) Exposures related to Ulster Bank RoI continuing operations were not included in the simulations, the current Ulster Bank RoI ECL was included across all scenarios to enable reconciliation to other disclosures.

(4) All simulations were run on a stand-alone basis and are independent of each other, with the potential ECL impact reflecting the simulated impact as at 30 June 2024. The simulations change the composition of Stage 1 and Stage 2 exposure but total exposure is unchanged under each scenario as the loan population is static.

(5) Refer to the Economic loss drivers section for details of economic scenarios.

(6) Refer to the NatWest Group plc 2023 Annual Report and Accounts for 31 December 2023 comparatives.

Credit risk continued

Measurement uncertainty and ECL adequacy (reviewed)

  • − If the economics were as negative as observed in the extreme downside (i.e. 100% probability weighting), total Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECL was simulated to increase by around £1.0 billion (approximately 69%). In this scenario, Stage 2 exposure nearly doubled and was the key driver of the simulated ECL rise. The movement in Stage 2 balances in the other simulations was far less significant and the impact to ECL less material.
  • − In the Wholesale portfolio, there was a significant increase in ECL under the extreme downside scenario. The Wholesale property ECL increase was mainly due to commercial real estate prices which showed negative growth particularly in 2025 and significant deterioration in the stock index in 2024 and 2025. The nonproperty increase was mainly due to GDP contraction in 2025 and significant deterioration in the stock index.
  • − Given that continued uncertainty remained due to persistent inflation, high interest rates and liquidity concerns at H1 2024, NatWest Group utilised a framework of quantitative and qualitative measures to support the levels of ECL coverage. This included economic data, credit performance insights, supply chain contagion analysis and problem debt trends. This was particularly important for consideration of post model adjustments.
  • − As the effects of these economic risks evolve during 2024, there is a risk of further credit deterioration. However, the income statement effect of this should have been mitigated by the forward-looking provisions retained on the balance sheet at 30 June 2024.
  • − There are a number of key factors that could drive further downside to impairments, through deteriorating economic and credit metrics and increased stage migration as credit risk increases for more customers. Such factors which could impact the IFRS 9 models, include an adverse deterioration in unemployment and GDP in the economies in which NatWest Group operates.

Movement in ECL provision

The table below shows the main ECL provision movements during H1 2024.

ECL provision
£m
At 1 January 2024 3,645
Transfers to disposal groups and reclassifications (18)
Changes in economic forecasts (17)
Changes in risk metrics and exposure: Stage 1 and Stage 2 (147)
Changes in risk metrics and exposure: Stage 3 370
Judgemental changes: changes in post model adjustments for Stage 1,
Stage 2 and Stage 3 (140)
Write-offs and other (350)
At 30 June 2024 3,343
  • − During the first half of the year, overall ECL decreased with increases from Stage 3 inflows more than offset by write-offs, including debt sale activity on Personal unsecured assets (£0.2 billion), reductions in economic uncertainty post-model adjustments, as well as reflecting balance reductions and positive portfolio performance across NatWest Group.
  • − In the Personal portfolios, Stage 3 default rates reduced during H1 2024 relative to H2 2023 with trends on PDs and Stage 2 either stable or improving.
  • − For the Wholesale portfolio, Stage 3 defaults increased but are still below historic trends.
  • − Judgemental ECL post model adjustments, decreased from 31 December 2023 and now representing 10% of total ECL (31 December 2023 – 13%). Refer to the Governance and post model adjustments section for further details.

Credit risk – Banking activities

Introduction

This section details the credit risk profile of NatWest Group's banking activities.

Financial instruments within the scope of the IFRS 9 ECL framework (reviewed)

Refer to Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for balance sheet analysis of financial assets that are classified as amortised cost or fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI), the starting point for IFRS 9 ECL framework assessment.

30 June 2024 31 December 2023
Gross ECL Net Gross ECL Net
£bn £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
Balance sheet total gross amortised cost and FVOCI 562.6 553.8
In scope of IFRS 9 ECL framework 555.1 545.3
% in scope 99% 98%
Loans to customers -
in scope -
amortised cost
383.1 3.2 379.9 385.3 3.6 381.7
Loans to customers -
in scope -
FVOCI
0.1 - 0.1 0.1 - 0.1
Loans to banks -
in scope -
amortised cost
5.7 - 5.7 6.7 - 6.7
Total loans - in scope 388.9 3.2 385.7 392.1 3.6 388.5
Stage 1 345.8 0.5 345.3 348.6 0.7 347.9
Stage 2 37.3 0.8 36.5 37.9 0.9 37.0
Stage 3 5.8 1.9 3.9 5.6 2.0 3.6
Other financial assets -
in scope -
amortised cost
138.5 - 138.5 124.9 - 124.9
Other financial assets -
in scope -
FVOCI
27.7 - 27.7 28.3 - 28.3
Total other financial assets - in scope 166.2 - 166.2 153.2 - 153.2
Stage 1 165.6 - 165.6 152.0 - 152.0
Stage 2 0.6 - 0.6 1.2 - 1.2
Out of scope of IFRS 9 ECL framework 7.5 na 7.5 8.5 na 8.5
Loans to customers -
out of scope -
amortised cost
(0.6) na (0.6) (0.4) na (0.4)
Loans to banks -
out of scope -
amortised cost
0.3 na 0.3 0.3 na 0.3
Other financial assets -
out of scope -
amortised cost
7.5 na 7.5 8.3 na 8.3
Other financial assets -
out of scope -
FVOCI
0.3 na 0.3 0.3 na 0.3

na = not applicable

The assets outside the scope of the IFRS 9 ECL framework were as follows:

Additional

  • − Settlement balances, items in the course of collection, cash balances and other non-credit risk assets of £7.4 billion (31 December 2023 – £8.6 billion). These were assessed as having no ECL unless there was evidence that they were defaulted.
  • − Equity shares of £0.3 billion (31 December 2023 £0.3 billion) as not within the IFRS 9 ECL framework by definition.
  • − Fair value adjustments on loans hedged by interest rate swaps, where the underlying loan was within the IFRS 9 ECL scope of £(0.4) billion (31 December 2023 – £(0.3) billion).

Contingent liabilities and commitments

In addition to contingent liabilities and commitments disclosed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, reputationallycommitted limits were also included in the scope of the IFRS 9 ECL framework. These were offset by £0.4 billion (31 December 2023 – £0.1 billion) out of scope balances primarily related to facilities that, if drawn, would not be classified as amortised cost or FVOCI, or undrawn limits relating to financial assets exclusions. Total contingent liabilities (including financial guarantees) and commitments within IFRS 9 ECL scope of £136.2 billion (31 December 2023 – £132.0 billion) comprised Stage 1 £126.3 billion (31 December 2023 – £120.6 billion); Stage 2 £9.2 billion (31 December 2023 – £10.7 billion); and Stage 3 £0.7 billion (31 December 2023 – £0.7 billion).

The ECL relating to off-balance sheet exposures was £0.1 billion (31 December 2023 – £0.1 billion). The total ECL in the remainder of the Credit risk section of £3.3 billion (31 December 2023 – £3.6 billion) included ECL for both on and off-balance sheet exposures for non-disposal groups.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 27

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Segment analysis – portfolio summary (reviewed)

The table below shows gross loans and ECL, by segment and stage, within the scope of the IFRS 9 ECL framework.

Retail Private Commercial & Central items
Banking Banking Institutional & other Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m
Loans - amortised cost and FVOCI
(1,2)
Stage 1 178,508 17,209 123,433 26,697 345,847
Stage 2 23,091 744 13,453 - 37,288
Stage 3 3,205 294 2,313 - 5,812
Of which: individual - 252 964 - 1,216
Of which: collective 3,205 42 1,349 - 4,596
Subtotal excluding disposal group loans 204,804 18,247 139,199 26,697 388,947
Disposal group loans - -
Total 26,697 388,947
ECL provisions
(3)
Stage 1 275 16 275 19 585
Stage 2 456 11 334 1 802
Stage 3 1,026 38 892 - 1,956
Of which: individual - 38 328 - 366
Of which: collective 1,026 - 564 - 1,590
Subtotal excluding ECL provisions on disposal group loans 1,757 65 1,501 20 3,343
ECL provisions on disposal group loans - -
Total 20 3,343
ECL provisions coverage
(4)
Stage 1 (%) 0.15 0.09 0.22 0.07 0.17
Stage 2 (%) 1.97 1.48 2.48 nm 2.15
Stage 3 (%) 32.01 12.93 38.56 - 33.65
ECL provisions coverage excluding disposal group loans 0.86 0.36 1.08 0.07 0.86
ECL provisions coverage on disposal group loans - - - - -
Total - - - 0.07 0.86
Impairment (releases)/losses
ECL charge/(release)
(5)
122 (11) (57) (6) 48
Stage 1 (166) (9) (182) (7) (364)
Stage 2 178 (3) 14 1 190
Stage 3 110 1 111 - 222
Of which: individual - 1 79 - 80
Of which: collective 110 - 32 - 142
Continuing operations 122 (11) (57) (6) 48
Discontinued operations - -
Total (6) 48
Amounts written-off 270 - 99 - 369
Of which: individual - - 64 - 64
Of which: collective 270 - 35 - 305

For the notes to this table refer to the following page.

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Segment analysis – portfolio summary (reviewed)

Retail Private Commercial & Central items
Banking Banking Institutional & other Total
31 December 2023 £m £m £m £m £m
Loans - amortised cost and FVOCI
(1,2)
Stage 1 182,297 17,565 119,047 29,677 348,586
Stage 2 21,208 906 15,771 6 37,891
Stage 3 3,133 258 2,162 10 5,563
Of which: individual - 186 845 - 1,031
Of which: collective 3,133 72 1,317 10 4,532
Subtotal excluding disposal group loans 206,638 18,729 136,980 29,693 392,040
Disposal group loans 67 67
Total 29,760 392,107
ECL provisions
(3)
Stage 1 306 20 356 27 709
Stage 2 502 20 447 7 976
Stage 3 1,097 34 819 10 1,960
Of which: individual - 34 298 - 332
Of which: collective 1,097 - 521 10 1,628
Subtotal excluding ECL provisions on disposal group loans 1,905 74 1,622 44 3,645
ECL provisions on disposal group loans 36 36
Total 80 3,681
ECL provisions coverage
(4)
Stage 1 (%) 0.17 0.11 0.30 0.09 0.20
Stage 2 (%) 2.37 2.21 2.83 nm 2.58
Stage 3 (%) 35.01 13.18 37.88 100.00 35.23
ECL provisions coverage excluding disposal group loans 0.92 0.40 1.18 0.15 0.93
ECL provisions coverage on disposal group loans 53.73 53.73
Total 0.27 0.94
Half year ended 30 June 2023
Impairment (releases)/losses
ECL (release)/charge
(5)
193 11 20 (1) 223
Stage 1 (88) (1) (124) 4 (209)
Stage 2 188 8 98 2 296
Stage 3 93 4 46 (7) 136
Of which: individual - 4 13 (4) 13
Of which: collective 93 - 33 (3) 123
Continuing operations 193 11 20 (1) 223
Discontinued operations (1) (1)
Total (2) 222
Amounts written-off 63 1 50 8 122
Of which: individual - 1 19 2 22
Of which: collective 63 - 31 6 100

nm = not meaningful

(1) The table shows gross loans only and excludes amounts that were outside the scope of the ECL framework. Other financial assets within the scope of the IFRS 9 ECL framework were cash and balances at central banks totalling £114.8 billion (31 December 2023 – £103.1 billion) and debt securities of £51.4 billion (31 December 2023 – £50.1 billion).

Additional

  • (2) Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI). Includes loans to customers and banks.
  • (3) Includes £4 million (31 December 2023 £9 million) related to assets classified as FVOCI and £0.1 billion (31 December 2023 – £0.1 billion) related to off-balance sheet exposures.
  • (4) ECL provisions coverage is calculated as ECL provisions divided by loans amortised cost and FVOCI. It is calculated on loans and total ECL provisions, including ECL for other (nonloan) assets and unutilised exposure. Some segments with a high proportion of debt
  • securities or unutilised exposure may result in a not meaningful (nm) coverage ratio. (5) Includes a £6 million release (30 June 2023 – £5 million release) related to other financial assets, of which £5 million release (30 June 2023 – £1 million charge) related to assets classified as FVOCI and includes a £4 million charge (30 June 2023 – £3 million release) related to contingent liabilities.
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 29

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Segment loans and impairment metrics (reviewed)

The table below shows gross loans and ECL provisions, by days past due, by segment and stage, within the scope of the ECL framework.

Gross loans ECL provisions (2)
Stage 2 (1) Stage 2 (1)
Not past 1-30 >30 Not past 1-30 >30
Stage 1 due DPD DPD Total Stage 3 Total Stage 1 due DPD DPD Total Stage 3 Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Retail Banking 178,508 21,836 816 439 23,091 3,205 204,804 275 398 15 43 456 1,026 1,757
Private Banking 17,209 653 45 46 744 294 18,247 16 11 - - 11 38 65
Personal 13,865 160 45 30 235 210 14,310 3 1 - - 1 23 27
Wholesale 3,344 493 - 16 509 84 3,937 13 10 - - 10 15 38
Commercial & Institutional 123,433 12,475 649 329 13,453 2,313 139,199 275 302 21 11 334 892 1,501
Personal 2,238 12 24 10 46 46 2,330 2 - - - - 14 16
Wholesale 121,195 12,463 625 319 13,407 2,267 136,869 273 302 21 11 334 878 1,485
Central items & other 26,697 - - - - - 26,697 19 1 - - 1 - 20
Personal - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Wholesale 26,697 - - - - - 26,697 19 1 - - 1 - 20
Total loans 345,847 34,964 1,510 814 37,288 5,812 388,947 585 712 36 54 802 1,956 3,343
Of which:
Personal 194,611 22,008 885 479 23,372 3,461 221,444 280 399 15 43 457 1,063 1,800
Wholesale 151,236 12,956 625 335 13,916 2,351 167,503 305 313 21 11 345 893 1,543
31 December 2023
Retail Banking 182,297 20,128 738 342 21,208 3,133 206,638 306 453 15 34 502 1,097 1,905
Private Banking 17,565 772 77 57 906 258 18,729 20 18 1 1 20 34 74
Personal 14,296 158 73 24 255 209 14,760 3 2 - - 2 20 25
Wholesale 3,269 614 4 33 651 49 3,969 17 16 1 1 18 14 49
Commercial & Institutional 119,047 14,689 657 425 15,771 2,162 136,980 356 415 21 11 447 819 1,622
Personal 2,268 15 21 7 43 52 2,363 2 - - - - 16 18
Wholesale 116,779 14,674 636 418 15,728 2,110 134,617 354 415 21 11 447 803 1,604
Central items & other 29,677 5 - 1 6 10 29,693 27 6 - 1 7 10 44
Personal 4 2 - 1 3 6 13 5 1 - 1 2 9 16
Wholesale 29,673 3 - - 3 4 29,680 22 5 - - 5 1 28
Total loans 348,586 35,594 1,472 825 37,891 5,563 392,040 709 892 37 47 976 1,960 3,645
Of which:
Personal 198,865 20,303 832 374 21,509 3,400 223,774 316 456 15 35 506 1,142 1,964
Wholesale 149,721 15,291 640 451 16,382 2,163 168,266 393 436 22 12 470 818 1,681

For the notes to this table refer to the following page.

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Segment loans and impairment metrics (reviewed)

The table below shows ECL and ECL provisions coverage, by days past due, by segment and stage, within the scope of the ECL framework.

ECL provisions coverage Half year ended 30 June 2024
Stage 2 (1,2) ECL
Not past Total Amounts
Stage 1 due 1-30 DPD >30 DPD Total Stage 3 Total (release)/charge written-off
30 June 2024 % % % % % % % £m £m
Retail Banking 0.15 1.82 1.84 9.79 1.97 32.01 0.86 122 270
Private Banking 0.09 1.68 - - 1.48 12.93 0.36 (11) -
Personal 0.02 0.63 - - 0.43 10.95 0.19 1 -
Wholesale 0.39 2.03 - - 1.96 17.86 0.97 (12) -
Commercial &
Institutional 0.22 2.42 3.24 3.34 2.48 38.56 1.08 (57) 99
Personal 0.09 - - - - 30.43 0.69 - 1
Wholesale 0.23 2.42 3.36 3.45 2.49 38.73 1.08 (57) 98
Central items
& other 0.07 nm - - nm - 0.07 (6) -
Personal - - - - - - - - -
Wholesale 0.07 nm - - nm - 0.07 (6) -
Total loans 0.17 2.04 2.38 6.63 2.15 33.65 0.86 48 369
Of which:
Personal 0.14 1.81 1.69 8.98 1.96 30.71 0.81 123 271
Wholesale 0.20 2.42 3.36 3.28 2.48 37.98 0.92 (75) 98
31 December 2023 Half year ended 30 June 2023
Retail Banking 0.17 2.25 2.03 9.94 2.37 35.01 0.92 193 63
Private Banking 0.11 2.33 1.30 1.75 2.21 13.18 0.40 11 1
Personal 0.02 1.27 - - 0.78 9.57 0.17 4 1
Wholesale 0.52 2.61 25.00 3.03 2.76 28.57 1.23 7 -
Commercial &
Institutional 0.30 2.83 3.20 2.59 2.83 37.88 1.18 20 50
Personal 0.09 - - - - 30.77 0.76 1 1
Wholesale 0.30 2.83 3.30 2.63 2.84 38.06 1.19 19 49
Central items
& other 0.09 nm - nm nm nm 0.15 (1) 8
Personal nm nm - nm nm nm nm 5 1
Wholesale 0.07 nm - - nm 25.00 0.09 (6) 7
Total loans 0.20 2.51 2.51 5.70 2.58 35.23 0.93 223 122
Of which:
Personal 0.16 2.25 1.80 9.36 2.35 33.59 0.88 203 66
Wholesale 0.26 2.85 3.44 2.66 2.87 37.82 1.00 20 56

− Retail Banking – Loans to customers were lower than Q4 2023, mainly due to a reduction in mortgage balances where higher redemptions were only partly offset by new mortgage lending. Unsecured lending grew overall, driven by growth in credit cards. New lending and portfolio credit quality was maintained with limited increases in arrears in line with expectations. Total ECL coverage decreased during H1 2024 reflective of Q2 2024 debt sale activity on unsecured portfolios (£0.2 billion of assets), reductions in economic uncertainty post model adjustments, and stable underlying portfolio performance. The reduction in good book coverage in the first half of the year was also a result of unsecured probability of default modelling updates alongside an improved view on forward looking economics, underpinning a reduction in Stage 2 balances. Post model adjustments to capture increased affordability pressures on customers due to high inflation and interest rates decreased since Q4 2023, reflecting a revision of portfolio subsegments deemed most at risk, supported by back-testing of default outcomes. Flow

rates into Stage 3 reduced during H1 2024. − Commercial & Institutional – Growth in exposure in Commercial & Institutional was driven by increased exposure to financial institutions and property, and partially offset by an overall reduction to corporate sectors. Sector appetite continues to be reviewed regularly, with particular focus on sector clusters deemed to represent a heightened risk. Total ECL reduced in H1 2024 due to releases in post model adjustments, positive portfolio performance and improved economic scenarios. This was partially offset by an increase in Stage 3 ECL, from flows into default on individually assessed customers. The ECL decrease resulted in a reduction in coverage levels, but coverage on Stage 1 and Stage 2 was still significantly above pre-COVID-19 levels, reflecting that a degree of economic uncertainty remains.

nm = not meaningful

(1) 30 DPD – 30 days past due, the mandatory 30 days past due backstop as prescribed by IFRS 9 for a SICR.

(2) Some segments with a high proportion of debt securities or unutilised exposure may result in a not meaningful (nm) coverage ratio.

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Segment loans and impairment metrics (reviewed)

Risk and capital management continued

Financial statements

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 31

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Sector analysis – portfolio summary (reviewed)

The table below shows financial assets and off-balance sheet exposures gross of ECL and related ECL provisions, impairment and past due by sector, asset quality and geographical region.

Personal Wholesale
Credit Other Financial
Mortgages (1) cards personal Total Property Corporate institution Sovereign Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Loans by geography 205,486 6,381 9,577 221,444 32,618 76,588 56,725 1,572 167,503 388,947
-
UK
205,486 6,381 9,577 221,444 32,200 63,611 38,600 552 134,963 356,407
-
RoI
- - - - 10 983 529 - 1,522 1,522
-
Other Europe
- - - - 289 5,100 8,669 701 14,759 14,759
-
RoW
- - - - 119 6,894 8,927 319 16,259 16,259
Loans by stage 205,486 6,381 9,577 221,444 32,618 76,588 56,725 1,572 167,503 388,947
-
Stage 1
182,672 4,431 7,508 194,611 28,872 64,974 56,103 1,287 151,236 345,847
-
Stage 2
20,368 1,792 1,212 23,372 3,018 10,087 548 263 13,916 37,288
-
Stage 3
2,446 158 857 3,461 728 1,527 74 22 2,351 5,812
-
Of which: individual
150 - 22 172 290 666 66 22 1,044 1,216
-
Of which: collective
2,296 158 835 3,289 438 861 8 - 1,307 4,596
Loans - past due analysis
(2)
205,486 6,381 9,577 221,444 32,618 76,588 56,725 1,572 167,503 388,947
-
Not past due
202,398 6,198 8,677 217,273 31,937 74,187 56,442 1,550 164,116 381,389
-
Past due 1-30 days
1,199 44 68 1,311 296 1,494 275 - 2,065 3,376
-
Past due 31-90 days
735 44 119 898 86 287 3 - 376 1,274
-
Past due 90-180 days
388 38 101 527 37 33 - 22 92 619
-
Past due >180 days
766 57 612 1,435 262 587 5 - 854 2,289
Loans - Stage 2 20,368 1,792 1,212 23,372 3,018 10,087 548 263 13,916 37,288
-
Not past due
19,171 1,737 1,100 22,008 2,820 9,331 542 263 12,956 34,964
-
Past due 1-30 days
822 27 36 885 116 506 3 - 625 1,510
-
Past due 31-90 days
375 28 76 479 82 250 3 - 335 814
Weighted average life
-
ECL measurement (years)
9 4 6 5 6 6 2 2 6 6
Weighted average 12 months PDs
-
IFRS 9 (%)
0.51 2.99 4.63 0.74 1.14 1.36 0.17 4.38 0.94 0.83
-
Basel (%)
0.67 3.51 3.32 0.85 0.90 1.22 0.16 4.38 0.82 0.84
ECL provisions by geography 420 376 1,004 1,800 371 1,063 90 19 1,543 3,343
-
UK
420 376 1,004 1,800 361 926 34 13 1,334 3,134
-
RoI
- - - - - 3 1 - 4 4
-
Other Europe
- - - - 3 87 8 - 98 98
-
RoW
- - - - 7 47 47 6 107 107
ECL provisions by stage 420 376 1,004 1,800 371 1,063 90 19 1,543 3,343
-
Stage 1
49 82 149 280 73 180 39 13 305 585
-
Stage 2
69 189 199 457 66 270 7 2 345 802
-
Stage 3
302 105 656 1,063 232 613 44 4 893 1,956
-
Of which: individual
13 - 14 27 85 211 39 4 339 366
-
Of which: collective
289 105 642 1,036 147 402 5 - 554 1,590

For the notes to this table refer to page 34.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 32

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Sector analysis – portfolio summary (reviewed)

Personal Wholesale Total
Credit Other Financial
Mortgages (1) cards personal Total Property Corporate institution Sovereign Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
ECL provisions coverage (%) 0.20 5.89 10.48 0.81 1.14 1.39 0.16 1.21 0.92 0.86
-
Stage 1 (%)
0.03 1.85 1.98 0.14 0.25 0.28 0.07 1.01 0.20 0.17
-
Stage 2 (%)
0.34 10.55 16.42 1.96 2.19 2.68 1.28 0.76 2.48 2.15
-
Stage 3 (%)
12.35 66.46 76.55 30.71 31.87 40.14 59.46 18.18 37.98 33.65
ECL (release)/charge (19) 51 91 123 (12) (83) 19 1 (75) 48
-
UK
(19) 51 91 123 (12) (70) (4) - (86) 37
-
RoI
- - - - 1 - - - 1 1
-
Other Europe
- - - - (1) (7) (6) - (14) (14)
-
RoW
- - - - - (6) 29 1 24 24
Amounts written-off 9 38 224 271 10 88 - - 98 369
Loans by residual maturity 205,486 6,381 9,577 221,444 32,618 76,588 56,725 1,572 167,503 388,947
-
<1 year
3,366 3,618 3,080 10,064 6,665 25,856 43,220 780 76,521 86,585
-
1-5 year
9,469 2,763 5,482 17,714 17,687 30,632 11,242 483 60,044 77,758
-
>5<15 year
45,488 - 1,009 46,497 5,782 14,925 2,229 309 23,245 69,742
-
>15 year
147,163 - 6 147,169 2,484 5,175 34 - 7,693 154,862
Other financial assets by asset quality
(3)
- - - - 1 2,583 27,058 136,516 166,158 166,158
-
AQ1-AQ4
- - - - 1 2,581 26,507 136,516 165,605 165,605
-
AQ5-AQ8
- - - - - 2 551 - 553 553
Off-balance sheet 12,478 18,494 8,207 39,179 14,159 61,113 21,516 254 97,042 136,221
-
Loan commitments
12,478 18,494 8,165 39,137 13,843 58,410 19,909 254 92,416 131,553
-
Financial guarantees
- - 42 42 316 2,703 1,607 - 4,626 4,668
Off-balance sheet by asset quality
(3)
12,478 18,494 8,207 39,179 14,159 61,113 21,516 254 97,042 136,221
-
AQ1-AQ4
11,659 486 6,869 19,014 10,970 37,302 19,902 164 68,338 87,352
-
AQ5-AQ8
797 17,681 1,301 19,779 3,170 23,497 1,575 27 28,269 48,048
-
AQ9
7 9 9 25 2 25 1 63 91 116
-
AQ10
15 318 28 361 17 289 38 - 344 705

For the notes to this table refer to page 34.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 33

