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Natwest Group PLC

Earnings Release Nov 2, 2012

4644_iss_2012-11-02_0fdc383a-e2ff-4da7-b2f4-9c6b12fd288b.pdf

Earnings Release

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RBS reports a Q3 2012 operating profit(1) of £1,047 million Core RBS Q3 2012 operating profit £1,633 million Year-to-date Core return on tangible equity 10% Q3 2012 net attributable loss of £1,384 million, after £1,455 million pre-tax accounting charge for improved own credit Core Tier 1 ratio 11.1%, loan:deposit ratio 102%, Non-Core assets down to £65 billion

"The RBS restructuring programme continues to make excellent progress as we take the action needed to make the bank safer and stronger. Our funding and capital position has been transformed, we have repaid all emergency loans from the Government and central banks, and we recently exited the Asset Protection Scheme without ever making a claim.

At the same time, we are working to make sure the needs of our customers are central in our decision making. Economic pressures are restraining customer activity levels and as a result banks are running hard to stand still in this environment. Nevertheless, resilient Core bank performance at RBS provides resources for customers and for our cleanup, whilst signposting shareholder value in the future."

Stephen Hester, Group Chief Executive

Highlights

Continued progress in the RBS recovery plan

  • Continued momentum in strengthening the Group's balance sheet:
  • Funded assets declined again to £909 billion, a reduction of £68 billion from the start of 2012.
  • Core Tier 1 ratio remained strong at 11.1% whilst absorbing uplifts from regulatory changes; 10.4% excluding the capital relief provided by the Asset Protection Scheme (APS).
  • The Group's loan:deposit ratio improved further to 102%.
  • Usage of short-term wholesale funding has more than halved since the start of 2012 to £49 billion.
  • RBS's credit profile has strengthened markedly in the traded debt markets reflecting the success of RBS restructuring efforts. CDS spreads have halved since their 2011 peak, and secondary bond spreads on five year maturity have narrowed from c.450 basis points to c.100 basis points on a year-to-date basis. This strengthening has resulted in an accounting charge for improved own credit of £4,429 million year-to-date, including £1,455 million in Q3.

Delivering against major milestones

  • Direct Line Group was successfully floated in October 2012, raising £911 million from the sale of a 34.7% stake in the company.
  • The exit from the UK Government's APS on 18 October 2012 provides a further demonstration of the Group's progress in rebuilding a strong and stable balance sheet. The exit also marks a major UK fiscal benefit, with the Government's original £200 billion contingent exposure now extinguished.
  • While Santander's decision to pull out of its agreed purchase of certain of the Group's UK branch-based businesses was disappointing, much of the work to separate this profitable and well-funded business has already been completed, and RBS has recommenced its efforts to divest the business, which utilises some 2% of the Group's capital resources.

Operating performance stable in Q3 2012

  • Q3 2012 Group operating profit improved to £1,047 million from £650 million in Q2 and £2 million in Q3 2011, with Core operating profit up 8% from Q2 and 67% from Q3 2011. There was a further reduction in operating losses from Non-Core.
  • Core operating profit was £1,633 million, with a solid performance in Markets offset by lower income and a small number of single name impairments in UK Corporate.
  • Core return on tangible equity (ROTE) for the first nine months of 2012 was 10%. Markets' return on equity (ROE) over this period was 12.0%.
  • Group net interest margin was stable at 1.94%, with Core Retail & Commercial NIM also steady at 2.92%.
  • Group expenses were reduced by 6% versus prior quarter to £3,639 million, with Core R&C down 3% to £2,389 million and Markets down 5% to £753 million. The Core cost:income ratio improved to 59%, with UK Retail now at 51%.
  • Staff costs were 5% lower than in Q2 at £1,943 million, with headcount down by 9,900, 7%, from a year earlier.
  • Group impairment losses totalled £1,176 million in Q3 2012, down £159 million from the prior quarter. Non-Core impairments, mostly in real estate finance, were £183 million lower. Total Ulster Bank (Core and Non-Core) impairments were £493 million, compared with £514 million in Q2 2012.

Continuing commitment to customers in difficult times

  • Maintaining support for the Group's core UK retail and commercial customers is a key priority. RBS has supported over 350,000 SMEs with £28.6 billion of lending, including overdrafts, so far this year. RBS has also helped more than 43,000 customers buy their home, including 14,000 first time buyers, with £11 billion of gross new mortgage lending in the first nine months of 2012.
  • RBS continues to work hard to remedy a number of past issues. Q3 2012 results include an additional £400 million provision in relation to Payment Protection Insurance, bringing the cumulative charge to £1.7 billion.
  • The Group is determined to continue to strengthen its management disciplines and culture in order to ensure that serving customers well becomes more deeply embedded as the Bank's core purpose. Key points of focus are:
  • Better performance against Customer Charter targets.
  • Widening the scope of training programmes for front-line staff.
  • Overhauling service offerings to align them more closely to customers' needs.
  • Realigning incentive structures to ensure they take proper account of customer interest.

Note:

(1) Operating profit before tax, own credit adjustments, Asset Protection Scheme, Payment Protection Insurance costs, amortisation of purchased intangible assets, integration and restructuring costs, loss on redemption of own debt, strategic disposals and RFS Holdings minority interest ('operating profit'). Statutory operating loss before tax was £2,763 million for the nine months ended 30 September 2012.

Key financial data

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
£m
30 June
2012
£m
30 September
2011
£m
30 September
2012
£m
30 September
2011
£m
Core
Total income (1) 6,408 6,437 6,028 19,707 20,522
Operating expenses (2) (3,427) (3,615) (3,498) (10,763) (10,853)
Insurance net claims (596) (576) (696) (1,821) (2,183)
Operating profit before impairment losses (3) 2,385 2,246 1,834 7,123 7,486
Impairment losses (4) (752) (728) (854) (2,305) (2,579)
Core operating profit (3) 1,633 1,518 980 4,818 4,907
Non-Core operating loss (3) (586) (868) (978) (1,937) (2,939)
Group operating profit (3) 1,047 650 2 2,881 1,968
Own credit adjustments (1,455) (518) 2,622 (4,429) 2,386
Asset Protection Scheme 1 (2) (60) (44) (697)
Payment Protection Insurance costs (400) (135) - (660) (850)
Sovereign debt impairment - - (142) - (875)
Other items (5) (451) (96) (418) (511) (722)
(Loss)/profit before tax (1,258) (101) 2,004 (2,763) 1,210
Preference share dividends (98) (76) - (174) -
(Loss)/profit attributable to ordinary and
B shareholders (1,384) (466) 1,226 (3,374) (199)
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
31 December
2011
Capital and balance sheet
Funded balance sheet (6) £909bn £929bn £977bn
Loan:deposit ratio (Group) (7) 102% 104% 108%
Loan:deposit ratio (Core) (7) 91% 92% 94%
Core Tier 1 ratio 11.1% 11.1% 10.6%
Tangible net asset value per ordinary and B share (8) 476p 489p 501p

Notes:

(1) Excluding own credit adjustments, Asset Protection Scheme, (loss)/gain on redemption of own debt, strategic disposals and RFS Holdings minority interest.

(2) Excluding Payment Protection Insurance costs, amortisation of purchased intangible assets, integration and restructuring costs, bonus tax and RFS Holdings minority interest.

  • (3) Operating profit before tax, own credit adjustments, Asset Protection Scheme, Payment Protection Insurance costs, sovereign debt impairment and other items (see note 5 below).
  • (4) Excluding sovereign debt impairment and related interest rate hedge adjustments.
  • (5) Other items comprise amortisation of purchased intangible assets, integration and restructuring costs, (loss)/gain on redemption of own debt, strategic disposals, bonus tax, interest rate hedge adjustments on impaired available-for-sale sovereign debt and RFS Holdings minority interest. Refer to page 17 of the main announcement for further details.
  • (6) Funded balance sheet is total assets less derivatives.
  • (7) Net of provisions, including disposal groups and excluding repurchase agreements.
  • (8) Tangible net asset value per ordinary and B share is total tangible equity divided by the number of ordinary shares in issue and the effect of convertible B shares. Data for 2011 have been adjusted for the sub-division and one-for-ten consolidation of ordinary shares, which took effect in June 2012.

Comment

Stephen Hester, Group Chief Executive, commented:

The extraordinary challenges which RBS faced following the financial crisis are being worked through successfully. The five year restructuring Plan is now in its later stages with important work still to do, including an emphasis on dealing with reputational issues now that the Bank's safety and soundness has advanced so well. We passed two other important milestones in October with our exit from the APS and a very encouraging flotation of Direct Line Group and are within touching distance of matching every £1 of lending with a £1 of customer deposits.

Beneath these headlines our people have been working hard at supporting our customers and rebuilding the capabilities of the core business, the future RBS that is emerging from our work. In doing this we face the same strong economic and regulatory challenges as other banks and are having to work very hard to stand still in the face of these challenges. But underlying performance has already improved enough to be generally comparable to peers. We aspire to achieve much more; in short, to be running a really good RBS.

At the heart of any truly successful company is the DNA that clearly sets the company's purpose as to serve customers well and understands that good performance for shareholders and career prospects for staff come from achieving that purpose. The banking industry, including RBS, too often came to be seen as reversing that sequence, with short-term gain put ahead of long-term excellence for customers. Getting this balance right is not done through splashy announcements or sweeping actions. Rather it is a multi-faceted journey involving all our people, the tools and management direction they work with every day. We are unambiguously clear at RBS about the importance of making this journey. We have already made much progress, though clearly not enough, and our reputation will take time and facts to recover from past events which are still being accounted for. Nevertheless, this work is going with the grain at RBS. Our people want to serve customers well. Most of the time we succeed in doing precisely that. And we all understand the need to reject failings and keep improving for customers and for the institution's future success.

In tough economic times there is understandable debate about what economies need in order to achieve growth. In this debate we can be clear and unambiguous: RBS has the funding, capital and human resources to support our customers and meet their needs as the economy starts to grow again; and we have repaid the liquidity and credit support that was needed from government at the start of our restructuring journey. We have many challenges left, and much to improve. And the world still has uncertainties and risks of setback. The need to avoid repeating past credit mistakes and to make sustainable returns on a more conservative business model are also crucial aspects we need to balance in the face of many pressures.

So the goals that have been our abiding focus since 2009 are unchanged, though they will continue to be applied pragmatically as external realities evolve. They are founded in a solid and coherent strategy and a track record of focused implementation. Through these tools we seek:

  • to serve customers well, and better
  • to operate with safety and soundness for all who rely on us
  • to rebuild sustainable value for all shareholders, and thereby to facilitate the sale of taxpayers' shareholding in the Bank.

Highlights

Third quarter results summary

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) reported a Group operating profit of £1,047 million for the third quarter of 2012, up £397 million from Q2 2012 and up £1,045 million compared with Q3 2011. The result reflected a steady improvement in the Core bank's operating results, combined with a further reduction in operating losses from the Non-Core division.

Core operating profit totalled £1,633 million, up 8% from Q2 2012 and 67% from Q3 2011. For the first nine months of 2012 Core operating profit totalled £4,818 million, in line with the same period of 2011, delivering a return on tangible equity of 10.0%. Core income in Q3 was flat versus Q2 at £6,408 million, with expenses down 5% at £3,427 million and impairments 3% higher at £752 million.

  • Retail & Commercial (R&C) operating profits were down 10% from Q2 due to a deterioration in UK Corporate, largely reflecting lower income and a small number of single name impairments, partially offset by good performances in UK Retail and International Banking driven primarily by sound cost control. R&C return on equity in the first nine months of 2012 was 9.6%, or 14.0% excluding Ulster Bank.
  • Markets saw a 2% decline in revenues relative to Q2 due to continued uncertainty in the Eurozone along with subdued client activity. However, the ongoing focus on costs generated an 18% increase in operating profit to £295 million. Year to date ROE is 12.0%.
  • Direct Line Group Q3 2012 operating profit of £109 million was down £26 million, 19% from Q2, as a stable technical result was more than offset by lower investment returns. Year to date ROTE is 10.3%.

Non-Core operating loss decreased by £282 million versus Q2 to £586 million as favourable market conditions led to improvements in asset prices and tightening of credit spreads over the quarter. Non-Core impairment losses fell by £183 million during the quarter reflecting the non-repeat of a significant provision in the Project Finance portfolio in Q2 2012.

Non-operating items and statutory results

A further provision of £400 million was recorded for Payment Protection Insurance claims, reflecting the Group's current experience. This brings the cumulative charge taken to £1.7 billion, of which £1.0 billion (c.60%) in redress had been paid by 30 September 2012. Integration and restructuring costs totalled £257 million in Q3, compared with £213 million in Q2. A loss of £123 million was recorded on the redemption of £4.4 billion of debt securities.

RBS's credit spreads continued to narrow in debt markets, with its five year credit default swap spread tightening over the quarter by 57 basis points, reflecting improved investor perceptions of the Group's strength. This resulted in a Q3 own credit charge of £1,455 million, compared with £518 million in the prior quarter. Excluding own credit adjustments, Group Q3 2012 pre-tax profit was £197 million and attributable loss £268 million.

Statutory pre-tax loss in Q3 was £1,258 million and statutory attributable loss was £1,384 million. Tangible net asset value per share fell by 3% to 476 pence reflecting the own credit adjustment.

Income

Core income in Q3 2012 totalled £6,408 million, in line with Q2 2012 and up 6% from the prior year period. Core R&C net interest income was 1% lower than Q2 2012 at £2,786 million, with continuing pressure on deposit margins in the core UK Retail and Corporate franchises and in International Banking's Cash Management business. Non-interest income in R&C was down 6% at £1,414 million, partly reflecting the non-recurrence of a £47 million gain recorded in Q2 on the sale of Visa B shares as well as a decline in the fair value of a property-related investment in UK Corporate of £25 million. Markets non-interest income totalled £1,031 million, in line with Q2 and up 128% compared with Q3 2011. Realised bond gains increased by £325 million compared with Q2 as the Group re-positioned its liquidity portfolio, offset by higher unallocated volatility costs in Group Treasury of £95 million.

Efficiency

Core expenses were down 5% in the quarter to £3,427 million, with R&C reducing expenses by 3% to £2,389 million and Markets delivering a 5% reduction to £753 million. Provisions totalling £125 million recorded in Group Centre included an additional £50 million to cover customer redress arising from the technology incident that affected the Group's systems in June.

Core staff expenses were 4% lower at £1,874 million, with headcount down by 7,900 over the past 12 months to 137,000, principally in Markets and International Banking. The Core compensation ratio year-to-date was 30%, compared with 31% in the prior year, with the Markets compensation ratio 34%, compared with 41% in the prior year.

Core cost:income ratio in Q3 improved to 59% from 62% in Q2 and 66% in Q3 2011. R&C cost:income ratio was stable at 57%, with UK Retail improving to 51%.

