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Close Brothers Group PLC

Regulatory Filings Jul 31, 2019

5137_rns_2019-07-31_d7b1e63e-901e-4f4b-a81a-bd44d80587e4.pdf

Regulatory Filings

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Close Brothers Group plc

Pillar 3 disclosures for the year ended 31 July 2019

1. Overview
2
2. Risk management objectives and policies
3
3. Key regulatory metrics
12
4. Capital resources13
5. Capital adequacy14
6. Regulatory capital buffers
16
7. Counterparty credit risk17
8. Credit risk
17
9. Credit risk: standardised approach
21
10. Credit risk mitigation
22
11. Non-trading book exposures in equities
23
12. Interest rate risk in the non-trading book23
13. Leverage
24
14. Funding and liquidity26
15. Securitisation27
16. Asset encumbrance27
17. Remuneration28
Appendix 1: EBA regulatory capital balance sheet reconciliation
34
Appendix 2: EBA capital instruments' key features
35
Appendix 3: EBA IFRS9 transitional arrangements disclosure37
Appendix 4: EBA transitional own funds disclosure
38

1. Overview

Background

The aim of the capital adequacy regime is to promote safety and soundness in the financial system. It is structured around three 'pillars': Pillar 1 on minimum capital requirements; Pillar 2 on the supervisory review process; and Pillar 3 on market discipline. Pillar 3 requires firms to publish a set of disclosures which allow market participants to assess key pieces of information on that firm's capital, risk exposures and risk assessment process. The disclosures contained in this document cover the qualitative and quantitative disclosure requirements of Pillar 3, set out in the EU's Capital Requirements Regulation ("CRR"), and are based on data at 31 July 2019 with comparative figures for 31 July 2018 and 1 August 2018 where relevant. Within this document are references to the Close Brothers Group plc's Annual Report which can be found at:

www.closebrothers.com/investor-relations/investor-information/results-reports-and-presentations.

Scope

The Prudential Regulation Authority ("PRA") supervises Close Brothers Group plc ("CBG" or "the group") on a consolidated basis and receives information on the capital adequacy of, and sets capital requirements for, the group as a whole. In addition, a number of subsidiaries are regulated for prudential purposes by either the PRA or the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). The main subsidiary institutions which are subject to the CRR are Close Brothers Limited ("CBL"), Winterflood Securities Limited ("Winterflood") and Close Asset Management Limited. Details of the group's principal subsidiaries are included in note 31 of the group's Annual Report. There are no differences between the basis of consolidation of the group for accounting and regulatory purposes. Other than restrictions due to regulatory capital requirements for regulated entities, there are no current material practical or legal impediments to the prompt transfer of capital resources or repayment of liabilities when due between the group and its subsidiaries.

Pillar 3 policy

Disclosures will be issued as a minimum on an annual basis and are published on the group's website. These disclosures are not subject to audit except where they are equivalent to those prepared under accounting requirements for inclusion in the group's Annual Report. These disclosures are ratified by the Group Risk and Compliance Committee ("GRCC") and approved by the CBG board ("the board").

The Pillar 3 disclosures have been prepared purely for explaining the basis on which the group has prepared and disclosed certain capital requirements and information about the management of certain risks and for no other purpose. They do not constitute any form of financial statement and must not be relied upon in making any judgement about the group.

Individual consolidation

CBL, the group's regulated banking subsidiary, makes use of the provisions laid down in CRR Article 9 and reports to the PRA on an individual consolidated basis. This individual consolidated group includes CBL and its major UK operating subsidiaries as at 31 July 2019.

Regulatory developments

The provisions of IFRS 9 financial instruments applied to the group from 1 August 2018. The group has elected to take advantage of the European Banking Authority's transitional arrangements, which allow the capital impact of IFRS 9 credit losses to be phased in over a five-year period. All disclosures in this document are stated after application of IFRS 9 transitional adjustments unless otherwise noted.

The group's capital ratios remain comfortably ahead of minimum regulatory requirements. This leaves the group well placed to absorb any foreseen regulatory changes, including the proposed capital adequacy reforms, commonly referred to as Basel 4.

2. Risk management objectives and policies

Risk and Control Framework

The board has overall responsibility for maintaining a system of internal control to ensure that an effective risk management and oversight process operates across the group. The risk management framework and associated governance arrangements are designed to ensure that there is a clear organisation structure with distinct, transparent and consistent lines of responsibility and effective processes to identify, manage, monitor and report the risks to which the group is, or may become, exposed. The board has a well defined risk appetite with risk appetite measures which are integrated into decision-making, monitoring and reporting processes. Early warning trigger levels are set to drive the required corrective action before overall tolerance levels are reached. The risk management and internal control framework, overseen by a number of committees including the Risk Committee and the Audit Committee, is the mechanism that ensures the board receives comprehensive risk and control information in a timely manner.

The group maintains a range of internal controls relating to financial management, reporting and control processes, which are designed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its financial information and reporting. The main features of these controls include consistently applied accounting policies, clearly defined lines of responsibility and processes for the review and oversight of disclosures within the Annual Report. These internal controls are overseen by the Audit Committee.

Identification, measurement and management of risk are fundamental to the success of the group. Over the past 12 months the group has continued to strengthen its risk management framework and further develop the organisation's risk committees, at both a group and business level. These continue to work efficiently and effectively.

The group's risk and control framework is designed to support the capture of business opportunities while maintaining an appropriate balance of risk and reward within the group's agreed risk appetite. It further ensures that the risks to which the group is, or may become, exposed are appropriately identified, and that those which the group chooses to take are managed, controlled and, where necessary, mitigated, so that the group is not subject to material unexpected loss.

The group closely monitors its risk profile to ensure that it continues to align with its strategic objectives as documented on page 16 of the group's Annual Report.

The group reviews and adjusts its risk appetite annually as part of the strategy-setting process. This aligns risk-taking with the achievement of strategic objectives. Adherence to appetite is monitored by the group's risk committees.

The board considers that the group's current risk profile remains consistent with its strategic objectives.

Throughout the year the Risk Committee undertakes a robust assessment of the principal and emerging risks facing the group, and reviews reports from the risk function on the processes that support the management and mitigation of those risks. As part of this ongoing review process, a specific assessment of the principal risks and emerging risks facing the group was carried out by the board, including those risks that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. A summary of the group's principal risks and emerging risks is provided on pages 18 to 22 of the group's Annual Report.

In addition throughout the year, the board, assisted by the Risk Committee and the Audit Committee, monitors the group's risk management and internal control systems and reviews their effectiveness. This covers all material controls, including financial, operational and compliance controls. The board reviews the effectiveness of both committees on an annual basis. Based on its assessment throughout the year, and its review of the committees' effectiveness, the board considers that, overall, the group has in place adequate systems and controls with regard to its profile and strategy.

The risk management framework is based on the concept of "three lines of defence", as set out below.

The key principles underlying risk management in the group are that:

  • business management owns all the risks assumed throughout the group and is responsible for their management on a day-to-day basis to ensure that risk and return are balanced;
  • the board and business management together promote a culture in which risks are identified, assessed and reported in an open, transparent and objective manner;
  • the overriding priority is to protect the group's long-term viability and produce sustainable medium to longterm revenue streams;
  • risk functions are independent of the businesses and provide oversight of and advice on the management of risk across the group;
  • risk management activities across the group are proportionate to the scale and complexity of the group's individual businesses;
  • risk mitigation and control activities are commensurate with the degree of risk; and
  • risk management and control supports decision-making.

Risk Management Framework

First line of defence Second line of defence Third line of defence
The Businesses Risk and Compliance Internal Audit
Group Risk and Compliance
Committee
(Reports to the Risk Committee)
Risk Committee
(Reports to the board)
Audit Committee
(Reports to the board)
Chief executive delegates to
divisional and operating business
heads day-to-day responsibility
for risk management, regulatory
compliance, internal control and
Risk Committee delegates to the
group chief risk officer day-to-day
responsibility for
oversight and
challenge on risk-related issues.
Risk functions (including
Audit Committee mandates the
head of group internal audit with
day-to-day responsibility for
independent assurance.
Internal audit provides
conduct in running their divisions
or businesses.
compliance) provide support and
independent challenge on:

the design and operation of
independent assurance on:

first and second line of
defence;
Business management has day
to-day ownership, responsibility
and accountability for:

identifying and assessing
risks;
the risk framework;

risk assessment;

risk appetite and strategy;

performance management;

risk reporting;

appropriateness/effectiveness
of internal controls; and

effectiveness of policy
implementation.

managing and controlling
risks;

measuring risk (key risk
indicators/early warning
indicators);

adequacy of mitigation plans;

group risk profile; and

committee governance and
challenge.
Key Features

Draws on deep knowledge of
the group and its businesses.

Provides independent
assurance on the activities of

mitigating risks;

reporting risks; and

committee structure and
reporting.
Key Features

Overarching "risk oversight
unit" takes an integrated view
of risk (qualitative and
quantitative).
the firm, including the risk
management framework.

Assesses the appropriateness
and effectiveness of internal
controls.
Key Features

Promotes a strong risk culture
and focus on sustainable risk
adjusted
returns.

Implements the risk
framework.

Supports through developing
and advising on risk
strategies.

Facilitates constructive check
and challenge –
"critical
friend"/"trusted
adviser".

Incorporates review of culture
and conduct.
First line of defence Second line of defence Third line of defence
The Businesses
continued
Risk and Compliance
continued

Promotes a culture of

Oversight of business
adhering to limits and conduct.
managing risk exposures.

Promotes a culture of
customer focus and
appropriate behaviours.

Ongoing monitoring of
positions and management
and control of risks.

Portfolio optimisation.

Self-assessment.

Risk Committee roles and responsibilities

The Risk Committee's key roles and responsibilities are to:

  • oversee the maintenance and development of a supportive culture in relation to the management of risk;
  • review and set risk appetite, which is the level of risk the group is willing to take in pursuit of its strategic objectives;
  • monitor the group's risk profile against the prescribed appetite;
  • review the effectiveness of the risk management framework to ensure that key risks are identified and appropriately managed; and
  • provide input from a risk perspective into the alignment of remuneration with performance against risk appetite (through the Remuneration Committee).

Membership and meetings

The Risk Committee comprises Peter Duffy, the group's newest independent director, Geoffrey Howe, the senior independent director, Oliver Corbett and Bridget Macaskill who chair the Audit and Remuneration Committees respectively, and Lesley Jones as chairman.

Six scheduled meetings were held during the year and full details of attendance by the non-executive directors at these meetings are set out on page 62 of the group's Annual Report.