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Sector analysis – portfolio summary (reviewed)
Personal Wholesale Total
Credit
Other
Financial
Mortgages (1) cards personal Total Property Corporate institution Sovereign Total
31 December 2023 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Loans by geography 208,275 5,904 9,595 223,774 31,207 77,339 57,087 2,633 168,266 392,040
-
UK
208,275 5,893 9,592 223,760 30,703 65,033 39,906 2,016 137,658 361,418
-
RoI
- 11 3 14 9 888 279 - 1,176 1,190
-
Other Europe
- - - - 375 5,096 7,865 399 13,735 13,735
-
RoW
- - - - 120 6,322 9,037 218 15,697 15,697
Loans by stage 208,275 5,904 9,595 223,774 31,207 77,339 57,087 2,633 168,266 392,040
-
Stage 1
188,140 3,742 6,983 198,865 27,316 63,690 56,105 2,610 149,721 348,586
-
Stage 2
17,854 2,022 1,633 21,509 3,270 12,145 966 1 16,382 37,891
-
Stage 3
2,281 140 979 3,400 621 1,504 16 22 2,163 5,563
-
Of which: individual
122 - 20 142 240 625 2 22 889 1,031
-
Of which: collective
2,159 140 959 3,258 381 879 14 - 1,274 4,532
Loans - past due analysis
(2)
208,275 5,904 9,595 223,774 31,207 77,339 57,087 2,633 168,266 392,040
-
Not past due
205,405 5,743 8,578 219,726 30,264 74,052 56,735 2,633 163,684 383,410
-
Past due 1-30 days
1,178 41 71 1,290 491 2,222 332 - 3,045 4,335
-
Past due 31-90 days
518 38 112 668 179 437 12 - 628 1,296
-
Past due 90-180 days
445 32 103 580 42 71 2 - 115 695
-
Past due >180 days
729 50 731 1,510 231 557 6 - 794 2,304
Loans - Stage 2 17,854 2,022 1,633 21,509 3,270 12,145 966 1 16,382 37,891
-
Not past due
16,803 1,971 1,529 20,303 3,071 11,287 932 1 15,291 35,594
-
Past due 1-30 days
765 27 40 832 100 516 24 - 640 1,472
-
Past due 31-90 days
286 24 64 374 99 342 10 - 451 825
Weighted average life
-
ECL measurement (years)
9 3 6 6 6 6 2 - 6 6
Weighted average 12 months PDs
-
IFRS 9 (%)
0.50 3.45 5.29 0.75 1.45 1.59 0.19 0.37 1.07 0.89
-
Basel (%)
0.67 3.37 3.15 0.84 0.94 1.25 0.17 0.37 0.81 0.83
ECL provisions by geography 420 376 1,168 1,964 398 1,201 66 16 1,681 3,645
-
UK
420 365 1,163 1,948 384 999 38 13 1,434 3,382
-
RoI
- 11 5 16 - 6 1 - 7 23
-
Other Europe
- - - - 7 146 12 - 165 165
-
RoW
- - - - 7 50 15 3 75 75
ECL provisions by stage 420 376 1,168 1,964 398 1,201 66 16 1,681 3,645
-
Stage 1
88 76 152 316 102 234 44 13 393 709
-
Stage 2
61 207 238 506 98 356 15 1 470 976
-
Stage 3
271 93 778 1,142 198 611 7 2 818 1,960
-
Of which: individual
12 - 14 26 60 242 2 2 306 332
-
Of which: collective
259 93 764 1,116 138 369 5 - 512 1,628

For the notes to this table refer to the following page.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 34

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Sector analysis – portfolio summary (reviewed)

Personal Wholesale
Credit Other Financial
Mortgages (1) cards personal Total Property Corporate institution Sovereign Total
31 December 2023 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
ECL provisions coverage
(%)
0.20 6.37 12.17 0.88 1.28 1.55 0.12 0.61 1.00 0.93
-
Stage 1 (%)
0.05 2.03 2.18 0.16 0.37 0.37 0.08 0.50 0.26 0.20
-
Stage 2 (%)
0.34 10.24 14.57 2.35 3.00 2.93 1.55 100.00 2.87 2.58
-
Stage 3 (%)
11.88 66.43 79.47 33.59 31.88 40.63 43.75 9.09 37.82 35.23
Half year ended 30 June 2023
ECL (release)/charge
(4)
23 70 110 203 21 7 (6) (2) 20 223
-
UK
23 68 107 198 21 37 (11) (2) 45 243
-
RoI
- 2 3 5 5 (5) - - - 5
-
Other Europe
- - - - (5) 16 1 - 12 12
-
RoW
- - - - - (41) 4 - (37) (37)
Amounts written-off
(4)
8 34 24 66 19 37 - - 56 122
31 December 2023
Loans by residual maturity 208,275 5,904 9,595 223,774 31,207 77,339 57,087 2,633 168,266 392,040
-
<1 year
3,375 3,398 3,169 9,942 5,696 25,312 43,497 489 74,994 84,936
-
1-5 year
9,508 2,506 5,431 17,445 17,216 32,573 11616 1,872 63,277 80,722
-
>5<15 year
46,453 - 993 47,446 5,701 14,167 1,939 199 22,006 69,452
-
>15 year
148,939 - 2 148,941 2,594 5,287 35 73 7,989 156,930
Other financial assets by asset quality
(3)
- - - - 1 2,689 26,816 123,683 153,189 153,189
-
AQ1-AQ4
- - - - 1.0 2,689 26,084 123,683 152,457 152,457
-
AQ5-AQ8
- - - - - - 732 - 732 732
Off-balance sheet 9,843 17,284 8,462 35,589 14,205 59,716 22,221 227 96,369 131,958
-
Loan commitments
9,843 17,284 8,417 35,544 13,861 57,081 20,765 227 91,934 127,478
-
Financial guarantees
- - 45 45 344 2,635 1,456 - 4,435 4,480
Off-balance sheet by asset quality
(3)
9,843 17,284 8,462 35,589 14,205 59,716 22,221 227 96,369 131,958
-
AQ1-AQ4
9,099 448 7,271 16,818 10,916 36,380 20,644 165 68,105 84,923
-
AQ5-AQ8
721 16,518 1,162 18,401 3,266 23,030 1,574 45 27,915 46,316
-
AQ9
7 6 4 17 3 12 - - 15 32
-
AQ10
16 312 25 353 20 294 3 17 334 687

(1) Includes a portion of Private Banking lending secured against residential real estate, in line with ECL calculation methodology. Private Banking and RBS International mortgages are reported in the UK, reflecting the country of lending origination and includes crown dependencies.

(2) 30 DPD – 30 days past due, the mandatory 30 days past due backstop as prescribed by the IFRS 9 guidance for a SICR (significant increase in credit risk).

(3) AQ bandings are based on Basel PDs and mapping is as follows:
Internal asset quality band Probability of default range Indicative S&P rating Internal asset quality band Probability of default range Indicative S&P rating
AQ1 0% - 0.034% AAA to AA AQ6 1.076% - 2.153% BB- to B+
AQ2 0.034% - 0.048% AA to AA- AQ7 2.153% - 6.089% B+ to B
AQ3 0.048% - 0.095% A+ to A AQ8 6.089% - 17.222% B- to CCC+
AQ4 0.095% - 0.381% BBB+ to BBB- AQ9 17.222% - 100% CCC to C
AQ5 0.381% - 1.076% BB+ to BB AQ10 100% D

£0.3 billion (31 December 2023 – £0.3 billion) of AQ10 Personal balances primarily relate to loan commitments, the drawdown of which is effectively prohibited.

(4) Previously published sectors for the Wholesale portfolio have been re-presented to reflect updated internal sector reporting.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 35

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Sector analysis – portfolio summary (reviewed)

The table below shows ECL by stage, for the Personal portfolio and selected sectors of the Wholesale portfolio including those that contain an element of exposure classified as heightened climate-related risk.

Loans - amortised cost and FVOCI Off-balance sheet ECL provisions
Loan Contingent
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total commitments liabilities Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Personal 194,611 23,372 3,461 221,444 39,137 42 280 457 1,063 1,800
Mortgages
(1)
182,672 20,368 2,446 205,486 12,478 - 49 69 302 420
Credit cards 4,431 1,792 158 6,381 18,494 - 82 189 105 376
Other personal 7,508 1,212 857 9,577 8,165 42 149 199 656 1,004
Wholesale 151,236 13,916 2,351 167,503 92,416 4,626 305 345 893 1,543
Property 28,872 3,018 728 32,618 13,843 316 73 66 232 371
Financial institutions
(2)
56,103 548 74 56,725 19,909 1,607 39 7 44 90
Sovereigns 1,287 263 22 1,572 254 - 13 2 4 19
Corporate 64,974 10,087 1,527 76,588 58,410 2,703 180 270 613 1,063
Of which:
Agriculture 3,933 873 122 4,928 947 21 13 29 37 79
Airlines and aerospace 2,103 286 4 2,393 2,087 232 3 3 3 9
Automotive 7,041 653 55 7,749 4,090 136 14 12 18 44
Building materials 1,447 257 18 1,722 1,441 64 4 7 7 18
Chemicals 362 76 1 439 722 14 1 1 1 3
Industrials 2,066 405 74 2,545 2,725 140 7 12 29 48
Land transport and logistics 4,485 300 85 4,870 3,033 253 8 11 22 41
Leisure 4,576 1,866 284 6,726 2,140 116 24 60 98 182
Mining and metals 296 23 4 323 315 6 - - 4 4
Oil and gas 626 26 70 722 1,932 189 2 1 49 52
Power utilities 5,811 301 79 6,191 7,757 585 12 7 32 51
Retail 6,083 1,119 164 7,366 4,522 385 14 25 72 111
Shipping 205 10 25 240 76 27 - 1 9 10
Water and waste 3,513 362 20 3,895 1,813 121 3 3 6 12
Total 345,847 37,288 5,812 388,947 131,553 4,668 585 802 1,956 3,343

For the notes to this table refer to the following page.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 36

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Sector analysis – portfolio summary (reviewed)

Loans - amortised cost and FVOCI Off-balance sheet ECL provisions
Loan Contingent
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total commitments liabilities Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
31 December 2023 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Personal 198,865 21,509 3,400 223,774 35,544 45 316 506 1,142 1,964
Mortgages
(1)
188,140 17,854 2,281 208,275 9,843 - 88 61 271 420
Credit cards 3,742 2,022 140 5,904 17,284 - 76 207 93 376
Other personal 6,983 1,633 979 9,595 8,417 45 152 238 778 1,168
Wholesale 149,721 16,382 2,163 168,266 91,934 4,435 393 470 818 1,681
Property 27,316 3,270 621 31,207 13,861 344 102 98 198 398
Financial institutions
(2)
56,105 966 16 57,087 20,765 1,456 44 15 7 66
Sovereigns 2,610 1 22 2,633 227 - 13 1 2 16
Corporate 63,690 12,145 1,504 77,339 57,081 2,635 234 356 611 1,201
Of which:
Agriculture 3,851 1,011 90 4,952 950 21 19 35 34 88
Airlines and aerospace 1,525 454 3 1,982 1,788 178 4 7 2 13
Automotive 7,223 1,008 76 8,307 3,844 103 18 18 26 62
Building materials 1,204 282 72 1,558 1,475 72 6 9 8 23
Chemicals 354 62 4 420 785 13 1 9 1 11
Industrials 2,269 543 70 2,882 2,896 148 10 18 23 51
Land transport and logistics 4,231 578 61 4,870 3,025 184 11 14 18 43
Leisure 4,394 2,245 288 6,927 1,887 145 31 74 91 196
Mining and metals 241 32 4 277 545 7 - - 4 4
Oil and gas 915 125 27 1,067 1,959 237 3 2 29 34
Power utilities 5,604 418 40 6,062 8,257 554 13 13 24 50
Retail 5,846 1,318 224 7,388 4,717 429 23 35 118 176
Shipping 207 35 3 245 71 31 - 1 2 3
Water and waste 3,536 173 13 3,722 1,904 84 4 5 4 13
Total 348,586 37,891 5,563 392,040 127,478 4,480 709 976 1,960 3,645

(1) As at 30 June 2024, £136.5 billion, 66.4%, of the total residential mortgages portfolio had Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data available (31 December 2023 – £140.8 billion, 67.6%). Of which, 45.2% were rated as EPC A to C (31 December 2023 – 44.1%).

(2) Includes transactions, such as securitisations, where the underlying risk may be in other sectors.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 37

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Wholesale forbearance (reviewed)

The table below shows Wholesale forbearance, Heightened Monitoring and Risk of Credit Loss by sector. This table shows current exposure but reflects risk transfers where there is a guarantee by another customer.

Financial Other
Property institution Sovereign corporate Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m
Forbearance (flow) 495 101 - 1,876 2,472
Forbearance (stock) 1,081 122 20 3,751 4,974
Heightened Monitoring and Risk of Credit Loss 1,231 183 - 4,299 5,713
31 December 2023
Forbearance (flow) 916 56 22 2,568 3,562
Forbearance (stock) 1,071 70 22 3,752 4,915
Heightened Monitoring and Risk of Credit Loss 1,089 276 - 4,119 5,484
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 38

Risk and capital management continued

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

  • − Loans by geography and sector In line with NatWest Group's strategic focus, exposures continued to be mainly in the UK.
  • − Loans by stage The reduction in Stage 1 mirrored the reduction in balances since Q4 2023, primarily driven by personal mortgages. The reduction in Stage 2 was reflective of portfolio performance and PD modelling updates in Personal unsecured portfolios. The modest increase in Stage 3 balance was mitigated by debt sale activity on Personal unsecured assets.
  • − Loans Past due analysis In Personal, there were limited increases in the value of arrears during H1 2024. The increases were in line with expectations, mainly in mortgages given the higher interest rate environment, following portfolio growth in recent years and adjustments to lending criteria following COVID-19. The reduction in arrears in unsecured portfolios was due to Q2 2024 debt sale activity. In Wholesale, past due profile was stable.
  • − Weighted average 12 months PDs Both IFRS 9 and Basel PDs remained broadly stable in the first half of the year overall. In Personal portfolios, there was a notable reduction in unsecured portfolios due to PD modelling updates. In Wholesale, some reductions were observed in PDs in the corporate and property portfolios due to economic and portfolio improvements. PDs in sovereigns increased significantly due to lending backed by government guarantees.
  • − ECL provisions by stage and ECL provisions coverage Overall provisions coverage reduced since 31 December 2023. On the performing book, this was mainly a result of positive portfolio performance, reduced economic uncertainty post model adjustments and PD reductions across a number of portfolios. Furthermore, Stage 3 and total book coverage reduced supported by the reduction of balances from debt sale activity on Personal unsecured portfolios.
  • − The ECL charge The year-to-date impairment charge for 2024 of £48 million primarily reflected impairment releases on Wholesale portfolios driven by the reduction in economic uncertainty post model adjustments alongside positive portfolio performance and reduced PD levels.
  • − Loans by residual maturity The maturity profile of the portfolios remained consistent with prior periods. In mortgages, as expected, the vast majority of exposures were greater than five years. In unsecured lending, cards and other, exposures were concentrated in less than five years. In Wholesale, more than 80% of the exposures mature in less than five years.
  • − Other financial assets by asset quality Consisting almost entirely of cash and balances at central banks and debt securities held in the course of treasury related management activities, these assets were mainly within the AQ1-AQ4 bands.
  • − Off-balance sheet exposures by asset quality In Personal, undrawn exposures were reflective of available credit lines in credit cards and current accounts. Additionally, the mortgage portfolio had undrawn exposures, where a formal offer had been made to a customer but had not yet drawn down; the value increased in line with the pipeline of offers. There was also a legacy portfolio of flexible mortgages where a customer had the right and ability to draw down further funds. The asset quality was aligned to the wider portfolio. In Wholesale, off-balance sheet exposures increased in sovereigns, and in the asset quality band AQ9. In general, asset quality was stable, and in line with the overall portfolio.
  • − Wholesale problem debt Exposures classified as Heightened Monitoring and Risk of Credit Loss within the Wholesale Problem Debt Management framework (formerly known as the Aligned Risk of Credit Loss and Viability framework) increased in H1 2024, driven by a small volume of customers. NatWest Group continued to closely monitor this portfolio and no sector themes or concerns were observed during H1 2024. Retail SME customers do not form part of this framework, customers in financial difficulty within this group are managed by specialist problem debt management teams. For these customers inflows slowed in H1 2024, collections were stable and recoveries balances continued to be driven by BBLs.
  • − Wholesale forbearance Decreased levels of new forbearance were observed in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023, by both value and volume. The CRE sector cluster was the largest beneficiary by value in H1 2024, closely followed by the consumer industries sector cluster. Payment holidays and covenant waivers were the most common forms of forbearance granted.
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 39

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Personal portfolio (reviewed)

Disclosures in the Personal portfolio section include drawn exposure (gross of provisions).

30 June 2024 31 December 2023
Central Central
Retail Private Commercial & items Retail Private Commercial & items
Banking Banking Institutional & other Total Banking Banking Institutional & other Total
Personal lending £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Mortgages 190,510 12,873 2,169 - 205,552 192,915 13,222 2,200 - 208,337
Of which:
Owner occupied 172,220 11,370 1,458 - 185,048 174,167 11,629 1,464 - 187,260
Buy-to-let 18,290 1,503 711 - 20,504 18,748 1,593 736 - 21,077
Interest only 22,487 11,276 439 - 34,202 25,805 11,631 461 - 37,897
Mixed
(1)
10,191 33 8 - 10,232 10,068 25 10 - 10,103
ECL provisions
(2)
398 14 8 - 420 397 12 6 - 415
Other personal lending
(3)
14,334 1,293 253 - 15,880 13,758 1,395 222 13 15,388
ECL provisions
(2)
1,360 14 3 - 1,377 1,508 12 2 16 1,538
Total personal lending 204,844 14,166 2,422 - 221,432 206,673 14,617 2,422 13 223,725
Mortgage LTV ratios
Owner occupied 57% 59% 55% - 57% 55% 59% 56% - 55%
-
Stage 1
57% 59% 55% - 57% 55% 59% 54% - 55%
-
Stage 2
57% 61% 56% - 57% 54% 63% 54% - 54%
-
Stage 3
50% 64% 76% - 51% 48% 61% 72% - 49%
Buy-to-let 55% 59% 52% - 55% 52% 59% 52% - 53%
-
Stage 1
55% 60% 51% - 55% 52% 60% 52% - 53%
-
Stage 2
53% 59% 53% - 53% 50% 57% 49% - 50%
-
Stage 3
52% 53% 60% - 53% 50% 53% 58% - 51%
Gross new mortgage lending 11,026 675 114 - 11,815 29,664 1,400 180 - 31,244
Of which:
Owner occupied 10,655 607 86 - 11,348 27,718 1,267 136 - 29,121
-
LTV > 90%
364 - - - 364 1,173 - - - 1,173
Weighted average LTV
(4)
69% 63% 71% - 69% 70% 63% 69% - 70%
Buy-to-let 371 68 28 - 467 1,946 133 44 - 2,123
Weighted average LTV
(4)
59% 60% 55% - 59% 58% 65% 52% - 58%
Interest only 633 613 15 - 1,261 2,680 1,224 23 - 3,927
Mixed
(1)
574 - - - 574 1,568 2 - - 1,570

For the notes to this table refer to the following page.

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Personal portfolio (reviewed) continued

30 June 2024 31 December 2023
Central Central
Retail Private Commercial & items Retail Private Commercial & items
Banking Banking Institutional & other Total Banking Banking Institutional & other Total
Mortgage forbearance £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Forbearance flow
(5)
280 21 3 - 304 569 22 9 - 600
Forbearance stock 1,584 34 14 - 1,632 1,416 28 15 - 1,459
Current 1,066 22 5 - 1,093 950 10 6 - 966
1-3 months in arrears 175 3 - - 178 116 2 2 - 120
> 3 months in arrears 343 9 9 - 361 350 16 7 - 373

(1) Includes accounts which have an interest only sub-account and a capital and interest sub-account to provide a more comprehensive view of interest only exposures.

(2) Retail Banking excludes a non-material amount of lending and provisions held on relatively small legacy portfolios.

(3) Comprises unsecured lending except for Private Banking, which includes both secured and unsecured lending. It excludes loans that are commercial in nature.

(4) New mortgage lending LTV reflects the LTV at the time of lending.

(5) Forbearance flows only include an account once per year, although some accounts may be subject to multiple forbearance deals. Forbearance deals post default are excluded from these flows.

− Mortgage balances reduced during H1 2024 where higher redemptions were only partly offset by new mortgage lending. Unsecured lending grew overall, driven by growth in credit cards.

− Mortgage portfolio LTV increased in H1 2024, as a result of easing of house prices reflected in the Office for National Statistics house price indices.

  • − The proportion of overall interest only mortgage balances decreased in H1 2024. Higher levels of interest only at year end 2023 were driven by the implementation of the Mortgage Charter, however, applications for Mortgage Charter support decreased during H1 2024 and customers have rolled-off from interest only periods.
  • − Portfolios and new business were closely monitored against agreed operating limits. These included loan-to-value ratios, buy-to-let concentrations, new-build concentrations and credit quality. Lending criteria, affordability calculations and assumptions for new lending were adjusted during the year, to maintain credit quality in line with appetite and to ensure customers are assessed fairly as economic conditions change.
  • − The flow of mortgage forbearance was stable in H1 2024 compared to H2 2023. The reported forbearance values included customers who used Mortgage Charter support if indicators of financial stress were already present before Mortgage Charter support was taken.
  • − Other personal lending balances increased in H1 2024 with continued growth in credit card new business. Lending criteria were carefully managed and the credit quality (based on new business PD) of the new business written remained stable.
  • − As noted previously, ECL provisions decreased. For further details on the movements in ECL provisions at product level, refer to the Flow statements section.
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 41

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Personal portfolio (reviewed)

Mortgage LTV distribution by stage

The table below shows gross mortgage lending and related ECL by LTV band for the Retail Banking portfolio.

Mortgages ECL provisions ECL provisions coverage
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m % % % %
≤50% 60,006 7,459 1,112 68,577 12 17 136 165 0.0 0.2 12.2 0.2
>50% and ≤70% 60,845 7,727 856 69,428 18 26 99 143 0.0 0.3 11.6 0.2
>70% and ≤80% 25,290 2,341 173 27,804 8 10 21 39 0.0 0.4 12.1 0.1
>80% and ≤90% 14,951 1,613 86 16,650 6 9 12 27 0.0 0.6 14.0 0.2
>90% and ≤100% 6,661 968 29 7,658 3 6 5 14 0.0 0.6 17.2 0.2
>100% 69 27 14 110 - - 6 6 - - 42.9 5.5
Total with LTVs 167,822 20,135 2,270 190,227 47 68 279 394 0.0 0.3 12.3 0.2
Other 279 1 3 283 1 - 1 2 0.4 - 33.3 0.7
Total 168,101 20,136 2,273 190,510 48 68 280 396 0.0 0.3 12.3 0.2
31 December 2023
≤50% 68,092 7,447 1,145 76,684 27 18 134 179 0.0 0.2 11.7 0.2
>50% and ≤70% 65,777 7,011 767 73,555 35 26 85 146 0.1 0.4 11.1 0.2
>70% and ≤80% 22,537 1,633 113 24,283 13 7 15 35 0.1 0.4 13.3 0.1
>80% and ≤90% 13,583 1,143 47 14,773 9 6 7 22 0.1 0.5 14.9 0.1
>90% and ≤100% 3,008 370 14 3,392 2 3.0 3 8 0.1 0.8 21.4 0.2
>100% 22 6 11 39 - - 5 5 - - 45.5 12.8
Total with LTVs 173,019 17,610 2,097 192,726 86 60 249 395 0.1 0.3 11.9 0.2
Other 186 1 2 189 1 - 1 2 0.5 - 50.0 1.1
Total 173,205 17,611 2,099 192,915 87 60 250 397 0.1 0.3 11.9 0.2

Retail Banking fixed rate mortgages by roll-off date

The table below shows gross fixed rate mortgage lending for Retail Banking, by roll-off date.

30 June 2024 31 December 2023
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
Retail Banking mortgages - gross exposure £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Fixed rate roll-off
<=1 year 30,357 3,882 306 34,545 30,867 3,670 295 34,832
>1<=2 years 43,204 4,766 359 48,329 39,013 3,513 290 42,816
>2 years 81,501 8,640 688 90,829 87,402 7,461 590 95,453
Total 155,062 17,288 1,353 173,703 157,282 14,644 1,175 173,101

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Commercial real estate (CRE) (reviewed)

CRE LTV distribution by stage

The table below shows CRE current exposure and related ECL by LTV band.

Gross loans ECL provisions ECL provisions coverage
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m % % % %
≤50% 7,899 275 45 8,219 25 7 8 40 0.3 2.5 17.8 0.5
>50% and ≤70% 3,692 496 120 4,308 18 15 24 57 0.5 3.0 20.0 1.3
>70% and ≤100% 319 45 87 451 2 2 26 30 0.6 4.4 29.9 6.7
>100% 205 3 65 273 1 - 38 39 0.5 - 58.5 14.3
Total with LTVs 12,115 819 317 13,251 46 24 96 166 0.4 2.9 30.3 1.3
Total portfolio
average LTV 46% 52% 98% 48%
Other
(1)
2,205 295 39 2,539 5 6 16 27 0.2 2.0 41.0 1.1
Investment 14,320 1,114 356 15,790 51 30 112 193 0.4 2.7 31.5 1.2
Development
(2)
1,825 201 50 2,076 8 2 25 35 0.4 1.0 50.0 1.7
Total 16,145 1,315 406 17,866 59 32 137 228 0.4 2.4 33.7 1.3
31 December 2023
≤50% 7,173 664 61 7,898 38 15 9 62 0.5 2.3 14.8 0.8
>50% and ≤70% 3,165 619 94 3,878 22 21 18 61 0.7 3.4 19.1 1.6
>70% and ≤100% 319 112 84 515 3 6 21 30 0.9 5.4 25.0 5.8
>100% 241 6 26 273 1 1 16 18 0.4 16.7 61.5 6.6
Total with LTVs 10,898 1,401 265 12,564 64 43 64 171 0.6 3.1 24.2 1.4
Total portfolio
average LTV 47% 51% 72% 48%
Other
(1)
2,189 390 45 2,624 10 7 19 36 0.5 1.8 42.2 1.4
Investment 13,087 1,791 310 15,188 74 50 83 207 0.6 2.8 26.8 1.4
Development
(2)
1,717 147 49 1,913 12 5 25 42 0.7 3.4 51.0 2.2
Total 14,804 1,938 359 17,101 86 55 108 249 0.6 2.8 30.1 1.5

− Overall – The majority of the CRE portfolio was located and managed in the UK. Business appetite and strategy was aligned across NatWest Group.

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Commercial real estate (CRE) (reviewed)

Risk and capital management continued

CRE LTV distribution by stage

  • − 2024 trends – In H1 2024, conditions enabled growth, particularly in Q1 2024, as investors/customers gained more confidence in the economic outlook. Key growth was in the favoured sectors of residential and industrial. The office sector remains challenging. NatWest Group remains comfortable with exposures held in this sub-sector but continues to subject them to detailed scrutiny.
  • − Credit quality – Credit quality remained stable with very limited instances of specific cases deteriorating.
  • −Risk appetite – Lending appetite is subject to regular review.

(1) Relates mainly to business banking and unsecured corporate lending.

(2) Relates to the development of commercial and residential properties. LTV is not a meaningful measure for this type of lending activity.