Risk

Group impairment losses totalled £1,176 million in Q3 2012, down 12% from the prior quarter and 23% from Q3 2011.

Core impairments totalled £752 million, up 3% from Q2 2012 but 12% lower than Q3 2011, with UK Retail and US R&C losses stable but UK Corporate impairments up £66 million, largely reflecting a handful of single corporate cases. Non-Core impairments, mostly in real estate finance, were £183 million lower than in Q2 2012. Total Ulster Bank (Core and Non-Core) impairments were £493 million, compared with £514 million in Q2 2012.

Core annualised loan impairments represented 0.7% of loans and advances to customers, in line with Q2. Group risk elements in lending totalled £40.1 billion at 30 September 2012, compared with £39.7 billion at 30 June 2012 and £40.8 billion at 31 December 2011, with provision coverage stable at 51%.

Balance sheet

RBS maintained good momentum in the restructuring and reduction of its balance sheet, with Group funded assets down £20 billion in the quarter to £909 billion. Non-Core funded assets fell to £65 billion, a reduction of £7 billion during the quarter and an overall reduction of 75% since its establishment. Non-Core remains on target to exit approximately 85% of its original portfolio by the end of 2013.

Since the end of 2008 the Group has reduced its funded balance sheet by £318 billion, with total assets reduced by £841 billion.

Liquidity and funding

RBS has achieved a largely deposit-funded balance sheet, with further reductions in the use of shortterm wholesale funding and the maintenance of a very strong liquidity buffer. With substantial excess liquidity available to it during the quarter, the Group took advantage of improved market conditions to repurchase £4.4 billion of more expensive outstanding senior unsecured wholesale debt.

RBS's credit profile has strengthened markedly in traded markets, reflecting the significant improvement in the robustness and resilience of its balance sheet, as well as the substantial reduction in the Group's wholesale funding requirements and a more general improvement in financial market conditions. The Group's credit default swap spreads tightened by 121 basis points in the first nine months of 2012, with 57 basis points of the improvement coming in Q3. Secondary market prices for RBS bonds have tightened even further, with spreads on a benchmark five year issue coming in from c.450 basis points at the start to 2012 to c.100 basis points at the end of Q3.

The Group loan:deposit ratio strengthened further to 102%, compared with a worst point of 154% in October 2008. The Core loan:deposit ratio was 91%, with customer deposits stable at £431 billion.

The Group continued to reduce its usage of short-term wholesale funding, which fell by £13.8 billion during the quarter to £49 billion at 30 September 2012, enabling the Group to reduce the costs associated with its substantial liquid asset portfolio. Short-term wholesale funding was covered three times by the Group's liquidity buffer, which totalled £147 billion.

Capital

The Group's Core Tier 1 ratio remained strong at 11.1%, or 10.4% excluding the capital relief provided by the UK Government's Asset Protection Scheme, which the Group exited with effect from 18 October 2012. APS capital benefit, which amounted to 160 basis points at the end of 2009, had diminished in line with the reduction in the portfolio of covered assets, which had fallen from £282 billion at inception to £104 billion at the point of exit.

Risk-weighted assets (before APS relief) declined by £6.6 billion, with a substantial reduction in Non-Core offsetting the effect of regulatory uplifts in International Banking and in UK Corporate. Non-Core's RWAs fell by £11 billion to £72 billion, benefiting from lower market risk and the active reduction and restructuring of derivative exposures.

The Group's Tier 1 leverage ratio was 15.4x.

Disposals

RBS completed the successful initial public offering of Direct Line Group in October 2012, representing another important milestone in RBS's restructuring plan.

RBS Group sold 520.8 million ordinary shares in Direct Line Group, representing 34.7% of the total share capital, generating gross proceeds of £911 million. This was consistent with the previously communicated plan to divest control of Direct Line Group in stages with control ceded by the end of 2013, and complete disposal by the end of 2014, in line with the European Commission's state aid requirements. The disposals of Global Merchant Services and RBS Sempra Commodities JV businesses have already been completed.

On 12 October 2012 RBS announced that it had received notification of Santander's decision to pull out of its agreed purchase of certain of the Group's UK branch-based businesses. While the decision was disappointing, much of the work to separate this profitable and well-funded business has already been completed, and RBS has recommenced its effort to divest the business and fulfil its obligations to the European Commission.

Core UK franchise

Banks cannot serve customers well without operating from a position of balance sheet safety and soundness, and that has been a key priority for RBS in the first three and a half years of its 2009-13 restructuring plan. The Group's significant achievements in this area mean that even more attention can now be focused on those elements that will make RBS a healthy and competitive bank over the long term, rather than merely ensuring survival. These elements are based on ensuring that the bank is built, first and foremost, around serving customers well and sustainably.

This focus on serving customers better has been an integral component of the Group's restructuring plan, and some major changes have already been implemented, notwithstanding the worsening economic environment:

  • The Retail Customer Charter was launched in 2010 and has been refreshed annually since then. The focus of "Helpful Banking" has remained integral, with intentionally demanding and stretching targets derived from what customers said they valued the most.
  • New principles for incentives within UK Retail have been designed to promote superior customer service and ensure customer requirements explicitly drive the product sales and offerings. This is a move away from the sales-based approach of the past.
  • To reach the standards of professionalism and expertise that customers expect, RBS has piloted an internal retraining and accreditation programme for relationship managers in Business & Commercial Banking.

Core UK franchise (continued)

These actions represent only a starting point, and while the changes will have increasing visibility as they bed in over the coming months and years there is a lot more still to do to persuade customers that the organisation has changed and that it puts their interests first. A few of the main areas management will be focusing on next are:

  • Better performance against Customer Charter targets. Since launch, the bar has been raised on some of the Retail targets but performance has fallen short on some. The use of charters will be extended into other divisions and they will be made even more demanding.
  • Widening the scope of internal training programmes for front-line staff. A programme similar to the Business & Commercial course is now running in the Wealth business and this area will continue to attract a great deal of focus.
  • An overhaul of service offerings across the Group's retail, corporate and markets divisions to ensure they are explicitly customer-driven and based on the needs and priorities of the retail, corporate and institutional customers that RBS serves.

RBS has maintained its lending support to UK businesses and homebuyers through difficult economic times. RBS has supported government schemes, such as the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS), with internal initiatives to ensure that credit remained appropriately available to its customers.

RBS's performance in the mortgage market remains strong and well in excess of its historic market share. Gross new mortgage lending totalled £11.4 billion year-to-date, with £3.7 billion in Q3 2012, holding flat from Q2. Of this, 16% was to first-time buyers and Q3 gross new lending to these customers increased by 5% on the previous quarter.

Business demand for credit has remained weak, with investment intentions constrained by uncertainty over future UK growth prospects. This led to a drop of 25% in SME loan applications in Q3, compared with Q3 2011, with activity further muted by the effect of the Olympic Games. RBS continues to approve over 90% of all SME loan and overdraft applications, with over 31,000 small businesses approved for credit during the quarter.

The overall flow of business lending remained strong, with £62.9 billion of gross new lending to UK businesses in the first nine months of 2012, of which £28.6 billion was to SME customers. In Q3 2012, gross new lending increased 3% compared with Q2, which was impacted by relationship managers efforts being diverted from lending due to the Group technology incident. Loan repayments also remained strong, with many customers continuing to focus on deleveraging. SME overdraft utilisation remained below 50% in Q3, and SMEs chose to retain strong cash balances, with Business & Commercial customer deposits increasing by £500 million during Q3.

Core UK franchise (continued)

Overall SME net drawn balances, excluding real estate, held steady quarter-on-quarter, with the strongest growth coming in asset finance, where balances have increased each quarter in 2012, up 6% year-to-date. Asset finance has proved particularly attractive to customers in current economic circumstances because of its cash flow benefits, with products such as hire purchase, asset-secured debt and leasing providing flexible and committed lines of funding tailored to each business's needs. RBS Invoice Finance has also seen good growth in its asset-based lending business, with net advances up 6%, compared with Q3 2011, to £3.2 billion.

The Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) opened for drawings in August and RBS was quick to launch FLS-related offerings to homebuyers and businesses. RBS's own funding of UK lending is not a constraint. However, FLS does provide an opportunity to offer interest rate benefits to customers. Net figures will also give insight to the price sensitivity of lending demand at these interest rate levels relative to other business confidence issues. Over £500 million of mortgages had been offered under the scheme by the end of September 2012, and c.14% of applications received by UK Retail in September related to the new products launched under the scheme. UK Corporate reduced the price of SME loans and removed arrangement fees on these offerings. Over 4,300 customers benefited from this offer by the end of Q3 2012, with around £600 million of funds allocated. Given normal lags between approval and drawdown, these advances are not expected to feed into drawn balances until later in the year. Much of the SME lending to date is substituting for existing higher cost borrowings.

RBS has made further good progress in running down high risk and non-strategic exposures in its Non-Core division and in reducing its excessive exposures to the real estate and construction sectors. Non-Core balances are included within the scope of FLS, and FLS-eligible Non-Core exposures were reduced by £750 million during Q3. Within the Core UK Corporate division, property exposures also continued their managed and necessary decline, falling by £0.9 billion during the quarter and by £2.2 billion year-to-date. At a Group level, excluding Non-Core and commercial real estate lending, total RBS core FLS-eligible balances increased by around £300 million to 30 September 2012, while declining when these risk concentrations are included. The faster-growing Lombard and RBS Invoice Finance businesses are excluded from FLS statistics.

Strategic Plan

Worst Medium
Key Measures point Q2 2012 Q3 2012 term target
Value drivers Core Core Core
Return on equity (1)
(31%)(2) 9.3% 9.7% >12%
Cost:income ratio (3)
97%(4) 62% 59% <55%
Risk measures Group Group Group

Core Tier 1 ratio
4%(5) 11.1% 11.1% >10%

Loan:deposit ratio
154%(6) 104% 102% c.100%

Short-term wholesale funding (STWF)
£297bn(7) £62bn £49bn <10% TPAs(8)
Liquidity portfolio (9)
£90bn(7) £156bn £147bn >1.5x STWF
Leverage ratio (10)
28.7x(11) 15.6x 15.4x <18x

Notes:

(1) Based on indicative Core attributable profit taxed at standard rates and Core average tangible equity per the average balance sheet (c.85% of Group tangible equity based on RWAs at 30 September 2012); (2) Group return on tangible equity for 2008; (3) Cost:income ratio net of insurance claims; (4) Year ended 31 December 2008; (5) As at 1 January 2008; (6) As at October 2008; (7) As at December 2008; (8) Third party assets (TPAs); (9) Eligible assets held for contingent liquidity purposes including cash, Government issued securities and other eligible securities with central banks; (10) Funded tangible assets divided by total Tier 1 capital; (11) As at June 2008.

Regulatory investigations and reviews

The Group continues to cooperate fully with a number of regulatory investigations and reviews as described in the note on Litigation, investigations and reviews on page 87 of the main announcement. In some of these investigations the Group believes that the likely outcome is that it will incur financial penalties or provide redress, and these may be significant.

Outlook

The external economic, market and regulatory challenges we face are likely to continue for the rest of this year and into 2013. We will continue to focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet and capital position, as well as judicious management of our expense base.

We anticipate trends in our Core Retail & Commercial businesses to be generally consistent with the third quarter, although our Markets business is likely to exhibit normal seasonal variations in Q4. The Group's net interest margin over the second half is expected to be broadly stable compared with the first half of the year.

Non-Core continues to make good progress, achieving asset reduction targets with losses in line with our expectations. We expect to further reduce assets in Q4, although the Q4 loss is likely to be higher than in Q3. The 'below the line' itemised charges are likely to remain elevated during Q4, though the own credit adjustment should be materially lower.

Having made strong progress, RBS targets most of the restructuring actions from its 2009 strategic plan to be substantially completed in the next 15-18 months, with the Group thereby positioned to be a cleaner and better performing bank in future years.

Contacts

For analyst enquiries:
Richard O'Connor Head of Investor Relations +44 (0) 20 7672 1758
For media enquiries:
Group Media Centre +44 (0) 131 523 4205

Results presentation

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc will be hosting a conference call and live audio webcast following the release of the results for the quarter ended 30 September 2012.

The details are as follows:

Date: Friday 2 November 2012
Time: 9.00 am UK time
Webcast: www.rbs.com/results
Dial in details: International – +44 (0) 1452 568 172
UK Free Call – 0800 694 8082
US Toll Free – 1 866 966 8024

Slides

Slides accompanying this document will be available on www.rbs.com/results

Financial supplement

A financial supplement will be available on www.rbs.com/results This supplement shows published income and balance sheet financial information by quarter for the last nine quarters to assist analysts for modelling purposes.

Third quarter 2012 results

RBS Group – Q3 2012 Results

Contents

Page
Forward-looking statements 3
Presentation of information 4
Results summary 6
Results summary - statutory 9
Summary consolidated income statement 10
Summary consolidated balance sheet 12
Analysis of results 13
Net interest income 13
Non-interest income 14
Operating expenses 15
Impairment losses 16
One-off and other items 17
Capital resources and ratios 18
Balance sheet 19
Divisional performance 20
UK Retail 23
UK Corporate 26
Wealth 29
International Banking 31
Ulster Bank 35
US Retail & Commercial 38
Markets 44
Direct Line Group 48
Central items 54
Non-Core 56
Statutory results 63
Condensed consolidated income statement 63
Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income 64
Condensed consolidated balance sheet 65
Commentary on condensed consolidated balance sheet 66
Average balance sheet 68
Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity 71
Notes 74
1. Basis of preparation 74
2. Accounting policies 74
3. Analysis of income, expenses and impairment losses 75
4. Loan impairment provisions 77
5. Tax 78
6. Profit/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests 79
7. Dividends 80
8. Share consolidation 80
9. Earnings per ordinary and B share 81

Contents (continued)

Notes (continued) Page
10. Discontinued operations and assets and liabilities of disposal groups 82
11. Financial instruments 84
12. Available-for-sale reserve 86
13. Contingent liabilities and commitments 86
14. Litigation, investigations and reviews 87
15. Other developments 89
16. Date of approval 90
17. Post balance sheet events 91
Risk and balance sheet management 92
Balance sheet management 92
Capital 92
Liquidity and funding risk 97
Overview 97
Funding sources 98
Liquidity portfolio 103
Net stable funding ratio 104
Credit risk 105
Financial assets 105
Problem debt management 112
Risk elements in lending 114
Impairment provisions 115
Ulster Bank Group (Core and Non-Core) 116
Market risk 122
Country risk 127
Introduction 127
Summary 130
Total eurozone 135
Ireland 137
Spain 140
Italy 143
Portugal 146
Greece 149
Additional information 152
Share information 152
Statutory results 152
Financial calendar 152
Appendix 1 Income statement reconciliations and Segmental analysis

Appendix 2 Businesses outlined for disposal

Index

Forward-looking statements

Certain sections in this document contain 'forward-looking statements' as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements that include the words 'expect', 'estimate', 'project', 'anticipate', 'believes', 'should', 'intend', 'plan', 'could', 'probability', 'risk', 'Value-at-Risk (VaR)', 'target', 'goal', 'objective', 'will', 'endeavour', 'outlook', 'optimistic', 'prospects' and similar expressions or variations on such expressions.