In addition to the members of the Risk Committee, standing invitations are extended to the chairman of the board, the executive directors, the group chief risk officer, the group head of compliance and the group head of internal audit. All attend the Risk Committee meetings as a matter of course and have supported and informed the Risk Committee's discussions.

Other executives, subject matter experts, risk team members and external advisers are invited to attend the Risk Committee from time to time as required, to present and advise on reports commissioned.

The Risk Committee's chairman continues to meet frequently with the group chief risk officer and his risk team in a combination of formal and informal sessions, and with senior management across all divisions of the group, to discuss the business environment and to gather their views of emerging risks, business performance and the competitive environment.

As described in more detail on pages 65 and 66 of the group's Annual Report, an internal evaluation of the effectiveness of the board and its committees was undertaken during the year in line with the requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

The Risk Committee considers that during the year it continued to have access to sufficient resources to enable it to carry out its duties and has continued to perform effectively.

Risk Management

The group faces a number of risks in the normal course of business providing lending, deposit taking, wealth management services and securities trading.

As set out in the strategy section on page 16 of the group's Annual Report, the protection of our established business model is a key strategic objective. As a result, the management of the risks we face is central to everything we do. The key elements to the way we manage risk are as follows:

  • adhering to our established and proven business model outlined on pages 14 and 15 of the group's Annual Report;
  • implementing an integrated risk management approach based on the concept of "three lines of defence"; and
  • setting and operating within clearly defined risk appetites, monitored with defined metrics and set limits.

Further details on the group's approach to risk management are set out on pages 66 and 67 of the group's Annual Report. Risk management is overseen by the Board Risk Committee and its key areas of focus over the last financial year are set out on pages 70 and 71 of the group's Annual Report. We believe the key risks facing the group include: the current economic uncertainty; the regulatory landscape and how it may impact some or all of our businesses; the competitive environment; and maintaining operational resilience in the face of growing cyber threats. The potential impact of the UK's anticipated departure from the EU and how it could impact our customers also continues to be closely monitored and managed through the firm's emerging risk framework.

Risks and uncertainties

The following pages set out the principal risks and uncertainties which may impact the group's ability to deliver its strategy, how we seek to mitigate these risks and the change in the perceived level of risk over the year. While we constantly monitor our portfolio for emerging risks, the group's activities, business model and strategy remain unchanged. As a result, the principal risks and uncertainties which the group faces and our approach to mitigating them remain broadly consistent with prior years. This consistency in approach has underpinned the group's track record of trading successfully and supporting our clients over many years.

The summary below should not be regarded as a complete and comprehensive statement of all potential risks and uncertainties faced by the group but reflect those which the group currently believes may have a significant impact on its performance and future prospects.

Key: No change Risk decreased
Risk increased
Risk Mitigation Change
Credit Risk As a lender to businesses and
individuals, the bank is exposed
to credit losses if customers are
unable to repay loans and
outstanding interest and fees. At
31 July 2019 the group had loans
and advances to customers
amounting to £7.6
billion.
The group also has exposure to
counterparties with which it places
deposits or trades, and also has
We seek to minimise our
exposure to credit losses from our
lending by:

applying strict lending criteria
when testing the credit quality
and covenant of the borrower;

maintaining consistent and
conservative loan to value
ratios with low average loan
size and short-term tenors;

lending on a predominantly
secured basis against
Credit losses have again
remained low during the year to
31 July 2019 while other
counterparty exposures are
broadly unchanged with the
majority of our liquidity
requirements and surplus
funding placed with the Bank of
England.
Risk Mitigation Change
Credit Risk
continued
in place a small number of
derivative contracts to hedge
interest rate and foreign exchange
exposures.
identifiable and accessible
assets;

maintaining rigorous and
timely collections and arrears
management processes; and

operating strong control and
governance both within our
lending businesses and with
oversight by a central credit
risk team.
Our exposures to counterparties
are mitigated by:

excess liquidity of £1.1
billion
placed with the Bank of
England;

continuous monitoring of the
credit quality of our
counterparties within
approved set limits; and

Winterflood's trading relating
to exchange traded cash
securities being settled on a
delivery versus payment
basis. Counterparty exposure
and settlement failure
monitoring controls are also in
place.
We continue to monitor closely
the uncertainty over Brexit and
the UK economic outlook
combined with rising consumer
debt levels. These factors
could
increase the risk of higher credit
losses in the future.
Further commentary on the credit
quality of our loan book is
outlined on pages 30 to 33
of the
group's Annual Report.
Further
details on loans and advances to
customers and debt securities
held are in notes 11 and 12 on
pages
125
to 128
of the group's
Annual Report.
Our approach to credit risk
management and monitoring is
outlined in more detail in note 28
on page 148
of the group's
Annual Report.
Economic environment
Any downturn in economic
conditions may impact the group's
performance through:

lower demand
for the group's
products and services;

lower investor risk appetite as a
result of financial markets
instability;

higher credit losses as a result
of
the inability of our customers
to service debt and lower asset
values on which loans are
secured; and

increased volatility in funding
markets.
The group's business model
aims to ensure that we are able
to trade successfully and support
our clients in all economic
conditions. By maintaining a
strong financial position we aim
to be able to absorb short-term
economic downturns, continuing
to lend when competitors pull
back and in so doing building
long-term relationships by
supporting our clients when it
really matters.
We test the robustness of our
financial position by carrying out
regular stress
testing on our
performance and financial
position in the event of adverse
economic conditions.
Although UK economic
performance has remained
largely resilient to date, economic
uncertainty and risk to the
macroeconomic outlook remains
elevated due to Brexit and wider
global events. While a broadly
stable macroeconomic backdrop
is anticipated in our current base
case scenario, stress testing and
contingency planning continue to
be employed to support
preparedness for a range of
possible scenarios. The potential
economic impacts of the UK's
planned departure from the EU
continue to be closely monitored
through the firm's emerging risk
framework.
Further commentary
on the
Risk Mitigation Change
Economic environment
continued
attributes and resilience of the
group's diversified business
model is shown on pages 14 and
15
of the group's Annual Report.
Legal and regulatory
Failure to comply with existing
The group seeks to manage these
risks by:
legal, regulatory or tax
the implementation of
Financial services businesses
requirements, or to react to appropriate policies, standards remain the
subject of significant
changes to these requirements, and procedures and the use of regulatory scrutiny. Minimum
may have negative consequences risk-based monitoring capital
requirements are
for the group. programmes to test adherence; increasing as regulatory buffers

the provision of clear advice on
are phased in
and remain subject
Failing to treat customers fairly, to legal and regulatory to change by regulators. In
safeguard client assets or to
provide
advice and products
requirements, including in
relation to the scope of
addition to the regulatory
which are in clients' best interests regulatory permissions; uncertainties associated with
Brexit, there has
been growing
has the potential to damage our
responding in an appropriate,
regulatory focus on consumer
reputation and may lead to
legal
risk-based and proportionate borrowing, particularly
within
or regulatory sanctions,
litigation
manner to any changes
to the
motor finance, and on the
or
customer redress. This
applies
legal and regulatory customer experience within the
to current, past and future environment and those driven asset management industry. For
business. by any strategic initiatives; example, we continue to monitor
Similarly, changes to regulation
investing in training for all staff
the potential for regulatory change
in the motor finance market
and taxation can impact our including anti-money
laundering, bribery and
following publication of the FCA's
financial performance, capital and corruption, conduct risk,
data
final report in March 2019.
liquidity and the markets in which protection and information
we operate. security. Additional tailored
training for relevant employees
is provided in key areas such
as complaint handling;

maintaining constructive and
positive relationships and
dialogue with regulatory bodies
and tax authorities;

providing straightforward and
transparent products and
services to our clients;

reviewing and approving new
products and services through
a clear governance and
approval process;

maintaining a prudent capital
position with headroom above
minimum capital requirements.
Operational Risk The group seeks to
maintain its
The group is exposed to various operational resilience through:
operational risks through its day
sustaining robust operational
Market and regulatory
to-day operations, all of which
have the potential to result in
risk management processes,
governance and management
expectations continue to increase
in relation to operational risk
financial loss or adverse impact. information; management and resilience. In
line with this environment, the
Risk Mitigation Change
Operational Risk
continued
Losses typically crystallise as a
result of inadequate or failed
internal processes, people and
systems, or as a result of
external factors.
Adverse impacts to the business,
customers, third parties and the
markets in which we operate are
considered within a developing
focus on resilient end-to-end
delivery of critical business
services.

identifying key systems, third
party relationships, processes
and staff, to enable effective
investment decisions;

investing in technology to
provide reliable
and
contemporary customer
service offerings;

investing in cyber security
including expertise, tools and
staff engagement;

maintaining focus on data
protection;

adopting fraud prevention and
detection capabilities aligned
with our risk profile; and

testing
recovery capabilities
and planning communications
approaches for possible
scenarios.
group continues to develop and
evolve its capacity to reliably
deliver key services,
We continue to invest in and
upgrade our IT infrastructure,
third
party management
framework, operational
processes and cyber security
capability to keep
abreast of
these risks.
For further information on our
approach to operational
resilience and also our response
to cyber threats,
see page 71
of
the group's Annual Report.
Competition
The group operates in
competitive markets and
experiences competition from
traditional and new players,
varying in both nature and extent,
across its divisions.
Currently we are experiencing
particularly high levels of
competition within the Motor
Finance business and the
intermediated part of the Asset
Finance market.
Elevated levels of competition
may impact the group's ability to
write loans at its desired risk and
return criteria, resulting in lower
new business volumes and loss
of market share.
The group's long track record of
successful trading is supported
by a consistent and disciplined
approach to pricing and credit
quality, even in competitive
markets. This allows us to lend
profitably and continue to support
our customers at all stages in the
financial cycle.
We build long-term relationships
with our clients and
intermediaries based on:

the speed and flexibility of
services;

our local presence and
personal approach;

the experience of our people
and subject matter experts;
and

our offering of tailored and
client-driven product
solutions.
This differentiated approach and
the consistency of our lending
results in strong customer
relationships and high levels of
repeat business.
We are further protected by the
diversity of our loan book and
Despite high levels of
competition across each of our
businesses, our approach
remains unchanged as we focus
on supporting our clients,
maintaining underwriting
standards and investing in our
business.
Further commentary on the
market environment of the
Banking division is outlined on
page 30
of the group's Annual
Report. Our business model is
set out on pages 14 and 15
of
the group's Annual Report.
Risk Mitigation Change
Competition
continued
product portfolio, which provides
resilience against competitive
pressure in any one part of our
markets.
Employees
The quality and expertise of our
employees is critical to the
success of the group. The loss of
key individuals or teams may
have an adverse impact on the
group's operations and ability to
deliver its strategy.
The group seeks to attract, retain
and develop staff by:

operating remuneration and
benefits structures which are
competitive and recognise
and reward performance;

creating an inclusive
environment that embraces
diversity;

listening to employee
feedback through
engagement
surveys and
developing action plans;

implementing succession
planning for key roles;

improving our talent pipeline
via our graduate and school
leavers programmes and our
sales training academy in
Asset Finance;

investing in training and
development for all staff; and

delivering leadership
development programmes
that identify current and
future leaders for the group.
Our highly skilled people are
likely to be targeted by
competitors, but we are confident
in our ability to retain key
employees.
Further detail on the employee
survey and our investment in our
people is outlined in the
Sustainability Report on pages
42 to 51
of the group's Annual
Report.
Funding and liquidity
The Banking division's access to
funding remains key to support
our lending activities and the
liquidity requirements of the
group.
Our funding approach is based
on the principle of "borrow long,
lend short". The average maturity
of funding allocated to the loan
book was 20 months at 31 July
2019. This compares to our
weighted average loan
maturity
of 14 months.
Our funding is diversified both by
source and channel, and by type
and tenor. Liquidity in our
Banking division is
assessed on
a daily basis to ensure adequate
liquidity is held and remains
readily accessible in stressed
conditions.
At 31 July 2019 the group's
funding position was strong with
total available
funding equal to
129% of the loan book. This
While economic uncertainty
always has the potential to
impact funding markets, the
group remains conservatively
funded and continues to have
access to a wide range of
funding sources and products.
Our new customer deposit
platform will further increase our
funding resilience with access to
a wider range of deposit and
savings products, and an online
distribution capability.
This diversity of funding,
combined with relatively long
tenor when compared to the
average duration of our lending,
means we are well placed to
meet any future market
challenges or constraints.
Risk Mitigation Change
Funding and liquidity
continued
provides a prudent level of
liquidity to support our lending
activities.
Further commentary on funding
and liquidity is provided on pages
28
and 29
of the group's Annual
Report. Further financial analysis
of our funding is shown in note
19 on page 135 of the group's
Annual Report.
Market risk
Market volatility impacting equity
and fixed income exposures,
and/or changes in interest and
exchange rates, have the
potential to impact the group's
performance.
Our policy is to minimise interest
rate risk by matching fixed and
variable interest rate assets and
liabilities, and using swaps where
appropriate. The capital and
reserves of the group do not
have interest rate liabilities and
as such are not hedged.
Foreign exchange exposures are
generally hedged using foreign
exchange forwards or currency
swaps with exposures monitored
daily against approved limits.
Winterflood is a market
maker
providing liquidity to its clients in
equity and fixed income
instruments. Our trading is
predominantly short-term,
with
most transactions settling within
two days. Trading positions are
monitored on a real
time basis.
The group's approach and the
underlying risks are unchanged.
Further detail on the group's
exposure to market risk is
outlined in note 28
on pages 154
to 155
of the group's Annual
Report.
The sensitivity analysis on
interest rate exposures shown in
note 28
on page 154
of the
group's Annual Report
demonstrates the limited level of
exposure to interest rate and
foreign exchange movements.

Emerging risks

The group utilises an established framework to monitor its portfolio for emerging risks, supporting organisational readiness for external volatility.

This incorporates input and insight from both a top-down and bottom-up perspective:

  • Top-down: Emerging risks identified by directors and executives at a group level via the Group Risk and Compliance Committee and the board.
  • Bottom-up: Emerging risks identified at a business level and escalated, where appropriate, via risk updates into the Group Risk and Compliance Committee and the board.

Group-level emerging risks are monitored by the Group Risk and Compliance Committee and the Risk Committee on an ongoing basis, with agreed actions tracked to ensure the group's preparedness should an emerging risk crystallise.

Current group-level emerging risks are detailed below:

Emerging Risk Mitigating Actions
1.
Risk of economic and
political uncertainty as a
result of the UK's exit from
the EU
Brexit Forum established in 2016 to track ongoing developments and
develop appropriate contingency plans. Appropriate preparations made
for a potential "no deal" exit, including the establishment of a new Irish
subsidiary and subsequent approval of a Money
Lender licence in the
Republic of Ireland to support continuation of our continental Retail and
SME Premium Finance business.
2.
Risk of financial loss
resulting from the physical
or transitional impacts of
climate change
Climate Risk Working Group established in 2019 with responsibility for
developing an appropriate and regulatory-compliant firm-wide climate risk
framework. Senior management responsibility has been assigned
to the
group chief risk officer while the Risk Committee has assumed
responsibility for overseeing and challenging the developing framework.

Information on number of directorships

Information on the number of directorships held by members of the management body, and on the recruitment and diversity policy with regards to selection of members of the management body are shown in pages 52, 53 and 60 of the group's Annual Report.

In addition, Mike Biggs is a director of UK Insurance Limited and Churchill Insurance Company Limited. Geoffrey Howe is a director of Gateway Electronic Components Limited. Peter Duffy is a director of Nortonduff Ltd.

3. Key regulatory metrics

The table below summarises the key regulatory metrics on a transitional basis1 as at 31 July 2019:

31 July
2019
1 August
2018
31 July
2018
Key Metrics £ million £ million £ million
Regulatory capital
Common equity tier 1 ("CET1") capital 1,169.2 1,082.2 1,084.4
Tier 1 capital 1,169.2 1,082.2 1,084.4
Total capital 1,364.6 1,280.1 1,282.3
Total risk weighted assets ("RWAs") 8,967.4 8,542.6 8,547.5
Regulatory capital as a percentage of RWAs2
CET1 capital ratio 13.0% 12.7% 12.7%
Tier 1 capital ratio 13.0% 12.7% 12.7%
Total capital ratio 15.2% 15.0% 15.0%
Leverage ratio2 11.0% 10.6% 10.6%
Liquidity coverage ratio ("LCR")3 823% 1,038% 1,038%

1 Shown after applying IFRS9 transitional arrangements and CRR transitional and qualifying own funds arrangements.

2 At 31 July 2019, the fully loaded CET1 capital ratio is 12.6%, total capital ratio is 14.5% and leverage ratio is 10.7%. Further disclosures on transitional arrangements are provided in Appendices 3 and 4.

3 12 month average.

4. Capital resources

The table below summarises the composition of regulatory capital. The group's individual regulated entities and the group as a whole complied with all of the externally imposed capital requirements to which they are subject for the years ended 31 July 2019 and 31 July 2018.

31 July 1 August 31 July
2019 2018 2018
£ million £ million £ million
CET1 capital
Called up share capital 38.0 38.0 38.0
Retained earnings 1,392.5 1,282.8 1,327.7
Other reserves recognised for CET1 capital 19.0 21.3 21.3
Regulatory adjustments to CET1 capital
Intangible assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities (216.1) (198.1) (198.1)
Foreseeable dividend1 (65.7) (62.7) (62.7)
Investment in own shares (37.7) (37.6) (37.6)
Pension asset, net of associated deferred tax liabilities (5.3) (4.0) (4.0)
Prudent valuation adjustment (0.1) (0.2) (0.2)
IFRS 9 transitional arrangements2 44.6 42.7 -
CET1 capital 1,169.2 1,082.2 1,084.4
subordinated debt3
Tier 2 capital –
195.4 197.9 197.9
capital4
Total regulatory
1,364.6 1,280.1 1,282.3

1 Under the Regulatory Technical Standards on own funds, a deduction has been recognised at 31 July 2019 and 31 July 2018 for a foreseeable dividend being the proposed final dividend as set out in note 9 of the group's Annual Report.

2 The group has elected to apply IFRS 9 transitional arrangements for 31 July 2019, which allow the capital impact of expected credit losses to be phased in over a five-year period.

3 Shown after applying the CRR transitional and qualifying own funds arrangements. Further detail is provided in Appendix 2.

4 Total capital is shown on a transitional basis (see Section 3 "Key regulatory metrics").

The following table shows a reconciliation between equity and CET1 capital after deductions:

31 July 1 August 31 July
2019 2018 2018
£ million £ million £ million
Equity 1,406.4 1,303.8 1,348.7
Regulatory deductions to CET1 capital:
Intangible assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities (216.1) (198.1) (198.1)
Foreseeable dividend1 (65.7) (62.7) (62.7)
IFRS9 transitional arrangements 44.6 42.7 -
Pension asset, net of associated deferred tax liabilities (5.3) (4.0) (4.0)
Prudent valuation adjustment (0.1) (0.2) (0.2)
Other reserves not recognised for CET1
capital:
Cash flow hedging reserve 4.4 (0.1) (0.1)
Non-controlling interests 1.0 0.8 0.8
CET1
capital
1,169.2 1,082.2 1,084.4

1 Under the Regulatory Technical Standards on own funds, a deduction has been recognised at 31 July 2019 and 31 July 2018 for a foreseeable dividend being the proposed final dividend as set out in note 9 of the group's Annual Report.

4. Capital resources continued

The following table shows the movement in CET1 capital
during the year:
------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------
31
July
2019
£ million
CET1 capital at 31 July 2018 1,084.4
Profit in the period attributable to shareholders 201.6
Dividends paid and foreseen (98.5)
Reduction in shareholders' equity from IFRS9 (44.9)
IFRS9 transitional arrangements 44.6
Increase in intangible assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities (18.0)
Other movements
in
reserves recognised for
CET1 capital
Other movements in retained reserves 4.4
Decrease in share-based payments reserve (2.3)
Increase in
fair value through other comprehensive income reserves
(0.8)
Other
movements
in deductions from CET1
capital
Increase in pension assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities (1.3)
Investment in own shares (0.1)
Prudent
valuation adjustment
0.1
CET1
capital at 31 July 2019
1,169.2

A reconciliation of regulatory capital to the balance sheet is shown in Appendices 1 and 4.

5. Capital adequacy

The group's policy is to be well capitalised and its approach to capital management is driven by strategic and organisational requirements, while also taking into account the regulatory and commercial environments in which it operates. The group maintains a strong capital base to support the development of the business and to ensure the group meets the Total Capital Requirement ("TCR") and additional Capital Requirements Directive buffers at all times.

Our total Pillar 2 add-on remains at 1.9%, of which 56% or 1.1% needs to be met with CET1 capital. As a result, the group maintains capital adequacy ratios above minimum regulatory requirements, which are currently set at a minimum CET1 capital ratio of 9.0% and a minimum total capital ratio of 13.4%.

The minimum requirements are both inclusive of TCR, the capital conservation buffer ("CCB", currently 2.5% for both CET1 capital and total capital) and the countercyclical capital buffer ("CCyB"). In November 2018 the UK CCyB rate increased from 0.5% to 1% and in July 2019 the Ireland CCyB rate increased from 0% to 1%. This results in an effective weighted buffer of 0.96% for the group funded entirely from CET1 capital. Further details of the group's CCyB rate are provided in section 6 "Regulatory capital buffers".