Risk and capital management continued

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Flow statements (reviewed)

The flow statements that follow show the main ECL and related income statement movements. They also show the changes in ECL as well as the changes in related financial assets used in determining ECL. Due to differences in scope, exposures may differ from those reported in other tables, principally in relation to exposures in Stage 1 and Stage 2. These differences do not have a material ECL effect. Other points to note:

− Financial assets include treasury liquidity portfolios, comprising balances at central banks and debt securities, as well as loans. Both modelled and non-modelled portfolios are included.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 43
  • − Stage transfers (for example, exposures moving from Stage 1 into Stage 2) are a key feature of the ECL movements, with the net re-measurement cost of transitioning to a worse stage being a primary driver of income statement charges. Similarly, there is an ECL benefit for accounts improving stage.
  • − Changes in risk parameters shows the reassessment of the ECL within a given stage, including any ECL overlays and residual income statement gains or losses at the point of write-off or accounting write-down.
  • − Other (P&L only items) includes any subsequent changes in the value of written-down assets (for example, fortuitous recoveries) along with other direct write-off items such as direct recovery costs. Other (P&L only items) affects the income statement but does not affect balance sheet ECL movements.
  • − Amounts written-off represent the gross asset written-down against accounts with ECL, including the net asset write-down for any debt sale activity.
  • − There were some flows from Stage 1 into Stage 3 including transfers due to unexpected default events with a post model adjustment in place for Commercial & Institutional to account for this risk.
  • − The effect of any change in post model adjustments during the year is typically reported under changes in risk parameters, as are any effects arising from changes to the underlying models. Refer to the section on Governance and post model adjustments for further details.
  • − All movements are captured monthly and aggregated. Interest suspended post default is included within Stage 3 ECL, with the movement in the value of suspended interest during the year reported under currency translation and other adjustments.
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
Financial Financial Financial Financial
assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL
NatWest Group total £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2024 504,345 709 40,294 976 5,621 1,960 550,260 3,645
Currency translation and other adjustments (907) - (29) - 73 93 (863) 93
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (20,089) (104) 20,089 104 - - - -
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 15,305 341 (15,305) (341) - - - -
Transfers to Stage 3 (126) (2) (1,643) (145) 1,769 147 - -
Transfers from Stage 3 175 9 277 18 (452) (27) - -
Net re-measurement of ECL on stage transfer (242) 328 157 243
Changes in risk parameters (195) (46) 165 (76)
Other changes in net exposure (396) 74 (5,024) (89) (918) (85) (6,338) (100)
Other (P&L only items) (1) (3) (15) (19)
Income statement (releases)/charges (364) 190 222 48
Transfers to disposal groups and fair value (296) (5) (8) (3) (13) (10) (317) (18)
Amounts written-off - - - - (369) (369) (369) (369)
Unwinding of discount - - - (75) (75)
At 30 June 2024 498,011 585 38,651 802 5,711 1,956 542,373 3,343
Net carrying amount 497,426 37,849 3,755 539,030
At 1 January 2023 507,539 632 48,482 1,043 5,231 1,759 561,252 3,434
2023 movements (26,623) 29 (3,867) (52) 314 146 (30,176) 123
At 30 June 2023 480,916 661 44,615 991 5,545 1,905 531,076 3,557
Net carrying amount 480,255 43,624 3,640 527,519
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 44

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Flow statements (reviewed)

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
Financial Financial Financial
assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL
Retail Banking - mortgages £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2024 174,038 87 17,827 60 2,068 250 193,933 397
Currency translation and other adjustments - 1 - (1) 53 53 53 53
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (9,955) (12) 9,955 12 - - - -
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 5,702 12 (5,702) (12) - - - -
Transfers to Stage 3 (33) - (531) (4) 564 4 - -
Transfers from Stage 3 16 - 155 4 (171) (4) - -
Net re-measurement of ECL on stage transfer (7) 14 3 10
Changes in risk parameters (28) (1) 48 19
Other changes in net exposure (2,775) (4) (1,387) (4) (265) (35) (4,427) (43)
Other (P&L only items) (1) - (2) (3)
Income statement (releases)/charges (40) 9 14 (17)
Amounts written-off - - - - (8) (8) (8) (8)
Unwinding of discount - - (31) (31)
At 30 June 2024 166,993 49 20,317 68 2,241 280 189,551 397
Net carrying amount 166,944 20,249 1,961 189,154
At 1 January 2023 165,264 79 18,831 61 1,762 215 185,857 355
2023 movements 4,527 12 834 3 85 19 5,446 34
At 30 June 2023 169,791 91 19,665 64 1,847 234 191,303 389
Net carrying amount 169,700 19,601 1,613 190,914
  • − ECL levels for mortgages remained stable overall during H1 2024, with growth in Stage 3 ECL offset by a reduction in good book ECL, primarily driven by the reduction in economic uncertainty post model adjustment levels.
  • − As well as a net reduction in book size, aligned to trends in the UK mortgage market, the decrease in Stage 1 ECL was also driven by the cost of living post model adjustment reduction, which proportionately allocated more ECL to Stage 1 given the forward-looking nature of the affordability threat. Refer to the Governance and post model adjustments section for further details.
  • − The Stage 3 inflows remained broadly stable, with signs of improvement in default rates in recent months. Default rates had been increasing during 2023 reflecting slightly poorer arrears performance on mortgages recently rolled-off onto higher product rates. The increase in Stage 3 ECL primarily reflected increases in ECL for post-default interest alongside lower levels of write-offs.
  • − There were net flows into Stage 2 from Stage 1 with an upward trend in early arrears coupled with the collective migration into Stage 2 of higher risk customers utilising new Mortgage Charter treatments (approximately £0.9 billion exposure).
  • − The relatively small ECL cost for net re-measurement on stage transfer included the effect of risk targeted ECL adjustments, when previously in the good book. Refer to the Governance and post model adjustments section for further details.
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 45

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Flow statements (reviewed)

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
Financial Financial Financial Financial
assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL
Retail Banking - credit cards £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2024 3,475 70 2,046 204 146 89 5,667 363
Currency translation and other adjustments - - - - 2 2 2 2
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (814) (16) 814 16 - - - -
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 746 52 (746) (52) - - - -
Transfers to Stage 3 (11) - (77) (29) 88 29 - -
Transfers from Stage 3 1 - 4 2 (5) (2) - -
Net re-measurement of ECL on stage transfer (31) 74 21 64
Changes in risk parameters 1 3 9 13
Other changes in net exposure 726 5 (219) (30) (24) (1) 483 (26)
Other (P&L only items) - 1 - 1
Income statement (releases)/charges (25) 48 29 52
Amounts written-off - - - - (38) (38) (38) (38)
Unwinding of discount - - (4) (4)
At 30 June 2024 4,123 81 1,822 188 169 105 6,114 374
Net carrying amount 4,042 1,634 64 5,740
At 1 January 2023 3,062 61 1,098 120 113 71 4,273 252
2023 movements 118 (2) 422 25 13 12 553 35
At 30 June 2023 3,180 59 1,520 145 126 83 4,826 287
Net carrying amount 3,121 1,375 43 4,539

− Overall ECL for cards remained broadly in-line with the 2023 year-end, with portfolio growth mitigated by stable portfolio performance and PD trends.

− While portfolio performance remained stable, a net flow into Stage 2 from Stage 1 was observed in Q1 2024 with the typical maturation of lending after a period of strong growth in recent years albeit Stage 2 reduced during the second quarter as PDs reduced after PD modelling updates.

− Credit card balances continued to grow during 2024, reflecting continued customer demand whilst remaining within risk appetite.

− Flow rates into Stage 3 reduced in H1 2024, in line with broader portfolio performance.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 46

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Flow statements (reviewed)

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
Financial Financial Financial Financial
assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL
Retail Banking - other personal unsecured £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2024 5,240 149 1,657 238 963 758 7,860 1,145
Currency translation and other adjustments - - - 1 8 8 8 9
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (854) (40) 854 40 - - - -
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 953 137 (953) (137) - - - -
Transfers to Stage 3 (37) (1) (157) (68) 194 69 - -
Transfers from Stage 3 4 1 12 5 (16) (6) - -
Net re-measurement of ECL on stage transfer (99) 133 13 47
Changes in risk parameters (42) 7 63 28
Other changes in net exposure 411 40 (188) (19) (80) (22) 143 (1)
Other (P&L only items) - (1) 14 13
Income statement (releases)/charges (101) 120 68 87
Amounts written-off - - - - (224) (224) (224) (224)
Unwinding of discount - - (18) (18)
At 30 June 2024 5,717 145 1,225 200 845 641 7,787 986
Net carrying amount 5,572 1,025 204 6,801
At 1 January 2023 4,784 111 2,028 269 779 631 7,591 1,011
2023 movements 292 21 (147) (39) 111 90 256 72
At 30 June 2023 5,076 132 1,881 230 890 721 7,847 1,083
Net carrying amount 4,944 1,651 169 6,764

− Total ECL decreased, mainly in Stage 3 due to the reduction of balances from debt sale activity on Personal unsecured portfolios of £0.2 billion.

− Stable portfolio performance and updates to PD modelling resulted in a net migration from Stage 2 into Stage 1 with performing book ECL and coverage levels showing a modest reduction since the 2023 year-end, supported by an improved economic outlook.

− Flow rates into Stage 3 reduced in H1 2024, in line with broader portfolio performance.

− Unsecured retail performing balances grew steadily during H1 2024, largely in line with industry trends.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 47

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Flow statements (reviewed)

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
Financial Financial Financial Financial
assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL
Commercial & Institutional total £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2024 176,302 356 17,029 447 2,161 819 195,492 1,622
Currency translation and other adjustments (436) (1) (29) 1 12 27 (453) 27
Inter-group transfers - - - - - - - -
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (7,758) (35) 7,758 35 - - - -
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 6,940 130 (6,940) (130) - - - -
Transfers to Stage 3 (34) - (761) (44) 795 44 - -
Transfers from Stage 3 125 7 93 8 (218) (15) - -
Net re-measurement of ECL on stage transfer (98) 102 121 125
Changes in risk parameters (114) (49) 42 (121)
Other changes in net exposure 4,452 30 (3,109) (36) (493) (28) 850 (34)
Other (P&L only items) - (3) (24) (27)
Income statement (releases)/charges (182) 14 111 (57)
Amounts written-off - - - - (99) (99) (99) (99)
Unwinding of discount - - (19) (19)
At 30 June 2024 179,591 275 14,041 334 2,158 892 195,790 1,501
Net carrying amount 179,316 13,707 1,266 194,289
At 1 January 2023 160,352 342 24,711 534 2,198 747 187,261 1,623
2023 movements 1,819 (9) (4,368) (27) 75 18 (2,474) (18)
At 30 June 2023 162,171 333 20,343 507 2,273 765 184,787 1,605
Net carrying amount 161,838 19,836 1,508 183,182

− ECL levels decreased during H1 2024 with significant reductions in Stage 1 and Stage 2 partially offset by increases in Stage 3. Improved economic variables and risk metrics reduced Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECL, with lower PDs contributing to reductions in modelled ECL and post model adjustments.

− A reduction in post model adjustments led to a £97 million reduction across Stage 1 and Stage 2.

− Stage 3 ECL and exposure increased, mainly due to transfers into Stage 3 and the re-measurement of ECL at the point of transfer. This was partially offset by write-offs.

− Exposure levels in Stage 1 and 2 remained broadly consistent with new exposures captured in Stage 1 offset by repayments in Stage 2.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 48

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Flow statements (reviewed)

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
Financial Financial Financial Financial
assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL
Commercial & Institutional - corporate £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2024 61,402 226 12,275 344 1,454 602 75,131 1,172
Currency translation and other adjustments (88) (1) (21) 1 11 22 (98) 22
Inter-group transfers 86 - 35 2 2 1 123 3
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (5,045) (26) 5,045 26 - - - -
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 4,772 98 (4,772) (98) - - - -
Transfers to Stage 3 (30) - (530) (30) 560 30 - -
Transfers from Stage 3 100 5 66 6 (166) (11) - -
Net re-measurement of ECL on stage transfer (75) 76 60 61
Changes in risk parameters (67) (39) 28 (78)
Other changes in net exposure 2,119 14 (2,003) (25) (313) (20) (197) (31)
Other (P&L only items) - (4) (21) (25)
Income statement (releases)/charges (128) 8 47 (73)
Amounts written-off - - - - (88) (88) (88) (88)
Unwinding of discount - - (13) (13)
At 30 June 2024 63,316 174 10,095 263 1,460 611 74,871 1,048
Net carrying amount 63,142 9,832 849 73,823

− ECL levels decreased during H1 2024 with significant reductions in Stage 1 and Stage 2. Improved economic variables and risk metrics reduced Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECL, with lower PDs contributing to reductions in modelled ECL and post model adjustments.

− Stage 3 exposure increased due to transfers into Stage 3, partially offset by repayments and write-offs. Stage 3 ECL marginally increased with the impact from transfers and the re-measurement of ECL at the point of transfer, largely offset by write-offs.

− Exposure levels in the performing portfolio, Stage 1 and Stage 2, remained broadly consistent with new exposures captured in Stage 1 offset by repayments in Stage 2.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 49

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Flow statements (reviewed)

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
Financial Financial Financial Financial
assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL
Commercial & Institutional - property £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2024 26,040 94 3,155 89 606 195 29,801 378
Currency translation and other adjustments (5) - (2) (1) - 7 (7) 6
Inter-group transfers (30) - (23) (2) (2) - (55) (2)
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (1,869) (7) 1,869 7 - - - -
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 1,622 27 (1,622) (27) - - - -
Transfers to Stage 3 (4) - (160) (9) 164 9 - -
Transfers from Stage 3 21 2 24 2 (45) (4) - -
Net re-measurement of ECL on stage transfer (19) 22 30 33
Changes in risk parameters (38) (12) 11 (39)
Other changes in net exposure 751 9 (266) (7) (150) (6) 335 (4)
Other (P&L only items) - - - -
Income statement (releases)/charges (48) 3 35 (10)
Amounts written-off - - - - (10) (10) (10) (10)
Unwinding of discount - - (5) (5)
At 30 June 2024 26,526 68 2,975 62 563 227 30,064 357
Net carrying amount 26,458 2,913 336 29,707

− There was a small reduction in ECL during H1 2024 with decreases in Stage 1 and Stage 2 partially offset by increases in Stage 3.

− Improved economic variables and risk metrics reduced Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECL, with lower PDs contributing to reductions in modelled ECL and post model adjustments. − Stage 3 exposure reduced with the primary driver being repayments on the collective portfolio. The increase in Stage 3 ECL was largely attributable to one commercial real estate customer.

− Exposure levels in the performing portfolio, Stage 1 and Stage 2, increased with new exposures captured in Stage 1 more than offsetting repayments in Stage 2.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 50

Credit risk – Banking activities continued Flow statements (reviewed)

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
Financial Financial Financial Financial
assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL assets ECL
Commercial & Institutional - other £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2024 88,860 36 1,599 14 101 22 90,560 72
Currency translation and other adjustments (344) - (5) 1 1 (1) (348) -
Inter-group transfers (56) - (12) - - - (68) -
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (844) (2) 844 2 - - - -
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1 547 5 (547) (5) - - - -
Transfers to Stage 3 - - (71) (6) 71 6 - -
Transfers from Stage 3 4 - 3 - (7) - - -
Net re-measurement of ECL on stage transfer (3) 4 30 31
Changes in risk parameters (8) 2 2 (4)
Other changes in net exposure 1,582 5 (840) (3) (30) (1) 712 1
Other (P&L only items) - - (2) (2)
Income statement (releases)/charges (6) 3 29 26
Amounts written-off - - - - (1) (1) (1) (1)
Unwinding of discount - - (1) (1)
At 30 June 2024 89,749 33 971 9 135 54 90,855 96
Net carrying amount 89,716 962 81 90,759

− ECL levels increased during H1 2024 with a rise in Stage 3 only partially offset by reductions in Stage 1 and Stage 2.

− Stage 3 exposure and ECL increased mainly related to an increase in ECL on newly defaulted individually assessed customers. These defaults also contributed to a reduction in Stage 2 as the ECL was transferred to Stage 3 at the point of default.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 51

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Stage 2 decomposition by a significant increase in credit risk trigger

The tables that follow show decomposition for the Personal and Wholesale portfolios.

UK mortgages Credit cards Other
30 June 2024 £m % £m % £m % Total
£m
%
Personal trigger
(1)
PD movement 13,825 67.8 1,303 72.6 623 51.3 15,751 67.5
PD persistence 3,964 19.5 406 22.7 230 19.0 4,600 19.7
Adverse credit bureau recorded with credit reference agency 969 4.8 64 3.6 121 10.0 1,154 4.9
Forbearance support provided 162 0.8 1 0.1 11 0.9 174 0.7
Customers in collections 173 0.8 2 0.1 14 1.2 189 0.8
Collective SICR and other reasons
(2)
1,141 5.6 16 0.9 200 16.5 1,357 5.8
Days past due >30 134 0.7 - - 13 1.1 147 0.6
20,368 100.0 1,792 100.0 1,212 100.0 23,372 100.0
31 December 2023
Personal trigger
(1)
PD movement 12,969 72.5 1,469 72.7 866 52.9 15,304 71.1
PD persistence 2,317 13.0 481 23.8 374 22.9 3,172 14.7
Adverse credit bureau recorded with credit reference agency 1,047 5.9 49 2.4 99 6.1 1,195 5.6
Forbearance support provided 137 0.8 1 - 11 0.7 149 0.7
Customers in collections 178 1.0 2 0.1 8 0.5 188 0.9
Collective SICR and other reasons
(2)
1,087 6.1 20 1.0 266 16.3 1,373 6.4
Days past due >30 119 0.7 - - 9 0.6 128 0.6
17,854 100.0 2,022 100.0 1,633 100.0 21,509 100.0

For the notes to the table refer to the following page.

  • − The level of PD driven deterioration increased in the first half of 2024, mainly in the mortgage portfolio, reflecting some increases in the early arrears level and PD modelling updates. The modelling updates on unsecured portfolios at Q1 2024 resulted in a reduction in lifetime PDs. This drove a segment of lower risk cases out of PD deterioration at Q1 2024, with many now exited from Stage 2 after the PD persistence period of three months.
  • − Higher risk mortgage customers who utilised the new Mortgage Charter measures continue to be collectively migrated into Stage 2, approximately £0.9 billion of exposures, and were captured in the collective SICR and other reasons category.
  • − Accounts that were less than 30 days past due continued to represent the vast majority of the Stage 2 population.
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 52

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Stage 2 decomposition by a significant increase in credit risk trigger

Property
Corporate
Financial institutions Sovereign Total
30 June 2024 £m % £m % £m % £m % £m %
Wholesale trigger
(1)
PD movement 1,742 57.6 6,664 66.1 422 77.0 - - 8,828 63.5
PD persistence 68 2.3 248 2.5 3 0.5 - - 319 2.3
Heightened Monitoring and Risk of Credit Loss 1,008 33.4 2,116 21.0 109 19.9 262 99.6 3,495 25.1
Forbearance support provided 45 1.5 386 3.8 6 1.1 - - 437 3.1
Customers in collections 8 0.3 25 0.2 - - - - 33 0.2
Collective SICR and other reasons
(2)
112 3.7 522 5.2 7 1.3 1 0.4 642 4.6
Days past due >30 35 1.2 126 1.2 1 0.2 - - 162 1.2
3,018 100.0 10,087 100.0 548 100.0 263 100.0 13,916 100.0
31 December 2023
Wholesale trigger
(1)
PD movement 2,211 67.6 7,611 62.5 760 78.7 - - 10,582 64.6
PD persistence 223 6.8 847 7.0 13 1.3 - - 1,083 6.6
Heightened Monitoring and Risk of Credit Loss 563 17.2 2,630 21.7 120 12.4 - - 3,313 20.2
Forbearance support provided 49 1.6 373 3.1 - - - - 422 2.6
Customers in collections 7 0.2 23 0.2 - - - - 30 0.2
Collective SICR and other reasons
(2)
70 2.1 457 3.8 72 7.5 1 100.0 600 3.7
Days past due >30 147 4.5 204 1.7 1 0.1 - - 352 2.1
3,270 100.0 12,145 100.0 966 100.0 1 100.0 16,382 100.0

(1) The table is prepared on a hierarchical basis from top to bottom, for example, accounts with PD deterioration may also trigger backstop(s) but are only reported under PD deterioration.

(2) Includes cases where a PD assessment cannot be made and accounts where the PD has deteriorated beyond a prescribed backstop threshold aligned to risk management practices.

− PD deterioration continued to be the primary trigger of migration of exposures from Stage 1 into Stage 2. As the economic outlook improved, there was a reduction in cases triggering Stage 2.

− Moving exposures to Heightened Monitoring or Risk of Credit Loss remains an important backstop indicator of a significant increase in credit risk. The exposures classified under this Stage 2 trigger increased over the year, mainly in property, where improved PDs meant less exposures were captured under the PD deterioration Stage 2 trigger.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 53

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Asset quality (reviewed)

The table below shows asset quality bands of gross loans and ECL, by stage, for the Personal portfolio.

Gross loans ECL provisions ECL provisions coverage
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m % % % %
UK mortgages
AQ1-AQ4 100,746 8,061 - 108,807 20 20 - 40 0.0 0.3 - 0.0
AQ5-AQ8 81,760 11,399 - 93,159 29 43 - 72 0.0 0.4 - 0.1
AQ9 166 908 - 1,074 - 6 - 6 - 0.7 - 0.6
AQ10 - - 2,446 2,446 - - 302 302 - - 12.4 12.4
182,672 20,368 2,446 205,486 49 69 302 420 0.0 0.3 12.4 0.2
Credit cards
AQ1-AQ4 126 - - 126 1 - - 1 0.8 - - 0.8
AQ5-AQ8 4,292 1,718 - 6,010 80 173 - 253 1.9 10.1 - 4.2
AQ9 13 74 - 87 1 16 - 17 7.7 21.6 - 19.5
AQ10 - - 158 158 - - 105 105 - - 66.5 66.5
4,431 1,792 158 6,381 82 189 105 376 1.9 10.6 66.5 5.9
Other personal
AQ1-AQ4 708 107 - 815 8 14 - 22 1.1 13.1 - 2.7
AQ5-AQ8 6,729 972 - 7,701 135 140 - 275 2.0 14.4 - 3.6
AQ9 71 133 - 204 6 45 - 51 8.5 33.8 - 25.0
AQ10 - - 857 857 - - 656 656 - - 76.6 76.6
7,508 1,212 857 9,577 149 199 656 1,004 2.0 16.4 76.6 10.5
Total
AQ1-AQ4 101,580 8,168 - 109,748 29 34 - 63 0.0 0.4 - 0.1
AQ5-AQ8 92,781 14,089 - 106,870 244 356 - 600 0.3 2.5 - 0.6
AQ9 250 1,115 - 1,365 7 67 - 74 2.8 6.0 - 5.4
AQ10 - - 3,461 3,461 - - 1,063 1,063 - - 30.7 30.7
194,611 23,372 3,461 221,444 280 457 1,063 1,800 0.1 2.0 30.7 0.8
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 54

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Asset quality (reviewed)

Gross loans ECL provisions ECL provisions coverage
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
31 December 2023 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m % % % %
UK mortgages
AQ1-AQ4 110,694 7,572 - 118,266 51 20 - 71 0.1 0.3 - 0.1
AQ5-AQ8 77,290 9,578 - 86,868 37 37 - 74 0.1 0.4 - 0.1
AQ9 156 704 - 860 - 4 - 4 - 0.6 - 0.5
AQ10 - - 2,281 2,281 - - 271 271 - - 11.9 11.9
188,140 17,854 2,281 208,275 88 61 271 420 0.1 0.3 11.9 0.2
Credit cards
AQ1-AQ4 124 - - 124 1 - - 1 0.8 - - 0.8
AQ5-AQ8 3,612 1,965 - 5,577 75 193 - 268 2.1 9.8 - 4.8
AQ9 6 57 - 63 - 14 - 14 - 24.6 - 22.2
AQ10 - - 140 140 - - 93 93 - - 66.4 66.4
3,742 2,022 140 5,904 76 207 93 376 2.0 10.2 66.4 6.4
Other personal
AQ1-AQ4 764 150 - 914 11 23 - 34 1.4 15.3 - 3.7
AQ5-AQ8 6,178 1,374 - 7,552 138 180 - 318 2.2 13.1 - 4.2
AQ9 41 109 - 150 3 35 - 38 7.3 32.1 - 25.3
AQ10 - - 979 979 - - 778 778 - - 79.5 79.5
6,983 1,633 979 9,595 152 238 778 1,168 2.2 14.6 79.5 12.2
Total
AQ1-AQ4 111,582 7,722 - 119,304 63 43 - 106 0.1 0.6 - 0.1
AQ5-AQ8 87,080 12,917 - 99,997 250 410 - 660 0.3 3.2 - 0.7
AQ9 203 870 - 1,073 3 53 - 56 1.5 6.1 - 5.2
AQ10 - - 3,400 3,400 - - 1,142 1,142 - - 33.6 33.6
198,865 21,509 3,400 223,774 316 506 1,142 1,964 0.2 2.4 33.6 0.9

− In the Personal portfolio, the majority of exposures were in the AQ4 and AQ5 bands and were within mortgages.

− In other personal, the relatively high level of exposures in AQ10 reflected that impaired assets can be held on the balance sheet, with commensurate ECL provision, for up to six years.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 55

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Asset quality (reviewed)

The table below shows asset quality bands of gross loans and ECL, by stage, for the Wholesale portfolio.

Gross loans ECL provisions ECL provisions coverage
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m % % % %
Property
AQ1-AQ4 15,257 1,000 - 16,257 13 8 - 21 0.1 0.8 - 0.1
AQ5-AQ8 13,607 1,955 - 15,562 60 54 - 114 0.4 2.8 - 0.7
AQ9 8 63 - 71 - 4 - 4 - 6.4 - 5.6
AQ10 - - 728 728 - - 232 232 - - 31.9 31.9
28,872 3,018 728 32,618 73 66 232 371 0.3 2.2 31.9 1.1
Corporate
AQ1-AQ4 25,616 1,040 - 26,656 18 12 - 30 0.1 1.2 - 0.1
AQ5-AQ8 39,331 8,797 - 48,128 162 239 - 401 0.4 2.7 - 0.8
AQ9 27 250 - 277 - 19 - 19 - 7.6 - 6.9
AQ10 - - 1,527 1,527 - - 613 613 - - 40.1 40.1
64,974 10,087 1,527 76,588 180 270 613 1,063 0.3 2.7 40.1 1.4
Financial institutions
AQ1-AQ4 52,008 413 - 52,421 24 1 - 25 0.1 0.2 - 0.1
AQ5-AQ8 4,093 123 - 4,216 15 5 - 20 0.4 4.1 - 0.5
AQ9 2 12 - 14 - 1 - 1 - 8.3 - 7.1
AQ10 - - 74 74 - - 44 44 - - 59.5 59.5
56,103 548 74 56,725 39 7 44 90 0.1 1.3 59.5 0.2
Sovereign
AQ1-AQ4 1,287 1 - 1,288 13 1 - 14 1.0 100.0 - 1.1
AQ5-AQ8 - 130 - 130 - 1 - 1 - 0.8 - 0.8
AQ 9 - 132 - 132 - - - - - - - -
AQ10 - - 22 22 - - 4 4 - - 18.2 18.2
1,287 263 22 1,572 13 2 4 19 1.0 0.8 18.2 1.2
Total
AQ1-AQ4 94,168 2,454 - 96,622 68 22 - 90 0.1 0.9 - 0.1
AQ5-AQ8 57,031 11,005 - 68,036 237 299 - 536 0.4 2.7 - 0.8
AQ9 37 457 - 494 - 24 - 24 - 5.3 - 4.9
AQ10 - - 2,351 2,351 - - 893 893 - - 38.0 38.0
151,236 13,916 2,351 167,503 305 345 893 1,543 0.2 2.5 38.0 0.9

− Asset quality was stable in property, other wholesale and financial institutions. There was a deterioration in sovereigns.