In particular, this document includes forward-looking statements relating, but not limited to: the Group's restructuring plans, divestments, capitalisation, portfolios, net interest margin, capital ratios, liquidity, risk weighted assets (RWAs), return on equity (ROE), profitability, cost:income ratios, leverage and loan:deposit ratios, funding and risk profile; discretionary coupon and dividend payments; certain ring-fencing proposals; sustainability targets; the Group's future financial performance; the level and extent of future impairments and write-downs, including sovereign debt impairments; and the Group's potential exposures to various types of market risks, such as interest rate risk, foreign exchange rate risk and commodity and equity price risk. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. For example, certain market risk disclosures are dependent on choices about key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations. By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and, as a result, actual future gains and losses could differ materially from those that have been estimated.

Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the forward-looking statements contained in this document include, but are not limited to: global economic and financial market conditions and other geopolitical risks, and their impact on the financial industry in general and on the Group in particular; the ability to implement strategic plans on a timely basis, or at all, including the disposal of certain Non-Core assets and of certain assets and businesses required as part of the State Aid restructuring plan; organisational restructuring, including any adverse consequences of a failure to transfer, or a further delay in transferring, certain business assets and liabilities from RBS N.V. to RBS; the ability to access sufficient sources of liquidity and funding when required; deteriorations in borrower and counterparty credit quality; litigation, government and regulatory investigations including investigations relating to the setting of LIBOR and other interest rates; costs or exposures borne by the Group arising out of the origination or sale of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities in the United States; the extent of future write-downs and impairment charges caused by depressed asset valuations; the value and effectiveness of any credit protection purchased by the Group; unanticipated turbulence in interest rates, yield curves, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads, bond prices, commodity prices, equity prices and basis, volatility and correlation risks; changes in the credit ratings of the Group; ineffective management of capital or changes to capital adequacy or liquidity requirements; changes to the valuation of financial instruments recorded at fair value; competition and consolidation in the banking sector; the ability of the Group to attract or retain senior management or other key employees; regulatory or legal changes (including those requiring any restructuring of the Group's operations) in the United Kingdom, the United States and other countries in which the Group operates or a change in United Kingdom Government policy; changes to regulatory requirements relating to capital and liquidity; changes to the monetary and interest rate policies of central banks and other governmental and regulatory bodies; changes in UK and foreign laws, regulations, accounting standards and taxes, including changes in regulatory capital regulations and liquidity requirements; the implementation of recommendations made by the Independent Commission on Banking (ICB) and their potential implications; impairments of goodwill; pension fund shortfalls; general operational risks; HM Treasury exercising influence over the operations of the Group; insurance claims; reputational risk; the ability to access the contingent capital arrangements with HM Treasury; the conversion of the B Shares in accordance with their terms; limitations on, or additional requirements imposed on, the Group's activities as a result of HM Treasury's investment in the Group; and the success of the Group in managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

The forward-looking statements contained in this document speak only as of the date of this announcement, and the Group does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The information, statements and opinions contained in this document do not constitute a public offer under any applicable legislation or an offer to sell or solicitation of any offer to buy any securities or financial instruments or any advice or recommendation with respect to such securities or other financial instruments.

Presentation of information

The financial information on pages 6 to 62, prepared using the Group's accounting policies, shows the underlying performance of the Group on a managed basis which excludes certain one-off and other items. Information is provided in this form to give a better understanding of the results of the Group's operations. Group operating profit on this basis excludes:

  • own credit adjustments;
  • Asset Protection Scheme (APS);
  • Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) costs;
  • sovereign debt impairment;
  • interest rate hedge adjustments on impaired available-for-sale sovereign debt;
  • amortisation of purchased intangible assets;
  • integration and restructuring costs;
  • (loss)/gain on redemption of own debt;
  • strategic disposals;
  • bonus tax; and
  • RFS Holdings minority interest (RFS MI).

Statutory results

The condensed consolidated income statement, condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, condensed consolidated balance sheet, condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity and related notes presented on pages 63 to 91 inclusive are on a statutory basis. Reconciliations between the managed basis and statutory basis are included in Appendix 1.

Disposal groups

In accordance with IFRS 5 'Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations', in Q4 2011 the Group transferred the assets and liabilities relating to the planned disposal of its RBS England and Wales and NatWest Scotland branch-based businesses, along with certain SME and corporate activities across the UK ('UK branch-based businesses'), to assets and liabilities of disposal groups.

Presentation of information (continued)

Restatements

Organisational change

In January 2012, the Group announced changes to its wholesale banking operations in light of a changed market and regulatory environment. The changes have seen the reorganisation of the Group's wholesale businesses into 'Markets' and 'International Banking' and the proposed exit and/or downsizing of selected activities. The changes will ensure the wholesale businesses continue to deliver against the Group's strategy.

The changes include an exit from cash equities, corporate broking, equity capital markets and mergers and acquisitions advisory businesses. Significant reductions in balance sheet, funding requirements and cost base in the remaining wholesale businesses will be implemented.

Revised allocation of Group Treasury costs

In the first quarter of 2012, the Group revised its allocation of funding and liquidity costs and capital for the new divisional structure as well as for a new methodology. The new methodology is designed to ensure that the allocated funding and liquidity costs more fully reflect each division's funding requirement.

Revised divisional return on equity ratios

For the purposes of divisional return on equity ratios, notional equity has been calculated as a percentage of the monthly average of divisional risk-weighted assets (RWAs), adjusted for capital deductions. Historically, notional equity was allocated at 9% of RWAs for the Retail & Commercial divisions and 10% of RWAs for Global Banking & Markets. This was revised in Q1 2012 and 10% of RWAs is now applied to both the Retail & Commercial and Markets divisions.

Fair value of own debt and derivative liabilities

The Group had previously excluded changes in the fair value of own debt (FVOD) in presenting the underlying performance of the Group on a managed basis given it is a volatile non-cash item. To better align our managed view of performance, movements in the fair value of own derivative liabilities (FVDL), previously incorporated within Markets operating performance, are now combined with movements in FVOD in a single measure, 'Own Credit Adjustments' (OCA). This took effect in Q1 2012 and Group and Markets operating results have been adjusted to reflect this change which does not affect profit/(loss) before and after tax.

Comparatives for all of the items discussed above were restated in Q1 2012. For further information on the restatements refer to the announcement dated 1 May 2012, available on www.rbs.com/ir

Share consolidation

Following approval at the Group's Annual General Meeting on 30 May 2012, the sub-division and consolidation of the Group's ordinary shares on a one-for-ten basis took effect on 6 June 2012. Consequently, disclosures for 2011 relating to or affected by numbers of ordinary shares or share price have been restated.

Results summary

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Core
Total income (1) 6,408 6,437 6,028 19,707 20,522
Operating expenses (2) (3,427) (3,615) (3,498) (10,763) (10,853)
Insurance net claims (596) (576) (696) (1,821) (2,183)
Operating profit before impairment losses (3) 2,385 2,246 1,834 7,123 7,486
Impairment losses (4) (752) (728) (854) (2,305) (2,579)
Operating profit (3) 1,633 1,518 980 4,818 4,907
Non-Core
Total income (1) 50 1 65 320 1,466
Operating expenses (2) (212) (262) (323) (737) (981)
Insurance net claims - - (38) - (256)
Operating (loss)/profit before impairment
losses (3) (162) (261) (296) (417) 229
Impairment losses (4) (424) (607) (682) (1,520) (3,168)
Operating loss (3) (586) (868) (978) (1,937) (2,939)
Total
Total income (1) 6,458 6,438 6,093 20,027 21,988
Operating expenses (2) (3,639) (3,877) (3,821) (11,500) (11,834)
Insurance net claims (596) (576) (734) (1,821) (2,439)
Operating profit before impairment losses (3) 2,223 1,985 1,538 6,706 7,715
Impairment losses (4) (1,176) (1,335) (1,536) (3,825) (5,747)
Operating profit (3) 1,047 650 2 2,881 1,968
Own credit adjustments (1,455) (518) 2,622 (4,429) 2,386
Asset Protection Scheme 1 (2) (60) (44) (697)
Payment Protection Insurance costs (400) (135) - (660) (850)
Sovereign debt impairment - - (142) - (875)
Other items (451) (96) (418) (511) (722)
(Loss)/profit before tax (1,258) (101) 2,004 (2,763) 1,210

For definitions of the notes refer to page 8.

Results summary (continued)

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
Key metrics 2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Performance ratios
Core
- Net interest margin 2.15% 2.20% 2.09% 2.16% 2.19%
- Cost:income ratio (5) 59% 62% 66% 60% 59%
- Return on equity 9.7% 9.3% 6.6% 10.0% 11.4%
- Adjusted earnings/(loss) per ordinary and
B share from continuing operations (6) 6.1p 4.4p (2.7p) 16.5p 11.3p
- Adjusted earnings per ordinary and
B share from continuing operations
assuming a normalised tax rate of 24.5%
(2011 - 26.5%) (6) 10.3p 9.7p 6.7p 31.5p 33.4p
Non-Core
- Net interest margin 0.41% 0.24% 0.50% 0.32% 0.69%
- Cost:income ratio (5) nm nm nm nm 81%
Group
- Net interest margin 1.94% 1.95% 1.84% 1.93% 1.94%
- Cost:income ratio (5) 62% 66% 71% 63% 61%
Continuing operations
- Basic (loss)/earnings per ordinary and
B share (6,7) (12.5p) (4.2p) 11.3p (30.7p) (1.9p)

nm = not meaningful

For definitions of the notes refer to the following page.

Results summary (continued)

30 September
2012
30 June
2012
Change 31 December
2011
Change
Capital and balance sheet
Funded balance sheet (8) £909bn £929bn (2%) £977bn (7%)
Total assets £1,377bn £1,415bn (3%) £1,507bn (9%)
Loan:deposit ratio - Core (9) 91% 92% (100bp) 94% (300bp)
Loan:deposit ratio - Group (9) 102% 104% (200bp) 108% (600bp)
Risk-weighted assets - gross £481bn £488bn (1%) £508bn (5%)
Benefit of Asset Protection Scheme (APS) (£48bn) (£53bn) (9%) (£69bn) (30%)
Risk-weighted assets - net of APS £433bn £435bn - £439bn (1%)
Total equity £74bn £75bn (1%) £76bn (3%)
Core Tier 1 ratio* 11.1% 11.1% - 10.6% 50bp
Tier 1 ratio 13.4% 13.4% - 13.0% 40bp
Risk elements in lending (REIL) (10) £40bn £40bn - £41bn (2%)
REIL as a % of gross loans and advances (11) 9.0% 8.6% 40bp 8.6% 40bp
Tier 1 leverage ratio (12) 15.4x 15.6x (1%) 16.9x (9%)
Tangible equity leverage ratio (13) 5.9% 6.0% (10bp) 5.7% 20bp
Tangible net asset value per ordinary and
B share (6,14) 476p 489p (3%) 501p (5%)

* The benefit of APS in the Core Tier 1 ratio was 71 basis points at 30 September 2012 (30 June 2012 - 77 basis points; 31 December 2011 - 90 basis points).

Notes:

  • (1) Excluding own credit adjustments, Asset Protection Scheme, (loss)/gain on redemption of own debt, strategic disposals and RFS Holdings minority interest.
  • (2) Excluding Payment Protection Insurance costs, amortisation of purchased intangible assets, integration and restructuring costs, bonus tax and RFS Holdings minority interest.
  • (3) Operating profit/(loss) before tax, own credit adjustments, Asset Protection Scheme, Payment Protection Insurance costs, sovereign debt impairment and related interest rate hedge adjustments, amortisation of purchased intangible assets, integration and restructuring costs, (loss)/gain on redemption of own debt, strategic disposals, bonus tax and RFS Holdings minority interest.
  • (4) Excluding sovereign debt impairment and related interest rate hedge adjustments.
  • (5) Cost:income ratio is based on total income and operating expenses as defined in (1) and (2) above and after netting insurance claims against income.
  • (6) Data for 2011 have been adjusted for the sub-division and one-for-ten consolidation of ordinary shares, which took effect in June 2012.
  • (7) Loss from continuing operations attributable to ordinary and B shareholders divided by the weighted average number of ordinary and effect of convertible B shares in issue.
  • (8) Funded balance sheet represents total assets less derivatives.
  • (9) Net of provisions, including disposal groups and excluding repurchase agreements.
  • (10) Excludes disposal groups.
  • (11) Includes disposal groups and excludes reverse repurchase agreements.
  • (12) Tier 1 leverage ratio is total tangible assets (after netting derivatives) divided by Tier 1 capital.
  • (13) Tangible equity leverage ratio is total tangible equity divided by total tangible assets (after netting derivatives).
  • (14) Tangible net asset value per ordinary and B share is total tangible equity divided by the number of ordinary shares in issue and the effect of convertible B shares.

Results summary - statutory

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
30 June
30 September
30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Summary income statement
Total income 4,859 6,087 8,603 16,122 23,899
Operating expenses (4,345) (4,277) (4,127) (13,239) (13,459)
Operating (loss)/profit before impairment
losses (82) 1,234 3,742 1,062 8,001
Impairment losses (1,176) (1,335) (1,738) (3,825) (6,791)
Operating (loss)/profit before tax (1,258) (101) 2,004 (2,763) 1,210
(Loss)/profit attributable to ordinary and B
shareholders (1,384) (466) 1,226 (3,374) (199)

A reconciliation between statutory and managed view income statements is shown in Appendix 1 to this announcement.

  • Income of £4,859 million for the quarter ended 30 September 2012.
  • Operating loss before tax of £1,258 million for the quarter ended 30 September 2012.

Summary consolidated income statement for the period ended 30 September 2012

In the income statement set out below, own credit adjustments, Asset Protection Scheme, Payment Protection Insurance costs, sovereign debt impairment, amortisation of purchased intangible assets, integration and restructuring costs, (loss)/gain on redemption of own debt, strategic disposals, and other items (including bonus tax, interest rate hedge adjustments on impaired available-for-sale sovereign debt and RFS Holdings minority interest) are shown separately. In the statutory condensed consolidated income statement on page 63, these items are included in income, operating expenses and impairment losses as appropriate.