Internal capital adequacy assessment process ("ICAAP")

The group undertakes a group-wide internal capital adequacy assessment annually which is an integral part of the group's risk management processes. The main output from the process is an assessment of all material risks faced by the group, determination of the level of capital required to be held against each major source of risk and an analysis of a number of severe stress tests over a three-year time horizon, which is the group's standard business planning timescale. Management at all levels within the group are involved in carrying out risk assessments for their business units, having input into stress testing and scenario analysis and where necessary approving inputs into the process. The ICAAP is subject to detailed review and challenge by both the GRCC and by the Risk Committee, before approval by the board.

5. Capital adequacy continued

Capital requirement

The group's Pillar 1 capital requirement is set out in the table below. The Pillar 1 requirement in respect of credit risk is based on 8% of the RWAs for each of the following standardised exposure classes.

2019 2018
£
million
£
million
Credit risk -
standardised approach
Central governments or central banks 10.0 9.6
Regional governments or local authorities 0.1 0.1
Public sector entities 0.1 0.1
Institutions 8.2 6.8
Corporates 150.6 133.3
Retail 206.6 200.4
Secured by mortgages on immovable property 18.6 15.6
Exposures in default 10.6 11.7
Items associated with particularly
high risk
192.6 195.0
Equity 0.1 -
Other items 34.6 32.7
632.1 605.3
standardised approach1,2
Operational risk -
70.8 67.7
Counterparty credit risk 2.3 3.1
trading book2
Market risk -
Interest rate PRR3 0.3 1.0
Equity PRR3 3.3 4.9
PRR3,4
Collective investment undertakings
6.5 -
non-trading book2
Market risk -
Foreign currency PRR3 2.1 1.8
Total Pillar 1 capital requirement 717.4 683.8

1 The Standardised Approach is used for Securities, Asset Management and non-lending income in the Banking division. The Alternative Standardised Approach is applied to the loan book and securities exposures in the Banking division.

2 Further details on operational and market risk can be found in section 2 'Risk Management Objectives and Policies'.

3 Position Risk Requirement.

4 Reclassification of investment trusts which were previously treated as equity.

The increase of £33.6 million in the capital requirements during the year was driven by growth in credit risk associated with the loan book. Capital requirements for operational risk increased reflecting increased revenues and loan book growth over recent years.

6. Regulatory capital buffers

The following regulatory capital buffers apply to CBG:

Capital conservation buffer

The CCB applies to banks and has been developed to ensure capital buffers are available which can be drawn upon during periods of stress if required. As of 31 July 2019, the buffer was 2.5% of RWAs.

Countercyclical capital buffer

The countercyclical buffer is intended to protect the banking sector against losses that could be caused by cyclical systemic risks. In each jurisdiction the relevant authority (the Bank of England in the UK) sets an individual CCyB rate based on their assessment of systemic risks in that jurisdiction. Accordingly, each institution calculates its specific CCyB based on a weighted average of the CCyB rates for each jurisdiction in which it has an exposure. In November 2018 the UK CCyB rate increased from 0.5% to 1.0% and in July 2019 the Irish CCyB rate was raised to 1.0%.

The table below shows the geographical distribution of credit exposures relevant for the calculation of the countercyclical capital buffer as at 31 July 2019 1 :

General Trading book Own funds requirements
credit exposures Of which: Of which:
exposures Sum of long and General Trading
Exposure short trading credit book Own funds CCyB
Breakdown by value book positions exposures exposures Total requirement rate
country2 £ million £ million £ million £ million £ million weighting %
United Kingdom 7,054.6 41.5 564.4 3.3 567.7 0.86 1.0%
Ireland 808.6 0.1 64.7 - 64.7 0.10 1.0%
Jersey 121.1 0.3 9.7 - 9.7 0.02 0.0%
Germany 77.9 - 6.2 - 6.2 0.01 0.0%
Isle of Man 50.7 0.1 4.1 - 4.1 0.01 0.0%
Guernsey 32.0 0.8 2.5 0.1 2.6 0.00 0.0%
Malta 17.7 - 1.4 - 1.4 0.00 0.0%
Monaco 14.4 - 1.2 - 1.2 0.00 0.0%
British Virgin
Islands 7.9 - 0.6 - 0.6 0.00 0.0%
Cyprus 3.2 - 0.3 - 0.3 0.00 0.0%
Cayman Islands 2.8 - 0.2 - 0.2 0.00 0.0%
Poland 2.8 - 0.2 - 0.2 0.00 0.0%
Gibraltar 2.1 - 0.2 - 0.2 0.00 0.0%
Others3 0.3 0.2 - - - 0.00 0.0%
Total 8,196.1 43.0 655.7 3.4 659.1 1.00

The table below shows the amount of institution-specific CCyB as at 31 July 2019 1 :

2019
£ million
Total risk exposure amount4 8,967.4
Institution-specific CCyB
rate
(%)
0.96%
Institution-specific CCyB
requirement
86.1

1 The two tables above follow the templates set out in the relevant EU Delegated Act, except certain columns have been omitted that are not relevant. In accordance with the Delegated Act and CRR requirements, exposures to central governments or central banks, regional governments or local authorities, public sector entities and institutions are excluded.

2 Exposures are classified by the domicile of the counterparty.

3 Included in 'others' are immaterial exposures to France, to which 0.25% CCyB applies.

4 'Total Risk Exposure Amount' is equivalent to RWAs (see Section 3 "Key Regulatory Metrics").

7. Counterparty credit risk

Counterparty credit risk is the risk of loss as a result of a counterparty to a transaction defaulting before the final settlement of the transaction's cash flows.

Counterparty credit risk derives from derivative exposures, including the regulatory credit valuation adjustment, and from exposures arising in the Securities division trading in the cash markets with regulated counterparties on a delivery versus payment basis such that any credit exposure is limited to price movements in the underlying securities. It also includes secured financing transactions and exposures resulting from free deliveries in the Securities division.

Derivative exposures are first measured using the mark-to-market method and subsequently risk weighted under the standardised approach.

The table in Section 5 "Capital adequacy" shows that counterparty credit risk amounts to less than 1% (2018: less than 1%) of the overall capital requirement. Consequently, on the grounds of materiality no further detail is provided on this risk in accordance with EBA's EBA/GL/2014/14 guidance.

8. Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of a reduction in earnings and/or value as a result of the failure of a counterparty or associated party with whom the group has contracted to meet its obligations as they fall due. Credit risk across the group arises mainly through the lending and treasury activities of the Banking division. The following tables analyse regulatory credit risk exposures:

Average
exposure in
2019 2018 2019
£ million £ million £ million
Central governments or central banks 1,204.7 1,233.1 987.7
Regional governments or local authorities 5.8 4.7 5.9
Public sector entities 6.7 7.9 7.1
Institutions 349.7 390.7 420.7
Corporates 2,009.6 1,803.6 1,947.1
Retail 3,799.8 3,687.0 3,682.6
Secured by mortgages on immovable property 241.1 201.5 211.5
Exposures in default 107.2 102.1 132.6
Items associated with particularly
high risk
1,604.9 1,625.0 1,596.4
Equity 0.9 - 0.2
Other items 432.6 408.8 441.7
9,763.0 9,464.4 9,433.5

The exposures are before applying risk weightings and include undrawn commitments after the application of the applicable credit conversion factors. The retail exposure class consists of loans to individuals and small and medium sized entities ("SMEs") with similar characteristics.

As at 31 July 2019, the group's exposure to SMEs is £4,829 million (including undrawn commitments) (2018: £4,647 million).

United Rest
Kingdom2 Europe of
world
Total
£ million £ million £ million £ million
Central governments or central banks 1,154.6 50.1 - 1,204.7
Regional governments or local authorities 5.8 - - 5.8
Public sector entities 6.7 - - 6.7
Institutions 217.7 87.5 44.5 349.7
Corporates 1,754.9 248.3 6.4 2,009.6
Retail 3,134.5 665.3 - 3,799.8
Secured by mortgages on immovable property 237.1 2.8 1.2 241.1
Exposure in default 99.3 7.5 0.4 107.2
Items associated with particularly
high risk
1,599.9 2.1 2.9 1,604.9
Equity 0.9 - - 0.9
Other items 431.8 0.8 - 432.6
Total 8,643.2 1,064.4 55.4 9,763.0

Geographic distribution of exposures1 by regulatory exposure asset class at 31 July 2019:

1 Exposures are classified by the domicile of the counterparty.

2 Includes Crown dependencies.

Residual maturity breakdown by regulatory exposure asset class on a contractual basis1 at 31 July 2019:

Three
Less than months
to
One to five More than
three months one year years five years Total
£ million £ million £ million £ million £ million
Central governments or central banks 1,108.5 12.2 32.7 51.3 1,204.7
Regional governments or local
authorities - 0.2 4.7 0.9 5.8
Public sector entities - 1.3 5.4 - 6.7
Institutions 129.1 220.6 - - 349.7
Corporates 751.2 242.1 838.7 177.6 2,009.6
Retail 170.4 1,076.3 2,472.2 80.9 3,799.8
Secured by mortgages on immovable
property 48.0 66.7 126.4 - 241.1
Items associated with particularly
high
risk 635.0 753.6 216.3 - 1,604.9
Other items 232.5 49.5 130.2 20.4 432.6
Total 3,074.7 2,422.5 3,826.6 331.1 9,654.9
Exposures in default 107.2
Equity 0.9
9,763.0

1 Exposures repaid in instalments have been allocated in the maturity bucket corresponding to the last instalment.

Impairment of financial assets

For accounting purposes, expected credit losses are recognised for loans and advances to customers and banks, other financial assets held at amortised cost, financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts.

Under IFRS 9, financial assets are allocated to one of three stages based on the level of credit risk associated with the asset. At initial recognition, a provision is recognised for 12 months of expected credit losses. These financial assets are considered to be in Stage 1. If a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition occurs, with a 30-days past due back stop, a provision is made for the lifetime expected credit losses. These financial assets are considered to be in Stage 2. A financial asset will remain classified as Stage 2 until the credit risk has improved such that it no longer represents a significant increase since origination and will be returned to Stage 1.

When objective evidence exists that a financial asset is credit impaired, such as a credit default event has occurred or an unlikeness to pay indicator has been identified, with a 90-days past due back stop, the financial asset is considered to be in Stage 3.

Loans and advances to customers are written off against the related provisions when there are no reasonable expectations of further recovery. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off decrease the amount of impairment losses recorded in the income statement.