− Customer credit grades are reassessed as and when a request for financing is made, a scheduled customer credit review performed or a material credit event specific to that customer occurred. Credit grades are reassessed for all customers at least annually.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 56

Credit risk – Banking activities continued

Asset quality (reviewed)

Gross loans ECL provisions ECL provisions coverage
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
31 December 2023 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m % % % %
Property
AQ1-AQ4 14,961 405 - 15,366 16 5 - 21 0.1 1.2 - 0.1
AQ5-AQ8 12,346 2,799 - 15,145 86 88 - 174 0.7 3.1 - 1.2
AQ9 9 66 - 75 - 5 - 5 - 7.6 - 6.7
AQ10 - - 621 621 - - 198 198 - - 31.9 31.9
27,316 3,270 621 31,207 102 98 198 398 0.4 3.0 31.9 1.3
Corporate
AQ1-AQ4 25,914 937 - 26,851 27 13 - 40 0.1 1.4 - 0.2
AQ5-AQ8 37,738 10,935 - 48,673 207 323 - 530 0.6 3.0 - 1.1
AQ9 38 273 - 311 - 20 - 20 - 7.3 - 6.4
AQ10 - - 1,504 1,504 - - 611 611 - - 40.6 40.6
63,690 12,145 1,504 77,339 234 356 611 1,201 0.4 2.9 40.6 1.6
Financial institutions
AQ1-AQ4 52,702 665 - 53,367 28 6 - 34 0.1 0.9 - 0.1
AQ5-AQ8 3,402 284 - 3,686 16 9 - 25 0.5 3.2 - 0.7
AQ9 1 17 - 18 - - - - - - - -
AQ10 - - 16 16 - - 7 7 - - 43.8 43.8
56,105 966 16 57,087 44 15 7 66 0.1 1.6 43.8 0.1
Sovereign
AQ1-AQ4 2,487 1 - 2,488 13 1 - 14 0.5 nm - 0.6
AQ5-AQ8 123 - - 123 - - - - - - - -
AQ9 - - - - - - - - - - - -
AQ10 - - 22 22 - - 2 2 - - 9.1 9.1
2,610 1 22 2,633 13 1 2 16 0.5 nm 9.1 0.6
Total
AQ1-AQ4 96,064 2,008 - 98,072 84 25 - 109 0.1 1.3 - 0.1
AQ5-AQ8 53,609 14,018 - 67,627 309 420 - 729 0.6 3.0 - 1.1
AQ9 48 356 - 404 - 25 - 25 - 7.0 - 6.2
AQ10 - - 2,163 2,163 - - 818 818 - - 37.8 37.8
149,721 16,382 2,163 168,266 393 470 818 1,681 0.3 2.9 37.8 1.0
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 57

Credit risk – Trading activities

This section details the credit risk profile of NatWest Group's trading activities.

Securities financing transactions and collateral (reviewed)

The table below shows securities financing transactions in Commercial & Institutional and Central items & other. Balance sheet captions include balances held at all classifications under IFRS.

Reverse repos Repos
Of which: Outside netting Of which: Outside netting
Total can be offset arrangements Total can be offset arrangements
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m
Gross 77,085 77,000 85 74,623 73,535 1,088
IFRS offset (32,309) (32,309) - (32,309) (32,309) -
Carrying value 44,776 44,691 85 42,314 41,226 1,088
Master netting arrangements (1,454) (1,454) - (1,454) (1,454) -
Securities collateral (42,965) (42,965) - (39,772) (39,772) -
Potential for offset not recognised under IFRS (44,419) (44,419) - (41,226) (41,226) -
Net 357 272 85 1,088 - 1,088
31 December 2023
Gross 77,508 77,050 458 66,767 66,047 720
IFRS offset (25,903) (25,903) - (25,903) (25,903) -
Carrying value 51,605 51,147 458 40,864 40,144 720
Master netting arrangements (669) (669) - (669) (669) -
Securities collateral (50,287) (50,287) - (39,475) (39,475) -
Potential for offset not recognised under IFRS (50,956) (50,956) - (40,144) (40,144) -
Net 649 191 458 720 - 720
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 58

Credit risk – Trading activities continued

Derivatives (reviewed)

The table below shows derivatives by type of contract. The master netting agreements and collateral shown do not result in a net presentation on the balance sheet under IFRS. A significant proportion of the derivatives relate to trading activities in Commercial & Institutional. The table also includes hedging derivatives in Central items & other.

30 June 2024 31 December 2023
Notional
GBP USD EUR Other Total Assets Liabilities Notional Assets Liabilities
£bn £bn £bn £bn £bn £m £m £bn £m £m
Gross exposure 86,136 82,013 99,501 96,264
IFRS offset (18,622) (21,164) (20,597) (23,869)
Carrying value 3,378 3,188 5,651 1,191 13,408 67,514 60,849 13,403 78,904 72,395
Of which:
Interest rate
(1)
3,046 1,705 5,004 268 10,023 40,925 35,137 10,268 44,563 38,483
Exchange rate 331 1,478 637 923 3,369 26,446 25,442 3,120 34,161 33,586
Credit 1 5 10 - 16 143 270 15 180 326
Carrying value 13,408 67,514 60,849 13,403 78,904 72,395
Counterparty mark-to-market
netting
(50,530) (50,530) (60,355) (60,355)
Cash collateral (11,296) (5,650) (12,284) (6,788)
Securities collateral (3,503) (1,142) (3,408) (1,664)
Net exposure 2,185 3,527 2,857 3,588
Banks
(2)
217 441 335 555
Other financial institutions
(3)
1,117 1,260 1,422 1,304
Corporate
(4)
815 1,808 1,063 1,690
Government
(5)
36 18 37 39
Net exposure 2,185 3,527 2,857 3,588
UK 1,148 1,871 1,283 1,912
Europe 551 1,085 800 1,209
US 404 383 607 381
RoW 82 188 167 86
Net exposure 2,185 3,527 2,857 3,588
Asset quality of uncollateralised derivative assets
AQ1-AQ4 1,871 2,382
AQ5-AQ8 312 471
AQ9-AQ10 2 4
Net exposure 2,185 2,857

(1) The notional amount of interest rate derivatives included £6,950 billion (31 December 2023 – £7,280 billion) in respect of contracts cleared through central clearing counterparties.

(2) Transactions with certain counterparties with whom NatWest Group has netting arrangements but collateral is not posted on a daily basis; certain transactions with specific terms that may not fall within netting and collateral arrangements; derivative positions in certain jurisdictions where the collateral agreements are not deemed to be legally enforceable.

(3) Includes transactions with securitisation vehicles and funds where collateral posting is contingent on NatWest Group's external rating.

(4) Mainly large corporates with whom NatWest Group may have netting arrangements in place, but operational capability does not support collateral posting.

(5) Sovereigns and supranational entities with no collateral arrangements, collateral arrangements that are not considered enforceable, or one-way collateral agreements in their favour.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 59

Credit risk – Trading activities continued

Debt securities (reviewed)

The table below shows debt securities held at mandatory fair value through profit or loss by issuer as well as ratings based on the lowest of Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch. Refer to Note 9 Trading assets and liabilities for details on short positions.

Central and local government Financial
UK US Other institutions Corporate Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m
AAA - - 1,302 1,406 - 2,708
AA to AA+ - 5,507 45 672 12 6,236
A to AA- 5,170 - 2,049 504 378 8,101
BBB-
to A-
- - 1,250 465 645 2,360
Non-investment grade - - - 153 178 331
Total 5,170 5,507 4,646 3,200 1,213 19,736
31 December 2023
AAA - - 1,333 1,132 - 2,465
AA to AA+ - 2,600 19 762 4 3,385
A to AA- 2,729 - 1,017 251 283 4,280
BBB-
to A-
- - 693 295 489 1,477
Non-investment grade - - - 198 149 347
Total 2,729 2,600 3,062 2,638 925 11,954

Capital, liquidity and funding risk

Introduction

NatWest Group takes a comprehensive approach to the management of capital, liquidity and funding, underpinned by frameworks, risk appetite and policies, to manage and mitigate capital, liquidity and funding risks. The framework ensures the tools and capability are in place to facilitate the management and mitigation of risk ensuring that NatWest Group operates within its regulatory requirements and risk appetite.

Key developments since 31 December 2023

CET1 ratio

(as at 31 December 2023 – 13.4%)

The CET1 ratio increased by 20 basis points to 13.6%. The increase in the CET1 ratio was due to a £2.2 billion decrease in RWAs and a £0.2 billion increase in CET1 capital.

The CET1 capital increase was mainly driven by an attributable profit to ordinary shareholders of £2.1 billion and other movements on reserves and regulatory adjustments of £0.1 billion partially offset by a directed buyback of £1.2 billion and a foreseeable ordinary dividend accrual of £0.8 billion.

MREL

(as at 31 December 2023 - £55.8bn)

Minimum Requirements of own funds and Eligible Liabilities increased by £1.5 billion to £57.3 billion driven by a £1.0 billion increase in Tier 1 capital and a £0.6 billion increase in MREL eligible Tier 2 capital. The increase in capital was driven by issuance of \$1.0 billion Additional Tier 1 capital and \$1.0 billion Tier 2 capital in the period. There was an immaterial decrease in senior unsecured debt following redemption of a €0.8 billion debt instrument and a \$2 billion debt instrument offset by the issuance of USD debt instruments totalling \$2.8 billion.

RWAs

(as at 31 December 2023 - £183.0bn)

Total RWAs decreased by £2.2 billion to £180.8 billion during H1 2024 reflecting:

  • − a decrease in credit risk RWAs of £2.7 billion, primarily due to active RWA management partially offset by drawdowns and new facilities within Commercial & Institutional.
  • − a decrease of £0.7 billion in counterparty credit risk driven by reduced over-the-counter exposures and securities financing transactions.
  • − a decrease in market risk RWAs of £0.4 billion, predominantly driven by risk reduction activity.
  • − an increase of £1.6 billion in operational risk RWAs following the annual recalculation as a result of higher income compared to 2020.

UK leverage ratio

(as at 31 December 2023 – 5.0%)

The leverage ratio increased by 20 basis points to 5.2%, driven by a £1.0 billion increase in Tier 1 capital partially offset by a £2.9 billion increase in leverage exposure. The key drivers in the leverage exposure were an increase in other offbalance sheet items partially offset by a decrease in other financial assets.

Liquidity portfolio

(as at 31 December 2023 - £222.8bn)

The liquidity portfolio increased by £4.2 billion to £227.0 billion. Primary liquidity increased by £12.3 billion to £160.4 billion, driven by an increase in customer deposits and wholesale funding partly offset by capital distributions (share buyback and dividends). Secondary liquidity decreased £8.1 billion due to a decrease in pre-positioned collateral at the Bank of England.

LCR

(as at 31 December 2023 – 144%)

The Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) increased by 7 percentage points to 151%, during H1 2024, driven by an increase in customer deposits partly offset by capital distributions (share buyback and dividends).

NSFR

(as at 31 December 2023 – 133%)

The Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) increased 6% to 139% driven by increased customer deposits and increased wholesale funding.

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Maximum Distributable Amount (MDA) and Minimum Capital Requirements

NatWest Group is subject to minimum capital requirements relative to RWAs. The table below summarises the minimum capital requirements (the sum of Pillar 1 and Pillar 2A), and the additional capital buffers which are held in excess of the regulatory minimum requirements and are usable in stress.

Where the CET1 ratio falls below the sum of the minimum capital and the combined buffer requirement, there is a subsequent automatic restriction on the amount available to service discretionary payments (including AT1 coupons), known as the MDA. Note that different capital requirements apply to individual legal entities or subgroups and that the table shown does not reflect any incremental PRA buffer requirements, which are not disclosable.

The current capital position provides significant headroom above both NatWest Group's minimum requirements and its MDA threshold requirements.

Type CET1 Total Tier 1 Total capital
Pillar 1 requirements 4.5% 6.0% 8.0%
Pillar 2A requirements 1.8% 2.4% 3.2%
Minimum Capital Requirements 6.3% 8.4% 11.2%
Capital conservation buffer 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%
Countercyclical capital buffer
(1)
1.7% 1.7% 1.7%
MDA threshold (2) 10.5% n/a n/a
Overall capital requirement 10.5% 12.6% 15.4%
Capital ratios at 30 June 2024 13.6% 16.2% 19.5%
Headroom (3,4) 3.1% 3.6% 4.1%

(1) The UK countercyclical buffer (CCyB) rate is currently being maintained at 2%. This may vary in either direction in the future subject to how risks develop. Foreign exposures may be subject to different CCyB rates depending on the rate set in those jurisdictions.

(2) Pillar 2A requirements for NatWest Group are set as a variable amount with the exception of some fixed add-ons.

(3) The headroom does not reflect excess distributable capital and may vary over time.

(4) Headroom as at 31 December 2023 was CET1 2.9%, Total Tier 1 2.9% and Total Capital 3.0%.

Leverage ratios

The table below summarises the minimum ratios of capital to leverage exposure under the binding PRA UK leverage framework applicable for NatWest Group.

Type CET1 Total Tier 1
Minimum ratio 2.44% 3.25%
Countercyclical leverage ratio buffer
(1)
0.6% 0.6%
Total 3.04% 3.85%

(1) The countercyclical leverage ratio buffer is set at 35% of NatWest Group's CCyB.

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2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 62

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Capital and leverage ratios

The table below sets out the key capital and leverage ratios. NatWest Group is subject to the requirements set out in the UK CRR therefore the capital and leverage ratios are presented under these frameworks on a transitional basis.

2024
Capital adequacy ratios
(1)
%
CET1
13.6
Tier 1
16.2
Total
19.5
Capital
£m
Tangible equity
25,241
Expected loss less impairment
(34)
-
Prudential valuation adjustment
(233)
(279)
Deferred tax assets
(822)
(979)
Own credit adjustments
19
(10)
Pension fund assets
(161)
Cash flow hedging reserve
1,812
Foreseeable ordinary dividends
(839)
Adjustment for trust assets
(365)
(2)
Foreseeable charges
(50)
Adjustments under IFRS 9 transitional arrangements
39
Total regulatory adjustments
(634)
CET1 capital
24,440
24,607
Additional AT1 capital
4,670
Tier 1 capital
29,277
End-point Tier 2 capital
5,924
5,317
5,317
Tier 2 capital
5,924
Total regulatory capital
35,201
Risk-weighted assets
Credit risk
144,852
147,598
Counterparty credit risk
7,139
7,830
Market risk
7,363
6,956
Operational risk
21,821
20,198
Total RWAs
180,768
30 June 31 December
2023
%
13.4
15.5
18.4
£m
25,653
(143)
1,899
(1,013)
(365)
(525)
202
(1,213)
3,875
28,315
33,632
182,989
  • (1) Based on current PRA rules, includes the transitional arrangements for the capital impact of IFRS 9 expected credit loss (ECL) accounting. The impact of the IFRS 9 transitional adjustments at 30 June 2024 was £39 million for CET1 capital, £39 million for total capital and £1 million RWAs (31 December 2023 - £0.2 billion CET1 capital, £54 million total capital and £17 million RWAs). Excluding this adjustment, the CET1 ratio would be 13.6% (31 December 2023 – 13.2%). Tier 1 capital ratio would be 16.2% (31 December 2023 – 15.4%) and the Total capital ratio would be 19.5% (31 December 2023 – 18.4%).
  • (2) Prudent deduction in respect of agreement with the pension fund.
summary
management
statements
information
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results 63

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued Capital and leverage ratios continued

30 June 31 December
2024 2023
Leverage £m £m
Cash and balances at central banks 115,833 104,262
Trading assets 45,974 45,551
Derivatives 67,514 78,904
Financial assets 437,909 439,449
Other assets 22,116 23,605
Assets of disposal groups 992 902
Total assets 690,338 692,673
Derivatives
-
netting and variation margin
(66,846) (79,299)
-
potential future exposures
16,829 17,212
Securities financing transactions gross up 1,645 1,868
Other off balance sheet items 55,003 50,961
Regulatory deductions and other adjustments (15,782) (16,043)
Claims on central banks (112,377) (100,735)
Exclusion of bounce back loans (3,084) (3,794)
UK leverage exposure 565,726 562,843
UK leverage ratio (%)
(1)
5.2 5.0

(1) The UK leverage exposure and transitional Tier 1 capital are calculated in accordance with current PRA rules. Excluding the IFRS 9 transitional adjustment, the UK leverage ratio would be 5.2% (31 December 2023 – 5.0%).

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 64

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Capital flow statement

The table below analyses the movement in CET1, AT1 and Tier 2 capital for the half year ended 30 June 2024. It is presented on a transitional basis based on current PRA rules.

CET1 AT1 Tier 2 Total
£m £m £m £m
At 31 December 2023 24,440 3,875 5,317 33,632
Attributable profit for the period 2,099 - - 2,099
Directed buyback (1,241) - - (1,241)
Foreseeable ordinary dividends (839) - - (839)
Foreign exchange reserve (53) - - (53)
FVOCI reserve 6 - - 6
Own credit 29 - - 29
Share capital and reserve movements in respect of employee share schemes 143 - - 143
Goodwill and intangibles deduction 24 - - 24
Deferred tax assets 157 - - 157
Prudential valuation adjustments 46 - - 46
New issues of capital instruments - 795 788 1,583
Redemption of capital instruments - - (34) (34)
Foreign exchange movements - - (19) (19)
Adjustment under IFRS 9 transitional arrangements (163) (163)
Expected loss less impairment (34) (34)
Other movements (7) - (128) (135)
At 30 June 2024 24,607 4,670 5,924 35,201

− For CET1 movements refer to the key points on page 60.

− AT1 movements reflects the £0.8 billion in relation to \$1.0 billion 8.125% Reset Perpetual Subordinated Contingent Convertible Notes issued in May 2024.

− Tier 2 instrument movements include £0.8 billion in relation to \$1.0 billion 6.475% Fixed to Fixed Reset Tier 2 Notes 2034 issued in March 2024, partially offset by the £0.1 billion redemption of 5.125% Subordinated Tier 2 Notes 2024 in May 2024 and foreign exchange movements.

− Within Tier 2, there was also a decrease in the Tier 2 surplus provisions.

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2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 65

Capital, liquidity and funding risk

Capital resources (reviewed)

NatWest Group's regulatory capital is assessed against minimum requirements that are set out under the UK CRR to determine the strength of its capital base. This note shows a reconciliation of shareholders' equity to regulatory capital.

30 June 31 December
2024 2023
£m £m
Shareholders' equity (excluding non-controlling interests)
Shareholders' equity 37,521 37,157
Other equity instruments (4,690) (3,890)
32,831 33,267
Regulatory adjustments and deductions
Own credit 19 (10)
Defined benefit pension fund adjustment (161) (143)
Cash flow hedging reserve 1,812 1,899
Deferred tax assets (822) (979)
Prudential valuation adjustments (233) (279)
Goodwill and other intangible assets (7,590) (7,614)
Foreseeable ordinary dividends (839) (1,013)
Adjustment for trust assets
(1)
(365) (365)
Foreseeable charges (50) (525)
Adjustment under IFRS 9 transitional arrangements 39 202
Expected loss less impairment (34) -
(8,224) (8,827)
CET1 capital 24,607 24,440
Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital
Qualifying instruments and related share premium 4,670 3,875
AT1 capital 4,670 3,875
Tier 1 capital 29,277 28,315
Qualifying Tier 2 capital
Qualifying instruments and related share premium 5,924 5,189
Other regulatory adjustments - 128
Tier 2 capital 5,924 5,317
Total regulatory capital 35,201 33,632

(1) Prudent deduction in respect of agreement with the pension fund to establish legal structure to remove dividend linked contribution.

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2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 66

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Minimum requirements of own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL)

The following table illustrates the components of estimated MREL in NatWest Group and operating subsidiaries and includes external issuances only.

30 June 2024 31 December 2023
Balance Regulatory MREL Balance Regulatory MREL
Par value (1) sheet value value value (2) Par value sheet value value value
£bn £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
CET1 capital
(3)
24.6 24.6 24.6 24.6 24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4
Tier 1 capital: end-point CRR compliant AT1
of which: NatWest Group plc (holdco) 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9
of which: NatWest Group plc operating subsidiaries (opcos) - - - - - - - -
4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9
Tier 1 capital: end-point CRR non-compliant
of which: holdco - - - - - - - -
of which: opcos 0.1 0.1 - - 0.1 0.1 - -
0.1 0.1 - - 0.1 0.1 - -
Tier 2 capital: end-point CRR compliant
of which: holdco 5.9 5.6 5.9 5.9 5.6 5.3 5.2 5.2
of which: opcos - - - - - - - -
5.9 5.6 5.9 5.9 5.6 5.3 5.2 5.2
Tier 2 capital: end-point CRR non-compliant
of which: holdco - - - - - - - -
of which: opcos 0.2 0.3 - - 0.2 0.3 - -
0.2 0.3 - - 0.2 0.3 - -
Senior unsecured debt securities
of which: holdco 22.1 21.4 - 22.1 22.2 21.7 - 22.2
of which: opcos
(4)
34.0 33.5 - - 33.4 29.9 - -
56.1 54.9 - 22.1 55.6 51.6 - 22.2
Tier 2 capital
Other regulatory adjustments - - - - - - 0.1 0.1
Total 91.6 90.2 35.2 57.3 89.8 85.6 33.6 55.8
RWAs 180.8 183.0
UK leverage exposure 565.7 562.8
MREL as a ratio of RWAs 31.7% 30.5%
MREL as a ratio of UK leverage exposure 10.1% 9.9%

(1) Par value reflects the nominal value of securities issued.

(2) MREL value reflects NatWest Group's interpretation of the Bank of England's approach to setting a MREL, published in December 2021 (Updating June 2018). Liabilities excluded from MREL include instruments with less than one year remaining to maturity, structured debt, operating company senior debt, and other instruments that do not meet the MREL criteria. The MREL calculation includes Tier 1 and Tier 2 securities before the application of any regulatory caps or adjustments.

(3) Shareholders' equity was £37.5 billion (2023 - £37.2 billion).

(4) As per 2023, Intra group issuances were reported in "Par value" but on further clarification from Bank of England, it has been excluded from reporting in 2024.

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2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 67

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Minimum requirements of own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL)

The following table illustrates the components of the stock of outstanding issuance in NatWest Group plc and its operating subsidiaries including external and internal issuances.

NatWest NatWest NWM RBS
NatWest Holdings NWB RBS NWM Markets Securities International
Group plc Limited Plc plc Plc N.V. Inc. Limited
£bn £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
Additional Tier 1 Externally issued 4.7 - 0.1 - - - - -
Additional Tier 1 Internally issued - 3.9 3.3 0.5 0.9 0.2 - 0.3
4.7 3.9 3.4 0.5 0.9 0.2 - 0.3
Tier 2 Externally issued 5.6 - - - 0.0 0.2 - -
Tier 2 Internally issued 0.0 5.2 3.6 0.9 1.1 0.1 0.3 -
5.6 5.2 3.6 0.9 1.1 0.3 0.3 -
Senior unsecured Externally issued 21.4 - - - - - - -
Senior unsecured Internally issued - 11.0 6.5 1.1 3.5 - - 0.3
21.4 11.0 6.5 1.1 3.5 - - 0.3
Total outstanding issuance 31.7 20.1 13.5 2.5 5.5 0.5 0.3 0.6

(1) For AT1 and Tier 2, the balances are the IFRS balance sheet carrying amounts, which may differ from the amount which the instrument contributes to regulatory capital. Regulatory balances exclude, for example, issuance costs and fair value movements, while dated capital is required to be amortised on a straight-line basis over the final five years of maturity.

(2) Balance sheet amounts reported for AT1 and Tier 2 instruments are before grandfathering restrictions imposed by CRR.

(3) Internal issuance for NWB Plc and RBS plc represents AT1, Tier 2 or Senior unsecured issuance to NWH Ltd and for NWM N.V. and NWM SI to NWM Plc.

(4) The balances are the IFRS balance sheet carrying amounts for Senior unsecured debt category and it does not include CP, CD and short term/medium notes issued from NatWest Group operating subsidiaries.

(5) The above table does not include CET 1 numbers.

(6) NWM Securities Inc is regulated under US broker dealer rules.

(7) RBSI Ltd - MREL resolution rules are under development in Jersey.

2024 Interim Results
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statements
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NatWest Group
68

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Risk-weighted assets

The table below analyses the movement in RWAs during the half year, by key drivers.

Counterparty Operational
Credit risk credit risk Market risk risk Total
£bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
At 31 December 2023 147.6 7.8 7.4 20.2 183.0
Foreign exchange movement (0.2) - - - (0.2)
Business movement (2.2) (0.6) (0.4) 1.6 (1.6)
Risk parameter changes (0.1) (0.1) - - (0.2)
Model updates (0.2) - - - (0.2)
Other changes - - - - -
At 30 June 2024 144.9 7.1 7.0 21.8 180.8

The table below analyses segmental RWAs.

Total
Retail Private Commercial & Central items NatWest
Banking Banking Institutional & other (1) Group
Total RWAs £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
At 31 December 2023 61.6 11.2 107.4 2.8 183.0
Foreign exchange movement - - (0.2) - (0.2)
Business movement 0.7 (0.2) (1.9) (0.2) (1.6)
Risk parameter changes 0.2 - (0.4) - (0.2)
Model updates (0.2) - - - (0.2)
At 30 June 2024 62.3 11.0 104.9 2.6 180.8
- - - - -
Credit risk 53.9 9.5 79.4 2.1 144.9
Counterparty credit risk 0.2 - 6.9 - 7.1
Market risk 0.1 - 6.9 - 7.0
Operational risk 8.1 1.5 11.7 0.5 21.8
Total RWAs 62.3 11.0 104.9 2.6 180.8

(1) £0.9 billion of Central items & other relates to Ulster Bank RoI.