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Core £m £m £m £m £m
Net interest income 2,794 2,925 2,949 8,662 9,064
Non-interest income (excluding insurance
net premium income) 2,682 2,583 2,087 8,246 8,460
Insurance net premium income 932 929 992 2,799 2,998
Non-interest income 3,614 3,512 3,079 11,045 11,458
Total income (1) 6,408 6,437 6,028 19,707 20,522
Operating expenses (2) (3,427) (3,615) (3,498) (10,763) (10,853)
Profit before insurance net claims and
impairment losses 2,981 2,822 2,530 8,944 9,669
Insurance net claims (596) (576) (696) (1,821) (2,183)
Operating profit before impairment
losses (3) 2,385 2,246 1,834 7,123 7,486
Impairment losses (4) (752) (728) (854) (2,305) (2,579)
Operating profit (3) 1,633 1,518 980 4,818 4,907
Non-Core
Net interest income 79 48 129 191 549
Non-interest income (excluding insurance
net premium income) (29) (47) (108) 129 640
Insurance net premium income - - 44 - 277
Non-interest income (29) (47) (64) 129 917
Total income (1) 50 1 65 320 1,466
Operating expenses (2) (212) (262) (323) (737) (981)
(Loss)/profit before insurance net claims
and impairment losses (162) (261) (258) (417) 485
Insurance net claims - - (38) - (256)
Operating (loss)/profit before impairment
losses (3) (162) (261) (296) (417) 229
Impairment losses (4) (424) (607) (682) (1,520) (3,168)
Operating loss (3) (586) (868) (978) (1,937) (2,939)

For definitions of the notes refer to page 8.

Summary consolidated income statement

for the period ended 30 September 2012 (continued)
---------------------------------------------------- -- --
30 September
30 June
30 September
30 September
2012
2012
2011
2012
Total
£m
£m
£m
£m
Net interest income
2,873
2,973
3,078
8,853
Non-interest income (excluding insurance
30 September
2011
£m
9,613
9,100
3,275
net premium income)
2,653
2,536
1,979
8,375
Insurance net premium income
932
929
1,036
2,799
Non-interest income
3,585
3,465
3,015
11,174
12,375
Total income (1)
6,458
6,438
6,093
20,027
21,988
Operating expenses (2)
(3,639)
(3,877)
(3,821)
(11,500)
(11,834)
Profit before insurance net claims and
impairment losses
2,819
2,561
2,272
8,527
10,154
Insurance net claims
(596)
(576)
(734)
(1,821)
(2,439)
Operating profit before impairment
losses (3)
2,223
1,985
1,538
6,706
7,715
Impairment losses (4)
(1,176)
(1,335)
(1,536)
(3,825)
(5,747)
Operating profit (3)
1,047
650
2
2,881
1,968
Own credit adjustments
(1,455)
(518)
2,622
(4,429)
2,386
Asset Protection Scheme
1
(2)
(60)
(44)
(697)
Payment Protection Insurance costs
(400)
(135)
-
(660)
(850)
Sovereign debt impairment
-
-
(142)
-
(875)
Amortisation of purchased intangible assets
(47)
(51)
(69)
(146)
(169)
Integration and restructuring costs
(257)
(213)
(233)
(930)
(586)
(Loss)/gain on redemption of own debt
(123)
-
1
454
256
Strategic disposals
(23)
160
(49)
129
(22)
Other items
(1)
8
(68)
(18)
(201)
(Loss)/profit before tax
(1,258)
(101)
2,004
(2,763)
1,210
Tax charge
(30)
(290)
(791)
(459)
(1,436)
(Loss)/profit from continuing operations
(1,288)
(391)
1,213
(3,222)
(226)
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations,
net of tax
5
(4)
6
6
37
(Loss)/profit for the period
(1,283)
(395)
1,219
(3,216)
(189)
Non-controlling interests
(3)
5
7
16
(10)
Preference share dividends
(98)
(76)
-
(174)
-
(Loss)/profit attributable to ordinary and
B shareholders
(1,384)
(466)
1,226
(3,374)
(199)

For definitions of the notes refer to page 8.

Summary consolidated balance sheet at 30 September 2012

30 September
2012
£m
30 June
2012
£m
31 December
2011
£m
Net loans and advances to banks (1,2) 38,347 39,436 43,870
Net loans and advances to customers (1,2) 423,155 434,965 454,112
Reverse repurchase agreements and stock borrowing 97,935 97,901 100,934
Debt securities and equity shares 193,249 200,717 224,263
Other assets (3) 156,037 155,738 154,070
Funded assets 908,723 928,757 977,249
Derivatives 468,171 486,432 529,618
Total assets 1,376,894 1,415,189 1,506,867
Bank deposits (2,4) 58,127 67,619 69,113
Customer deposits (2,4) 412,712 412,769 414,143
Repurchase agreements and stock lending 142,565 128,075 128,503
Debt securities in issue 104,157 119,855 162,621
Settlement balances and short positions 46,989 53,502 48,516
Subordinated liabilities 25,309 25,596 26,319
Other liabilities (3) 50,842 51,812 57,616
Liabilities excluding derivatives 840,701 859,228 906,831
Derivatives 462,300 480,745 523,983
Total liabilities 1,303,001 1,339,973 1,430,814
Owners' equity 72,699 74,016 74,819
Non-controlling interests 1,194 1,200 1,234
Total liabilities and equity 1,376,894 1,415,189 1,506,867
Memo: Tangible equity (5) 53,157 54,384 55,217

Notes:

(1) Excluding reverse repurchase agreements and stock borrowing.

(2) Excludes disposal groups (see page 82).

(3) Includes disposal groups (see page 82).

(4) Excluding repurchase agreements and stock lending.

(5) Tangible equity is equity attributable to ordinary and B shareholders less intangible assets.

Analysis of results

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Net interest income £m £m £m £m £m
Net interest income (1) 2,866 2,979 3,074 8,853 9,608
Average interest-earning assets 587,291 612,995 663,956 613,788 661,416
Net interest margin
- Group 1.94% 1.95% 1.84% 1.93% 1.94%
- Retail & Commercial (2) 2.92% 2.94% 2.94% 2.92% 2.99%
- Non-Core 0.41% 0.24% 0.50% 0.32% 0.69%

Notes:

(1) For further analysis and details of adjustments refer to pages 69 and 70.

(2) Retail & Commercial (R&C) comprises the UK Retail, UK Corporate, Wealth, International Banking, Ulster Bank and US R&C divisions.

Key points

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • Group NIM declined marginally to 1.94% from 1.95% with continued margin pressure in Retail & Commercial more than offsetting decreases in liquidity and funding costs across the Group following further run-down of low-yielding assets.
  • Retail & Commercial NIM fell by 2 basis points to 2.92% largely reflecting downward pressure on deposit margins in UK Retail and UK Corporate, and lower investment income in US Retail & Commercial.

  • Group net interest income decreased by £208 million, 7%, largely driven by a decline in interest earning assets of 12%. A 5% decline in Retail & Commercial interest earning assets and continued balance sheet run-off in Non-Core drove the reduction.

  • The decline in Retail & Commercial net interest income was primarily due to a targeted decrease in loans and advances in International Banking and the impact of lower long-term interest hedge income and the high cost of deposits in UK Retail.
  • Group NIM increased by 10 basis points to 1.94% driven by a decrease in liquidity and funding costs managed at the Group level and the continued run-off of low margin Non-Core balances.
Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Non-interest income £m £m £m £m £m
Net fees and commissions 1,062 1,136 1,148 3,395 3,907
Income from trading activities 769 931 282 2,964 3,071
Other operating income 822 469 549 2,016 2,122
Non-interest income (excluding
insurance net premium income) 2,653 2,536 1,979 8,375 9,100
Insurance net premium income 932 929 1,036 2,799 3,275
Total non-interest income 3,585 3,465 3,015 11,174 12,375

Key points

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • Non-interest income increased by £120 million, 3%, primarily due to an increase of £325 million in realised bond gains as the Group repositioned its liquidity portfolio, partially offset by a decrease in Retail & Commercial.
  • Retail & Commercial non-interest income fell by 6%, largely reflecting the non-recurrence of a £47 million Q2 2012 gain on the sale of Visa B shares in US Retail & Commercial and a decline in the fair value of a property-related investment in UK Corporate of £25 million.
  • Income from trading activities fell by £162 million, primarily due to an increase in trading losses in Non-Core of £72 million as the business continued to de-risk its markets exposures.
  • Insurance net premium income remained flat, reflecting stable in-force policies in a competitive market place.

  • Non-interest income was 19% higher primarily as a result of a £652 million increase in income from trading activities in Markets, reflecting a significant improvement in the credit environment. This was partially offset by a decrease in Retail & Commercial.

  • Retail & Commercial non-interest income was £146 million lower, primarily reflecting negative movements on credit hedging activity within the lending portfolio in International Banking and a decline in the fair value of a property-related investment in UK Corporate. Changes in customer behaviour and sluggish transaction volumes also drove a decrease in UK Retail.
  • Insurance net premium income fell by £104 million, 10%, largely driven by actions to improve the quality of the motor book resulting in lower written premiums.
Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Operating expenses £m £m £m £m £m
Staff expenses 1,943 2,036 1,963 6,200 6,382
Premises and equipment 552 523 584 1,625 1,703
Other 770 936 858 2,525 2,557
Administrative expenses 3,265 3,495 3,405 10,350 10,642
Depreciation and amortisation 374 382 416 1,150 1,192
Operating expenses 3,639 3,877 3,821 11,500 11,834
Insurance net claims 596 576 734 1,821 2,439
Staff costs as a % of total income 30% 32% 32% 31% 29%

Key points

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • Group operating expenses fell by 6%, largely driven by the continued run-down of Non-Core and lower staff expenses in Markets and International Banking. An additional charge of £50 million was taken in relation to the June technology incident, compared with a charge of £125 million in Q2 2012.
  • Core cost:income ratio improved from 62% in Q2 2012 to 59%, largely due to a strict focus on cost-management in all of the Group's businesses. The Retail & Commercial cost:income ratio remained at 57%, with UK Retail improving to 51%.
  • Insurance net claims increased by 3% primarily due to a smaller release of reserves compared with Q2 2012.

  • Group operating expenses were 5% lower, predominantly driven by a 34% decrease in Non-Core expenses as the division continued to shrink. An additional driver was the 15% fall in International Banking costs, due to planned headcount reduction and tight management of technology and discretionary costs following the restructuring of the business announced in January 2012.

  • Core cost:income ratio improved by 7 percentage points to 59% from 66% in Q3 2011. This was driven by a Group-wide focus on managing expenses and an improved business performance and market environment for the Markets businesses.
Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Impairment losses £m £m £m £m £m
Loan impairment losses 1,183 1,435 1,452 3,913 5,587
Securities impairment losses (7) (100) 84 (88) 160
Group impairment losses 1,176 1,335 1,536 3,825 5,747
Loan impairment losses
- individually assessed 661 945 823 2,351 3,942
- collectively assessed 562 534 689 1,691 2,000
- latent (40) (56) (60) (153) (355)
Customer loans 1,183 1,423 1,452 3,889 5,587
Bank loans - 12 - 24 -
Loan impairment losses 1,183 1,435 1,452 3,913 5,587
Core 751 719 817 2,266 2,479
Non-Core 432 716 635 1,647 3,108
Group 1,183 1,435 1,452 3,913 5,587
Customer loan impairment charge as a
% of gross loans and advances (1)
Group 1.0% 1.2% 1.1% 1.1% 1.5%
Core 0.7% 0.7% 0.8% 0.8% 0.8%
Non-Core 2.8% 4.2% 2.8% 3.6% 4.6%

Note:

(1) Customer loan impairment charge as a percentage of gross customer loans and advances excluding reverse repurchase agreements and including disposal groups.

Key points

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • Loan impairment losses were down 18%. In the Non-Core portfolio, loan impairments fell by 40%, with the non-repeat of a large provision in Project Finance in Q2 2012. This was partially offset by a 4% increase in Core loan impairments, largely reflecting a small number of significant individual cases in UK Corporate.
  • Credit losses improved in International Banking, with the non-repeat of a single name impairment in Q2 2012. Lower specific impairments were also recorded in Wealth.
  • Core and Non-Core Ulster Bank loan impairments improved by £21 million, 4%.

  • Loan impairment losses fell by 19%, largely driven by a significant reduction in Non-Core impairments, particularly in exposures originating in UK Corporate and Ulster Bank.

  • Retail was the main driver of the 8% decrease in Core loan impairment losses, as credit metrics and book quality continued to improve. This was partly offset by the increase in UK Corporate loan impairments in Q3 2012.
Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
One-off and other items £m £m £m £m £m
Own credit adjustments* (1,455) (518) 2,622 (4,429) 2,386
Asset Protection Scheme 1 (2) (60) (44) (697)
Payment Protection Insurance costs (400) (135) - (660) (850)
Sovereign debt impairment (1) - - (142) - (875)
Amortisation of purchased intangible assets (47) (51) (69) (146) (169)
Integration and restructuring costs (257) (213) (233) (930) (586)
(Loss)/gain on redemption of own debt (123) - 1 454 256
Strategic disposals** (23) 160 (49) 129 (22)
Other
- Bonus tax - - (5) - (27)
- RFS Holdings minority interest (1) 8 (3) (18) (5)
- Interest rate hedge adjustments on
impaired available-for-sale sovereign debt - - (60) - (169)
(2,305) (751) 2,002 (5,644) (758)
* Own credit adjustments impact:
Income from trading activities (435) (271) 735 (1,715) 565
Other operating income (1,020) (247) 1,887 (2,714) 1,821
Own credit adjustments (1,455) (518) 2,622 (4,429) 2,386
**Strategic disposals
(Loss)/gain on sale and provision for loss on
disposal of investments in:
- RBS Aviation Capital - 197 - 197 -
- Global Merchant Services - - - - 47
- Other (23) (37) (49) (68) (69)
(23) 160 (49) 129 (22)

Note:

(1) In the second quarter of 2011, the Group recorded an impairment loss of £733 million in respect of its AFS portfolio of Greek government debt as a result of Greece's continuing fiscal difficulties. In Q1 2012, as part of Private Sector Involvement in the Greek government bail-out, the vast majority of this portfolio was exchanged for Greek sovereign debt and European Financial Stability Facility notes; the Greek sovereign debt received in the exchange was sold.

Key points

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • The own credit adjustment charge in Q3 2012 was £1,455 million, compared with a smaller charge of £518 million in Q2 2012, as the Group's credit spreads tightened by a further 57 basis points in the quarter.
  • An additional £400 million provision relating to Payment Protection Insurance was taken, bringing the cumulative charge to £1.7 billion, of which £1.0 billion in redress had been paid by 30 September 2012.
  • Integration and restructuring costs increased by 21% to £257 million, largely driven by preparations for the divestment of UK branch-based businesses.

Q3 2012 compared with Q3 2011

• The movement in one-off and other items in the period was predominantly driven by the significant tightening of the Group's credit spreads compared with a large widening in Q3 2011.