The calculation of expected credit losses for loans and advances to customers, either on 12-month or lifetime basis, is based on the probability of default ("PD"), adjusted to reflect a range of forward-looking macroeconomic scenarios, the estimated exposure at default ("EAD") and the estimated loss given default ("LGD"). EAD and LGD are adjusted to account for the impact of discounting using the effective interest. Some Stage 3 assets are subject to individual rather than collective assessment.

The PD represents the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on its financial obligation either over the next 12 months or over the remaining lifetime of the obligation. EAD is based on the amounts we expect to be owed at the time of default. LGD represents our expectation of the extent of loss on a defaulted exposure after taking into account cash recoveries including the value of collateral held. For further details see page 113 of the group's Annual Report.

Definition of past due

A financial asset is treated as past due when a counterparty has failed to make a payment when contractually due. As described above, where payment on a financial asset is more than thirty days past due the financial asset would be considered Stage 2, and likewise Stage 3 where it is more than ninety days past due.

Definition of default

For accounting purposes, loans and advances to customers are considered defaulted when the borrower is in breach of contract, is bankrupt, or experiences other significant financial difficulties which are expected to have a detrimental impact on their ability to pay interest or principal on the loan. This includes events such as administration, insolvency, repossession of assets and voluntary termination or surrender. As a backstop, all financial assets that are 90 days past due are considered as defaulted.

For regulatory purposes, a financial asset is treated as in default when a payment is 90 days past the contractual due date or the counterparty is considered unlikely to pay its credit obligations in full. The regulatory definition of default captures all financial assets classified within Stage 3.

Impairment provisions

For regulatory purposes, provisions are classified as either general or specific as per the definitions in Article 110 of the CRR. The group does not have any general provisions, and all provisions are therefore captured as specific credit risk adjustments.

Analysis of loans and impairments

The tables below analyse loans and impairment balances as at 31 July 2019.

Exposure type analysis of defaulted and non-defaulted exposures alongside associated credit risk adjustments. The analysis below covers loans and advances to customers as per note 11 of the group's Annual Report and includes undrawn commitments after the application of the applicable credit conversion factors at 31 July 2019:

A B C D E
Gross carrying values of Specific Net Credit risk
adjustment
Defaulted
exposures1
Non-defaulted
exposures
credit risk
adjustment
values
(A+B-C)
charges in
the period
Stage 3
£ million
Stages 1 & 2
£ million
All stages
£ million
£ million £ million
Regional governments
or
- 5.9 0.1 5.8 -
local authorities
Public sector entities - 6.7 - 6.7 -
Corporates - 2,016.4 6.8 2,009.6 1.0
Retail - 3,819.8 20.0 3,799.8 3.8
Secured by mortgages on - 241.3 0.2 241.1 0.1
immovable property
Exposures in default 132.1 - 24.9 107.2 34.5
Items associated with 54.1 1,559.3 8.5 1,604.9 2.2
particularly high risk
Total
loans and advances to
186.2 7,649.4 60.5 7,775.1 41.6
customers
Other credit risk 1,987.9
exposures2
Total 9,763.0

1 Stage 3 exposures are all categorised as exposures in default except where they are high risk.

2 Includes central governments, central banks, institutions, equity and other assets.

Counterparty type analysis of defaulted and non-defaulted exposures alongside associated credit risk adjustments. The analysis below covers loans and advances to customers as per note 11 of the group's Annual Report and includes undrawn commitments after the application of the applicable credit conversion factors at 31 July 2019:

A
B
Gross carrying value of
C
Specific
credit risk
adjustment
D
Net values
(A+B-C)
E
Credit risk
adjustment
charges in
the period
Defaulted
exposures
Non-defaulted
exposures
Stage 3 Stages 1 & 2 All stages
£ million £ million £ million £ million £ million
Regional governments
or
- 5.9 0.1 5.8 -
local authorities
Public sector entities - 6.7 - 6.7 -
Financial corporations 2.6 69.2 0.5 71.3 1.8
Non-financial corporations 142.8 5,010.3 37.6 5,115.5 21.1
Households 40.8 2,557.3 22.3 2,575.8 18.7
Total loans and advances 186.2 7,649.4 60.5 7,775.1 41.6
to customers
Other credit risk exposures1 1,987.9
Total 9,763.0

1 Includes central governments, central banks, institutions, equity and other assets.

Geographical analysis of defaulted and non-defaulted exposures alongside associated credit risk adjustments. The analysis below covers loans and advances to customers as per note 11 of the group Annual Report and includes undrawn commitments after the application of the applicable credit conversion factors at 31 July 2019:

A
B
Gross carrying value of
C
Specific
credit risk
adjustment
D
Net values
(A+B-C)
E
Credit risk
adjustment
charges in
the period
Defaulted
exposures
Non-defaulted
exposures
Stage 3 Stages 1 & 2 All stages
£ million £ million £ million £ million £ million
United Kingdom1 176.6 6,746.5 57.7 6,865.4 35.2
Europe 9.2 892.5 2.8 898.9 6.4
Rest of the world 0.4 10.4 - 10.8 -
Total loans and advances 186.2 7,649.4 60.5 7,775.1 41.6
to customers
Other credit risk exposures2 1,987.9
Total 9,763.0

1 Includes Crown dependencies.

2 Includes central governments, central banks, institutions, equity and other assets.

The below two tables show the movement in specific credit risk adjustments relating to loans and advances to customers, and the charge to the income statement from impairment losses in the period. For further details see note 11 of the group's Annual Report.

£ million
At 31 July 2018 39.1
IFRS 9 transition 58.2
At 1 August
2018
97.3
Charge to the income statement 41.6
Write offs (34.6)
As 31 July
2019
under IFRS 9 rules
104.3
Derecognised under IFRS 9 transitional arrangements (43.8)
As 31 July
2019 under CRR rules
60.5

£ million
Impairment losses relating to loans and advances to customers
Charge to income statement arising from movement in impairment provisions 41.6
Amount written off directly to income statement, net of recoveries
and other costs
5.8
47.4
Impairment losses relating to other financial assets 1.1
Impairment losses on financial assets 48.5

9. Credit risk: standardised approach

The group uses external credit assessments provided by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") to determine the risk weight of rated counterparties in each standardised credit risk exposure class. Moody's is recognised by the PRA as an eligible external credit assessment institution for the purposes of calculating credit risk requirements under the standardised approach. The external ratings of Moody's are mapped to the prescribed credit quality step assessment scale that in turn produces standard risk weightings. Exposures to central governments and central banks that have obtained a 0% risk weight from using external credit assessments are omitted from the tables below.

The tables below show the exposure amounts associated with the credit quality steps for any rated exposures and the relevant risk weightings as at 31 July 2019 (only credit quality steps with exposures are shown):

Institutions

Exposure
Credit quality step Moody's rating Risk weight £
million
1 Aaa to Aa3 20% 230.1
2 A1 to A3 50% / 20%1 118.3

Total rated exposures 348.4

1 20% risk weight applies where residual maturity is three months or less.

Corporates

Credit quality step Moody's rating Risk weight Exposure
£
million
3 Baa1 to Baa3 100% 0.1
5 B1 to B3 150% 33.7
Total
rated exposures
33.8

10. Credit risk mitigation

In the normal course of business cash collateral (margin) is posted by the counterparty to collateralise the mark to market exposure on a derivative portfolio. This covers £12.4 million of exposures within the institutions exposure class.

As explained in section 2 "Risk management objectives and policies" and in note 28 of the group's Annual Report, the majority of the Banking division's lending is secured. The security taken does not result in any reduction in RWAs under the standardised approach to credit risk. The group does not make use of onbalance sheet netting.

11. Non-trading book exposures in equities

At 31 July 2019, the group had £1.0 million of equity investments, all of which are unlisted. Under IFRS 9, which applied from 1 August 2018, all non-trading book equity shares were classified as fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL"). Prior to the application of IFRS 9 these shares had been classified as available for sale.

For regulatory purposes £0.9 million of equity investments are classified as equity and £0.1 million are classified as high risk. The capital requirement amounted to £0.1 million. Cumulative realised gains from sales in the period were nil and unrealised gains recognised were £0.6 million.

The accounting policies under IFRS 9 for classifying and valuing financial assets under FVTPL are outlined below.

Financial assets classification and measurement

Financial assets are classified at initial recognition on the basis of the business model within which they are managed and their contractual cash flow characteristics. The classification categories are amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income and fair value through profit or loss.

Financial assets are classified at fair value through profit or loss where they do not meet the criteria to be measured at amortised cost or fair value through other comprehensive income or where they are designated at fair value through profit or loss to reduce an accounting mismatch. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are recognised at fair value. Transaction costs are not added to or deducted from the initial fair value, they are immediately recognised in profit or loss on initial recognition. Gains and losses that subsequently arise on changes in fair value are recognised in the income statement.

Movements in equity shares in the year to 31 July 2019 were as follows:

FVTPL
£
million
At 31 July 2018 0.5
Disposals (0.2)
Equity shares classified as FVTPL 0.7
At 31 July 2019 1.0

12. Interest rate risk in the non-trading book

The group's exposure to interest rate risk arises in the Banking division and the remainder of this section relates to the Banking division accordingly. Interest rate risk in the group's other divisions is considered to be immaterial.

The group has a simple and transparent balance sheet and a low appetite for interest rate risk which is limited to that required to operate efficiently. The group's policy is to match repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities naturally where possible or by using interest rate swaps to secure the margin on its loans and advances to customers. These interest rate swaps are disclosed in note 14 of the group's Annual Report.

The Asset and Liability Committee ("ALCO") monitors the interest rate risk exposure across the balance sheet monthly. There are three main sources of interest rate risk recognised, which could adversely impact future income or the value of the balance sheet:

  • repricing risk occurs when assets and liabilities reprice at different times;
  • embedded optionality risk occurs as a result of special conditions attached to contract terms embedded in some loans; and
  • basis risk occurs where there is a mismatch in the interest rate reference rate for assets and liabilities.

12. Interest rate risk in the non-trading book continued

Interest rate risk in the Banking division is measured by applying key behavioural and modelling assumptions including but not limited to fixed rate loans subject to prepayment risk, behaviour of nonmaturity assets and liabilities, treatment of own equity in economic value measures, and the expectation of interest rate options. This is performed under the six prescribed rate interest rate shocks and four additional internal stress tests.

The table below sets out the assessed impact on our base case earnings at risk ("EaR") due to a parallel shift in interest rates as at 31 July 2019:

2019
£ million
0.5% increase (4.0)
0.5% decrease 5.1

The average impact in 2019 on our base case EaR measure due to a parallel 0.5% increase or decrease in interest rates was a £4.3 million decrease and £5.2 million increase respectively.