Total RWAs decreased by £2.2 billion to £180.8 billion during the period mainly reflecting:

  • − A decrease in Business movements totalling £1.6 billion, primarily driven by active RWA management of £4.3 billion partially offset by increased RWAs following annual recalculation of operational risk as a result of higher income when compared to 2020 and an increase in drawdowns and new facilities within Commercial & Institutional.
  • − A decrease in Risk parameters of £0.2 billion, primarily driven by customers moving into default within Commercial & Institutional.
  • − A decrease in model updates of £0.2 billion, driven by IRB Temporary Model Adjustment related to mortgages within Retail Banking.
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2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 69

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Funding sources (reviewed)

The table below shows the carrying values of the principal funding sources based on contractual maturity. Balance sheet captions include balances held at all classifications under IFRS 9.

30 June 2024 31 December 2023
Short-term Long-term Short-term Long-term
less than more than less than more than
1 year 1 year Total 1 year 1 year Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Bank deposits
Repos 5,897 - 5,897 3,118 - 3,118
Other bank deposits
(1)
5,965 13,764 19,729 5,836 13,236 19,072
11,862 13,764 25,626 8,954 13,236 22,190
Customer deposits
Repos 6,846 - 6,846 10,844 - 10,844
Non-bank financial institutions 48,784 34 48,818 46,875 13 46,888
Personal 221,498 6,255 227,753 216,456 6,436 222,892
Corporate 149,448 110 149,558 150,718 35 150,753
426,576 6,399 432,975 424,893 6,484 431,377
Trading liabilities
(2)
Repos
(3)
29,021 300 29,321 26,634 268 26,902
Derivative collateral 14,030 - 14,030 15,075 - 15,075
Other bank customer deposits 478 322 800 768 382 1,150
Debt securities in issue -
Medium term notes
80 227 307 418 288 706
43,609 849 44,458 42,895 938 43,833
Other financial liabilities
Customer deposits 461 1,188 1,649 194 1,086 1,280
Debt securities in issue: - - -
Commercial paper and certificates of deposit 12,023 362 12,385 11,116 205 11,321
Medium term notes 6,811 35,459 42,270 6,878 32,625 39,503
Covered bonds - 749 749 2,122 - 2,122
Securitisation
(5)
- 1,222 1,222 - 863 863
19,295 38,980 58,275 20,310 34,779 55,089
Subordinated liabilities 1,593 4,439 6,032 1,047 4,667 5,714
Total funding 502,935 64,431 567,366 498,099 60,104 558,203
Of which: available in resolution
(4)
27,061 26,561

(1) Includes £12.0 billion (31 December 2023 – £12.0 billion) relating to Term Funding Scheme with additional incentives for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises participation.

(2) Excludes short positions of £9.7 billion (31 December 2023 - £9.8 billion).

(3) Comprises central & other bank repos of £6.4 billion (31 December 2023 - £4.0 billion), other financial institution repos of £20.0 billion (31 December 2023 - £20.4 billion) and other corporate repos of £2.9 billion (31 December 2023 - £2.5 billion).

(4) Eligible liabilities (as defined in the Banking Act 2009 as amended from time to time) that meet the eligibility criteria set out in the regulations, rules, policies, guidelines, or statements of the Bank of England including the Statement of Policy published by the Bank of England in December 2021 (updating June 2018). The balance consists of £21.4 billion (31 December 2023 - £21.7 billion) under debt securities in issue (senior MREL) and £5.6 billion (31 December 2023 - £4.9 billion) under subordinated liabilities.

(5) NatWest Group transfers credit risk on originated loans and mortgages without the transfer of assets to a structured entity, whereby it enters credit derivative and financial guarantee contracts with consolidated structured entities and they in turn issue debt securities to investors. This funding is legally ringfenced in the structured entity and is restricted to specifically cover investor credit protection claim payments in respect of the associated loans and mortgages.

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2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 70

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued Liquidity portfolio (reviewed)

The table below shows the composition of the liquidity portfolio with primary liquidity aligned to high-quality liquid assets on a regulatory LCR basis. Secondary liquidity comprises of assets which are eligible as collateral for local central bank liquidity facilities and do not form part of the LCR eligible high-quality liquid assets.

Liquidity value
30 June 2024 31 December 2023
NatWest NWH UK DoL NatWest NWH UK DoL
Group (1) Group (2) Sub Group (1) Group (2) Sub
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Cash and balances at central banks 111,763 73,408 72,895 99,855 68,495 67,954
High quality government/MDB/PSE and GSE bonds
(4)
35,616 26,253 26,253 36,250 26,510 26,510
Extremely high quality covered bonds 3,892 3,892 3,892 4,164 4,164 4,164
LCR level 1 assets 151,271 103,553 103,040 140,269 99,169 98,628
LCR level 2 Eligible Assets
(5)
9,124 7,897 7,897 7,796 7,320 7,320
Primary liquidity (HQLA)
(6)
160,395 111,450 110,937 148,065 106,489 105,948
Secondary liquidity 66,589 66,559 66,559 74,722 74,683 74,683
Total liquidity value 226,984 178,009 177,496 222,787 181,172 180,631

(1) NatWest Group includes the UK Domestic Liquidity Sub-Group (UK DoLSub), NatWest Markets Plc and other significant operating subsidiaries that hold liquidity portfolios. These include The RBSI Ltd and NWM N.V. who hold managed portfolios that comply with local regulations that may differ from PRA rules.

(2) NWH Group comprises UK DoLSub and NatWest Bank Europe GmbH who hold managed portfolios that comply with local regulations that may differ from PRA rules.

(3) NatWest Markets Plc liquidity portfolio is reported in the NatWest Markets Plc 2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

(4) Multilateral development bank abbreviated to MDB, public sector entities abbreviated to PSE and government sponsored entities abbreviated to GSE.

(5) Includes Level 2A and Level 2B.

(6) High-quality liquid assets abbreviated to HQLA.

NatWest Group
2024 Interim Results
Business performance
summary
Risk and capital
management
Financial
statements
Additional
information
71

Non-traded market risk

Non-traded market risk is the risk to the value of assets or liabilities outside the trading book, or the risk to income, that arises from changes in market prices such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices, or from changes in managed rates.

Key developments

  • − In the UK, the base rate remained unchanged at 5.25% between 31 December 2023 and 30 June 2024.
  • − At 30 June 2024, longer-term interest rates continued to anticipate future reductions in the UK base rate, but by less than expected at 31 December 2023. As a result, the five-year sterling swap rate increased to 3.99% at the end of June 2024 from 3.38% at the end of December 2023. The ten-year sterling swap rate also increased, to 3.88% from 3.29%.
  • − The structural hedge notional decreased by £10 billion to £197 billion from £207 billion, partly reflecting recent changes in the deposit mix with higher volumes of term deposits and lower volumes of sight deposits.
  • − The one-year positive sensitivity of net interest earnings to an upward 25-basispoint parallel shift in all yield curves reduced slightly, to £135 million at 30 June 2024 from £164 million at 31 December 2023, partly reflecting changes to customer pass-through assumptions. The adverse sensitivity to a downward 25 basis-point parallel shift was broadly stable at £167 million at 30 June 2024 compared to £169 million at 31 December 2023.
  • − Sterling was broadly stable against both the US dollar and the euro over the period. Against the dollar, sterling was 1.26 at 30 June 2024 compared to 1.27 at 31 December 2023. Against the euro, it was 1.18 at 30 June 2024 compared to 1.15 at 31 December 2023. Structural foreign currency exposures (excluding additional tier 1 economic hedges) were stable, in sterling-equivalent nominal terms, at £3,375 million at 30 June 2024 compared to £3,381 million at 31 December 2023.

Non-traded internal VaR (1-day 99%) (reviewed)

The following table shows one-day internal banking book Value-at-Risk (VaR) at a 99% confidence level, split by risk type.

Half year ended
30 June 2024 30 June 2023 31 December 2023
Period Period Period
Average Maximum Minimum end Average Maximum Minimum end Average Maximum Minimum end
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Interest rate 24.1 28.2 17.6 17.6 40.5 63.2 30.1 63.2 38.0 63.2 24.6 24.6
Credit spread 55.6 60.2 50.7 50.7 23.6 29.7 20.9 29.7 33.1 54.2 20.9 54.2
Structural foreign
exchange rate 9.2 12.3 7.1 12.3 11.3 13.6 8.4 12.3 11.2 13.6 8.4 12.1
Equity 9.3 10.3 8.2 8.2 16.7 19.0 13.0 13.0 14.2 19.0 10.4 10.4
Pipeline risk
(1)
5.9 12.7 3.4 12.7 3.1 4.4 1.4 3.4 3.3 7.1 1.4 7.1
Diversification
(2)
(41.1) (39.7) (35.3) (38.1) (34.4) (29.9)
Total 63.0 73.8 52.9 61.8 59.9 83.5 52.1 83.5 65.4 83.4 52.1 78.5

(1) Pipeline risk is the risk of loss arising from Personal customers owning an option to draw down a loan – typically a mortgage – at a committed rate, where interest rate changes may result in greater or fewer customers than anticipated taking up the committed offer.

(2) NatWest Group benefits from diversification across various financial instrument types, currencies and markets. The extent of the diversification benefit depends on the correlation between the assets and risk factors in the portfolio at a particular time. The diversification factor is the sum of the VaR on individual risk types less the total portfolio VaR.

− On an average basis, total non-traded VaR for H1 2024 was broadly similar to H1 2023 and H2 2023.

  • − Interest rate VaR fell at the end of H1 2024, reflecting action taken to manage down interest rate repricing mismatches across customer products.
  • − After increasing significantly during H2 2023, credit spread VaR reduced towards the end of H1 2024. This was mainly driven by earlier loss events falling out of the VaR calculation window.

− Pipeline VaR increased, partly reflecting hedging modifications related to recent changes in customer behaviour through the fixed-rate mortgage application process.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 72

Non-traded market risk continued

Structural hedging

NatWest Group has a significant pool of stable, non and low interest-bearing liabilities, principally comprising current accounts and instant access savings, as well as its equity and reserves. A proportion of these balances are hedged, either by investing directly in longer-term fixed-rate assets (such as fixed-rate mortgages) or by using interest rate swaps, which are generally booked as cash flow hedges of floating-rate assets, in order to provide a consistent and predictable revenue stream.

After hedging the net interest rate exposure, NatWest Group allocates income to equity or products in structural hedges by reference to the relevant interest rate swap curve. Over time, this approach has provided a basis for stable income attribution for management purposes, to products and interest rate returns. The programme aims to track a time series of medium-term swap rates, but the yield will be affected by changes in NatWest Group's equity capital.

The table below shows hedge income, total yield, incremental income and the period-end and average notional balances allocated to equity and products in respect of the structural hedges managed by NatWest Group. Hedge income represents the fixed leg of the hedge. Incremental income represents the difference between hedge income and short-term cash rates. For example, the sterling overnight index average (SONIA) is used to estimate incremental income from sterling structural hedges.

Half year ended
30 June 2024 30 June 2023 31 December 2023
Period Period Period
Incremental Hedge -end Average Total Incremental Hedge -end Average Total Incremental Hedge -end Average Total
income income notional notional yield income income notional notional yield income income notional notional yield
£m £m £bn £bn % £m £m £bn £bn % £m £m £bn £bn %
Equity (364) 218 22 22 1.95 (246) 204 23 22 1.83 (365) 214 22 23 1.91
Product (3,184) 1,392 175 176 1.58 (2,773) 1,362 202 205 1.33 (3,548) 1,460 185 193 1.51
Total (3,548) 1,610 197 198 1.62 (3,019) 1,566 225 227 1.38 (3,913) 1,674 207 216 1.56

For commentary, refer to the following page.

Equity structural hedges refer to income allocated primarily to equity and reserves. At 30 June 2024, the equity structural hedge notional was allocated between NWH Group and NWM Group in a ratio of approximately 78/22 respectively.

Product structural hedges refer to income allocated to customer products, mainly current accounts and customer deposits in Commercial & Institutional, Retail Banking and Private Banking.

At 30 June 2024, approximately 94% by notional of total structural hedges were sterling-denominated.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 73

Non-traded market risk continued

The following table presents the incremental income associated with product structural hedges at segment level.

Half year ended
30 June 30 June 31 December
2024 2023 2023
£m £m £m
Retail Banking (1,354) (1,156) (1,488)
Commercial & Institutional (1,617) (1,415) (1,798)
Private Banking & Other (212) (202) (262)
Total (3,184) (2,773) (3,548)

− The structural hedge notional fell, mainly reflecting recent changes in the deposit mix, including migration to term deposits.

− The five-year sterling swap rate rose to 3.99% at 30 June 2024 from 3.38% at 31 December 2023. The ten-year sterling swap rate also rose, to 3.88% from 3.29%. The structural hedge yield also rose to 1.62% in H1 2024 from 1.56% in H2 2023 and from 1.38% in H1 2023.

− Incremental income remained negative in H1 2024. Compared to the total yield of 1.62% in H1 2024, the sterling overnight cash rate (i.e. SONIA) in H1 2024 was 5.19% on average.

Sensitivity of net interest earnings

Net interest earnings are sensitive to changes in the level of interest rates, mainly because maturing structural hedges are replaced at higher or lower rates and changes to coupons on managed rate customer products do not always match changes in market rates of interest or central bank policy rates.

Earnings sensitivity is derived from a market-implied forward rate curve, which will incorporate expected changes in central bank policy rates such as the Bank of England base rate. A simple scenario is shown that projects forward earnings based on the 30 June 2024 balance sheet, which is assumed to remain constant. An earnings projection is derived from the market-implied curve, which is then subject to interest rate shocks. The difference between the market-implied projection and the shock gives an indication of underlying sensitivity to interest rate movements.

Reported sensitivities should not be considered a forecast of future performance in these rate scenarios. Actions that could reduce interest earnings sensitivity include changes in pricing strategies on customer loans and deposits as well as hedging. Management action may also be taken to stabilise total income also taking into account non-interest income.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 74

Non-traded market risk continued

The table below shows the sensitivity of net interest earnings - for both structural hedges and managed rate accounts - on a one, two and three-year forward-looking basis to an upward or downward interest rate shift of 25 basis points.

+25 basis points upward shift -25 basis points downward shift
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m £m
Structural hedges 42 129 216 (42) (129) (216)
Managed margin 93 97 110 (125) (107) (110)
Total 135 226 326 (167) (236) (326)
31 December 2023
Structural hedges 44 138 227 (44) (138) (227)
Managed margin 120 117 114 (125) (121) (105)
Total 164 255 341 (169) (259) (332)

(1) Earnings sensitivity considers only the main drivers, namely structural hedging and margin management.

The following table presents the one-year sensitivity to upward and downward 25-basis-point and 100-basis-point shifts in the yield curve, analysed by currency.

Shifts in yield curve
30 June 2024 31 December 2023
+25 basis -25 basis +100 basis -100 basis +25 basis -25 basis +100 basis -100 basis
points points points points points points points points
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Euro 1 (5) 5 (16) 7 (11) 38 (45)
Sterling 121 (149) 487 (614) 138 (139) 504 (577)
US dollar 10 (9) 46 (47) 14 (14) 54 (56)
Other 3 (4) 13 (15) 5 (5) 21 (22)
Total 135 (167) 551 (692) 164 (169) 617 (700)

− Changes in pass-through assumptions for managed-rate savings products contributed to the reduced sensitivity.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 75

Non-traded market risk continued

Foreign exchange risk (reviewed)

The table below shows structural foreign currency exposures.

Structural foreign Residual
Net investments in Net investment currency exposures Economic structural foreign
foreign operations in hedges pre-economic hedges hedges (1) currency exposures
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m
US dollar 1,201 - 1,201 (1,201) -
Euro 4,345 (2,649) 1,696 - 1,696
Other non-sterling 864 (386) 478 - 478
Total 6,410 (3,035) 3,375 (1,201) 2,174
31 December 2023
US dollar 1,185 (228) 957 (957) -
Euro 4,475 (2,585) 1,890 - 1,890
Other non-sterling 963 (429) 534 - 534
Total 6,623 (3,242) 3,381 (957) 2,424

(1) Economic hedges of US dollar net investments in foreign operations represent US dollar equity securities that do not qualify as net investment hedges for accounting purposes. They provide an offset to structural foreign exchange exposures to the extent that there are net assets in overseas operations available.

− Changes in foreign currency exchange rates affect equity in proportion to structural foreign currency exposure. For example, a 5% strengthening or weakening in foreign currencies against sterling would result in a gain or loss of £159 million in equity, respectively.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 76

Traded market risk

Traded market risk is the risk arising from changes in fair value on positions, assets, liabilities or commitments in trading portfolios as a result of fluctuations in market prices.

Traded VaR (1-day 99%) (reviewed)

The table below shows one-day internal value-at-risk (VaR) for NatWest Group's trading portfolios, split by exposure type.

Half year ended
30 June 2024 30 June 2023 31 December 2023
Period Period Period
Average Maximum Minimum end Average Maximum Minimum end Average Maximum Minimum end
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Interest rate 6.7 12.0 3.6 6.6 9.0 19.3 4.3 16.5 10.5 17.3 4.4 7.4
Credit spread 8.1 10.1 6.7 7.6 5.9 6.9 4.9 6.1 6.4 7.1 5.3 6.8
Currency 2.1 6.7 0.8 1.9 2.1 4.9 1.0 1.5 2.4 7.0 0.9 1.8
Equity 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 - 0.1 - - - 0.1 - 0.1
Diversification
(1)
(6.8) (5.5) (6.8) (6.3) (6.9) (7.2)
Total 10.2 16.2 7.0 10.7 10.2 17.8 6.6 17.8 12.4 20.0 8.4 8.9

(1) NatWest Group benefits from diversification across various financial instrument types, currencies and markets. The extent of the diversification benefit depends on the correlation between the assets and risk factors in the portfolio at a particular time. The diversification factor is the sum of the VaR on individual risk types less the total portfolio VaR.

− The decrease in average interest rate VaR and total VaR, compared to 2023, reflected a decrease in yield curve risk in sterling and euro flow trading.

− The increase in average credit spread VaR mainly reflected a net longer credit profile over the period.

Pension risk

On 31 May 2024, the Trustee of the Group Pension Fund entered into a buy-in transaction with a third-party insurer for some of the liabilities of the Main section. This is an insurance policy that gives the Fund protection against demographic and investment risks, so improves the security of member benefits. The transaction has not affected the 2024 statement of comprehensive income because the net pension asset is limited to zero due to the impact of the asset ceiling.

Compliance and conduct risk

A ring-fencing attestation was completed and submitted to the PRA on 29 March 2024. The annual Board Consumer Duty assessment concluded that NatWest Group is meeting its obligations. Following the second phase of Consumer Duty rules coming into force on 31 July 2024, planning is centred around embedding and enhancing ongoing work, including reporting on good customer outcomes, and Group-wide communications.

NatWest Markets has a programme in place to review, remediate and enhance certain areas of its business. The results of this will be shared with the Department of Justice Monitor and other regulators, with the ongoing work plan continuing to be assessed for potential impact.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 77

for the period ended 30 June 2024 (unaudited)

Half year ended
30 June 30 June
2024 2023
£m £m
Interest receivable 12,290 9,482
Interest payable (6,882) (3,756)
Net interest income 5,408 5,726
Fees and commissions receivable 1,567 1,459
Fees and commissions payable (348) (315)
Trading income 350 418
Other operating income 157 439
Non-interest income 1,726 2,001
Total income 7,134 7,727
Staff costs (2,147) (2,005)
Premises and equipment (579) (570)
Other administrative expenses (823) (871)
Depreciation and amortisation (508) (469)
Operating expenses (4,057) (3,915)
Profit before impairment losses 3,077 3,812
Impairment losses (48) (223)
Operating profit before tax 3,029 3,589
Tax charge (801) (1,061)
Profit from continuing operations 2,228 2,528
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 11 (108)
Profit for the period 2,239 2,420
Attributable to:
Ordinary shareholders 2,099 2,299
Paid-in equity holders 129 121
Non-controlling interests 11 -
2,239 2,420
Earnings per ordinary share -
continuing operations
24.1p 25.4p
Earnings per ordinary share -
discontinued operations
0.1p (1.1p)
Total earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders -
basic
24.2p 24.3p
Earnings per ordinary share -
fully diluted continuing operations
23.9p 25.2p
Earnings per ordinary share -
fully diluted discontinued operations
0.1p (1.1p)
Total earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders -
fully diluted
24.0p 24.1p
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 78

for the period ended 30 June 2024 (unaudited)

Half year ended
30 June 30 June
2024 2023
£m £m
Profit for the period 2,239 2,420
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Remeasurement of retirement benefit schemes (60) (64)
Changes in fair value of financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) due to changes in credit risk (26) (4)
FVOCI financial assets (33) 30
Tax 44 7
(75) (31)
Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss when specific conditions are met:
FVOCI financial assets 41 53
Cash flow hedges
(1)
121 (734)
Currency translation (42) (469)
Tax (57) 127
63 (1,023)
Other comprehensive losses after tax (12) (1,054)
Total comprehensive income for the period 2,227 1,366
Attributable to:
Ordinary shareholders 2,087 1,245
Paid-in equity holders 129 121
Non-controlling interests 11 -
2,227 1,366

(1) Refer to footnote 3 of the consolidated statement of changes in equity.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 79

as at 30 June 2024 (unaudited)

30 June 31 December
2024 2023
£m £m
Assets
Cash and balances at central banks 115,833 104,262
Trading assets 45,974 45,551
Derivatives 67,514 78,904
Settlement balances 6,260 7,231
Loans to banks
-
amortised cost
5,974 6,914
Loans to customers
-
amortised cost
379,331 381,433
Other financial assets 52,604 51,102
Intangible assets 7,590 7,614
Other assets 8,266 8,760
Assets of disposal groups 992 902
Total assets 690,338 692,673
Liabilities
Bank deposits 25,626 22,190
Customer deposits 432,975 431,377
Settlement balances 7,142 6,645
Trading liabilities 54,167 53,636
Derivatives 60,849 72,395
Other financial liabilities 58,275 55,089
Subordinated liabilities 6,032 5,714
Notes in circulation 3,254 3,237
Other liabilities 4,455 5,202
Total liabilities 652,775 655,485
Equity
Ordinary shareholders' interests 32,831 33,267
Other owners' interests 4,690 3,890
Owners' equity 37,521 37,157
Non
-controlling interests
42 31
Total equity 37,563 37,188
Total liabilities and equity 690,338 692,673
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 80

for the period ended 30 June 2024 (unaudited)

Share Other Other reserves Total Non
capital and Paid-in statutory Retained Cash flow Foreign owners' controlling Total
share premium equity reserves (4) earnings Fair value hedging (3) exchange Merger equity interests equity
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2024 10,844 3,890 2,004 10,645 (49) (1,899) 841 10,881 37,157 31 37,188
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
and other equity owners
-
continuing operations
2,217 2,217 11 2,228
-
discontinued operations
11 11 - 11
Other comprehensive income
Realised gains in period on FVOCI equity shares 2 (2) - -
Remeasurement of retirement benefit schemes (60) (60) (60)
Changes in fair value of credit in financial liabilities
designated at FVTPL due to own credit risk (26) (26) (26)
Unrealised gains 1 1 1
Amounts recognised in equity
(3)
(559) (559) (559)
Retranslation of net assets (118) (118) (118)
Gains on hedges of net assets 79 79 79
Amount transferred from equity to earnings 7 680 (3) 684 684
Tax 32 - (34) (11) (13) (13)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) - - - 2,176 6 87 (53) - 2,216 11 2,227
Transactions with owners
Ordinary share dividends paid (1,008) (1,008) - (1,008)
Paid in equity dividends (129) (129) (129)
Securities issued 800 800 800
Shares repurchased during the period
(1,2)
(411) 411 (1,118) (1,118) (1,118)
Share based remuneration and shares vested under
employee share schemes 128 15 143 143
Own shares acquired (540) (540) (540)
Acquisition of subsidiary - -
At 30 June 2024 10,433 4,690 2,003 10,581 (43) (1,812) 788 10,881 37,521 42 37,563
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 81

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period ended 30 June 2023 (unaudited) continued

Share Other Other reserves Total Non
capital and
share premium
Paid-in statutory Retained Cash flow Foreign owners' controlling Total
equity reserves (4) earnings Fair value hedging (3) exchange Merger equity interests equity
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2023 11,700 3,890 1,393 10,019 (102) (2,771) 1,478 10,881 36,488 8 36,496
Profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders
and other equity owners
-
continuing operations
2,528 2,528 - 2,528
-
discontinued operations
(108) (108) - (108)
Other comprehensive income
Realised gains in period on FVOCI equity shares 7 (7) - -
Remeasurement of retirement benefit schemes (64) (64) (64)
Changes in fair value of credit in financial liabilities
designated at FVTPL due to own credit risk (4) (4) (4)
Unrealised gains 60 60 60
Amounts recognised in equity
(3)
(948) (948) (948)
Retranslation of net assets (308) (308) (308)
Gains on hedges of net assets 162 162 162
Amount transferred from equity to earnings
(5)
23 214 (322) (85) (85)
Tax 12 (16) 161 (24) 133 133
Total comprehensive income/(loss) - - - 2,371 60 (573) (492) - 1,366 - 1,366
Transactions with owners
Ordinary share dividends paid (965) (965) - (965)
Paid in equity dividends (121) (121) (121)
Shares repurchased during the period
(1,2)
(687) 687 (1,713) (1,713) (1,713)
Share based remuneration and shares vested
under
employee share schemes 77 (15) 62 62
Own shares acquired (359) (359) (359)
Acquisition of subsidiary - 32 32
At 30 June 2023 11,013 3,890 1,798 9,576 (42) (3,344) 986 10,881 34,758 40 34,798

(1) As part of the On Market Share Buyback Programmes NatWest Group plc repurchased and cancelled 161.9 million (June 2023 - 301.4 million) shares, of which 2.2 million were settled in July 2024. The total consideration of these shares excluding fees was £410.8 million (June 2023 - £804.2 million), of which £6.8 million were settled in July 2024. Included in the retained earnings reserve movement is 2.3 million shares which were repurchased and cancelled in December 2023, settled in January 2024 for a total consideration of £4.9 million . The nominal value of the share cancellations has been transferred to the capital redemption reserve.0

(2) In June 2024, there was an agreement to buy 392.4 million (May 2023 - 469.2 million) ordinary shares of the Company from His Majesty's Treasury (HM Treasury) at 316.2 pence per share (May 2023 - 268.4 pence per share) for total consideration of £1.2 billion (2023 - £1.3 billion). NatWest Group cancelled 222.4 million (336.2 million) of the purchased ordinary shares, amounting to £706.9 million (2023 - £906.9 million) excluding fees and held the remaining 170.0 million (2023 - 133 million) shares as Own Shares Held, amounting to £540.2 million (2023 - £358.8 million) excluding fees. The nominal value of the share cancellation has been transferred to the capital redemption reserve.