Capital resources and ratios 30 September
2012
30 June
2012
31 December
2011
Core Tier 1 capital £48bn £48bn £46bn
Tier 1 capital £58bn £58bn £57bn
Total capital £63bn £63bn £61bn
Risk-weighted assets
- gross £481bn £488bn £508bn
- benefit of Asset Protection Scheme (£48bn) (£53bn) (£69bn)
Risk-weighted assets £433bn £435bn £439bn
Core Tier 1 ratio (1) 11.1% 11.1% 10.6%
Tier 1 ratio 13.4% 13.4% 13.0%
Total capital ratio 14.6% 14.6% 13.8%

Note:

(1) The benefit of APS in the Core Tier 1 ratio was 71 basis points at 30 September 2012 (30 June 2012 - 77 basis points; 31 December 2011 - 90 basis points).

Key points

30 September 2012 compared with 30 June 2012

  • The Group's Core Tier 1 ratio remained strong at 11.1%. Gross risk-weighted assets (RWAs) fell by £7 billion reflecting a reduction in market risk coupled with balance sheet contraction.
  • The impact of the Asset Protection Scheme (APS) on the Core Tier 1 ratio continued to decline from 77 basis points at 30 June 2012 to 71 basis points at 30 September 2012.

30 September 2012 compared with 31 December 2011

  • The Core Tier 1 ratio increased by 50 basis points compared with 31 December 2011, driven by a 5% reduction in gross RWAs, lower regulatory capital deductions and the issuance of new shares.
  • Gross RWAs fell by £27 billion, excluding the effect of the APS. Post APS RWAs decreased by £6 billion.
Balance sheet 30 September
2012
30 June
2012
31 December
2011
Funded balance sheet (1) £909bn £929bn £977bn
Total assets £1,377bn £1,415bn £1,507bn
Loans and advances to customers (2) £443bn £455bn £474bn
Customer deposits (3) £435bn £435bn £437bn
Loan:deposit ratio - Core (4) 91% 92% 94%
Loan:deposit ratio - Group (4) 102% 104% 108%
Short-term wholesale funding (5) £49bn £62bn £102bn
Wholesale funding (5) £159bn £181bn £226bn
Liquidity portfolio £147bn £156bn £155bn

Notes:

  • (1) Funded balance sheet represents total assets less derivatives.
  • (2) Excluding reverse repurchase agreements and stock borrowing, and including disposal groups.
  • (3) Excluding repurchase agreements and stock lending, and including disposal groups.
  • (4) Net of provisions, including disposal groups and excluding repurchase agreements. Excluding disposal groups, the loan:deposit ratios of Core and Group at 30 September 2012 were 91% and 103% respectively (30 June 2012 - 92% and 105% respectively; 31 December 2011 - 94% and 110% respectively).
  • (5) Excluding derivative collateral.

Key points

30 September 2012 compared with 30 June 2012

  • The Group's funded balance sheet contracted by a further £20 billion to £909 billion, driven by a £7 billion reduction in Non-Core funded assets and lower International Banking and Ulster Bank balances.
  • Loans and advances to customers fell by 3%, largely due to Non-Core run-down and targeted reductions in the International Banking portfolio. Customer deposits were flat as growth in US Retail & Commercial was offset by a marginal decline in UK Corporate.
  • The Group loan:deposit ratio improved from 104% to 102%, while the Core and Retail & Commercial loan:deposit ratios improved to 91% in the quarter.

30 September 2012 compared with 31 December 2011

  • Significant falls in Non-Core (£29 billion), International Banking (£12 billion) and Markets (£10 billion) were the main elements in a £68 billion decrease in the Group's funded balance sheet in the period. Non-Core's focused asset disposal programme, including the sale of RBS Aviation Capital, planned loan portfolio reductions in International Banking and initiatives to reduce balance sheet usage in Markets drove these movements.
  • Customer deposits were flat as strong deposit growth in UK Retail was offset by lower deposit balances in International Banking as a result of difficult market conditions and strong competition. Loans and advances to customers fell by 7%, largely as a result of sales and runoff in Non-Core.
  • The Group loan:deposit ratio strengthened by 600 basis points from 108%, with Core and Retail & Commercial ratios improving by 300 basis points and 400 basis points, respectively.

Further analysis of the Group's liquidity and funding position is included on pages 97 to 104.

Divisional performance

The operating profit/(loss)(1) of each division is shown below.

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Operating profit/(loss) before impairment
losses by division
UK Retail 605 577 705 1,814 2,160
UK Corporate 615 693 659 1,976 2,075
Wealth 73 76 49 204 187
International Banking 187 194 242 513 715
Ulster Bank 87 78 119 249 306
US Retail & Commercial 244 257 208 622 621
Retail & Commercial 1,811 1,875 1,982 5,378 6,064
Markets 289 270 (353) 1,385 989
Direct Line Group 109 135 123 328 329
Central items 176 (34) 82 32 104
Core 2,385 2,246 1,834 7,123 7,486
Non-Core (162) (261) (296) (417) 229
Group operating profit before impairment
losses 2,223 1,985 1,538 6,706 7,715
Impairment losses/(recoveries) by division
UK Retail 141 140 195 436 597
UK Corporate 247 181 230 604 557
Wealth 8 12 4 30 12
International Banking
Ulster Bank
12
329
27
323
14
327
74
1,046
112
1,057
US Retail & Commercial 21 28 85 68 261
Retail & Commercial 758 711 855 2,258 2,596
Markets (6) 19 (5) 15 (19)
Central items - (2) 4 32 2
Core 752 728 854 2,305 2,579
Non-Core 424 607 682 1,520 3,168
Group impairment losses 1,176 1,335 1,536 3,825 5,747

Note:

(1) Operating profit/(loss) before own credit adjustments, Asset Protection Scheme, Payment Protection Insurance costs, sovereign debt impairment, amortisation of purchased intangible assets, integration and restructuring costs, (loss)/gain on redemption of own debt, strategic disposals, bonus tax, interest rate hedge adjustments on impaired available-forsale sovereign debt and RFS Holdings minority interest.

Divisional performance (continued)

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Operating profit/(loss) by division
UK Retail 464 437 510 1,378 1,563
UK Corporate 368 512 429 1,372 1,518
Wealth 65 64 45 174 175
International Banking 175 167 228 439 603
Ulster Bank (242) (245) (208) (797) (751)
US Retail & Commercial 223 229 123 554 360
Retail & Commercial 1,053 1,164 1,127 3,120 3,468
Markets 295 251 (348) 1,370 1,008
Direct Line Group 109 135 123 328 329
Central items 176 (32) 78 - 102
Core 1,633 1,518 980 4,818 4,907
Non-Core (586) (868) (978) (1,937) (2,939)
Group operating profit 1,047 650 2 2,881 1,968
Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
% % % % %
Net interest margin by division
UK Retail 3.53 3.57 3.94 3.57 4.02
UK Corporate 2.99 3.17 2.98 3.08 3.07
Wealth 3.88 3.69 2.96 3.74 3.18
International Banking 1.70 1.65 1.71 1.65 1.76
Ulster Bank 1.92 1.82 1.96 1.87 1.87
US Retail & Commercial 2.99 3.02 3.08 3.02 3.07
Retail & Commercial 2.92 2.94 2.94 2.92 2.99
Non-Core 0.41 0.24 0.50 0.32 0.69
Group net interest margin 1.94 1.95 1.84 1.93 1.94
30 September
2012
£bn
30 June
2012
£bn
31 December
2011
£bn
Total funded assets by division
UK Retail 116.7 116.9 114.5
UK Corporate 111.8 113.7 114.2
Wealth 21.4 21.2 21.6
International Banking 58.4 61.4 69.9
Ulster Bank 30.8 33.1 34.6
US Retail & Commercial 74.2 74.3 74.9
Markets 304.4 302.4 313.9
Other (primarily Group Treasury) 125.1 132.9 139.1
Core 842.8 855.9 882.7
Non-Core 65.1 72.1 93.7
907.9 928.0 976.4
RFS Holdings minority interest 0.8 0.8 0.8
Total 908.7 928.8 977.2

Divisional performance (continued)

30 September 30 June 31 December
2012 2012 2011
£bn £bn Change £bn Change
Risk-weighted assets by division
UK Retail 47.7 47.4 1% 48.4 (1%)
UK Corporate 82.1 79.4 3% 79.3 4%
Wealth 12.3 12.3 - 12.9 (5%)
International Banking 49.7 46.0 8% 43.2 15%
Ulster Bank 35.1 37.4 (6%) 36.3 (3%)
US Retail & Commercial 56.7 58.5 (3%) 59.3 (4%)
Retail & Commercial 283.6 281.0 1% 279.4 2%
Markets 108.0 107.9 - 120.3 (10%)
Other 13.9 12.7 9% 12.0 16%
Core 405.5 401.6 1% 411.7 (2%)
Non-Core 72.2 82.7 (13%) 93.3 (23%)
Group before benefit of Asset Protection
Scheme 477.7 484.3 (1%) 505.0 (5%)
Benefit of Asset Protection Scheme (48.1) (52.9) (9%) (69.1) (30%)
Group before RFS Holdings minority
interest 429.6 431.4 - 435.9 (1%)
RFS Holdings minority interest 3.3 3.3 - 3.1 6%
Group 432.9 434.7 - 439.0 (1%)
Employee numbers by division (full time equivalents in continuing
operations rounded to the nearest hundred)
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
31 December
2011
UK Retail 27,100 27,500 27,700
UK Corporate 13,100 13,100 13,600
Wealth 5,400 5,600 5,700
International Banking 4,600 4,800 5,400
Ulster Bank 4,700 4,500 4,200
US Retail & Commercial 14,600 14,500 15,400
Retail & Commercial 69,500 70,000 72,000
Markets 11,900 12,500 13,900
Direct Line Group 14,700 15,100 14,900
Group Centre 6,800 6,900 6,200
Core 102,900 104,500 107,000
Non-Core 3,300 3,800 4,700
106,200 108,300 111,700
Business Services 33,300 33,500 34,000
Integration and restructuring 800 1,000 1,100
Group 140,300 142,800 146,800

UK Retail

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Income statement
Net interest income 990 988 1,086 2,979 3,270
Net fees and commissions 231 214 259 682 824
Other non-interest income 21 28 33 78 105
Non-interest income 252 242 292 760 929
Total income 1,242 1,230 1,378 3,739 4,199
Direct expenses
- staff (196) (210) (206) (613) (639)
- other (94) (110) (102) (283) (321)
Indirect expenses (347) (333) (365) (1,029) (1,079)
(637) (653) (673) (1,925) (2,039)
Operating profit before impairment losses 605 577 705 1,814 2,160
Impairment losses (141) (140) (195) (436) (597)
Operating profit 464 437 510 1,378 1,563
Analysis of income by product
Personal advances 230 222 260 688 813
Personal deposits 158 168 236 511 747
Mortgages 598 596 576 1,757 1,700
Cards
Other
218
38
212
32
231
75
649
134
712
227
Total income 1,242 1,230 1,378 3,739 4,199
Analysis of impairments by sector
Mortgages 29 24 34 87 150
Personal 77 84 120 243 321
Cards 35 32 41 106 126
Total impairment losses 141 140 195 436 597
Loan impairment charge as % of gross
customer loans and advances
(excluding reverse repurchase
agreements) by sector
Mortgages 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2%
Personal 3.5% 3.7% 4.7% 3.6% 4.2%
Cards 2.5% 2.3% 2.9% 2.5% 3.0%
Total 0.5% 0.5% 0.7% 0.5% 0.7%

UK Retail (continued)

Key metrics

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Performance ratios
Return on equity (1) 23.8% 22.5% 25.0% 23.5% 25.1%
Net interest margin 3.53% 3.57% 3.94% 3.57% 4.02%
Cost:income ratio 51% 53% 49% 51% 49%
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
31 December
2011
£bn £bn Change £bn Change
Capital and balance sheet
Loans and advances to customers (gross) (2)
- mortgages 98.4 98.1 - 95.0 4%
- personal 8.9 9.2 (3%) 10.1 (12%)
- cards 5.6 5.7 (2%) 5.7 (2%)
112.9 113.0 - 110.8 2%
Customer deposits (2) 105.9 106.5 (1%) 101.9 4%
Assets under management (excluding
deposits) 6.1 5.8 5% 5.5 11%
Risk elements in lending (2) 4.6 4.6 - 4.6 -
Loan:deposit ratio (excluding repos) 104% 104% - 106% (200bp)
Risk-weighted assets 47.7 47.4 1% 48.4 (1%)

Notes:

(1) Divisional return on equity is based on divisional operating profit after tax divided by average notional equity (based on 10% of the monthly average of divisional RWAs, adjusted for capital deductions).

(2) Includes disposal groups: gross loans and advances to customers £7.6 billion (30 June 2012 - £7.5 billion; 31 December 2011 - £7.3 billion), risk elements in lending £0.5 billion (30 June 2012 and 31 December 2011 - £0.5 billion) and customer deposits £8.5 billion (30 June 2012 - £8.6 billion; 31 December 2011 - £8.8 billion).

Key points

UK Retail operating profit increased £27 million or 6%, despite the prevailing weak macroeconomic environment. A strong performance on costs, which fell by £16 million in the quarter, continues to drive long-term benefits.

In Q3 2012, UK Retail welcomed a new chief executive, Ross McEwan, who has reiterated the need to make it 'simple and easy' for customers to bank with us, including ensuring staff have more time to spend with customers. One example of this is the simplification of UK Retail's savings offerings during the quarter, with the number of instant access savings accounts reduced from eleven to one simple product, and total savings products available falling to eight, making it easier for customers to identify the product they need.

The division has also continued to introduce and refresh innovative solutions to provide customers with access to the services and assistance they require as easily as possible. For example, the enhanced functionality of Webchat on the RBS and NatWest online banking platforms allows customers access to a customer advisor, in real-time and direct from their computer, who can answer queries and action basic account services, 24 hours a day.

UK Retail (continued)

Key points (continued)

As an early supporter of the Bank of England's Funding for Lending (FLS) scheme, which banks could draw from since August 2012, UK Retail has successfully launched new mortgages with lower rates, specifically aimed at cutting the cost for first time buyers and reducing rental prices on buy-to-let properties. By the end of September, these mortgages represented c.14% of UK Retail's total mortgage applications in the month and continue on a positive trend.

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • Operating profit of £464 million is up 6%, despite economic pressures and continued changes in consumer behaviours, largely driven by a 2% reduction in total costs.
  • The loan to deposit ratio remained stable at 104%.
  • Customer deposits have fallen marginally, with a successful instant access savings campaign more than offset by a large bond maturity in the quarter.
  • Mortgage balances continued to grow in Q3 2012, although the market remained subdued.
  • Income growth remains challenging in the current weak economic, and low interest rate, environment.
  • Net interest margin declined by 4 basis points as improved asset pricing only partially offset the impact of lower rates on current account hedges.
  • Non-interest income increased by £10 million in the quarter, partly reflecting a seasonal increase in transaction volumes. However, persistent changes in customer behaviour continue to put downward pressure on fee income.
  • Costs have fallen by 2% primarily due to lower headcount and an ongoing continued simplification of processes across the business.
  • Impairment losses were broadly flat in Q3 2012, reflecting the continued impact of tightened risk appetite.
  • Risk-weighted assets were broadly flat as credit quality remained stable.