The table below sets out the assessed impact on our base case economic value of equity due to a shift in interest rates as at 31 July 2019:

2019
£ million
0.5% increase -
0.5% decrease -

The above analysis is calculated in sterling as the group's exposure to foreign exchange risk is immaterial. More information on the group's foreign currency risk is disclosed in note 28 of the group's Annual Report.

13. Leverage

The leverage ratio is a transparent, comparable measure not affected by risk weightings. It is calculated as tier 1 capital divided by adjusted balance sheet exposure. The level of leverage is actively monitored and regularly assessed alongside capital and capital ratios, as described in Section 5 "Capital adequacy". The following three tables follow the formats that are prescribed by the European Banking Authority ("EBA").

Table LRSum: Summary reconciliation of accounting assets and leverage ratio exposures:

CRR leverage
ratio exposure
2019
£ million
Total assets as per published financial statements 10,561.3
Adjustments for derivative financial instruments 23.8
Adjustments for securities financing transactions ("SFTs") 10.9
Adjustments for off-balance sheet items (i.e. conversion to credit equivalent amounts of
off
172.0
balance sheet exposures)
Other adjustments (184.0)
Total leverage exposure 10,584.0

13. Leverage continued

Table LRCom: Leverage ratio common disclosure1 :

CRR leverage
ratio exposure
2019
£ million
On-balance sheet exposures (excluding derivatives and SFTs):
On-balance sheet items (excluding derivatives and SFTs, but including collateral) 10,531.2
Asset amounts deducted in determining Tier 1 capital2 (184.0)
Total on-balance sheet exposures (excluding derivatives and SFTs) 10,347.2
Derivative exposures:
Replacement cost associated with all derivatives transactions (i.e.
net of eligible cash
variation margin)
35.1
Add-on amounts for potential future exposure
associated with all derivatives transactions
(mark-to-market method)
18.8
Total derivative exposures 53.9
Securities financing transaction exposures:
Counterparty credit risk exposure for SFT assets
10.9
Total securities financing transaction exposures 10.9
Other off-balance sheet exposures:
Off-balance sheet exposures at gross notional amount
1,104.7
Adjustments for conversion to credit equivalent amounts (932.7)
Other off-balance sheet exposures 172.0
Capital and total exposures:
Tier 1 capital 1,169.2
Total leverage ratio exposure 10,584.0
Leverage ratio3 11.0%

1 The table above follows the template set out in the relevant EU guidance, except certain irrelevant rows have been omitted.

2 Includes intangible assets and IFRS 9 transitional arrangements.

3 The leverage ratio is calculated on a transitional basis. The fully loaded leverage ratio is 10.7%.

13. Leverage continued

Table LRSpl: Split of on-balance sheet exposures (excluding derivatives, SFTs and exempted exposures):

CRR Leverage
Ratio Exposure
2019
£ million
Total on-balance sheet exposures (excluding derivatives, SFTs and exempted 10,347.2
exposures), of which:
Trading book exposures 666.1
Banking book exposures, of which: 9,681.1
Exposures treated as sovereigns 1,204.7
Exposures to regional governments, local authorities
and public sector entities not
12.5
treated as sovereigns
Institutions 349.7
Secured by mortgages of immovable property 240.4
Retail exposures 3,759.1
Corporates 1,981.0
Exposures in default 107.2
Exposures associated with
a particularly high risk
1,593.0
Other exposures (e.g.
equity, securitisation, and other non-credit obligation assets)
433.5

Leverage is monitored on a monthly basis and historically moves in line with the group's CET1 ratio. Over the year, the leverage ratio has increased from 10.6% to 11.0% reflecting continued profitability.

14. Funding and liquidity

The group's Treasury function manages the funding and liquidity required to support our business. We maintain a conservative approach, with diverse funding sources and a prudent maturity profile. Our funding remains diverse with a wide range of retail and corporate deposits, wholesale facilities, senior unsecured debt and subordinated debt issuances. As explained in section 15 "Securitisation", we have secured funding facilities including securitising our insurance premium and motor loan receivables. This diversity increases resilience by reducing reliance on any individual source of funding.

The group maintains a strong liquidity position, ensuring it is consistently ahead of both internal risk appetite and regulatory requirements. The majority of our liquidity requirements and surplus funding are held in the form of high quality liquid assets ("HQLA"). We regularly assess and stress test our liquidity requirements and continue to meet the liquidity coverage ratio requirements under the CRR. For further details see pages 28 and 29 of the group's Annual Report.

The table below shows the group's liquidity buffer, total net cash outflows and the LCR, averaged over a 12 month period to 31 July 2019.

12 month average
2019
£ million
Liquidity buffer1 875.3
Total net cash outflows2 106.3
Liquidity coverage ratio (%) 823%

1 The liquidity buffer consists of HQLA after applying regulatory defined weightings.

2 Weighted cash outflows net of weighted cash inflows capped at 75% of outflows.

15. Securitisation

The group has securitised without recourse and restrictions £1,299.0 million (31 July 2018: £1,499.3 million) of its insurance premium and motor loan receivables in return for cash and asset-backed securities in issue of £949.8 million (31 July 2018: £983.3 million). This includes £35.4 million (31 July 2018: £118.1 million) asset-backed securities in issue retained for liquidity purposes. As the group has retained exposure to substantially all the credit risk and rewards of the residual benefit of the underlying assets it continues to recognise these assets in loans and advances to customers in its consolidated balance sheet. As a result, CRR Article 243 does not apply when calculating risk weighted assets on the securitised loans, and no further disclosures are required.

16. Asset encumbrance

Asset encumbrance is the process by which assets are pledged in order to secure, collateralise or creditenhance a financial transaction from which they cannot be freely withdrawn.

The Pillar 3 asset encumbrance disclosure templates, shown below, have been compiled in accordance with EBA regulatory reporting requirements. As such the values disclosed are presented as a median calculation rather than point in time and will therefore differ from the disclosures contained in the group's Annual Report.

Template A: Encumbered and unencumbered assets (median value1 ):

2019 Carrying amount:
encumbered assets
of which
HQLA2
2019
2019 Carrying amount:
unencumbered assets
of which
HQLA
2019
Assets of the reporting institution £ million
2,156
£ million
39
£ million
7,914
£ million
807
Equity instruments3 3 1 27 1
Debt securities3 10 10 381 51
of which: issued by general governments 10 10 56 51
of which: issued by financial corporations - - 323 -
of which: issued by non-financial corporations - - 1 -
Other assets 2,142 30 7,508 756

1 Calculated based on the last reporting date of each calendar quarter.

2 Notionally eligible HQLA.

3 Fair value of equity instruments and debt securities is equal to the carrying amount of encumbered and unencumbered assets.

Template B: Collateral received (median value1 ):

Fair value of encumbered Unencumbered
collateral received Fair value of collateral
received available for
encumbrance
of which
HQLA2
of which
HQLA
2019 2019 2019 2019
£ million £ million £ million £ million
Collateral received by the reporting 82 72 40 20
institution
Equity instruments 25 17 2 1
Debt securities 55 54 20 19
of which: issued by general governments 55 54 20 19
Other collateral received - - 14 -
Total assets, collateral received and 2,249 115
own debt securities issued

1 Calculated on the last reporting date of each calendar quarter.

2 Notionally eligible HQLA.

16. Asset encumbrance continued

Template C: Encumbered Assets, Collateral Received and Associated Liabilities (median value1 ):

Matching liabilities,
contingent liabilities or
securities lent
2019
Encumbered assets
and
collateral received
2019
£ million £ million
Carrying amount of selected financial liabilities 1,367 2,166

1 Calculated based on the last reporting date of each calendar quarter.

Information on importance of encumbrance

As an integral aspect of its business, the group engages in activities that result in certain assets being encumbered. The main activity relates to securitisation which is explained in section 15 "Securitisation" above, which includes comparatives, and from accessing the Bank of England's Term Funding Scheme (of which more information is set out in note 28 of the group's Annual Report). The group also pledges assets for repurchase agreements and securities borrowing agreements, mainly in our Securities division.

ALCO monitors the level of encumbrance to ensure it remains within approved risk appetite limits which are based on loan book and balance sheet encumbrance levels. Further information on asset encumbrance can be found in note 28 of the group's Annual Report under the section "Assets pledged and received as collateral" and "Financial assets: loans and advances to customers".

17. Remuneration

Approach to Remuneration

In accordance with the Remuneration Code, a firm must establish, implement and maintain remuneration policies, procedures and practices that are consistent with and promote sound and effective risk management. Policies and procedures must be comprehensive and proportionate to the nature, scale and complexity of the firm's activities. The group ensures its approach to remuneration, and in particular variable pay, is aligned with clear risk principles which aim to drive sustainable growth, with no reward for inappropriate risk taking.

The code and European regulatory technical standards require the group to identify material risk takers ("MRTs"), being those staff whose activities have a material impact on the firm's risk profile. The group employed a total of 89 individuals who were identified as MRTs for the year ended 31 July 2019.

Remuneration Committee ("RemCo") Membership

The membership of the RemCo is comprised of four non-executive directors. They are Bridget Macaskill, Oliver Corbett, Geoffrey Howe and Lesley Jones. The Committee met five times during the year.

RemCo Responsibilities

The RemCo's main responsibilities are to:

  • review and determine the total remuneration packages of executive directors and other senior executives in consultation with the chairman and chief executive and within the terms of the agreed policy;
  • approve the design of any performance related pay schemes operated by the group;
  • review the design of all employee share incentive plans;
  • ensure that contractual terms on termination and any payments made are fair to the individual and the group, that failure is not rewarded and that a duty to mitigate loss is fully recognised;
  • review any major changes in employee benefits structures throughout the group;
  • select, appoint and determine terms of reference for independent remuneration consultants to advise the RemCo on remuneration policy and levels of remuneration;
  • ensure that the remuneration structures in the group are compliant with the rules and requirements of regulators and relevant legislation;
  • ensure that provisions regarding disclosure of remuneration are fulfilled; and
  • seek advice from group chief risk officer to ensure remuneration structures and annual bonuses are appropriately aligned to the group's risk appetite.

Advice

During the year under review the RemCo consulted and took advice from Deloitte, the chairman of the board, the chief executive, the group head of human resources ("HR"), the group head of reward and HR operations, the group chief risk officer and the group company secretary. Where the committee seeks advice from employees, such as anyone in a control function, this never relates to their own remuneration.

Remuneration Philosophy

The reward structure aims to:

  • attract, motivate and retain high calibre employees across the group;
  • reward good performance;
  • promote the achievement of the group's annual plans and its longer term strategic objectives;
  • align the interests of employees with those of all key stakeholders in particular our shareholders, clients and regulators; and
  • support effective risk management, not encourage risk-taking that exceeds the level of tolerated risk of each division of the group and promote a positive client conduct culture.