(3) The change in the cash flow hedging reserve is driven from realised accrued interest transferred into the income statement. This is offset by a loss due to an increase in swap rates compared to 31 December 2023. The portfolio of hedging instruments is predominantly receive fixed swaps. The unrealised losses on cash flow hedge reserves are mainly driven by deferral of losses on GBP net received fixed swaps as interest rates have increased.

(4) Other statutory reserves consist of Capital redemption reserves of £2,918 million (2023 - £2,338 million) and Own shares held reserves of £915 million (2023 - £540 million).

(5) Includes £305 million FX recycled to profit or loss upon completion of a capital repayment by UBIDAC in 2023.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 82

for the period ended 30 June 2024 (unaudited)

Half year ended
30 June 30 June
2024 2023
£m £m
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating profit before tax from continuing operations 3,029 3,589
Operating profit/(loss) before tax from discontinued operations 11 (108)
Adjustments for non-cash and other items 2,284 2,133
Net cash flows from trading activities 5,324 5,614
Changes in operating assets and liabilities 9,625 (17,376)
Net cash flows from operating activities before tax 14,949 (11,762)
Income taxes paid (877) (631)
Net cash flows from operating activities 14,072 (12,393)
Net cash flows from investing activities (1,524) (2,833)
Net cash flows from financing activities (2,350) (3,260)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (778) (1,801)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 9,420 (20,287)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 118,824 158,449
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 128,244 138,162

Additional

information 83

1. Presentation of condensed consolidated financial statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with NatWest Group plc's 2023 Annual Report and Accounts. The accounting policies are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements.

The directors have prepared the condensed consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis after assessing the principal risks, forecasts, projections and other relevant evidence over the twelve months from the date they are approved and in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the UK and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.

Amendments to IFRS effective from 1 January 2024 had no material effect on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

2. Net interest income

Half year ended
30 June 30 June
2024 2023
Continuing operations £m £m
Balances at central banks and loans to banks -
amortised cost
2,070 1,722
Loans to customers -
amortised cost
8,924 7,130
Other financial assets 1,296 630
Interest receivable 12,290 9,482
Balances with banks 695 402
Customer deposits 4,151 1,695
Other financial liabilities 1,575 1,345
Subordinated liabilities 237 221
Internal funding of trading businesses 224 93
Interest payable 6,882 3,756
Net interest income 5,408 5,726
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 84

3. Non-interest income

Half year ended
30 June 30 June
2024 2023
Continuing operations £m £m
Net fees and commissions
(1)
1,219 1,144
Foreign exchange 140 125
Interest rate
(2)
298 315
Credit (82) (34)
Changes in fair value of own debt and derivative liabilities attributable to own credit risk -
debt securities in issue
(7) 9
Equities, commodities and other 1 3
Income from trading activities 350 418
Profit on redemption of own debt - 2
Rental income on operating lease assets and investment property 116 118
Changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss
(3)
(43) (3)
Hedge ineffectiveness 12 49
Loss on disposal of amortised cost assets and liabilities (1) (2)
Loss on disposal of fair value through other comprehensive income assets (4) (24)
Share of profit/(loss) of associated entities 9 (17)
Other income
(4)
68 316
Other operating income 157 439
Non-interest income 1,726 2,001

(1) Refer to Note 5 for further analysis.

(2) Includes fair value changes on derivatives which have not been designated in a hedge accounting relationship and gains and losses from the management of the NatWest Group's funding requirements involving the use of derivatives including FX. These are aimed at managing the interest rate and foreign exchange risk that NatWest Group is exposed to.

(3) Includes related derivatives.

(4) Includes income from instruments that have failed solely payments of principal and interest testing under IFRS 9. 30 June 2023 Includes £305 million FX recycled to profit or loss upon completion of a capital repayment by UBIDAC.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 85

4. Operating expenses

Half year ended
30 June 30 June
2024 2023
Continuing operations £m £m
Salaries 1,254 1,252
Bonus awards 223 217
Temporary and contract costs 80 106
Social security costs 187 180
Pension costs 169 151
-
defined benefit schemes
59 60
-
defined contribution schemes
110 91
Other 234 99
Staff costs 2,147 2,005
Premises and equipment 579 570
Depreciation and amortisation
(1)
508 469
Other administrative expenses 823 871
Administrative expenses 1,910 1,910
Operating expenses 4,057 3,915

(1) Includes depreciation on right of use assets of £53 million (30 June 2023 - £53 million).

2024 Interim Results
summary
management
statements
information
86
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional

5. Segmental analysis

The business is organised into the following reportable segments: Retail Banking, Private Banking, Commercial & Institutional and Central items & other.

Analysis of operating profit/(loss) before tax

The following tables provide a segmental analysis of operating profit/(loss) before tax by the main income statement captions.

Retail Private Commercial & Central items
Banking Banking Institutional & other Total
Half year ended 30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations
Net interest income 2,475 285 2,543 105 5,408
Net fees and commissions 211 142 866 - 1,219
Other non-interest income 4 17 391 95 507
Total income 2,690 444 3,800 200 7,134
Depreciation and amortisation (1) - (76) (431) (508)
Other operating expenses (1,469) (356) (2,074) 350 (3,549)
Impairment (losses)/releases (122) 11 57 6 (48)
Operating profit 1,098 99 1,707 125 3,029
Half year ended 30 June 2023
Continuing operations
Net interest income 2,908 428 2,504 (114) 5,726
Net fees and commissions 206 125 821 (8) 1,144
Other non-interest income 6 14 423 414 857
Total income 3,120 567 3,748 292 7,727
Depreciation and amortisation - - (78) (391) (469)
Other operating expenses (1,367) (322) (1,909) 152 (3,446)
Impairment (losses)/releases (193) (11) (20) 1 (223)
Operating profit 1,560 234 1,741 54 3,589
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 87

5. Segmental analysis

Total revenue (1)

Retail Private Commercial & Central items
Banking Banking Institutional & other Total
Half year ended 30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations
External 4,331 614 7,072 2,347 14,364
Inter-segmental 7 715 (936) 214 -
Total 4,338 1,329 6,136 2,561 14,364

Half year ended 30 June 2023

Continuing operations
External 3,419 550 5,734 2,095 11,798
Inter-segmental 1 418 (720) 301 -
Total 3,420 968 5,014 2,396 11,798

(1) Total revenue comprises interest receivable, fees and commissions receivable, income from trading activities and other operating income.

Total assets and liabilities

Retail Private Commercial & Central items
Banking Banking Institutional & other Total
30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m
Assets 226,457 27,172 381,899 54,810 690,338
Liabilities 195,454 39,745 356,539 61,037 652,775
31 December 2023
Assets 228,684 26,894 384,958 52,137 692,673
Liabilities 191,936 37,806 359,766 65,977 655,485
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 88

5. Segmental analysis continued

Analysis of net fees and commissions

Retail Private Commercial & Central items
Banking Banking Institutional & other Total
Half year ended 30 June 2024 £m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations
Fees and commissions receivable
-
Payment services
165 20 335 - 520
-
Credit and debit card fees
196 6 130 2 334
-
Lending and financing
9 3 372 - 384
-
Brokerage
17 4 21 - 42
-
Investment management, trustee and fiduciary services
1 113 24 9 147
-
Underwriting fees
- - 93 - 93
-
Other
4 6 52 (15) 47
Total 392 152 1,027 (4) 1,567
Fees and commissions payable (181) (10) (161) 4 (348)
Net fees and commissions 211 142 866 - 1,219
Half year ended 30 June 2023
Continuing operations
Fees and commissions receivable
-
Payment services
159 16 332 3 510
-
Credit and debit card fees
197 6 129 2 334
-
Lending and financing
8 3 335 1 347
-
Brokerage
18 3 21 - 42
-
Investment management, trustee and fiduciary services
1 105 22 - 128
-
Underwriting fees
- - 71 - 71
-
Other
1 2 31 (7) 27
Total 384 135 941 (1) 1,459
Fees and commissions payable (178) (10) (120) (7) (315)
Net fees and commissions 206 125 821 (8) 1,144
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 89

6. Tax

The actual tax charge differs from the expected tax charge computed by applying the standard UK corporation tax rate of 25% (2023 – 23.5%), as analysed below:

Half year ended
30 June 30 June
2024 2023
Continuing operations £m £m
Profit before tax 3,029 3,589
Expected tax charge (757) (843)
Losses and temporary differences in period where no deferred tax assets recognised (10) (38)
Foreign profits taxed at other rates 17 (21)
Items not allowed for tax:
-
losses on disposals and write-downs
(9) (1)
-
UK Bank Levy
(16) (12)
-
regulatory and legal actions
(3) (3)
-
other disallowable items
(17) (18)
Non-taxable items:
-
FX recycling on UBIDAC capital reduction
- 75
-
RPI-related uplift on index-linked gilts
18 6
-
other non-taxable items
4 8
Taxable foreign exchange movements 2 6
Unrecognised losses bought forward and utilised 12 8
Banking surcharge (81) (144)
Pillar 2 top-up tax (11) -
Tax on paid-in equity dividends 33 22
Adjustments in respect of prior years 17 (106)
Actual tax charge (801) (1,061)

At 30 June 2024, NatWest Group has recognised a deferred tax asset of £1,719 million (31 December 2023 - £1,894 million) and a deferred tax liability of £108 million (31 December 2023 - £141 million). These amounts include deferred tax assets recognised in respect of trading losses of £853 million (31 December 2023 - £1,019 million). NatWest Group has considered the carrying value of these assets as at 30 June 2024 and concluded that they are recoverable.

NatWest Group Business performance
Risk and capital
Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results
summary
management statements information 90

7. Financial instruments - classification

The following tables analyse financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the categories of financial instruments in IFRS 9.

Amortised Other
MFVTPL DFV FVOCI cost assets Total
Assets £m £m £m £m £m £m
Cash and balances at central banks 115,833 115,833
Trading assets 45,974 45,974
Derivatives
(1)
67,514 67,514
Settlement balances 6,260 6,260
Loans to banks -
amortised cost
(2)
5,974 5,974
Loans to customers -
amortised cost
(3)
379,331 379,331
Other financial assets 716 5 27,954 23,929 52,604
Intangible assets 7,590 7,590
Other assets 8,266 8,266
Assets of disposal groups
(4)
992 992
30 June 2024 114,204 5 27,954 531,327 16,848 690,338
Cash and balances at central banks 104,262 104,262
Trading assets 45,551 45,551
Derivatives 78,904 78,904
(1)
Settlement balances 7,231 7,231
Loans to banks -
amortised cost
(2)
6,914 6,914
Loans to customers -
amortised cost
(3)
381,433 381,433
Other financial assets 703 5 28,699 21,695 51,102
Intangible assets 7,614 7,614
Other assets 8,760 8,760
Assets of disposal groups
(4)
902 902
31 December 2023 125,158 5 28,699 521,535 17,276 692,673

For the notes to this table refer to the following page.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 91

7. Financial instruments – classification continued

Held-for-trading DFV Amortised
cost
Other
liabilities
Total
Liabilities £m £m £m £m £m
Bank deposits
(5)
25,626 25,626
Customer deposits 432,975 432,975
Settlement balances 7,142 7,142
Trading liabilities 54,167 54,167
Derivatives
(1)
60,849 60,849
Other financial liabilities
(6)
3,288 54,987 58,275
Subordinated liabilities 229 5,803 6,032
Notes in circulation 3,254 3,254
Other liabilities
(7)
666 3,789 4,455
30 June 2024 115,016 3,517 530,453 3,789 652,775
Bank deposits
(5)
22,190 22,190
Customer deposits 431,377 431,377
Settlement balances 6,645 6,645
Trading liabilities 53,636 53,636
Derivatives
(1)
72,395 72,395
Other financial liabilities
(6)
2,888 52,201 55,089
Subordinated liabilities 237 5,477 5,714
Notes in circulation 3,237 3,237
Other liabilities
(7)
748 4,454 5,202
31 December 2023 126,031 3,125 521,875 4,454 655,485

(1) Includes net hedging derivative assets of £103 million (31 December 2023 - £114 million) and net hedging derivative liabilities of £359 million (31 December 2023 - £270 million).

(2) Includes items in the course of collection from other banks of £281 million (31 December 2023 - £255 million).

(3) Includes finance lease receivables of £8,974 million (31 December 2023 - £8,731 million).

(4) Includes £972 million (31 December 2023 - £841 million) of assets of disposal groups held at FVTPL. The portfolio is classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(5) Includes items in the course of transmission to other banks of £496 million (31 December 2023 - £92 million).

(6) The carrying amount of other customer accounts designated at fair value through profit or loss is the same as the principal amount for both periods. No amounts have been recognised in the profit or loss for changes in credit risk associated with these liabilities as the changes are immaterial both during the period and cumulatively.

(7) Includes lease liabilities of £610 million (31 December 2023 - £670 million), held at amortised cost.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 92

8. Financial instruments – valuation

Disclosures relating to the control environment, valuation techniques and related aspects pertaining to financial instruments measured at fair value are included in NatWest Group plc's 2023 Annual Report and Accounts. Valuation, sensitivity methodologies and inputs at 30 June 2024 are consistent with those described in Note 11 to NatWest Group plc's 2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

Fair value hierarchy

The table below shows the assets and liabilities held by NatWest Group split by fair value hierarchy level. Level 1 are considered the most liquid instruments, and level 3 the most illiquid, valued using expert judgment and hence carry the most significant price uncertainty.

30 June 2024 31 December 2023
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Assets
Trading assets
Loans - 26,008 230 26,238 - 33,388 209 33,597
Securities 15,097 4,639 - 19,736 8,447 3,493 14 11,954
Derivatives
Interest rate - 40,364 561 40,925 1 43,912 650 44,563
Foreign exchange - 26,314 132 26,446 - 34,096 65 34,161
Other - 74 69 143 - 72 108 180
Other financial assets
Loans - 352 416 768 - 108 657 765
Securities 17,969 9,690 248 27,907 17,848 10,536 258 28,642
Total financial assets held at fair value 33,066 107,441 1,656 142,163 26,296 125,605 1,961 153,862
As a % of total fair value assets 23% 76% 1% 17% 82% 1%
Liabilities
Trading liabilities
Deposits - 44,151 - 44,151 - 43,126 1 43,127
Debt securities in issue - 307 - 307 - 706 - 706
Short positions 7,843 1,864 2 9,709 7,936 1,865 2 9,803
Derivatives
Interest rate - 34,698 440 35,138 - 38,044 439 38,483
Foreign exchange - 25,374 67 25,441 - 33,528 58 33,586
Other - 119 151 270 - 138 188 326
Other financial liabilities
Debt securities in issue - 1,636 3 1,639 - 1,605 3 1,608
Other deposits - 1,626 23 1,649 - 1,280 - 1,280
Subordinated liabilities - 229 - 229 - 237 - 237
Total financial liabilities held at fair value 7,843 110,004 686 118,533 7,936 120,529 691 129,156
As a % of total fair value liabilities 7% 92% 1% 6% 93% 1%

(1) Level 1 - Instruments valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active and liquid markets, for identical financial instruments. Examples include government bonds, listed equity shares and certain exchange-traded derivatives.

Level 2 - Instruments valued using valuation techniques that have observable inputs. Observable inputs are those that are readily available with limited adjustments required. Examples include most government agency securities, investment-grade corporate bonds, certain mortgage products - including CLOs, most bank loans, repos and reverse repos, state and municipal obligations, most notes issued, certain money market securities, loan commitments and most OTC derivatives.

Level 3 - Instruments valued using a valuation technique where at least one input which could have a significant effect on the instrument's valuation, is not based on observable market data. Examples include non-derivative instruments which trade infrequently, certain syndicated and commercial mortgage loans, private equity, and derivatives with unobservable model inputs.

(2) Transfers between levels are deemed to have occurred at the beginning of the quarter in which the instrument was transferred.

(3) For an analysis of debt securities held at mandatorily fair value through profit or loss by issuer as well as ratings and derivatives, by type and contract, refer to Risk and capital management – Credit risk.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 93

8. Financial instruments – valuation continued

Valuation adjustments

When valuing financial instruments in the trading book, adjustments are made to mid-market valuations to cover bid-offer spread, funding and credit risk. These adjustments are presented in the table below. For further information refer to the descriptions of valuation adjustments within 'Financial instruments – valuation' on page 345 of NatWest Group plc's 2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

30 June 31 December
2024 2023
£m £m
Funding -
FVA
125 132
Credit -
CVA
220 236
Bid -
Offer
75 86
Product and deal specific 149 103
Total 569 557

− Valuation reserves comprising credit valuation adjustments (CVA), funding valuation adjustment (FVA), bid-offer and product and deal specific reserves, increased to £569 million at 30 June 2024 (31 December 2023 – £557 million).

− The movements in FVA and CVA were driven by a reduction in exposure as interest rates increased. The decrease in bid-offer was driven by overall risk reduction over the period. Product and deal specific increased following valuation adjustments on specific trades.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 94

8. Financial instruments – valuation continued

Level 3 sensitivities

The table below shows the high and low range of fair value of the level 3 assets and liabilities.

30 June 2024 31 December 2023
Level 3 Favourable Unfavourable Level 3 Favourable Unfavourable
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Assets
Trading assets
Loans 230 - - 209 - -
Securities - - - 14 - -
Derivatives
Interest rate 561 20 (20) 650 20 (20)
Foreign exchange 132 10 (10) 65 - -
Other 69 - - 108 10 (10)
Other financial assets
Loans 416 - (10) 657 - (40)
Securities 248 20 (40) 258 20 (50)
Total financial assets held at fair value 1,656 50 (80) 1,961 50 (120)
Liabilities
Trading liabilities
Deposits - - - 1 - -
Short positions 2 - - 2 - -
Derivatives
Interest rate 440 10 (10) 439 10 (10)
Foreign exchange 67 - - 58 - -
Other 151 10 (10) 188 10 (10)
Other financial liabilities
Debt securities in issue 3 - - 3 - -
Other deposits 23 - (20) - - -
Total financial liabilities held at fair value 686 20 (40) 691 20 (20)

Alternative assumptions

Reasonably plausible alternative assumptions of unobservable inputs are determined based on a specified target level of certainty of 90%. Alternative assumptions are determined with reference to all available evidence including consideration of the following: quality of independent pricing information considering consistency between different sources, variation over time, perceived tradability or otherwise of available quotes; consensus service dispersion ranges; volume of trading activity and market bias (e.g. one-way inventory); day 1 profit or loss arising on new trades; number and nature of market participants; market conditions; modelling consistency in the market; size and nature of risk; length of holding of position; and market intelligence.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 95

8. Financial instruments – valuation continued

Movement in level 3 assets and liabilities

The following table shows the movement in level 3 assets and liabilities.

Other
Derivatives
trading
Other Total Other Other
financial Derivatives trading financial Total
assets assets (2) assets (3) assets liabilities liabilities (2) liabilities liabilities
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2024 823 223 915 1,961 685 3 3 691
Amounts recorded in the income statement
(1)
(70) 2 5 (63) (28) - - (28)
Amount recorded in the statement of comprehensive income - - (13) (13) - - - -
Level 3 transfers in 7 - - 7 1 - 23 24
Level 3 transfers out (2) (14) (258) (274) (2) (1) - (3)
Purchases/originations 82 25 23 130 67 1 - 68
Settlements/other decreases (38) (7) - (45) (29) - - (29)
Sales (40) - (2) (42) (34) (1) - (35)
Foreign exchange and other adjustments - 1 (6) (5) (2) - - (2)
At 30 June 2024 762 230 664 1,656 658 2 26 686
Amounts recorded in the income statement in respect of balances held
at period end -
unrealised
116 - 4 120 123 - - 123
At 1 January 2023 1,007 396 930 2,333 975 1 - 976
Amounts recorded in the income statement
(1)
(52) (28) - (80) (84) - - (84)
Amount recorded in the statement of comprehensive income - - 12 12 - - - -
Level 3 transfers in 4 - (72) (68) 6 1 - 7
Level 3 transfers out (2) (32) - (34) (5) - - (5)
Purchases/originations 86 6 68 160 89 - - 89
Settlements/other decreases (20) (4) - (24) (27) - - (27)
Sales (92) (58) (25) (175) (54) - - (54)
Foreign exchange and other adjustments (1) (3) (15) (19) (5) - - (5)
At 30 June 2023 930 277 898 2,105 895 2 - 897
Amounts recorded in the income statement in respect of balances held
at period end -
unrealised
(52) (28) (1) (81) (84) - - (84)

(1) There were £40 million net losses on trading assets and liabilities (30 June 2023 – £4 million net losses) recorded in income from trading activities. Net gains on other instruments of £5 million (30 June 2023 – nil) were recorded in other operating income and interest income as appropriate.

(2) Other trading assets and other trading liabilities comprise assets and liabilities held at fair value in trading portfolios.

(3) Other financial assets comprise fair value through other comprehensive income, designated as at fair value through profit or loss and other fair value through profit or loss.

8. Financial instruments – valuation continued

Fair value of financial instruments measured at amortised cost on the balance sheet

The following table shows the carrying value and fair value of financial instruments carried at amortised cost on the balance sheet.

Items where
fair value
Carrying Fair value hierarchy level approximates
value Fair value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 carrying value
30 June 2024 £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
Financial assets
Cash and balances at central banks 115.8 115.8 - - - 115.8
Settlement balances 6.3 6.3 - - - 6.3
Loans to banks 6.0 6.0 - 1.3 0.8 3.9
Loans to customers 379.3 372.4 - 25.2 347.2 -
Other financial assets -
securities
23.9 23.9 4.9 10.7 8.3 -
31 December 2023
Financial assets
Cash and balances at central banks 104.3 104.3 - - - 104.3
Settlement balances 7.2 7.2 - - - 7.2
Loans to banks 6.9 7.0 - 2.2 0.6 4.2
Loans to customers 381.4 373.2 - 27.5 345.7 -
Other financial assets -
securities
21.7 21.6 4.0 6.6 11.0 -
30 June 2024
Financial liabilities
Bank deposits 25.6 25.6 - 17.5 3.7 4.4
Customer deposits 433.0 432.6 - 29.9 49.8 352.9
Settlement balances 7.1 7.1 - - - 7.1
Other financial liabilities
-
debt securities in issue
55.0 55.0 - 45.0 10.0 -
Subordinated liabilities 5.8 5.8 - 5.8 - -
Notes in circulation 3.3 3.3 - - - 3.3
31 December 2023
Financial liabilities
Bank deposits 22.2 22.3 - 15.4 2.7 4.2
Customer deposits 431.4 431.0 - 30.7 48.8 351.5
Settlement balances 6.6 6.6 - - 6.6
Other financial liabilities
-
debt securities in issue
52.2 52.2 - 41.7 10.5 -
Subordinated liabilities 5.5 5.4 - 5.4 - -
Notes in circulation 3.2 3.2 - - - 3.2

The assumptions and methodologies underlying the calculation of fair values of financial instruments at the balance sheet date are as follows:

Short-term financial instruments

For certain short-term financial instruments: cash and balances at central banks, items in the course of collection from other banks, settlement balances, items in the course of transmission to other banks, customer demand deposits and notes in circulation, carrying value is deemed a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Loans to banks and customers

In estimating the fair value of net loans to customers and banks measured at amortised cost, NatWest Group's loans are segregated into appropriate portfolios reflecting the characteristics of the constituent loans. Two principal methods are used to estimate fair value: contractual cash flows and expected cash flows.

Debt securities and subordinated liabilities

Most debt securities are valued using quoted prices in active markets or from quoted prices of similar financial instruments in active markets. For the remaining population, fair values are determined using market standard valuation techniques, such as discounted cash flows.

Bank and customer deposits

Fair value of deposits is estimated using discounted cash flow valuation techniques.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 97

9. Trading assets and liabilities

Trading assets and liabilities comprise assets and liabilities held at fair value in trading portfolios.

30 June 31 December
2024 2023
Assets £m £m
Loans
Reverse repos 18,245 23,694
Collateral given 7,506 9,141
Other loans 487 762
Total loans 26,238 33,597
Securities
Central and local government
-
UK
5,170 2,729
-
US
5,507 2,600
-
Other
4,646 3,062
Financial institutions and corporate 4,413 3,563
Total securities 19,736 11,954
Total 45,974 45,551
Liabilities
Deposits
Repos 29,321 26,902
Collateral received 14,030 15,075
Other deposits 800 1,150
Total deposits 44,151 43,127
Debt securities in issue 307 706
Short positions
Central and local government
-
UK
2,515 1,893
-
US
813 2,071
-
Other
4,836 4,049
Financial institutions and corporate 1,545 1,790
Total short positions 9,709 9,803
Total 54,167 53,636

10. Loan impairment provisions

Loan exposure and impairment metrics

The table below summarises loans and related credit impairment measures on an IFRS 9 basis.

30 June 31 December
2024 2023
£m £m
Loans - amortised cost and FVOCI
(1,2)
Stage 1 345,847 348,586
Stage 2 37,288 37,891
Stage 3 5,812 5,563
Of which: individual 1,216 1,031
Of which: collective 4,596 4,532
388,947 392,040
ECL provisions
(3)
Stage 1 585 709
Stage 2 802 976
Stage 3 1,956 1,960
Of which: individual 366 332
Of which: collective 1,590 1,628
3,343 3,645
ECL provisions coverage
(4)
Stage 1 (%) 0.17 0.20
Stage 2 (%) 2.15 2.58
Stage 3 (%) 33.65 35.23
0.86 0.93
Half year ended
30 June 30 June
2024 2023
£m £m
Impairment losses
ECL (release)/charge
(5)
48 223
Stage 1 (364) (209)
Stage 2 190 296
Stage 3 222 136
Of which: individual 80 13
Of which: collective 142 123
Amounts written off 369 122
Of which: individual 64 22
Of which: collective 305 100
  • (1) The table shows gross loans only and excludes amounts that were outside the scope of the ECL framework. Other financial assets within the scope of the IFRS 9 ECL framework were cash and balances at central banks totalling £114.8 billion (31 December 2023 – £103.1 billion) and debt securities of £51.4 billion (31 December 2023 – £50.1 billion).
  • (2) Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI). Includes loans to customers and banks.
  • (3) Includes £4 million (31 December 2023 £9 million) related to assets classified as FVOCI and £0.1 billion (31 December 2023 – £0.1 billion) related to off-balance sheet exposures.
  • (4) ECL provisions coverage is calculated as ECL provisions divided by loans amortised cost and FVOCI. It is calculated on loans and total ECL provisions, including ECL for other (nonloan) assets and unutilised exposure. Some segments with a high proportion of debt securities or unutilised exposure may result in a not meaningful (nm) coverage ratio.
  • (5) Includes a £6 million release (June 2023 £5 million release) related to other financial assets, of which £5 million release (June 2023 – £1 million charge) related to assets classified as FVOCI and includes a £4 million charge (June 2023 – £3 million release) related to contingent liabilities.
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 99

11. Provisions for liabilities and charges

Financial
Customer Litigation and commitments
redress other regulatory Property and guarantees Other (1) Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2024 486 156 99 78 171 990
Expected credit losses impairment release - - - (22) - (22)
Currency translation and other movements 1 1 - - (2) -
Charge to income statement 39 18 32 - 228 317
Release to income statement (22) (20) (21) - (16) (79)
Provisions utilised (50) (18) (11) - (85) (164)
At 30 June 2024 454 137 99 56 296 1,042

(1) Other materially comprises of provisions relating to restructuring costs and Bank of England Levy. The charge for the year includes restructuring costs of £149 million and Bank of England Levy of £79 million.