  • Operating profit fell by £46 million as a decrease in income of 10% more than offset decreases in costs and impairments.

  • Strong deposit growth drove an improvement in the loan to deposit ratio from 109% to 104%.
  • Net interest income was £96 million lower than Q3 2011, reflecting lower unsecured balances and continued pressure on current account margins partly offset by strong mortgage growth. These combined pressures drove a 41 basis points decline in net interest margin.
  • Non-interest income fell by £40 million, 14%, reflecting lower transactional and overdraft fees, as continued weakness in the economy drives cautious customer behaviour.
  • Costs were 5% lower due to ongoing efficiency savings in discretionary and staff costs.
  • Tightened risk appetite, a shift in asset mix towards mortgage assets, and lower default rates drove a 28% decrease in impairment losses.

UK Corporate

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Income statement
Net interest income 729 772 753 2,257 2,334
Net fees and commissions 334 346 353 1,016 1,034
Other non-interest income 75 93 100 277 318
Non-interest income 409 439 453 1,293 1,352
Total income 1,138 1,211 1,206 3,550 3,686
Direct expenses
- staff (224) (232) (221) (701) (691)
- other (91) (89) (102) (265) (291)
Indirect expenses (208) (197) (224) (608) (629)
(523) (518) (547) (1,574) (1,611)
Operating profit before impairment losses 615 693 659 1,976 2,075
Impairment losses (247) (181) (230) (604) (557)
Operating profit 368 512 429 1,372 1,518
Analysis of income by business
Corporate and commercial lending 613 664 641 1,964 2,020
Asset and invoice finance 176 171 176 509 491
Corporate deposits 141 174 175 481 523
Other 208 202 214 596 652
Total income 1,138 1,211 1,206 3,550 3,686
Analysis of impairments by sector
Financial institutions 8 2 6 12 22
Hotels and restaurants 6 8 22 29 43
Housebuilding and construction 14 79 29 118 76
Manufacturing 20 19 9 39 21
Private sector education, health, social work,
recreational and community services (8) 21 20 35 32
Property 117 34 82 181 151
Wholesale and retail trade, repairs 16 16 24 65 56
Asset and invoice finance 10 11 - 30 24
Other 64 (9) 38 95 132
Total impairment losses 247 181 230 604 557

UK Corporate (continued)

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Loan impairment charge as % of gross
customer loans and advances
(excluding reverse repurchase
agreements) by sector
Financial institutions 0.6% 0.1% 0.4% 0.3% 0.5%
Hotels and restaurants 0.4% 0.5% 1.4% 0.7% 0.9%
Housebuilding and construction 1.6% 9.0% 2.9% 4.5% 2.5%
Manufacturing 1.7% 1.6% 0.8% 1.1% 0.6%
Private sector education, health, social work,
recreational and community services (0.4%) 0.9% 0.9% 0.5% 0.5%
Property 1.8% 0.5% 1.1% 0.9% 0.7%
Wholesale and retail trade, repairs 0.7% 0.7% 1.0% 1.0% 0.8%
Asset and invoice finance 0.4% 0.4% - 0.4% 0.3%
Other 0.7% (0.1%) 0.4% 0.4% 0.5%
Total 0.9% 0.7% 0.8% 0.7% 0.7%

Key metrics

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Performance ratios
Return on equity (1) 11.9% 16.8% 13.7% 15.0% 15.8%
Net interest margin 2.99% 3.17% 2.98% 3.08% 3.07%
Cost:income ratio 46% 43% 45% 44% 44%
30 September 30 June 31 December
2011
2012
£bn
2012
£bn
Change £bn Change
Capital and balance sheet
Total third party assets 111.8 113.7 (2%) 114.2 (2%)
Loans and advances to customers (gross) (2)
- financial institutions 5.1 6.1 (16%) 5.8 (12%)
- hotels and restaurants 5.9 6.1 (3%) 6.1 (3%)
- housebuilding and construction 3.5 3.5 - 3.9 (10%)
- manufacturing 4.7 4.9 (4%) 4.7 -
- private sector education, health, social
work, recreational and community services 8.8 8.9 (1%) 8.7 1%
- property 26.0 26.9 (3%) 28.2 (8%)
- wholesale and retail trade, repairs 8.9 8.9 - 8.7 2%
- asset and invoice finance 10.9 10.7 2% 10.4 5%
- other 34.5 34.1 1% 34.2 1%
108.3 110.1 (2%) 110.7 (2%)
Customer deposits (2) 126.8 127.5 (1%) 126.3 -
Risk elements in lending (2) 5.5 4.9 12% 5.0 10%
Loan:deposit ratio (excluding repos) 84% 85% (100bp) 86% (200bp)
Risk-weighted assets 82.1 79.4 3% 79.3 4%

Notes:

(1) Divisional return on equity is based on divisional operating profit after tax, divided by average notional equity (based on 10% of the monthly average of divisional RWAs, adjusted for capital deductions).

(2) Includes disposal groups: loans and advances to customers £11.7 billion (30 June 2012 - £11.9 billion; 31 December 2011 - £12.2 billion), risk elements in lending £0.9 billion (30 June 2012 - £0.9 billion; 31 December 2011 - £1.0 billion) and customer deposits £12.9 billion (30 June 2012 - £13.1 billion; 31 December 2011- £13.0 billion).

UK Corporate (continued)

Key points

UK Corporate faced a challenging market environment in Q3 2012, with margin pressures, competition for deposits and a small number of single name impairments. The division continued its commitment to supporting the UK economy.

Through the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS), which launched in Q3 2012, UK Corporate had, by 30 September 2012, supported over 4,300 SMEs with £597 million of allocated funds. Over the full lifetime of the scheme, UK Corporate's SME customers are expected to save £100 million through reduced interest rates and the removal of arrangement fees. Corporate and Institutional Banking is using the FLS to provide targeted support to mid-sized manufacturers where, in some cases, it is reducing interest rates by more than 1%.

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • Operating profit decreased by £144 million, 28%, predominantly due to lower income and increased impairments.
  • Net interest income decreased by 6% due to an 18 basis point fall in the net interest margin. This was driven by the non-repeat of income deferral revisions in Q2 2012, deposit margin compression reflecting tightening Libor spreads and increased competition. Loans and advances to customers fell by 2% as a result of the repayment of a small number of specific large corporate loans at the end of the quarter, with SME lending broadly flat. Deposits fell marginally and the loan to deposit ratio was 84%.
  • Non-interest income decreased 7% primarily due to a decline in the fair value of a propertyrelated investment of £25 million.
  • Impairments increased 36%, £66 million, primarily driven by a small number of significant individual corporate cases.
  • Risk-weighted assets increased 3% mainly as a result of regulatory changes to capital models, primarily a slotting approach in the real estate portfolio.

  • Operating profit fell by £61 million, 14%, largely reflecting lower income (down £68 million) and increased impairments (up £17 million), partially offset by a £24 million decrease in costs.

  • Net interest income decreased by 3%, primarily driven by deposit margin compression. A 4% fall in lending volumes was broadly offset by improved asset margins.
  • Non-interest income declined by 10%, mainly due to lower Markets revenue share income as volumes remained subdued, as well as the decline in the fair value of a property-related investment.
  • Total costs decreased by 4% due to continued tight control over discretionary spending.
  • Impairments increased by 7% reflecting a small number of significant individual corporate cases in Q3 2012.
  • The loan to deposit ratio improved by 500 basis points to 84%, due to a 2% growth in deposits and a 10% decline in property-related lending.

Wealth

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
30 September
2011
30 September
2012
30 September
2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Income statement
Net interest income 185 178 152 542 477
Net fees and commissions 94 90 95 277 286
Other non-interest income 13 35 23 66 61
Non-interest income 107 125 118 343 347
Total income 292 303 270 885 824
Direct expenses
- staff (104) (116) (106) (337) (317)
- other (57) (56) (57) (173) (152)
Indirect expenses (58) (55) (58) (171) (168)
(219) (227) (221) (681) (637)
Operating profit before impairment losses 73 76 49 204 187
Impairment losses (8) (12) (4) (30) (12)
Operating profit 65 64 45 174 175
Analysis of income
Private banking 237 252 218 726 670
Investments 55 51 52 159 154
Total income 292 303 270 885 824

Key metrics

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
30 September
2011
30 September
2012
30 September
2011
Performance ratios
Return on equity (1) 14.3% 13.8% 9.4% 12.5% 12.4%
Net interest margin 3.88% 3.69% 2.96% 3.74% 3.18%
Cost:income ratio 75% 75% 82% 77% 77%
30 September
2012
£bn
30 June 31 December
2012
£bn
Change 2011
£bn
Change
Capital and balance sheet
Loans and advances to customers (gross)
- mortgages 8.7 8.6 1% 8.3 5%
- personal 5.5 5.6 (2%) 6.9 (20%)
- other 2.8 2.8 - 1.7 65%
17.0 17.0 - 16.9 1%
Customer deposits 38.7 38.5 1% 38.2 1%
Assets under management (excluding
deposits) 29.5 30.6 (4%) 30.9 (5%)
Risk elements in lending 0.2 0.2 - 0.2 -
Loan:deposit ratio (excluding repos) 44% 44% - 44% -
Risk-weighted assets 12.3 12.3 - 12.9 (5%)

Note:

(1) Divisional return on equity is based on divisional operating profit after tax divided by average notional equity (based on 10% of the monthly average of divisional RWAs, adjusted for capital deductions).

Key points

Q3 2012 saw a solid performance. Interest margins continued to improve, while costs and impairments fell.

The division made further progress in implementing the refreshed Coutts strategy across all jurisdictions. This included two new appointments to the Board of Coutts & Co Ltd Zurich, who will work closely with senior management on the development of the business and enhancements to the client franchise and product offering, in line with Coutts strategy of growth in the region.

In the UK, Coutts is finalising preparations for the implementation of the Financial Services Authority's Retail Distribution Review regulations by 31 December 2012. Significant work has been undertaken to ensure clients continue to receive the best service and advice based on their specific needs, including the introduction of revised private banker and wealth manager roles and the development of refreshed products to reflect the new advice proposition.

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • Operating profit increased by £1 million, 2%, to £65 million in the third quarter. Higher net interest income, lower impairments and the non-repeat of client redress costs in Q2 2012 were partly offset by the non-repeat of the Q2 2012 gain on sale of the Latin American and African business.
  • Income declined by 4% due to a 14% decrease in non-interest income, primarily reflecting the gain of £15 million on sale of the Latin American and African business in Q2 2012. Excluding the gain, income grew by 1% as improved net interest income reflected increases in lending margins.
  • Expenses fell by 4% principally due to the non-recurrence of the Q2 2012 client redress expense following a past business review into the sale of the ALICO Enhanced Variable Rate Fund, announced in November 2011.
  • Client assets and liabilities managed by the division declined 1%. Assets under management declined by £1.1 billion, with £1.5 billion of net outflows of low margin custody assets in international markets only partially offset by favourable market movements of £0.4 billion. Lending and deposit volumes were broadly stable.
  • Impairments were £8 million, down £4 million, reflecting a lower level of specific impairments.

  • Operating profit rose 44% principally reflecting strong growth in income.

  • Income increased by 8% driven by strong growth in net interest income as a result of improved lending margins and growth in divisional treasury income. Deposit income increased with a £1.3 billion growth in volumes and a 10 basis points improvement in margins. Non-interest income declined 9% with continued volatile markets subduing client demand for transactions, leading to reduced brokerage and foreign exchange income.
  • Expenses decreased by 1% largely reflecting favourable exchange rate movements, assisted by continued close management of discretionary costs.
  • Client assets and liabilities managed by the division increased by 1%, driven by the increase in deposits. Assets under management declined by 1% as favourable market movements, accounting for £2 billion of the movement, were offset by net new business outflows of low margin custody assets.

International Banking

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Income statement
Net interest income 227 234 302 721 906
Non-interest income 308 327 348 917 1,056
Total income 535 561 650 1,638 1,962
Direct expenses
- staff (132) (153) (170) (472) (546)
- other (47) (47) (57) (142) (175)
Indirect expenses (169) (167) (181) (511) (526)
(348) (367) (408) (1,125) (1,247)
Operating profit before impairment losses 187 194 242 513 715
Impairment losses (12) (27) (14) (74) (112)
Operating profit 175 167 228 439 603
Of which:
Ongoing businesses 171 168 233 452 628
Run-off businesses 4 (1) (5) (13) (25)
Analysis of income by product
Cash management 224 246 241 738 699
Trade finance
Loan portfolio
76
228
73
233
77
315
221
658
208
1,008
Ongoing businesses 528 552 633 1,617 1,915
Run-off businesses 7 9 17 21 47
Total income 535 561 650 1,638 1,962
Analysis of impairments by sector
Manufacturing and infrastructure 2 2 47 21 179
Property and construction - 7 11 7 17
Transport and storage
Telecommunications, media and technology
-
-
-
-
2
-
(4)
9
11
-
Banks and financial institutions 12 19 (43) 43 (42)
Other (2) (1) (3) (2) (53)
Total impairment losses 12 27 14 74 112
Loan impairment charge as % of gross
customer loans and advances (excluding
reverse repurchase agreements) 0.1% 0.2% 0.1% 0.2% 0.2%

International Banking (continued)

Key metrics

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
30 September
2011
30 September
2012
30 September
2011
Performance ratios (ongoing businesses)
Return on equity (1) 10.3% 10.5% 14.0% 9.5% 12.3%
Net interest margin 1.70% 1.65% 1.71% 1.65% 1.76%
Cost:income ratio 65% 65% 61% 67% 61%
30 September 30 June 31 December
2012
£bn
2012
£bn
Change 2011
£bn
Change
Capital and balance sheet
Loans and advances to customers 46.7 49.5 (6%) 56.9 (18%)
Loans and advances to banks 5.1 5.1 - 3.4 50%
Securities 2.3 2.4 (4%) 6.0 (62%)
Cash and eligible bills 0.7 0.7 - 0.3 133%
Other 3.6 3.7 (3%) 3.3 9%
Total third party assets (excluding derivatives
mark-to-market) 58.4 61.4 (5%) 69.9 (16%)
Customer deposits (excluding repos) 41.7 42.2 (1%) 45.1 (8%)
Bank deposits (excluding repos) 6.5 7.7 (16%) 11.4 (43%)
Risk elements in lending 0.7 0.7 - 1.6 (56%)
Loan:deposit ratio (excluding repos
and conduits) 101% 102% (100bp) 103% (200bp)
Risk-weighted assets 49.7 46.0 8% 43.2 15%

Note:

(1) Divisional return on equity is based on divisional operating profit after tax, divided by average notional equity (based on 10% of the monthly average of divisional RWAs, adjusted for capital deductions), for the ongoing businesses.