Our Approach to Remuneration

The cultural attributes which unite our work force are prudence, integrity, teamwork, service, expertise and relationships. Together these define our culture and the positive behaviours that underpin the high service levels we deliver to our customers. In order to attract the calibre of employees who can support these attributes, compensation must be competitive and designed to encourage the right behaviours. Although the risk profile of the business is short-term in nature, we seek to promote prudence, strong client relationships and sustained performance over the medium to long term with a remuneration structure for executives and senior employees which includes levels of deferral of the annual bonus and a long term incentive plan ("LTIP") subject to performance measures applicable over a three year period.

All our businesses have a "pay for performance" model. Performance management is integral to our annual compensation review processes and assessment of performance for discretionary bonus awards takes into account a broad range of performance measures, both financial and non-financial. These include an assessment of risk management behaviour which ensures that negative behaviours are penalised, resulting in lower or no variable compensation, regardless of financial performance. Our review process to determine annual awards is detailed below.

Employees have individual performance objectives against which their personal performance is rated. These objectives cover both financial and non financial measures, including a risk and compliance objective appropriate to their role. Every employee is required to have a risk and compliance objective as part of their annual objectives. Assessment is based on current key performance indicators as well as long term actions where appropriate. We operate a rating approach to performance and employees are rated on a scale of exceptional to action required. We review distribution of performance ratings against a bell curve to encourage differentiation.

These ratings then feed the remuneration recommendations for all employees. There is a challenge process, which includes input from senior management and divisional HR, risk and compliance. There is then a further challenge process conducted by group HR and the group executives, with input from group risk, compliance and internal audit.

Employees in control function roles have within their total remuneration a greater proportion of fixed pay than those in the front office. Their variable compensation is determined independently from the business unit's performance they control. Group heads of the control functions provide oversight of compensation decisions within their functions, and all MRTs' compensation is reviewed and approved by the RemCo.

The group chief risk officer reports independently to the RemCo to ensure that risk and control considerations are accounted for when recommending the overall discretionary bonus proposals and individual bonuses. This process is based on: a top-down approach which considers risk at a portfolio level across the group and its businesses, by comparing the risk profile against risk appetite and a bottomup approach which considers individuals performance against their risk related objectives and contribution to the risk and control environment and associated culture.

The Committee believes the remuneration policies balance the requirements of all key stakeholders, including clients, shareholders, regulators and employees. The main metrics used to ensure an appropriate balance between shareholders and employees are (a) dividends as a % of total compensation which has remained within the narrow band of 31% - 34% over the last 3 years, and ( b ) the ratio of total compensation to adjusted operating income, which has decreased from 38% to 36% over the last 3 years.

The Committee believes that the group's good performance over the past three years shows that the group's remuneration policies provide an effective incentive for executives and employees while striking a balance between risk and reward for the business as a whole.

Remuneration Schemes for code staff

Remuneration code staff (also known as Material Risk Takers) comprises categories of staff whose professional activities have a material impact on the firm's risk profile ("code staff"). The remuneration of code staff is subject to specific requirements within the Remuneration Code.

Base Salary

The base salary is designed to attract and retain high calibre employees and reflect an employee's role, skills and knowledge. These are set annually based on the individual's role and experience, pay for the broader employee population and external factors, where applicable.

Discretionary bonus scheme

The majority of employees in the group have the potential to receive a performance related element of pay as part of their overall compensation package. This element is based on a combination of the overall assessment of the performance of the business and individual performance. Employees have individual objectives against which their personal performance is rated. In addition to the assessment of performance against these objectives (conducted by an individual's line manager as part of their overall performance review) the group chief risk officer reports independently to the RemCo on behalf of group risk, compliance and internal audit to ensure that any concerns highlighted by the control functions during the year are appropriately addressed in individual remuneration proposals.

A portion of any discretionary bonus above certain thresholds and for certain individuals is deferred. The group chief executive and group finance director have 60% of their award deferred and the group head of legal and regulatory affairs has 40% deferred. Deferral is generally made into Close Brothers Group plc shares but in certain areas, where it is appropriate for the business based on the risk profile of that business, this may be deferred in cash. The deferred awards for code staff are subject to forfeiture and malus provisions. The malus provisions mean that the awards may be subject to forfeiture or may be reduced after grant in certain adverse circumstances. The deferred awards for executive directors are also subject to clawback provisions which means that the awards already paid out may be subject to repayment in certain circumstances. The aggregate level of bonuses is determined by reference to group and divisional metrics, including financial and non-financial metrics, such as risk, compliance and conduct.

Long term incentive plan award

The LTIP is delivered through an annual award of nil cost options (or conditional shares or restricted shares) with a face value of up to 350% of base salary for the group chief executive and 175% for the group finance director. Group Executive Committee members are generally eligible to receive an award of between 100% - 200% of base salary and other senior employees an award of up to 100% of base salary. The RemCo decides annually the actual size of individual awards. The shares vest after three years subject to the following performance targets for the 2019 awards:

  • 35% of the award is subject to average Return on Equity ("RoE");
  • 35% of the award is subject to adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") growth; and
  • 30% of the award is subject to risk management objectives.

Targets for the LTIP awards for 2019 are:

Average RoE
over
three
years
Vesting
%
of
RoE
element
20%
p.a.
or
greater
100%
Between
20%
p.a.
and
12%
p.a.
Straight-line
between
these
points
12%
p.a.
25%
Less
than
12%
p.a.
0%
Adjusted
EPS
growth
over
three
years
Vesting
%
of
EPS
element
30%
or
greater
100%
Between
10%
and 30%
Straight-line
between
these
points
10% 25%
Less
than 10%
0%

For Group Executive Committee members there is an additional two year holding period after vesting, therefore the overall restricted period is five years. The LTIP awards are subject to forfeiture and malus provisions. In addition, LTIP awards for executive directors are subject to clawback provisions.

Risk Management Objectives

There are two objectives, with equal weighting of each:

  • capital and balance sheet management; and
  • risk, compliance and controls.

Risk Management

The remuneration policy approved by the RemCo is designed to promote sound and effective risk management and to ensure that risk taking within the group does not exceed the group's risk appetite (collectively and individually). The RemCo approves changes to compensation structures for groups of individuals and mandates the involvement of group risk in determining new structures to ensure that they are appropriately aligned to the risk profile of the business in which they operate.

The group chief risk officer, group head of compliance, group head of internal audit, and the divisional heads of risk and compliance are closely involved in the remuneration process to ensure that remuneration practices support this. The group chief risk officer reports independently to the RemCo to ensure that remuneration decisions and practices support these objectives. Risk and compliance provide input into, and independent review of, the remuneration policies of the company. Discretionary bonuses can be adjusted for positive and negative risk and compliance assessments at both an overall spend level (top-down) and individual level (bottom-up), on an ex-ante and ex-post basis. Further details of how the risk adjustments are assessed are as follows:

Top-down review

  • Considers risk at a portfolio level across the group and its businesses by comparing the risk profile against risk appetite.
  • Includes a review of audit reports, risk assurance work and outputs of Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee papers, which would identify areas of concern and areas of achievement. It also considers the concept of 'tone from the top'.

Bottom-up review

• Considers individual performance against stated risk related objectives, wider compliance and contributions to the risk and control environment. Includes individual performance reviews and ratings (including behavioural), input from compliance and group internal audit on their observations throughout the period, and a review of all relevant data capture systems which record risk events.

Ex-ante review

• Ex-ante risk-adjustment refers to adjustments made to take account of intrinsic risks that are inherent in the group's business activities. For example, this could be based on the potential for unexpected losses or weak systems and controls that could result in a risk of undetected conduct failings. The group chief risk officer provides a written paper to the RemCo identifying any potential ex-ante risk.

Ex-post review

• The adjustment of variable remuneration to take account of specific crystallised risk or an adverse performance outcome including those related to misconduct. Ex-post adjustments may include reducing current year awards and the application of malus, and claw-back, particularly in line with regulatory expectations that ex-post adjustments are made where there has been a material adverse impact on the firm's stakeholders, including customers and shareholders. The group chief risk officer provides a written paper to the RemCo identifying any potential ex-post risk.

Recovery and Withholding

As outlined in the sections above, variable remuneration for code staff is subject to malus, and variable remuneration for executive directors is subject to both malus and clawback.

The cash bonus for executive directors is subject to clawback for a period of three years from award.

The deferred bonuses for code staff and executive directors are subject to malus prior to vesting. In addition, the deferred bonuses for executive directors are subject to clawback for the period of three years from the date of grant.

The LTIP for code staff and executive directors is subject to malus for the three year period to the point of vesting. In addition, LTIP for executive directors is subject to clawback for four years from the date of grant.

The invested share matching plan ("SMP") shares for code staff and executive directors are subject to malus until vesting and in addition, invested SMP shares for executive directors are subject to clawback for three years from the date of grant. The matched SMP shares are subject to malus until vesting and, for executive directors, to clawback for four years from the date of grant.

The events which may trigger malus are as follows:

  • the employees employment has been terminated for misconduct or the employee has been issued with a formal disciplinary warning for misconduct under the firm's disciplinary policy; or
  • the firm suffers a material loss where the employee has operated outside of the risk parameters or risk profile applicable to their position and as such, the Committee considers a material failure in risk management has occurred; or
  • the level of the award is not sustainable when assessing the overall financial viability of the firm.

In the event that one of these is triggered, the Committee may, at its discretion, defer and/or reduce, in whole or in part any unvested award.

The events which may trigger clawback for executive directors are as follows:

  • discovery of a material mis-statement resulting in an adjustment in the audited consolidated accounts of the company, or the audited accounts of any material subsidiary. This would also be for a period that was wholly or partly before the end of the period over which the performance target applicable to an award was assessed;
  • the assessment of any performance target or condition in respect of an award was based on material error, or materially inaccurate or misleading information;
  • the discovery that any information used to determine the bonus and number of shares subject to an award was based on material error, or materially inaccurate or misleading information; and
  • action or conduct of a plan participant which, in the reasonable opinion of the board, amounts to fraud or gross misconduct.

In the event that one of these is triggered, the Committee may require the executive director to repay all or part of a relevant award, and any associated dividend equivalents.

Link between reward and performance - financial year 2019

The group's financial results have been solid this year notwithstanding the challenging financial market conditions. Adjusted operating profit decreased 3% in 2019 to £270.5 million, however it has grown 16% or 5% per annum compounded over the last three financial years. Return on equity has remained strong at 15.7% this year (2018: 17.0%).

These factors were taken into consideration in determining bonus payments for the code staff for the financial year.