Provisions are liabilities of uncertain timing or amount and are recognised when there is a present obligation as a result of a past event, the outflow of economic benefit is probable and the outflow can be estimated reliably. Any difference between the final outcome and the amounts provided will affect the reported results in the period when the matter is resolved.

12. Dividends

The 2023 final dividend was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 23 April 2024 and the payment made on 29 April 2024 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 15 March 2024.

NatWest Group plc announces an interim dividend for 2024 of £500 million or 6 pence per ordinary share. The interim dividend will be paid on 13 September 2024 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 9 August 2024. The ex-dividend date will be 8 August 2024.

13. Contingent liabilities and commitments

The amounts shown in the table below are intended only to provide an indication of the volume of business outstanding at 30 June 2024. Although NatWest Group is exposed to credit risk in the event of a customer's failure to meet its obligations, the amounts shown do not, and are not intended to, provide any indication of NatWest Group's expectation of future losses.

30 June 31 December
2024 2023
£m £m
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Guarantees 3,197 2,810
Other contingent liabilities 1,367 1,380
Standby facilities, credit lines and other commitments 118,218 115,441
Total 122,782 119,631

Commitments and contingent obligations are subject to NatWest Group's normal credit approval processes.

Notes continued

14. Litigation and regulatory matters

NatWest Group plc and certain members of NatWest Group are party to various legal proceedings and are involved in, or subject to, various regulatory matters, including as the subject of investigations and other regulatory and governmental action (Matters) in the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), the European Union (EU) and other jurisdictions.

NatWest Group recognises a provision for a liability in relation to these Matters when it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle an obligation resulting from past events, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

In many of the Matters, it is not possible to determine whether any loss is probable, or to estimate reliably the amount of any loss, either as a direct consequence of the relevant proceedings and regulatory matters or as a result of adverse impacts or restrictions on NatWest Group's reputation, businesses and operations. Numerous legal and factual issues may need to be resolved, including through potentially lengthy discovery and document production exercises and determination of important factual matters, and by addressing novel or unsettled legal questions relevant to the proceedings in question, before the probability of a liability, if any, arising can reasonably be estimated in respect of any Matter. NatWest Group cannot predict if, how, or when such claims will be resolved or what the eventual settlement, damages, fine, penalty or other relief, if any, may be, particularly for Matters that are at an early stage in their development or where claimants seek substantial or indeterminate damages.

There are situations where NatWest Group may pursue an approach that in some instances leads to a settlement agreement. This may occur in order to avoid the expense, management distraction or reputational implications of continuing to contest liability, or in order to take account of the risks inherent in defending or contesting Matters, even for those for which NatWest Group believes it has credible defences and should prevail on the merits. The uncertainties inherent in all Matters affect the amount and timing of any potential economic outflows for both Matters with respect to which provisions have been established and other contingent liabilities in respect of any such Matter.

It is not practicable to provide an aggregate estimate of potential liability for our Matters as a class of contingent liabilities.

The future economic outflow in respect of any Matter may ultimately prove to be substantially greater than, or less than, the aggregate provision, if any, that NatWest Group has recognised in respect of such Matter. Where a reliable estimate of the economic outflow cannot be reasonably made, no provision has been recognised. NatWest Group expects that in future periods, additional provisions and economic outflows relating to Matters that may or may not be currently known by NatWest Group will be necessary, in amounts that are expected to be substantial in some instances. Refer to Note 11 for information on material provisions.

Additional

Matters which are, or could be, material, either individually or in aggregate, having regard to NatWest Group, considered as a whole, in which NatWest Group is currently involved are set out below. We have provided information on the procedural history of certain Matters, where we believe appropriate, to aid the understanding of the Matter.

For a discussion of certain risks associated with NatWest Group's litigation and regulatory matters (including the Matters), refer to the Risk Factor relating to legal, regulatory and governmental actions and investigations set out on pages 440 to 441 of NatWest Group plc's 2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

Litigation

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other rates litigation

NWM Plc and certain other members of NatWest Group, including NatWest Group plc, are defendants in a number of claims pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) with respect to the setting of USD LIBOR. The complainants allege that certain members of NatWest Group and other panel banks violated various federal laws, including the US commodities and antitrust laws, and state statutory and common law, as well as contracts, by manipulating LIBOR and prices of LIBOR-based derivatives in various markets through various means.

Several purported class actions relating to USD LIBOR, as well as more than a dozen non-class actions concerning USD LIBOR and involving NatWest Group companies, are part of a co-ordinated proceeding in the SDNY. The class actions include claims on behalf of persons who purchased LIBOR-linked instruments from defendants, bonds issued by defendants, persons who transacted futures and options on exchanges, and lenders who made LIBOR-based loans. The coordinated proceeding is currently in the discovery phase.

Notes continued

14. Litigation and regulatory matters continued

In March 2024, NatWest Group companies reached an agreement, which remains subject to final court approval, to settle the USD LIBOR class action that asserts claims on behalf of lenders who made LIBOR based loans. In April 2024, NatWest Group companies reached an agreement, which remains subject to final court approval, to settle the USD LIBOR class action that asserts claims on behalf of persons who transacted futures and options on exchanges. The settlement amounts are covered in full by existing provisions.

The non-class claims filed in the SDNY include claims that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is asserting on behalf of certain failed US banks. In July 2017, the FDIC, on behalf of 39 of those failed US banks, commenced substantially similar claims against NatWest Group companies and others in the High Court of Justice of England and Wales. The action alleges collusion with regard to the setting of USD LIBOR and that the defendants breached UK and European competition law, as well as asserting common law claims of fraud under US law. The defendant banks consented to a request by the FDIC for discontinuance of the claim in respect of 20 failed US banks, leaving 19 failed US banks as claimants. The trial is currently anticipated to commence in Q1 2026.

In addition to the USD LIBOR cases described above, there is a class action relating to derivatives allegedly tied to JPY LIBOR and Euroyen TIBOR, which was dismissed by the SDNY in relation to NWM Plc and other NatWest Group companies in September 2021. That dismissal may be the subject of a future appeal.

Two other IBOR-related class actions involving NWM Plc, concerning alleged manipulation of Euribor and Pound Sterling LIBOR, were previously dismissed by the SDNY for various reasons. The plaintiffs' appeals in those two cases remain pending.

In August 2020, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California by several United States retail borrowers against the USD ICE LIBOR panel banks and their affiliates (including NatWest Group plc, NWM Plc, NWMSI and NWB Plc), alleging (i) that the very process of setting USD ICE LIBOR amounts to illegal price-fixing; and (ii) that banks in the United States have illegally agreed to use LIBOR as a component of price in variable retail loans. In September 2022, the district court dismissed the complaint.

The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint but in October 2023, the district court dismissed that complaint as well, and indicated that further amendment would not be permitted. The plaintiffs have commenced an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which is currently pending.

NWM Plc is also named as a defendant in a motion to certify a class action relating to LIBOR in the Tel Aviv District Court in Israel. NWM Plc filed a motion for cancellation of service outside the jurisdiction, which was granted in July 2020. The claimants appealed that decision and in November 2020 the appeal was refused and the claim dismissed by the Appellate Court. The claim could in future be recommenced depending on the outcome of an appeal to Israel's Supreme Court in respect of the dismissal of the substantive case against banks that had a presence in Israel.

Additional

Foreign exchange litigation

NWM Plc, NWMSI and/or NatWest Group plc are defendants in several cases relating to NWM Plc's foreign exchange (FX) business.

An FX-related class action, on behalf of 'consumers and end-user businesses', was proceeding in the SDNY against NWM Plc and others. In March 2023, the court granted summary judgment in favour of the defendants, dismissing the plaintiffs' claims. The plaintiffs appealed that decision but the appeal was denied by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (US Court of Appeals), subject to potential review by the United States Supreme Court.

In May 2019, a cartel class action was filed in the Federal Court of Australia against NWM Plc and four other banks on behalf of persons who bought or sold currency through FX spots or forwards between 1 January 2008 and 15 October 2013 with a total transaction value exceeding AUD 0.5 million. The claimant has alleged that the banks, including NWM Plc, contravened Australian competition law by sharing information, coordinating conduct, widening spreads and manipulating FX rates for certain currency pairs during this period. NatWest Group plc and NWMSI have been named in the action as 'other cartel participants', but are not respondents. The claim was served in June 2019 and NWM Plc filed its defence in March 2022. The court has ordered that potential class members are required to either opt out of the proceedings or register to be included in or benefit from any potential settlement of the claim.

In July and December 2019, two separate applications seeking opt-out collective proceedings orders were filed in the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) against NatWest Group plc, NWM Plc and other banks. Both applications were brought on behalf of persons who, between 18 December 2007 and 31 January 2013, entered into a relevant FX spot or outright forward transaction in the European Economic Area with a relevant financial institution or on an electronic communications network. In March 2022, the CAT declined to certify as collective proceedings either of the applications, which was appealed by the applicants and the subject of an application for judicial review.

Notes continued

14. Litigation and regulatory matters continued

In its amended judgment in November 2023, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal and decided that the claims should proceed on an opt-out basis. Separately, the court determined which of the two competing applicants can proceed as class representative, and dismissed the application for judicial review of the CAT's decision. The other applicant has discontinued its claim and withdrawn from the proceedings. The banks sought permission to appeal the Court of Appeal decision directly to the UK Supreme Court, which was granted in April 2024.

Two motions to certify FX-related class actions were filed in the Tel Aviv District Court in Israel in September and October 2018, and were subsequently consolidated into one motion. The consolidated motion to certify, which names The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (now NWM Plc) and several other banks as defendants, was served on NWM Plc in May 2020. The applicants sought the court's permission to amend their motions to certify the class actions. NWM Plc filed a motion challenging the permission granted by the court for the applicants to serve the consolidated motion outside the Israeli jurisdiction. That NWM Plc motion remains pending. In February 2024, NWM Plc executed an agreement to settle the claim, subject to court approval. The settlement amount is covered in full by an existing provision.

In December 2021, a summons was served in the Netherlands against NatWest Group plc, NWM Plc and NWM N.V. by Stichting FX Claims on behalf of a number of parties, seeking declarations from the court concerning liability for anti-competitive FX market conduct described in decisions of the European Commission (EC) of 16 May 2019, along with unspecified damages. The claimant amended its claim to also refer to a 2 December 2021 decision by the EC, which described anti-competitive FX market conduct. NatWest Group plc, NWM Plc and other defendants contested the jurisdiction of the Dutch court. In March 2023, the district court in Amsterdam accepted that it has jurisdiction to hear claims against NWM N.V. but refused jurisdiction to hear any claims against the other defendant banks (including NatWest Group plc and NWM Plc) brought on behalf of the parties represented by the claimant that are domiciled outside of the Netherlands. The claimant is appealing that decision. The defendant banks have brought cross-appeals which seek a ruling that the Dutch court has no jurisdiction to hear any claims against the defendant banks domiciled outside of the Netherlands, irrespective of whether the claim has been brought on behalf of a party represented by the claimant that is domiciled within or outside of the Netherlands. The Amsterdam Court of Appeal has stayed these appeal proceedings until the Court of Justice of the European Union has answered preliminary questions that have been referred to it in another matter.

In September 2023, second summonses were served by Stichting FX Claims on NWM N.V., NatWest Group plc and NWM Plc, for claims on behalf of a new group of parties that have been brought before the district court in Amsterdam. The summonses seek declarations from the Dutch court concerning liability for anti-competitive FX market conduct described in the above referenced decisions of the EC of 16 May 2019 and 2 December 2021, along with unspecified damages. NatWest Group plc, NWM Plc and other defendants are contesting the Dutch court's jurisdiction. The district court has stayed proceedings pending judgment in the above-mentioned appeals.

Additional

In May 2024, a new letter of claim was received from Stichting FX Claims on behalf of a further group of parties, containing allegations that are similar in nature to those contained in the above-mentioned claims.

Certain other foreign exchange transaction related claims have been or may be threatened. NatWest Group cannot predict whether all or any of these claims will be pursued.

Government securities antitrust litigation

Class action antitrust claims commenced in March 2019 are pending in the SDNY against NWM Plc, NWMSI and other banks in respect of Euro-denominated bonds issued by various European central banks (European government bonds or EGBs). The complaint alleges a conspiracy among dealers of EGBs to widen the bid-ask spreads they quoted to customers, thereby increasing the prices customers paid for the EGBs or decreasing the prices at which customers sold EGBs. The class consists of those who purchased or sold EGBs in the US between 2007 and 2012. Previously, in March 2022, the SDNY dismissed the claims against NWM Plc and NWMSI on the ground that the complaint's conspiracy allegations were insufficient. However, in September 2023, the SDNY ruled that new allegations which plaintiffs have included in an amended complaint are sufficient to bring those NatWest entities back into the case as defendants.

In March 2024, NatWest Group companies reached an agreement, subject to court approval, to settle the class action. The settlement amount is covered in full by an existing provision.

Additional

Notes continued

14. Litigation and regulatory matters continued

Swaps antitrust litigation

NWM Plc and other members of NatWest Group, including NatWest Group plc, as well as a number of other interest rate swap dealers, are defendants in several cases pending in the SDNY alleging violations of the US antitrust laws in the market for interest rate swaps. There is a consolidated class action complaint on behalf of persons who entered into interest rate swaps with the defendants, as well as nonclass action claims by three swap execution facilities (TeraExchange, Javelin, and trueEx). The plaintiffs allege that the swap execution facilities would have successfully established exchange-like trading of interest rate swaps if the defendants had not unlawfully conspired to prevent that from happening through boycotts and other means. Discovery in the non-class action claims is complete. In March 2024, NatWest Group companies reached an agreement to settle the class action, which remains subject to court approval. The settlement amount is covered in full by an existing provision.

In June 2021, a class action antitrust complaint was filed against a number of credit default swap dealers, in New Mexico federal court on behalf of persons who, from 2005 onwards, settled credit default swaps in the United States by reference to the ISDA credit default swap auction protocol. The complaint alleges that the defendants conspired to manipulate that benchmark through various means in violation of the antitrust laws and the Commodity Exchange Act. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint and, in June 2023, such motion was denied as regards to NWMSI and other financial institutions, but granted as regards to NWM Plc on the ground that the court lacks jurisdiction over that entity. As a result, the case entered the discovery phase as against the non-dismissed defendants. In January 2024, the SDNY issued an order barring the plaintiffs in the New Mexico case from pursuing claims based on conduct occurring before 30 June 2014 on the ground that such claims were extinguished by a 2015 settlement agreement that resolved a prior class action relating to credit default swaps. The SDNY's decision is the subject of a pending appeal to the US Court of Appeals.

Odd lot corporate bond trading antitrust litigation

In July 2024, the US Court of Appeals vacated the SDNY's October 2021 dismissal of the class action antitrust complaint alleging that from August 2006 onwards various securities dealers, including NWMSI, conspired artificially to widen spreads for odd lots of corporate bonds bought or sold in the United States secondary market and to boycott electronic trading platforms that would have allegedly promoted pricing competition in the market for such bonds. The appellate court held that the district judge who made the decision should not have been presiding over the case because a member of the judge's family had owned stock in one of the defendants while the motion was pending. The case will now return to the SDNY where the defendants will seek dismissal by a different district court judge.

Spoofing litigation

In December 2021, three substantially similar class actions complaints were filed in federal court in the United States against NWM Plc and NWMSI alleging Commodity Exchange Act and common law unjust enrichment claims arising from manipulative trading known as spoofing. The complaints refer to NWM Plc's December 2021 spoofing-related guilty plea (described below under "US investigations relating to fixed-income securities") and purport to assert claims on behalf of those who transacted in US Treasury securities and futures and options on US Treasury securities between 2008 and 2018. In July 2022, defendants filed a motion to dismiss these claims, which have been consolidated into one matter in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Madoff

NWM N.V. was named as a defendant in two actions filed by the trustee for the bankrupt estates of Bernard L. Madoff and Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, in bankruptcy court in New York, which together seek to clawback more than US\$298 million that NWM N.V. allegedly received from certain Madoff feeder funds and certain swap counterparties. The claims were previously dismissed, but as a result of an August 2021 decision by the US Court of Appeals, they are now proceeding in the discovery phase in the bankruptcy court, where they have been consolidated into one action.

Offshoring VAT assessments

HMRC issued protective tax assessments in 2018 against NatWest Group plc totalling £143 million relating to unpaid VAT in respect of the UK branches of two NatWest Group companies registered in India. NatWest Group formally requested reconsideration by HMRC of their assessments, and this process was completed in November 2020. HMRC upheld their original decision and, as a result, NatWest Group plc lodged an appeal with the Tax Tribunal and an application for judicial review with the High Court of Justice of England and Wales, both in December 2020. In order to lodge the appeal with the Tax Tribunal, NatWest Group plc was required to pay £143 million to HMRC, and payment was made in December 2020. The appeal and the application for judicial review have both been stayed pending resolution of separate cases involving other banks.

US Anti-Terrorism Act litigation

NWM N.V. and certain other financial institutions are defendants in several actions filed by a number of US nationals (or their estates, survivors, or heirs), most of whom are or were US military personnel, who were killed or injured in attacks in Iraq between 2003 and 2011. NWM Plc is also a defendant in some of these cases.

Notes continued

14. Litigation and regulatory matters continued

According to the plaintiffs' allegations, the defendants are liable for damages arising from the attacks because they allegedly conspired with and/or aided and abetted Iran and certain Iranian banks to assist Iran in transferring money to Hezbollah and the Iraqi terror cells that committed the attacks, in violation of the US Anti-Terrorism Act, by agreeing to engage in 'stripping' of transactions initiated by the Iranian banks so that the Iranian nexus to the transactions would not be detected.

The first of these actions, alleging conspiracy claims but not aiding and abetting claims, was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York in November 2014. In September 2019, the district court dismissed the case, finding that the claims were deficient for several reasons, including lack of sufficient allegations as to the alleged conspiracy and causation. In January 2023, the US Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's dismissal of this case. The plaintiffs have now filed a motion in the district court to re-open the case to assert aiding and abetting claims that they previously did not assert, which the defendants are opposing. Another action, filed in the SDNY in 2017, which asserted both conspiracy and aiding and abetting claims, was dismissed by the SDNY in March 2019 on similar grounds as the first case, but remains subject to appeal to the US Court of Appeals. Other followon actions that are substantially similar to those described above are pending in the same courts.

1MDB litigation

A Malaysian court claim was served in Switzerland in November 2022 by 1MDB, a sovereign wealth fund, in which Coutts & Co Ltd was named, along with six others, as a defendant in respect of losses allegedly incurred by 1MDB. It is claimed that Coutts & Co Ltd is liable as a constructive trustee for having dishonestly assisted the directors of 1MDB in the breach of their fiduciary duties by failing (amongst other alleged claims) to undertake due diligence in relation to a customer of Coutts & Co Ltd, through which funds totalling c.US\$1 billion were received and paid out between 2009 and 2011. 1MDB seeks the return of that amount plus interest. Coutts & Co Ltd filed an application in January 2023 challenging the validity of service and the Malaysian court's jurisdiction to hear the claim, and a hearing took place in February 2024. In March 2024, the court granted that application. 1MDB filed an appeal in April 2024.

Coutts & Co Ltd (a subsidiary of RBS Netherlands Holdings B.V., which in turn is a subsidiary of NWM Plc) is a company registered in Switzerland and is in wind-down following the announced sale of its business assets in 2015.

Regulatory matters (including investigations and customer redress programmes)

Additional

NatWest Group's businesses and financial condition can be affected by the actions of various governmental and regulatory authorities in the UK, the US, the EU and elsewhere. NatWest Group has engaged, and will continue to engage, in discussions with relevant governmental and regulatory authorities, including in the UK, the US, the EU and elsewhere, on an ongoing and regular basis, and in response to informal and formal inquiries or investigations, regarding operational, systems and control evaluations and issues including those related to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including consumer protection, investment advice, business conduct, competition/anti-trust, VAT recovery, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering and sanctions regimes.

NatWest Group expects government and regulatory intervention in financial services to be high for the foreseeable future, including increased scrutiny from competition and other regulators in the retail and SME business sectors.

Any matters discussed or identified during such discussions and inquiries may result in, among other things, further inquiry or investigation, other action being taken by governmental and regulatory authorities, increased costs being incurred by NatWest Group, remediation of systems and controls, public or private censure, restriction of NatWest Group's business activities and/or fines. Any of the events or circumstances mentioned in this paragraph or below could have a material adverse effect on NatWest Group, its business, authorisations and licences, reputation, results of operations or the price of securities issued by it, or lead to material additional provisions being taken.

NatWest Group is co-operating fully with the matters described below.

US investigations relating to fixed-income securities

In December 2021, NWM Plc pled guilty in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut to one count of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud in connection with historical spoofing conduct by former employees in US Treasuries markets between January 2008 and May 2014 and, separately, during approximately three months in 2018. The 2018 trading occurred during the term of a nonprosecution agreement (NPA) between NWMSI and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut (USAO CT), under which non-prosecution was conditioned on NWMSI and affiliated companies not engaging in criminal conduct during the term of the NPA. The relevant trading in 2018 was conducted by two NWM traders in Singapore and breached that NPA. The plea agreement reached with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the USAO CT resolved both the spoofing conduct and the breach of the NPA.

Notes continued

14. Litigation and regulatory matters continued

As required by the resolution and sentence imposed by the court, NWM Plc is subject to a probationary period until the conclusion of the independent monitorship, which is also required under the plea agreement. In addition, NWM Plc has committed to compliance programme reviews and improvements and agreed to reporting and cooperation obligations.

In the event that NWM Plc does not meet its obligations to the DOJ, this may lead to adverse consequences such as increased costs from any extension of monitorship and/or the period of the probation, findings that NWM Plc violated its probation term and possible re-sentencing, amongst other consequences. Other material adverse collateral consequences may occur as a result of this matter, as further described in the Risk Factor relating to legal, regulatory and governmental actions and investigations set out on pages 440 to 441 of NatWest Group plc's 2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

RBSI Ltd reliance regime and referral to enforcement

In January 2023, the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) notified RBSI Ltd that it had been referred to its Enforcement Division in relation to RBSI Ltd's operation of the reliance regime. The reliance regime is specific to certain Crown Dependencies and enables RBSI Ltd to rely on regulated third parties for specific due diligence information. RBSI Ltd has provided information to the JFSC at its request.

Investment advice review

In October 2019, the FCA notified NatWest Group of its intention to appoint a Skilled Person under section 166 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to conduct a review of whether NatWest Group's past business review of investment advice provided during 2010 to 2015 was subject to appropriate governance and accountability and led to appropriate customer outcomes. The Skilled Person's review has concluded and, after discussion with the FCA, NatWest Group is undertaking additional review / remediation work.

Reviews into customer account closures

In July 2023, NatWest Group plc commissioned an independent review by the law firm Travers Smith LLP into issues that had arisen from treatment of a customer in connection with an account closure decision that attracted significant public attention and certain related interactions with the media. NatWest Group plc received reports in connection with that review (and in October and December 2023 published summaries of the key findings and recommendations).

In addition, NatWest Group plc has conducted internal reviews with respect to certain governance processes, policies, systems and controls, including with respect to customer account closures.

A programme of work is underway to implement the recommendations of the external and internal reviews.

Additional

The FCA is conducting supervisory work into how the governance, systems and controls of NatWest Group and Coutts & Company are working, to identify and address any significant shortcomings.

Review and investigation of treatment of tracker mortgage customers in Ulster Bank Ireland DAC

In December 2015, correspondence was received from the Central Bank of Ireland setting out an industry examination framework in respect of the sale of tracker mortgages from approximately 2001 until the end of 2015. The redress and compensation process has now largely concluded, although a small number of cases remain outstanding relating to uncontactable customers.

UBIDAC customers have lodged tracker mortgage complaints with the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). UBIDAC challenged three FSPO adjudications in the Irish High Court. In June 2023, the High Court found in favour of the FSPO in all matters and a provision was recognised. UBIDAC has appealed that decision to the Court of Appeal. A hearing took place in February 2024 and judgment is awaited.

Other customer remediation in Ulster Bank Ireland DAC

UBIDAC identified other legacy issues leading to the establishment of remediation requirements and progress is ongoing to conclude activities.

15. Related party transactions

UK Government

The UK Government's shareholding in NatWest Group plc is managed by UK Government Investments Limited, a company wholly owned by the UK Government. At 30 June 2024 HM Treasury's holding in NatWest Group plc's ordinary shares was 20.92% (31 December 2023 - 37.97%). As a result, the UK Government through HM Treasury is no longer the controlling shareholder of NatWest Group plc as per UK listing rules. The UK Government and UK Government-controlled bodies remain related parties of the NatWest Group.

At 12 July 2024 HM Treasury's holding in NatWest Group plc's ordinary shares fell below 20% to 19.97%.

NatWest Group enters into transactions with many of these bodies. Transactions include the payment of: taxes – principally UK corporation tax and value added tax; national insurance contributions; local authority rates; regulatory fees and levies; together with banking transactions such as loans and deposits undertaken in the normal course of banker-customer relationships.

Bank of England facilities

NatWest Group may participate in a number of schemes operated by the Bank of England in the normal course of business.

Other related parties

(a) In their roles as providers of finance, NatWest Group companies provide development and other types of capital support to businesses. These investments are made in the normal course of business.

(b) To further strategic partnerships, NatWest Group may seek to invest in third parties or allow third parties to hold a minority interest in a subsidiary of NatWest Group. We disclose as related parties for associates and joint ventures and where equity interests are over 10%. Ongoing business transactions with these entities are on normal commercial terms.

(c) NatWest Group recharges the NatWest Group Pension Fund with the cost of pension management services incurred by it.

Additional

(d) In accordance with IAS 24, transactions or balances between NatWest Group entities that have been eliminated on consolidation are not reported.

Full details of NatWest Group's related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2023 are included in NatWest Group plc's 2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

16. Acquisitions

On 20 June 2024 NatWest Group plc announced an agreement with Sainsbury's Bank plc to acquire the retail banking assets and liabilities of Sainsbury's Bank plc, subject to court and regulatory approvals. We expect to acquire approximately £2.5 billion of gross customer assets, comprising £1.4 billion of unsecured personal loans and £1.1 billion of credit cards balances, together with approximately £2.6 billion of customer deposits. The transaction is expected to complete during the first half of 2025 and have a 20 basis point impact on NatWest Group's CET1 ratio upon completion and be EPS and RoTE accretive upon completion.