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Run-off businesses (1)
Total income 7 9 17 21 47
Direct expenses (3) (10) (22) (34) (72)
Operating profit/(loss) 4 (1) (5) (13) (25)

Note:

(1) Run-off businesses consist of the exited corporate finance business.

International Banking (continued)

Key points

International Banking is an integrated, client-focused business, serving clients' financing, risk management, trade finance, payments and cash management needs internationally.

In Q3 2012, International Banking showed solid performance despite ongoing difficult market conditions.

Across the UK and Europe economic growth remained low. Income was negatively affected by margin compression in cash management and a continued deliberate reduction in lending portfolio exposure reflecting actions to improve capital efficiency.

International Banking maintained its focus on cost and capital management to ensure the most efficient use of resources in light of continued regulatory pressure across the industry. Furthermore, management continued to ensure the division's client base has access to the full Markets and International Banking proposition by implementing connectivity initiatives.

  • Operating profit was up £8 million, driven primarily by lower costs and lower impairments. Return on equity was 10.3%.
  • Income was down £26 million to £535 million:
  • Cash management decreased by 9%, driven by margin compression as a result of lower rates in the UK and Europe, with Europe affected by the European Central Bank rate cut in July. Deposit levels remained resilient.
  • Trade finance increased 4% mainly due to loan growth in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia.
  • Q3 2012 expenses declined by £19 million, reflecting planned headcount reduction following the formation of the International Banking division.
  • Impairments fell by £15 million, largely due to the non-repeat of a single name provision in Q2 2012.
  • Third party assets declined by 5%, with targeted reductions in the lending portfolio aimed at improving capital efficiency.
  • Customer deposits declined marginally, but held up well despite economic pressures and the need to rebuild customer confidence following the Group technology incident in June 2012. The loan to deposit ratio remained solid, improving slightly to 101%.

Key points (continued)

  • Operating profit decreased by £53 million as lower income was only partially offset by lower expenses and impairments.
  • Income decreased by 18%:
  • Net interest income was down £75 million primarily as a result of the deliberate reduction in loan portfolio exposures designed to improve capital efficiency. Net interest income from customer deposits also fell due to margin erosion following three European Central Bank rate cuts since Q3 2011 and lower deposit levels.
  • Non-interest income was down £40 million mainly due to negative movements on credit hedging activity within the lending portfolio.
  • Expenses fell by £60 million, largely reflecting planned headcount reduction, tight management of technology and support infrastructure costs and increased focus on the management of discretionary expenses.
  • Third party assets fell by 23%, mainly due to planned loan portfolio reductions of £15 billion.
  • Customer deposits decreased by 8%, reflecting sluggish market conditions and a highly competitive environment.

Ulster Bank

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
30 September
2011
30 September
2012
30 September
2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Income statement
Net interest income
163 160 196 488 559
Net fees and commissions 36 35 41 109 114
Other non-interest income 14 11 19 36 48
Non-interest income 50 46 60 145 162
Total income 213 206 256 633 721
Direct expenses
- staff (53) (52) (55) (157) (168)
- other (12) (11) (17) (35) (52)
Indirect expenses (61) (65) (65) (192) (195)
(126) (128) (137) (384) (415)
Operating profit before impairment losses 87 78 119 249 306
Impairment losses (329) (323) (327) (1,046) (1,057)
Operating loss (242) (245) (208) (797) (751)
Analysis of income by business
Corporate 85 88 107 275 337
Retail 93 86 116 267 327
Other 35 32 33 91 57
Total income 213 206 256 633 721
Analysis of impairments by sector
Mortgages 155 141 126 511 437
Corporate
- property 92 61 78 207 241
- other corporate 75 103 111 292 334
Other lending 7 18 12 36 45
Total impairment losses 329 323 327 1,046 1,057
Loan impairment charge as % of gross
customer loans and advances
(excluding reverse repurchase
agreements) by sector
Mortgages 3.3% 2.9% 2.4% 3.6% 2.8%
Corporate
- property 8.0% 5.1% 6.1% 6.0% 6.3%
- other corporate 4.1% 5.4% 5.4% 5.3% 5.4%
Other lending 2.2% 5.1% 3.2% 3.7% 4.0%
Total 4.1% 3.9% 3.7% 4.3% 4.0%

Ulster Bank (continued)

Key metrics

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
30 September
2011
30 September
2012
30 September
2011
Performance ratios
Return on equity (1) (20.4%) (19.8%) (18.3%) (22.0%) (23.6%)
Net interest margin 1.92% 1.82% 1.96% 1.87% 1.87%
Cost:income ratio 59% 62% 54% 61% 58%
30 September
2012
£bn
30 June
2012
£bn
Change 31 December
2011
£bn
Change
Capital and balance sheet
Loans and advances to customers (gross)
- mortgages 18.9 19.2 (2%) 20.0 (6%)
- corporate
- property 4.6 4.8 (4%) 4.8 (4%)
- other corporate 7.4 7.6 (3%) 7.7 (4%)
- other lending 1.3 1.4 (7%) 1.6 (19%)
32.2 33.0 (2%) 34.1 (6%)
Customer deposits 20.3 20.6 (1%) 21.8 (7%)
Risk elements in lending
- mortgages 2.9 2.6 12% 2.2 32%
- corporate
- property 1.8 1.4 29% 1.3 38%
- other corporate 2.1 2.0 5% 1.8 17%
- other lending 0.2 0.2 - 0.2 -
Total risk elements in lending 7.0 6.2 13% 5.5 27%
Loan:deposit ratio (excluding repos) 141% 144% (300bp) 143% (200bp)
Risk-weighted assets 35.1 37.4 (6%) 36.3 (3%)
Spot exchange rate - €/£ 1.256 1.238 1.196

Note:

(1) Divisional return on equity is based on divisional operating loss after tax divided by average notional equity (based on 10% of the monthly average of divisional RWAs, adjusted for capital deductions).

Key points

In a challenging macroeconomic environment, in which recovery from the Group technology incident was a primary focus, Ulster Bank delivered improved pre-impairment profit in the quarter.

The deposit market remained competitive and margins continued to be constrained. Customer deposits remained flat on a constant currency basis, with no significant outflows following the Group technology incident, while retail and SME balances increased marginally in the quarter. Ulster Bank remains focused on its deposit gathering and cost management strategy.

Ulster Bank (continued)

Key points (continued)

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • Operating profit before impairment losses increased by 12% to £87 million, reflecting higher income and lower expenses. The operating loss of £242 million was marginally lower than Q2 2012.
  • Total income increased by £7 million reflecting a slight improvement in funding conditions coupled with a small uplift in non-interest income. The net interest margin increased by 10 basis points to 1.92%.
  • Expenses decreased by £2 million as cost management remained a central priority.
  • Impairment losses increased marginally, primarily in the residential mortgage portfolio. Mortgage arrears continued to rise as unemployment remained high and affordability issues persisted. This trend was exacerbated by a temporary disruption to collections activity during the Group technology incident in Q2 2012. Corporate risk elements in lending increased by £0.5 billion in the quarter due to a small number of large exposures which were in the course of being restructured in Q3 2012. However, this did not significantly impact impairment losses.
  • Loans to customers fell further as repayments continued to outstrip new lending volumes.
  • Customer deposits remained flat on a constant currency basis, with no significant outflows following the Group technology incident, while retail and SME balances increased marginally in the quarter. The loan to deposit ratio improved by 300 basis points to 141%.

  • The operating loss increased by £34 million, with lower income only partly offset by a fall in expenses.

  • Income decreased by 11% on a constant currency basis, driven by lower interest-earning asset volumes and higher costs of funding as customer deposit rates remained elevated despite the falls in market interest rates.
  • Costs decreased by £11 million, with a focus on cost management and a reduction of discretionary spending through a number of cost saving initiatives.
  • Impairment losses remained broadly stable.
  • Loans to customers decreased by 3% on a constant currency basis, reflecting weak customer demand.
  • Customer deposits declined by 8% on a constant currency basis, due to outflows of wholesale balances driven by market volatility and the impact of a rating downgrade in H2 2011. Retail and SME balances remained stable over the period.

US Retail & Commercial (£ Sterling)

Nine months ended
30 September Quarter ended
30 June
30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Income statement
Net interest income 492 492 482 1,480 1,404
Net fees and commissions 195 195 223 585 642
Other non-interest income 93 128 66 286 201
Non-interest income 288 323 289 871 843
Total income 780 815 771 2,351 2,247
Direct expenses
- staff (207) (217) (210) (647) (622)
- other (128) (144) (156) (388) (420)
- litigation settlement - - - (88) -
Indirect expenses (201) (197) (197) (606) (584)
(536) (558) (563) (1,729) (1,626)
Operating profit before impairment losses
Impairment losses
244
(21)
257
(28)
208
(85)
622
(68)
621
(261)
Operating profit 223 229 123 554 360
Average exchange rate - US\$/£ 1.581 1.582 1.611 1.578 1.614
Analysis of income by product
Mortgages and home equity 139 134 119 407 335
Personal lending and cards 101 102 117 302 342
Retail deposits 215 224 238 659 690
Commercial lending 144 151 150 455 436
Commercial deposits 111 113 105 338 306
Other 70 91 42 190 138
Total income 780 815 771 2,351 2,247
Analysis of impairments by sector
Residential mortgages (5) (4) 6 (3) 24
Home equity
Corporate and commercial
40
(35)
20
(6)
32
5
82
(57)
83
47
Other consumer 21 17 12 41 40
Securities - 1 30 5 67
Total impairment losses 21 28 85 68 261
Loan impairment charge as % of gross
customer loans and advances
(excluding reverse repurchase
agreements) by sector
Residential mortgages (0.3%) (0.3%) 0.4% (0.1%) 0.6%
Home equity 1.2% 0.6% 0.9% 0.8% 0.8%
Corporate and commercial (0.6%) (0.1%) 0.1% (0.3%) 0.3%
Other consumer 1.0% 0.8% 0.7% 0.7% 0.9%
Total 0.2% 0.2% 0.4% 0.2% 0.5%

US Retail & Commercial (£ Sterling) (continued)

Key metrics

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Performance ratios
Return on equity (1) 9.7% 10.0% 5.8% 8.1% 5.7%
Adjusted return on equity (2) 9.7% 8.3% 5.8% 8.8% 5.7%
Net interest margin 2.99% 3.02% 3.08% 3.02% 3.07%
Cost:income ratio 69% 69% 73% 74% 72%
Adjusted cost:income ratio (2) 69% 72% 73% 71% 72%
30 September 30 June 31 December
2012
£bn
2012
£bn
Change 2011
£bn
Change
Capital and balance sheet
Total third party assets 75.0 75.1 - 75.8 (1%)
Loans and advances to customers (gross)
- residential mortgages 5.9 6.1 (3%) 6.1 (3%)
- home equity 13.6 14.2 (4%) 14.9 (9%)
- corporate and commercial 23.0 23.6 (3%) 22.9 -
- other consumer 8.2 8.3 (1%) 7.7 6%
50.7 52.2 (3%) 51.6 (2%)
Customer deposits (excluding repos) 59.8 59.2 1% 60.0 -
Bank deposits (excluding repos) 3.8 5.0 (24%) 5.2 (27%)
Risk elements in lending
- retail 0.7 0.6 17% 0.6 17%
- commercial 0.3 0.4 (25%) 0.4 (25%)
Total risk elements in lending 1.0 1.0 - 1.0 -
Loan:deposit ratio (excluding repos) 84% 87% (300bp) 85% (100bp)
Risk-weighted assets 56.7 58.5 (3%) 59.3 (4%)
Spot exchange rate - US\$/£ 1.614 1.569 1.548

Notes:

(1) Divisional return on equity is based on divisional operating profit after tax divided by average notional equity (based on 10% of the monthly average of divisional RWAs, adjusted for capital deductions).

(2) Excludes the litigation settlement in Q1 2012 and net gain on sale of Visa B shares in Q2 2012.

  • Sterling strengthened relative to the US dollar during the first nine months of 2012, with the spot exchange rate increasing by 4.3% compared with 31 December 2011.
  • Performance is described in full in the US dollar-based financial statements set out on pages 40 and 41.

US Retail & Commercial (US Dollar)

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
\$m \$m \$m \$m \$m
Income statement
Net interest income 778 778 776 2,335 2,267
Net fees and commissions 306 309 358 922 1,036
Other non-interest income 149 202 109 453 325
Non-interest income 455 511 467 1,375 1,361
Total income 1,233 1,289 1,243 3,710 3,628
Direct expenses
- staff (327) (344) (340) (1,021) (1,005)
- other (204) (228) (250) (614) (677)
- litigation settlement - - - (138) -
Indirect expenses (318) (311) (318) (956) (943)
(849) (883) (908) (2,729) (2,625)
Operating profit before impairment losses 384 406 335 981 1,003
Impairment losses (33) (43) (137) (107) (422)
Operating profit 351 363 198 874 581
Analysis of income by product
Mortgages and home equity 219 211 192 641 542
Personal lending and cards 160 161 188 477 552
Retail deposits 340 355 384 1,041 1,114
Commercial lending 228 239 241 718 703
Commercial deposits 175 179 169 533 494
Other 111 144 69 300 223
Total income 1,233 1,289 1,243 3,710 3,628
Analysis of impairments by sector
Residential mortgages (8) (6) 10 (5) 38
Home equity 64 30 52 129 134
Corporate and commercial (55) (9) 8 (89) 75
Other consumer 32 27 19 65 68
Securities - 1 48 7 107
Total impairment losses 33 43 137 107 422
Loan impairment charge as % of gross
customer loans and advances
(excluding reverse repurchase
agreements) by sector
Residential mortgages (0.3%) (0.3%) 0.4% (0.1%) 0.6%
Home equity 1.2% 0.5% 0.9% 0.8% 0.8%
Corporate and commercial (0.6%) (0.1%) 0.1% (0.3%) 0.3%
Other consumer 1.0% 0.8% 0.7% 0.7% 0.9%
Total 0.2% 0.2% 0.5% 0.2% 0.5%

US Retail & Commercial (US Dollar) (continued)

Key metrics

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Performance ratios
Return on equity (1) 9.7% 10.0% 5.8% 8.1% 5.7%
Adjusted return on equity (2) 9.7% 8.3% 5.8% 8.8% 5.7%
Net interest margin 2.99% 3.02% 3.08% 3.02% 3.07%
Cost:income ratio 69% 69% 73% 74% 72%
Adjusted cost:income ratio (2) 69% 72% 73% 71% 72%
30 September
2012
\$bn
30 June
2012
\$bn
Change 31 December
2011
\$bn
Change
Capital and balance sheet
Total third party assets 121.0 117.8 3% 117.3 3%
Loans and advances to customers (gross)
- residential mortgages 9.5 9.6 (1%) 9.4 1%
- home equity 22.0 22.3 (1%) 23.1 (5%)
- corporate and commercial 37.2 37.0 1% 35.3 5%
- other consumer 13.1 13.1 - 12.0 9%
81.8 82.0 - 79.8 3%
Customer deposits (excluding repos) 96.6 92.9 4% 92.8 4%
Bank deposits (excluding repos) 6.2 7.8 (21%) 8.0 (23%)
Risk elements in lending
- retail 1.2 1.0 20% 1.0 20%
- commercial 0.5 0.6 (17%) 0.6 (17%)
Total risk elements in lending 1.7 1.6 6% 1.6 6%
Loan:deposit ratio (excluding repos) 84% 87% (300bp) 85% (100bp)
Risk-weighted assets 91.6 91.7 - 91.8 -

Notes:

(1) Divisional return on equity is based on divisional operating profit after tax divided by average notional equity (based on 10% of monthly average of divisional RWAs, adjusted for capital deductions).