2019 Aggregate Remuneration1 in respect of Code Staff by business

Banking Securities Asset
Management
Group
£ million £ million £ million £ million
11.9 8.9 10.3 9.2

1 Aggregate remuneration consists of fixed and variable remuneration as outlined below.

2019 Aggregate Remuneration in respect of code staff split into fixed and variable remuneration

Senior Management Other code staff
Number of code staff 40 49
Fixed remuneration (£ million)1 9.9 8.7
Variable remuneration (£ million)2 15.5 6.1

1 Fixed remuneration consists of base salary, company pension contributions and any other fixed allowances.

2 Variable remuneration consists of the discretionary annual bonus and 60% of the face value of the LTIP award (60% being a reasonable estimate based on historic and expected future levels of vesting as this award is subject to performance conditions.

Appendix 1: EBA regulatory capital balance sheet reconciliation

Balance sheet Components used in
extract regulatory capital
31 July 2019 31 July 2019
£ million £ million Ref2
Assets
Intangible assets 219.4
of which: deduction from
common equity tier 1 capital
219.4 A
Deferred tax asset 52.2
of which: deferred tax liability -
intangible assets
(3.3) B
of which: deferred tax liability -
pension related
(1.4) C
Prepayments, accrued income and other assets 190.4
of which: defined-benefit pension fund assets 6.7 D
Total assets 10,561.3
Liabilities
Subordinated loan capital 221.6
of which: Tier 2 capital
issued by Close Brothers Group plc
175.0 E
of which: Tier 2 capital
issued by Close Brothers Limited
20.4 F
Total liabilities 9,154.9
Equity
Called up share capital 38.0
of which: amount eligible for common equity tier 1 capital 38.0 G
Retained earnings 1,392.5 1,392.5 H
Exchange movements reserve (1.2) (1.2) I
Cash flow hedging reserve (4.4) (4.4) J
Fair value through other comprehensive income 0.7 0.7 K
reserve1
Share-based payments
(18.2) 19.5 L
of which: holdings of own capital instruments (37.7) M
Non-controlling interest (1.0) -
Total equity 1,406.4
Total liabilities and equity 10,561.3

Non balance sheet items

Foreseeable dividend (65.7) N
Prudent
valuation adjustment
(0.1) O
1 Consists of £37.7 million relating to holdings of own capital instruments, which is shown separately in Section 4 "Capital

Resources" and Appendix 4, and £19.5 million relating to a share based payments reserve as described in note 25 of the group's Annual Report.

2 The letters in the "Ref" column in the table above are referenced to the capital table in Appendix 4 to show how the group's regulatory capital is derived from the group's balance sheet.

Appendix 2: EBA capital instruments' key features

Capital Instruments main features template

1 Issuer CBL CBL CBG1 CBG
2 Unique identifier (e.g.
CUSIP, ISIN or
Bloomberg identifier for
None None XS1548943221 GB0007668071
private placement)
3 Governing law(s) of the
instrument
English English English English
Regulatory treatment
4 Transitional CRR rules Tier 2 Tier 2 Tier 2 Common Equity
Tier 1
5 Post-transitional CRR
rules
Ineligible Ineligible Tier 2 Common Equity
Tier 1
6 Eligible at
individual/(sub-)
consolidated/
individual&(sub-)
consolidated
Individual
and
consolidated
Individual
and
consolidated
Consolidated Consolidated
7 Instrument type (types to
be specified by each
jurisdiction)
Subordinated
debt
Subordinated
debt
Subordinated
debt
Ordinary Shares
8 Amount recognised in
regulatory capital
(Currency in million, as
of most recent
reporting
date)
£6.1
million
£14.3
million
£175
million
£38
million
9 Nominal amount of
instrument
£15
million
£30
million
£175
million
£38
million
9a
9b
Issue price
Redemption price
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
10 Accounting classification Liability - Liability - Liability – Equity
Amortised cost Amortised cost Amortised cost
11 Original date of issuance 02/03/01 01/03/01 24/01/17 Various
12
13
Perpetual or dated
Original maturity date
Dated
02/03/26
Dated
01/03/26
Dated
24/01/27
Perpetual
N/A
14 Issuer call subject to
prior supervisory
Yes Yes Yes N/A
15 approval
Optional call date,
contingent call dates and
redemption amount
02/03/21
Tax event call
01/03/21
Tax event call
24/01/22
Tax event or
capital
disqualification
N/A
16 Subsequent call dates, if
applicable
At any time At any time event
N/A
N/A
Coupons / dividends
17 Fixed or floating
dividend/coupon
Fixed to
floating
Fixed to
floating
Fixed to floating N/A
18 Coupon rate and any 7.42% 7.62% 4.25% N/A
19 related index
Existence of a dividend
stopper
No No No N/A

Appendix 2: EBA capital instruments' key features continued

20a Fully discretionary, Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Fully
partially discretionary or
mandatory
discretionary
20b Fully discretionary,
partially discretionary or
mandatory (in terms of
amount)
Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Fully
discretionary
21 Existence of step up or
other incentive to
redeem
Yes Yes No N/A
22 Non-cumulative or
cumulative
Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative Non-cumulative
23 Convertible or non
convertible
Non
convertible
Non
convertible
Non-convertible Non-covertible
24 If convertible, conversion
trigger(s)
N/A N/A N/A N/A
25 If convertible, fully or
partially
N/A N/A N/A N/A
26 If convertible, conversion
rate
N/A N/A N/A N/A
27 If convertible, mandatory
or optional conversion
N/A N/A N/A N/A
28 If convertible, specify
instrument type
convertible into
N/A N/A N/A N/A
29 If convertible, specify
issuer of instrument it
converts into
N/A N/A N/A N/A
30 Write-down features N/A N/A N/A N/A
31 If write-down, write-down
trigger(s)
N/A N/A N/A N/A
32 If write-down, full or
partial
N/A N/A N/A N/A
33 If write-down, permanent
or temporary
N/A N/A N/A N/A
34 If temporary write-down,
description of write-up
mechanism
N/A N/A N/A N/A
35 Position in subordination
hierarchy in liquidation
(specify instrument type
immediately senior to
instrument)
Senior
unsecured
Senior
unsecured
Senior
unsecured
Tier 2
36 Non-compliant
transitioned features
Yes Yes No N/A
37 If yes, specify non
compliant features
Step up reset
rate
Step up reset
rate
N/A N/A

1 In parallel to the £175 million subordinated debt issue by CBG, CBL entered into a £175 million subordinated debt agreement with CBG on a like-for-like basis, with identical terms and conditions.

2 Full terms and conditions for the marketed debt securities detailed above are available on the group website (www.closebrothers.com/fixed-income-investors).

Appendix 3: EBA IFRS 9 transitional arrangements disclosure

template1
IFRS9 transitional arragements
31 July 2019
£ million
Available capital
1 CET1 capital 1,169.2
2 CET1 capital as if IFRS
9 transitional arrangements had
not been applied
1,124.6
3 Tier 1 capital 1,169.2
4 Tier 1 capital as if IFRS
9 transitional arrangements had
not been applied
1,124.6
5 Total capital 1,364.6
6 not been applied2
Total capital as if IFRS
9 transitional arrangements had
1,320.0
Risk-weighted assets
7 Total risk-weighted assets 8,967.4
8 Total risk-weighted assets as if IFRS
9 transitional arrangements had
not been
8,942.2
applied
Capital ratios
9 CET1 ratio 13.0%
10 CET1 ratio as if IFRS
9 transitional arrangements had
not been applied
12.6%
11 Tier 1 ratio 13.0%
12 Tier 1 ratio as if IFRS
9 transitional arrangements had
not been applied
12.6%
13 Total capital ratio 15.2%
14 not been applied2
Total capital ratio as if IFRS
9 transitional arrangements had
14.8%
Leverage ratio
15 Leverage ratio total exposure measure 10,584.0
15a Leverage ratio total exposure measure as if IFRS 9 transitional arrangements had
not been applied
10,546.7
16 Leverage ratio 11.0%
17 Leverage ratio as if IFRS
9 transitional arrangements had
not been applied
10.7%

1 The table above follows the template set out in the EU guidelines on uniform disclosures except for inclusion of line 15a for leverage ratio total exposure measure as if IFRS 9 transitional arrangements had not been applied.

2 After application of CRR qualifying own funds arrangements.

Appendix 4: EBA transitional own funds disclosure

Transitional Own Funds Disclosure template1 31 July 2019
£ million
2
Ref
CET1
1
capital: instruments and reserves
Capital instruments and the related share premium accounts
of which: ordinary shares
38.0
38.0
G
2 Retained earnings 1,392.5 H
3 Accumulated other comprehensive income and other reserves 14.6 I+J+K+L
5a Independently reviewed interim profits net of any
foreseeable charge or
dividend (65.7) N
6 CET1
capital before regulatory adjustments
1,379.4
CET1 capital: regulatory adjustments
7 Additional value adjustments (0.1) O
8 Intangible assets (net of related tax liability) (216.1) A+B
11 Fair value reserves related to gains or losses on cash flow hedges 4.4 J
15 Defined-benefit pension fund assets (5.3) C+D
16 Direct and indirect holdings of own CET
1 capital instruments
(37.7) M
IFRS9 transitional arrangements 44.6
28 Total regulatory adjustments to common equity tier 1
capital
(210.2)
29 CET1
capital
1,169.2
45 Tier 1 capital 1,169.2
Tier 2 capital: instruments and provisions
46 Capital instruments and the related share premium accounts 175.0 E
48 Qualifying own funds instruments included in consolidated tier 2
capital
issued by subsidiaries and held by third parties 20.4 F
49 of which: instruments issued by subsidiaries subject to phase out 20.4
51 Tier 2
capital before regulatory adjustments
195.4
58 Tier 2 capital 195.4
59 Total capital 1,364.6
60 Total RWAs 8,967.4
Capital ratios and buffers
61 CET1 ratio 13.0%
62 Tier 1 ratio 13.0%
63 Total capital ratio 15.2%
64 Institution specific buffer requirement 3.5%
65 of which: capital conservation buffer requirement 2.5%
66 of which: countercyclical buffer requirement 1.0%
68 CET1 available to meet buffers 5.3%
75 Amounts below the thresholds for deduction (before risk weighting)
Deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences (amount below 10%
threshold, net of related tax liability)
57.6
84
85
Capital instruments subject to phase-out arrangements
Current cap on tier 2 capital
instruments subject to phase out arrangements
Amount excluded from tier 2 capital
due to cap (excess over cap after
22.5
redemptions and maturities) 22.5

1 The table above follows the template set out in the relevant EU Delegated Act, except certain rows have been omitted that are not relevant.

2 References identify balance sheet components in Appendix 1 used in the calculation of regulatory capital.

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