NatWest Group plc has also agreed to acquire a £2.5 billion portfolio of prime UK residential mortgages from Metro Bank plc, with a weighted average current loan to value of c.62%. Completion is conditional on a satisfactory response from the Competition and Markets Authority and is expected to occur during H2 2024. On completion of the transaction, NatWest Group plc expects to welcome around 10,000 customer accounts which will continue to be serviced by Metro Bank plc, in accordance with current arrangements, following the transfer to NatWest Group plc. The impact of the transaction, based on NatWest Group's CET1 ratio at 30 June 2024, equates to a reduction of less than 10 basis points.

17. Post balance sheet events

As part of the ongoing on-market share buyback programme, NatWest Group plc has repurchased and cancelled a further 12.5 million shares since 30 June 2024 for a total consideration (excluding fees) of £40.9 million.

Other than as disclosed in this document, there have been no significant events between 30 June 2024 and the date of approval of this announcement which would require a change to, or additional disclosure, in the announcement.

18. Date of approval

This announcement was approved by the Board of Directors on 25 July 2024.

Additional

Conclusion

We have been engaged by NatWest Group ("the Group") to review the condensed consolidated financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2024 which comprises of the condensed consolidated income statement, the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated balance sheet, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity, the condensed consolidated cash flow statement, related Notes 1 to 18 and the Risk and capital management disclosures for those identified as within the scope of our review (together "the condensed consolidated financial statements"). We have read the other information contained in the half yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed consolidated financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2024 are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the United Kingdom (UK) and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.

Basis for conclusion

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" (ISRE) issued by the Financial Reporting Council. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

As disclosed in Note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards, and International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, as adopted by the UK and as issued by the IASB, and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.

Conclusions relating to Going Concern

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for Conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that management have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that management have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed.

This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with this ISRE, however future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease to continue as a going concern.

Responsibilities of the directors

The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.

In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the review of the financial information

In reviewing the half-yearly report, we are responsible for expressing to the Group a conclusion on the condensed consolidated financial statements in the half-yearly financial report. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions Relating to Going Concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for Conclusion paragraph of this report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the Group in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Financial Reporting Council. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Group, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Ernst & Young LLP

London, United Kingdom

25 July 2024

Summary of Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Set out below is a summary of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year which could adversely affect NatWest Group.

This summary should not be regarded as a complete and comprehensive statement of all potential risks and uncertainties; a fuller description of these and other risk factors is included on pages 417 to 441 of the NatWest Group plc 2023 Annual Report and Accounts and pages 160 to 184 of NatWest Group plc's 2023 Form 20-F. Any of the risks identified may have a material adverse effect on NatWest Group's business, operations, financial condition or prospects.

Economic and political risk

  • − NatWest Group, its customers and its counterparties face continued economic and political risks and uncertainties in the UK and global markets, including as a result of inflation and interest rates, supply chain disruption, fiscal and monetary policy changes (such as increases in bank levies), and geopolitical developments.
  • − Changes in interest rates will continue to affect NatWest Group's business and results.
  • − Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may adversely affect NatWest Group's results and financial condition.
  • − Continuing uncertainty regarding the effects and extent of the UK's post Brexit divergence from EU laws and regulation, and NatWest Group's post Brexit EU operating model may adversely affect NatWest Group and its operating environment.
  • − HM Treasury (or UKGI on its behalf) could exercise a significant degree of influence over NatWest Group and further offers or sales of NatWest Group's shares held by HM Treasury may affect NatWest Group's reputation or the price of its securities.

Business change and execution risk

  • − NatWest Group continues to implement its strategy, which carries significant execution and operational risks and it may not achieve its stated aims and targeted outcomes.
  • − Acquisitions, divestments, other transactions and/or the withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland by NatWest Group may not be successful, and consolidation or fragmentation of the financial services industry may adversely affect NatWest Group.

continued − The transfer of NatWest Group's Western European corporate portfolio involves certain risks.

Additional

Financial resilience risk

  • − NatWest Group may not achieve its ambitions, targets, guidance it communicates or be in a position to continue to make discretionary capital distributions (including dividends to shareholders).
  • − NatWest Group operates in markets that are highly competitive, with competitive pressures and technology disruption.
  • − NatWest Group has significant exposure to counterparty and borrower risk including credit losses, which may have an adverse effect on NatWest Group.
  • − NatWest Group may not meet the prudential regulatory requirements for liquidity and funding or may not be able to adequately access sources of liquidity and funding, which could trigger the execution of certain management actions or recovery options.
  • − NatWest Group may not meet the prudential regulatory requirements for regulatory capital and MREL, or manage its capital effectively, which could trigger the execution of certain management actions or recovery options.
  • − Any reduction in the credit rating and/or outlooks assigned to NatWest Group plc, any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective debt securities could adversely affect the availability of funding for NatWest Group, reduce NatWest Group's liquidity and funding position and increase the cost of funding.
  • − NatWest Group may be adversely affected if it fails to meet the requirements of regulatory stress tests.
  • − NatWest Group could incur losses or be required to maintain higher levels of capital as a result of limitations or failure of various models.
  • − NatWest Group's financial statements are sensitive to underlying accounting policies, judgments, estimates and assumptions.
  • − Changes in accounting standards may materially impact NatWest Group's financial results.
  • − The value or effectiveness of any credit protection that NatWest Group has purchased depends on the value of the underlying assets and the financial condition of the insurers and counterparties.
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 109

NatWest Group plc summary risk factors continued

Financial resilience risk continued

  • − NatWest Group is subject to Bank of England and PRA oversight in respect of resolution, and NatWest Group could be adversely affected should the Bank of England in the future deem NatWest Group's preparations to be inadequate.
  • − NatWest Group may become subject to the application of UK statutory stabilisation or resolution powers which may result in, for example, the cancellation, transfer or dilution of ordinary shares, or the write-down or conversion of certain other of NatWest Group's securities.

Climate and sustainability-related risks

  • − NatWest Group and its value chain face climate-related and sustainability-related risk that may adversely affect NatWest Group.
  • − Climate-related risks may adversely affect the global financial system, NatWest Group or its value chain.
  • − NatWest Group and its value chain may face other sustainability-related risks that may adversely affect NatWest Group.
  • − NatWest Group's climate change related strategy, ambitions, targets and transition plan entail significant execution and/or reputational risks and are unlikely to be achieved without significant and timely government policy, technology and customer behavioural changes.
  • − There are significant limitations related to accessing accurate, reliable, verifiable, auditable, consistent and comparable climate and other sustainability-related data that contribute to substantial uncertainties in accurately modelling and reporting on climate and sustainability information, as well as making appropriate important internal decisions.
  • − Failure to implement effective governance, procedures, systems and controls in compliance with legal, regulatory requirements and societal expectations to manage climate and sustainability-related risks and opportunities could adversely affect NatWest Group.
  • − Increasing levels of climate and other sustainability-related laws, regulation and oversight may adversely affect NatWest Group.
  • − Increasing regulation of "greenwashing" is likely to increase the risk of regulatory enforcement and investigation and litigation.

− NatWest Group may be subject to potential climate and other sustainabilityrelated litigation, enforcement proceedings, investigations and conduct risk.

Climate and sustainability-related risks continued

− A reduction in the ESG ratings of NatWest Group could have a negative impact on NatWest Group's reputation and on investors' risk appetite and customers' willingness to deal with NatWest Group.

Operational and IT resilience risk

  • − Operational risks (including reliance on third party suppliers and outsourcing of certain activities) are inherent in NatWest Group's businesses.
  • − NatWest Group is subject to sophisticated and frequent cyberattacks.
  • − NatWest Group operations and strategy are highly dependent on the accuracy and effective use of data.
  • − NatWest Group's operations are highly dependent on its complex IT systems and any IT failure could adversely affect NatWest Group.
  • − NatWest Group relies on attracting, retaining and developing diverse senior management and skilled personnel, and is required to maintain good employee relations.
  • − A failure in NatWest Group's risk management framework could adversely affect NatWest Group, including its ability to achieve its strategic objectives.
  • − NatWest Group's operations are subject to inherent reputational risk.

Legal, regulatory and conduct risk

  • − NatWest Group's businesses are subject to substantial regulation and oversight, which are constantly evolving and may adversely affect NatWest Group.
  • − NatWest Group is exposed to the risks of various litigation matters, regulatory and governmental actions and investigations as well as remedial undertakings, the outcomes of which are inherently difficult to predict, and which could have an adverse effect on NatWest Group.
  • − Changes in tax legislation or failure to generate future taxable profits may impact the recoverability of certain deferred tax assets recognised by NatWest Group.

We, the directors listed below, confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

  • − the condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the UK and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB);
  • − the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and
  • − the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and changes therein).

By order of the Board

Richard Haythornthwaite John-Paul Thwaite Katie Murray
Chair Group Chief Executive Officer Group Chief Financial Officer

25 July 2024

Board of directors

Richard Haythornthwaite John-Paul Thwaite

Katie Murray

Chair Executive directors Non-executive directors

Frank Dangeard Roisin Donnelly Patrick Flynn Geeta Gopalan Yasmin Jetha Stuart Lewis Mark Seligman Lena Wilson

'Parent company' refers to NatWest Group plc and 'NatWest Group' and 'we' refers to NatWest Group plc and its subsidiary and associated undertakings. The term 'NWH Group' refers to NatWest Holdings Limited (NWH) and its subsidiary and associated undertakings. The term 'NWM Group' refers to NatWest Markets Plc (NWM Plc) and its subsidiary and associated undertakings. The term 'NWM N.V.' refers to NatWest Markets N.V. The term 'NWMSI' refers to NatWest Markets Securities, Inc. The term 'RBS plc' refers to The Royal Bank of Scotland plc. The term 'NWB Plc' refers to National Westminster Bank Plc. The term 'UBIDAC' refers to Ulster Bank Ireland DAC.

NatWest Group publishes its financial statements in pounds sterling ('£' or 'sterling'). The abbreviations '£m' and '£bn' represent millions and thousands of millions of pounds sterling, respectively, and references to 'pence' or 'p' represent pence where the amounts are denominated in pounds sterling ('GBP'). Reference to 'dollars' or '\$' are to United States of America ('US') dollars. The abbreviations '\$m' and '\$bn' represent millions and thousands of millions of dollars, respectively. The abbreviation '€' represents the 'euro', and the abbreviations '€m' and '€bn' represent millions and thousands of millions of euros, respectively.

Financial information contained in this document does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 ('the Act'). The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor on those statutory accounts was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Act.

This document may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements that include, without limitation, the words 'expect', 'estimate', 'project', 'anticipate', 'commit', 'believe', 'should', 'intend', 'will', 'plan', 'could', 'probability', 'risk', 'Value-at-Risk (VaR)', 'target', 'goal', 'objective', 'may', 'endeavour', 'outlook', 'optimistic', 'prospects' and similar expressions or variations on these expressions. These statements concern or may affect future matters, such as NatWest Group's future economic results, business plans and strategies. In particular, this document may include forward-looking statements relating to NatWest Group plc in respect of, but not limited to: its economic and political risks, its financial position, profitability and financial performance (including financial, capital, cost savings and operational targets), the implementation of its strategy, its climate and sustainability-related targets, increasing competition from incumbents, challengers and new entrants and disruptive technologies, its access to adequate sources of liquidity and funding, its regulatory capital position and related requirements, its exposure to third party risks, its ongoing compliance with the UK ring-fencing regime and ensuring operational continuity in resolution, its impairment losses and credit exposures under certain specified scenarios, substantial regulation and oversight, ongoing legal, regulatory and governmental actions and investigations, and NatWest Group's exposure to operational risk, conduct risk, cyber, data and IT risk, financial crime risk, key person risk and credit rating risk. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that might cause actual results and performance to differ materially from any expected future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences in current expectations include, but are not limited to, future growth initiatives (including acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic partnerships), the outcome of legal, regulatory and governmental actions and investigations, the level and extent of future impairments and write-downs, legislative, political, fiscal and regulatory developments, accounting standards, competitive conditions, technological developments, interest and exchange rate fluctuations, general economic and political conditions and the impact of climate-related risks and the transitioning to a net zero economy. These and other factors, risks and uncertainties that may impact any forward-looking statement or NatWest Group plc's actual results are discussed in NatWest Group plc's 2023 Annual Report on Form 20-F, NatWest Group plc's Interim Management Statement for Q1 and H1 2024 on Form 6-K, and its other public filings. The forwardlooking statements contained in this document speak only as of the date of this document and NatWest Group plc does not assume or undertake any obligation or responsibility to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 112

Share information

30 June
2024
31 March
2024
31 December
2023
Ordinary share price (pence) 312 266 219
Number of ordinary shares in issue (millions) 8,307 8,727 8,792

Financial calendar

25 October 2024
2024 third quarter interim management statement

Contacts

Analyst enquiries: Claire Kane, Investor Relations +44 (0) 20 7672 1758
Media enquiries: NatWest Group Press Office +44 (0) 131 523 4205
Management presentation Fixed income call
Date: 26 July 2024 26 July 2024
Time: 9 am 1:30 pm
Zoom ID: 937 3466 0813 953 2264 1234

Available on natwestgroup.com/results

− Interim Results 2024 and presentation slides.

− A financial supplement containing income statement, balance sheet and segment performance information for the five quarters ended 30 June 2024.

− NatWest Group Pillar 3 at 30 June 2024.

NatWest Group prepares its financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This document contains a number of non-IFRS measures, also known as alternative performance measures, defined under the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) guidance or non-GAAP financial measures in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations. These measures are adjusted for notable and other defined items which management believes are not representative of the underlying performance of the business and which distort period-on-period comparison.

The non-IFRS measures provide users of the financial statements with a consistent basis for comparing business performance between financial periods and information on elements of performance that are one-off in nature. The non-IFRS measures also include a calculation of metrics that are used throughout the banking industry.

Measure Description
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) The cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) is calculated as other operating expenses (operating expenses less
Refer to table 2. Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation
and conduct) on page 115.
litigation and conduct costs) divided by total income. Litigation and conduct costs are excluded as they are one-off in
nature, difficult to forecast for Outlook purposes and distort period-on-period comparisons.
Customer deposits excluding central items
Refer to Segmental performance on pages 12-16
for components of calculation.
Customer deposits excluding central items is calculated as total NatWest Group customer deposits excluding Central
items & other customer deposits. Central items & other includes Treasury repo activity and Ulster Bank RoI. The
exclusion of Central items &
other removes the volatility relating to Treasury repo activity and the reduction of deposits
as part of our withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland.
These items may distort period-on-period comparisons and their removal gives the user of the financial statements a
better understanding of the movements in customer deposits.
Funded assets
Refer to Condensed consolidated balance sheet
on page 79 for components of calculation.
Funded assets is calculated as total assets less derivative assets. This measure allows review of balance sheet trends
exclusive of the volatility associated with derivative fair values.
Loan:deposit ratio (excl. repos and reverse repos)
Refer to table 5. Loan:deposit ratio (excl. repos
and reverse repos) on page 116.
Loan:deposit ratio (excl. repos and reverse repos) is calculated as net customer loans held at amortised cost excluding
reverse repos divided by total customer deposits excluding repos. This metric is used to assess liquidity.
The removal of repos and reverse repos reduces volatility and presents the ratio on a basis that is comparable to UK
peers. The nearest ratio using IFRS measures is: loan:deposit ratio -
this is calculated as net loans to customers held at
amortised cost divided by customer deposits.
NatWest Group return on tangible equity
Refer to table 6. NatWest Group return on
tangible equity on page 117.
NatWest Group return on tangible equity comprises annualised profit or loss for the period attributable to ordinary
shareholders divided by average tangible equity. Average tangible equity is average total equity excluding average non
controlling interests, average other owners' equity and average intangible assets. This measure shows the return
NatWest Group generates on tangible equity deployed. It is used to determine relative performance of banks and used
widely across the sector, although different banks may calculate the rate differently. The nearest ratio using IFRS
measures is: return on equity -
this comprises profit attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by average total equity.

These non-IFRS measures are not a substitute for IFRS measures and a reconciliation to the closest IFRS measure is presented where appropriate.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 114
Measure Description
Net interest margin and average interest earning
assets
Net interest margin is net interest income, as a percentage of average interest earning assets (IEA). Average IEA are
average IEA of the banking business of NatWest Group and primarily consists of cash and balances at central banks,
loans to banks, loans to customers and other financial assets mostly comprising of debt securities. Average IEA shows
Refer to Segmental performance on pages 12-16
for components of calculation.
the average asset base generating interest over the period.
Net loans to customers excluding central items Net loans to customers excluding central items is calculated as total NatWest Group net loans to customers excluding
Refer to Segmental performance on pages 12-16
for components of calculation.
Central items & other net loans to customers. Central items & other includes Treasury reverse repo activity and Ulster
Bank RoI. The exclusion of Central items & other removes the volatility relating to Treasury reverse repo activity and the
reduction of loans to customers as part of our withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland.
This allows for better period-on-period comparisons and gives the user of the financial statements a better
understanding of the movements in net loans to customers.
Operating expenses excluding litigation and
conduct
The management analysis of operating expenses shows litigation and conduct costs separately. These amounts are
included within staff costs and other administrative expenses in the statutory analysis. Other operating expenses
Refer to table 4. Operating expenses –
management view on page 116.
excludes litigation and conduct
costs, which are more volatile and may distort period-on-period comparisons.
Segmental return on equity Segment return on equity comprises segmental operating profit or loss, adjusted for paid-in equity and tax, divided by
Refer to table 7. Segmental return on equity on
page 117.
average notional equity. Average RWAe is defined as average segmental RWAs incorporating the effect of capital
deductions. This is multiplied by an allocated equity factor for each segment to calculate the average notional equity. This
measure shows the return generated by operating segments on equity deployed.
Tangible net asset value (TNAV) per ordinary
share
TNAV per ordinary share is calculated as tangible equity divided by the number of ordinary shares in issue. This is a
measure used by external analysts in valuing the bank and allows for comparison with other per ordinary share metrics
Refer to table 3. Tangible net asset value (TNAV)
per ordinary share on page 115.
including the share price. The nearest ratio using IFRS measures is: net asset value (NAV) per ordinary share -
this
comprises ordinary shareholders' interests divided by the number of ordinary shares in issue.
Total income excluding notable items Total income excluding notable items is calculated as total income less notable items. The exclusion of notable items aims
Refer to table 1. Total income excluding notable
items on page 115.
to remove the impact of one-offs and other items which may distort period-on-period comparisons.
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 115

1. Total income excluding notable items

Half year ended Quarter ended
30 June 30 June
2023
30 June
2024
31 March
2024
30 June
2023
2024
£m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations
Total income 7,134 7,727 3,659 3,475 3,851
Less notable items:
Commercial & Institutional
Own credit adjustments (OCA) (7) 9 (2) (5) 3
Central items & other
Liquidity Asset Bond sale losses - (24) - - (11)
Share of associate profits/(losses) for Business Growth Fund 11 (15) 4 7 (3)
Interest and FX management derivatives not in hedge accounting relationships 126 52 67 59 (23)
FX recycling gains - 322 - - 322
130 344 69 61 288
Total income excluding notable items 7,004 7,383 3,590 3,414 3,563

2. Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct)

Half year ended Quarter ended
30 June
30 June
2024
2023
30 June 31 March 30 June
2024 2024 2023
£m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations
Operating expenses 4,057 3,915 2,005 2,052 1,927
Less litigation and conduct costs (101) (108) (77) (24) (52)
Other operating expenses 3,956 3,807 1,928 2,028 1,875
Total income 7,134 7,727 3,659 3,475 3,851
Cost:income ratio 56.9% 50.7% 54.8% 59.1% 50.0%
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) 55.5% 49.3% 52.7% 58.4% 48.7%

3. Tangible net asset value (TNAV) per ordinary share

As at
30 June 31 March 31 December
2024 2024 2023
32,831 33,958 33,267
(7,590) (7,598) (7,614)
25,241 26,360 25,653
8,307 8,727 8,792
395p 389p 378p
292p
304p 302p

(1) The number of ordinary shares in issue excludes own shares held.

NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 116

4. Operating expenses - management view

Half year ended Quarter ended
30 June 30 June 30 June 31 March 30 June
2024 2023 2024 2024 2023
£m £m £m £m £m
Other operating expenses
Staff expenses 2,112 1,974 1,064 1,047 948
Premises and equipment 579 570 286 293 284
Other administrative expenses 757 794 343 415 386
Depreciation and amortisation 508 469 235 273 257
Total other operating expenses 3,956 3,807 1,928 2,028 1,875
Litigation and conduct costs
Staff expenses 35 31 21 15 17
Other administrative expenses 66 77 56 9 35
Total litigation and conduct costs 101 108 77 24 52
Total operating expenses 4,057 3,915 2,005 2,052 1,927
Operating expenses excluding litigation and conduct 3,956 3,807 1,928 2,028 1,875

5. Loan:deposit ratio (excl. repos and reverse repos)

As at
30 June 31 March 31 December
2024 2024 2023
£m £m £m
Loans to customers -
amortised cost
379,331 378,010 381,433
Less reverse repos (24,961) (23,120) (27,117)
Loans to customers - amortised cost (excl. reverse repos) 354,370 354,890 354,316
Customer deposits 432,975 432,793 431,377
Less repos (6,846) (11,437) (10,844)
Customer deposits (excl. repos) 426,129 421,356 420,533
Loan:deposit ratio (%) 88% 87% 88%
Loan:deposit
ratio (excl. repos and reverse repos) (%)
83% 84% 84%
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 117

6. NatWest Group return on tangible equity

Half year ended and as at Quarter ended and as at
30 June 30 June 30 June 31 March 30 June
2024 2023 2024 2024 2023
£m £m £m £m £m
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 2,099 2,299 1,181 918 1,020
Annualised profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 4,198 4,598 4,724 3,672 4,080
Average total equity 37,535 36,562 37,659 37,490 36,216
Adjustment for average other owners' equity and intangible assets (11,909) (11,352) (12,080) (11,684) (11,378)
Adjusted total tangible equity 25,626 25,210 25,579 25,806 24,838
Return on equity 11.2% 12.6% 12.5% 9.8% 11.3%
Return on tangible equity 16.4% 18.2% 18.5% 14.2% 16.4%

7. Segmental return on equity

Half year ended 30 June 2024 Half year ended 30 June 2023
Retail Private Commercial & Retail Private Commercial &
Banking Banking Institutional Banking Banking Institutional
Operating profit (£m) 1,098 99 1,707 1,560 234 1,741
Paid-in equity cost allocation (£m) (34) (8) (83) (30) (11) (86)
Adjustment for tax (£m) (298) (25) (406) (428) (62) (414)
Adjusted attributable profit (£m) 766 66 1,218 1,102 161 1,241
Annualised adjusted attributable profit (£m) 1,532 131 2,436 2,203 321 2,483
Average RWAe (£bn) 62.2 11.1 109.0 56.1 11.3 105.1
Equity factor 13.4% 11.2% 13.8% 13.5% 11.5% 14.0%
Average notional equity (£bn) 8.3 1.2 15.0 7.6 1.3 14.7
Return on equity (%) 18.4% 10.5% 16.2% 29.1% 24.7% 16.9%
Quarter ended 30 June 2024 Quarter ended 31 March 2024 Quarter ended 30 June 2023
Retail Private Commercial & Retail Private Commercial & Retail Private Commercial &
Banking Banking Institutional Banking Banking Institutional Banking Banking Institutional
Operating profit (£m) 609 66 938 489 33 769 766 101 747
Paid-in equity cost allocation (£m) (18) (4) (43) (16) (4) (40) (15) (6) (42)
Adjustment for tax (£m) (165) (17) (224) (132) (8) (182) (210) (27) (176)
Adjusted attributable profit (£m) 426 45 671 341 21 547 541 68 529
Annualised adjusted attributable profit (£m) 1,702 179 2,685 1,362 84 2,187 2,163 274 2,115
Average RWAe (£bn) 62.7 11.1 109.0 61.7 11.2 109.0 56.8 11.4 106.0
Equity factor 13.4% 11.2% 13.8% 13.4% 11.2% 13.8% 13.5% 11.5% 14.0%
Average notional equity (£bn) 8.4 1.2 15.0 8.3 1.3 15.0 7.7 1.3 14.8
Return on equity (%) 20.3% 14.4% 17.8% 16.5% 6.7% 14.6% 28.2% 20.8% 14.3%
NatWest Group Business performance Risk and capital Financial Additional
2024 Interim Results summary management statements information 118

The table below summarises other performance measures used by NatWest Group, not defined under IFRS, and therefore a reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure is not applicable.

Measure Description
AUMAs AUMAs comprises both assets under management (AUMs) and assets under administration (AUAs) serviced through the Private Banking
segment. AUMs comprise assets where the investment management is undertaken by Private Banking on behalf of Private Banking,
Retail Banking and Commercial & Institutional customers.
AUAs comprise i) third party assets held on an execution-only basis in custody by Private Banking, Retail Banking and Commercial &
Institutional for their customers, for which the execution services are supported by Private Banking, and for which Private Banking
receives a fee for providing investment management and execution services to Retail Banking and Commercial & Institutional business
segments ii) AUA of Cushon, acquired on 1 June 2023, which are
supported by Private Banking and held and managed by third parties.
This measure is tracked and reported as the amount of funds that we manage or administer, and directly impacts the level of investment
income that we receive.
AUM net flows AUM net flows refer to client cash inflows and outflows relating to investment products (this can include transfers from savings
accounts). AUM net flows exclude the impact of European Economic Area (EEA) resident client outflows following the UK's exit from the
EU and Russian client outflows since Q1 2022.
AUM net flows is reported and tracked to monitor the business performance of new business inflows and management of existing client
withdrawals across Private Banking, Retail Banking and Commercial & Institutional.
Climate and sustainable funding
and financing
The climate and sustainable funding and financing metric is used by NatWest Group to measure the level of support it provides
customers, through lending products and underwriting activities, to help in their transition towards a net zero, climate resilient and
sustainable economy. We have a target to provide £100 billion of climate and sustainable funding and financing between the 1 of July
2021 and the end of 2025. As part of this, we aim to provide at least £10 billion in lending for residential properties with EPC ratings A
and B between 1 January 2023 and the end of 2025.
Loan impairment rate Loan impairment rate is the annualised loan impairment charge divided by gross customer loans. This measure is used to assess
the
credit quality of the loan book.
Third party rates Third party customer asset rate is calculated as annualised interest receivable on third-party loans to customers as a percentage of
third-party loans to customers. This excludes assets of disposal groups, intragroup items, loans to banks and liquid asset portfolios. Third
party customer funding rate reflects interest payable or receivable on third-party customer deposits, including interest bearing and non
interest bearing customer deposits. Intragroup items, bank deposits, debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities are excluded for
customer funding rate calculation.
Wholesale funding Wholesale funding comprises deposits by banks (excluding repos), debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities. Funding risk is the
risk of not maintaining a diversified, stable and cost-effective funding base. The disclosure of wholesale funding highlights the extent of
our diversification and how we mitigate funding risk.

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