(2) Excludes the litigation settlement in Q1 2012 and net gain on sale of Visa B shares in Q2 2012.

Key points

Q3 2012 was another solid quarter for US Retail & Commercial. Excluding the \$62 million net gain on sale of Visa B shares in Q2 2012, operating profit increased a further 17% quarter-on-quarter, largely driven by a decrease in expenses and higher securities gains.

US Retail & Commercial's strategy to focus on core banking products and to compete on service and product capabilities rather than price continued to deliver results. Key customer retention indicators in Consumer Banking, such as penetration in online banking, online bill pay and direct deposits, continued to improve in Q3 2012, while customers continued to rate services such as mobile banking highly compared with peers.

Consumer Banking has also seen benefits from its focus on growing and deepening valued customer relationships, resulting in higher core deposit balances and greater penetration in lending products.

US Retail & Commercial (US Dollar) (continued)

Key points (continued)

Commercial Banking has successfully utilised the growing strength of customer relationships to develop innovative e-marketing campaigns, targeting specific clients and prospects in chosen industries, and providing customers with access to relevant webinars, customer events and economic newsletters based on the business's understanding of their needs.

Commercial Banking has also focused on expanding and improving its Capital Markets and Treasury Solutions businesses throughout 2012.

By the end of Q3, the Capital Markets business was on track to finish 2012 with more than 100 lead roles in syndicate debt underwriting transactions, an increase of over 15% from 2011. In Q3 2012, the Treasury Solutions business improved its customer experience through the launch of accessSETUP™, a secure web interface that will allow safe and efficient exchange of documents in the initiation and implementation phases of cash management services.

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • US Retail & Commercial posted an operating profit of \$351 million compared with \$363 million in the prior quarter. Excluding the \$62 million net gain on sale of Visa B shares in Q2 2012, operating profit increased by \$50 million, or 17%, largely reflecting higher securities gains of \$26 million and lower expenses.
  • Net interest income was in line with the prior quarter although net interest margin decreased by 3 basis points to 2.99% reflecting lower asset yields.
  • Loans and advances were flat, reflecting continued run-off of consumer loan balances due to reduced credit demand and the unwillingness to hold long term fixed rate products, offset by growth in commercial loan volumes.
  • Excluding a gross gain of \$75 million on the sale of Visa B shares in Q2 2012, non-interest income was up \$19 million, or 4%, largely reflecting higher securities gains.
  • Excluding the \$13 million litigation reserve associated with the sale of Visa B shares in Q2 2012, direct expenses were down \$28 million, or 5%, driven by lower mortgage servicing rights impairments and the phasing of staff costs.
  • Impairment losses were down \$10 million, although the credit environment remained broadly stable in the quarter.

  • Operating profit increased to \$351 million from \$198 million, an increase of \$153 million, or 77%, driven by lower impairment losses and expenses.

  • Net interest income was in line with Q3 2011. Consumer loan run-off and lower asset yields reflected prevailing economic conditions, but were offset by targeted commercial loan growth, deposit pricing discipline and lower funding costs.
  • Customer deposits were up 5% with strong growth achieved in checking and money market balances. Consumer checking balances grew by 3% while small business checking balances grew by 8% over the year.

US Retail & Commercial (US Dollar) (continued)

Key points (continued)

Q3 2012 compared with Q3 2011 (continued)

  • Non-interest income was down \$12 million, or 3%, reflecting lower debit card fees as a result of the Durbin Amendment legislation, and lower deposit fees, partially offset by higher securities gains and strong mortgage banking fees.
  • Total expenses declined by \$59 million, or 6%, reflecting a lower mortgage servicing rights impairment, a decline in loan collection costs and the elimination of the Everyday Points rewards programme for consumer debit card customers.
  • Impairment losses declined by \$104 million, or 76%, reflecting an improved credit environment as well as lower impairments related to securities.

Markets

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Income statement
Net interest income from banking activities 11 32 (6) 67 56
Net fees and commissions receivable 77 73 153 277 541
Income from trading activities 933 917 281 3,398 3,022
Other operating income (net of related
funding costs) 21 44 19 100 104
Non-interest income 1,031 1,034 453 3,775 3,667
Total income 1,042 1,066 447 3,842 3,723
Direct expenses
- staff (393) (423) (406) (1,360) (1,609)
- other (162) (185) (195) (513) (549)
Indirect expenses (198) (188) (199) (584) (576)
(753) (796) (800) (2,457) (2,734)
Operating profit/(loss) before impairment
losses 289 270 (353) 1,385 989
Impairment recoveries/(losses) 6 (19) 5 (15) 19
Operating profit/(loss) 295 251 (348) 1,370 1,008
Of which:
Ongoing businesses 300 268 (325) 1,429 1,039
Run-off businesses (5) (17) (23) (59) (31)
Analysis of income by product
Rates 390 416 42 1,607 1,078
Currencies 173 175 293 594 801
Asset backed products (ABP) 374 378 241 1,179 1,225
Credit markets 186 184 (58) 683 580
Investor products and equity derivatives 76 91 76 290 475
Total income ongoing businesses 1,199 1,244 594 4,353 4,159
Inter-divisional revenue share (159) (174) (178) (519) (590)
Run-off businesses 2 (4) 31 8 154
Total income 1,042 1,066 447 3,842 3,723
Memo - Fixed income and currencies
Rates/currencies/ABP/credit markets 1,123 1,153 518 4,063 3,684
Less: primary credit markets (114) (132) (137) (417) (554)
Total fixed income and currencies 1,009 1,021 381 3,646 3,130

Markets (continued)

Key metrics

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
30 September
2011
30 September
2012
30 September
2011
Performance ratios (ongoing businesses)
Return on equity (1) 7.8% 6.8% (8.2%) 12.0% 8.9%
Cost:income ratio 72% 73% 179% 62% 71%
Compensation ratio (2) 37% 38% 88% 34% 41%
30 September 30 June 31 December
2012
£bn
2012
£bn
Change 2011
£bn
Change
Capital and balance sheet (ongoing
businesses)
Loans and advances 51.7 53.7 (4%) 61.2 (16%)
Reverse repos 97.5 97.6 - 100.4 (3%)
Securities 97.9 101.7 (4%) 108.1 (9%)
Cash and eligible bills 34.7 26.8 29% 28.1 23%
Other 22.4 22.2 1% 14.8 51%
Total third party assets (excluding derivatives
mark-to-market) 304.2 302.0 1% 312.6 (3%)
Customer deposits (excluding repos) 34.3 34.3 - 36.8 (7%)
Bank deposits (excluding repos) 42.9 50.7 (15%) 48.2 (11%)
Net derivative assets (after netting) 21.3 27.5 (23%) 37.0 (42%)
Risk-weighted assets 108.0 107.9 - 120.3 (10%)

Notes:

(1) Divisional return on equity is based on divisional operating profit after tax, divided by average notional equity (based on 10% of the monthly average of divisional RWAs, adjusted for capital deductions), for the ongoing businesses.

(2) Compensation ratio is based on staff costs as a percentage of total income.

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Run-off businesses (1) £m £m £m £m £m
Total income 2 (4) 31 8 154
Direct expenses (7) (13) (54) (67) (185)
Operating loss (5) (17) (23) (59) (31)
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
31 December
2011
Run-off businesses (1) £bn £bn £bn
Total third party assets (excluding derivatives mark-to-market) 0.2 0.4 1.3

Note:

(1) Run-off businesses consist of the exited cash equities, corporate broking and equity capital markets operations.

Markets (continued)

Key points

During Q3 2012, Markets performed creditably in a challenging environment. Client activity was subdued and investors remained cautious, despite market supportive actions by both the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank which resulted in a narrowing of credit spreads.

In response to the difficult environment, Markets has continued to focus on managing both risk and costs. The effectiveness of risk management processes were further improved and risk positions mitigated. Headcount fell and the division continued to pursue a rigorous programme of front to back cost reduction.

  • Revenues declined by 2% due to continued uncertainty in the Eurozone and subdued client activity. However, the ongoing focus on costs generated an 18% increase in operating profit.
  • Rates' income fell 6% in a low volatility environment. A decline in counterparty exposure management, which had a particularly strong Q2 2012, was partly offset by a strong performance in non-linear trading, as RBS worked with clients to restructure or unwind a number of client positions.
  • Currencies volumes remained weak. Investors were risk averse which limited opportunities in emerging markets. Conversely, the currency options activity had better trading results as a consequence of efficient risk management.
  • Asset-backed products continued to benefit from investors' search for yield, especially in the United States, where the Federal Reserve's stance on quantitative easing sustained the markets.
  • Credit markets continued to stabilise during Q3 2012. Issuance in the EMEA debt capital markets remained difficult and windows of opportunity were narrow. The US market, less affected by uncertainty in the Eurozone, saw some growth in corporate activity.
  • The 5% reduction in total expenses was driven by lower staff costs and the division's continued focus on controlling discretionary expenditure.
  • Third party assets increased slightly due to a higher level of cash held with central banks at the end of the quarter. Excluding cash and eligible bills, third party assets fell by £6 billion.
  • Risk-weighted assets remained flat as continuing regulatory pressures were offset by ongoing mitigation actions.
  • Q3 2012 performance helped drive a strong return on equity of 12% for the first nine months of 2012, largely due to the improved cost position.

Markets (continued)

Key points (continued)

  • Revenues increased by £595 million as business performance and the market environment improved. During Q3 2011 both credit spreads and investor confidence deteriorated sharply whereas Q3 2012 has been supported by the actions of the US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank.
  • Rates benefited from a more stable market environment and more effective risk management. Non-linear trading performed particularly well during Q3 2012.
  • Flow currencies weakened compared with Q3 2011 reflecting low volumes. The currency options business was lower, but this reflected a strong Q3 2011.
  • A stronger performance in asset backed products reflected a more sustained market rally than during 2011. Quantitative easing in the US and investors' search for yield supported asset prices.
  • Credit markets incurred significant losses in Q3 2011 on flow credit trading, reflecting the sharp deterioration in the credit environment. More benign credit conditions and a focus on risk management drove improved results in Q3 2012.
  • Staff numbers have fallen significantly as a consequence of both the strategic decision to exit cash equities and origination and a more efficient use of resources in the ongoing business. The compensation ratio of 37% represents a significant improvement from Q3 2011. Lower headcount, combined with the focus on discretionary expenditure, has driven down the overall cost base.

Direct Line Group

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September
2011
30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Income statement
Earned premiums 1,013 1,012 1,057 3,045 3,178
Reinsurers' share (81) (83) (67) (246) (181)
Net premium income 932 929 990 2,799 2,997
Fees and commissions (129) (113) (83) (351) (239)
Instalment income 32 31 35 94 105
Other income 16 14 19 46 81
Total income 851 861 961 2,588 2,944
Net claims (596) (576) (695) (1,821) (2,183)
Underwriting profit 255 285 266 767 761
Staff expenses (88) (81) (67) (248) (213)
Other expenses (106) (81) (88) (278) (254)
Total direct expenses (194) (162) (155) (526) (467)
Indirect expenses - (61) (60) (124) (170)
(194) (223) (215) (650) (637)
Technical result 61 62 51 117 124
Investment income 48 73 72 211 205
Operating profit 109 135 123 328 329
Analysis of income by product
Personal lines motor excluding broker
- own brands 416 409 439 1,236 1,317
- partnerships 31 31 45 93 175
Personal lines home excluding broker
- own brands 116 115 117 347 352
- partnerships 88 94 94 270 282
Personal lines rescue and other excluding
broker
- own brands 46 46 43 137 135
- partnerships 42 47 47 131 141
Commercial 82 79 80 240 234
International 79 77 91 240 251
Other (1) (49) (37) 5 (106) 57
Total income 851 861 961 2,588 2,944

For the notes to this table refer to page 50.

Direct Line Group (continued)

Key metrics

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
In-force policies (000s)
Personal lines motor excluding broker
- own brands 3,762 3,816 3,832 3,762 3,832
- partnerships 332 319 388 332 388
Personal lines home excluding broker
- own brands 1,777 1,795 1,832 1,777 1,832
- partnerships 2,514 2,509 2,504 2,514 2,504
Personal lines rescue and other excluding
broker
- own brands 1,816 1,798 1,886 1,816 1,886
- partnerships 7,955 7,895 7,714 7,955 7,714
Commercial 466 460 410 466 410
International 1,444 1,441 1,357 1,444 1,357
Other (1) 52 54 44 52 44
Total in-force policies (2) 20,118 20,087 19,967 20,118 19,967
Gross written premium (£m)
Personal lines motor excluding broker
- own brands 400 378 438 1,176 1,236
- partnerships 40 32 36 109 109
Personal lines home excluding broker
- own brands 128 112 133 350 362
- partnerships 139 127 144 402 417
Personal lines rescue and other excluding
broker
- own brands 48 45 48 136 134
- partnerships 45 45 48 131 130
Commercial 103 123 101 333 333
International 113 133 125 419 428
Other (1) (1) 1 4 1 (1)
Total gross written premium 1,015 996 1,077 3,057 3,148

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

Direct Line Group (continued)

Key metrics (continued)

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
30 September
2011
30 September
2012
30 September
2011
Performance ratios
Return on tangible equity (3) 12.9% 13.4% 11.0% 10.3% 10.0%
Loss ratio (4) 64% 62% 70% 65% 73%
Commission ratio (5) 14% 12% 8% 13% 8%
Expense ratio (6) 21% 24% 22% 23% 21%
Combined operating ratio (7) 99% 98% 100% 101% 102%
Balance sheet
Total insurance reserves - (£m) (8) 8,112 8,184 7,545 8,112 7,545

Notes:

(1) 'Other' predominantly consists of the personal lines broker business and from Q1 2012 business previously reported in Non-Core.

(2) Total in-force policies include travel and creditor policies sold through RBS Group. These comprise travel policies included in bank accounts e.g. Royalties Gold Account, and creditor policies sold with bank products including mortgage, loan and card payment protection.

(3) Return on tangible equity is based on annualised operating profit after tax divided by average tangible equity adjusted for dividend payments.

  • (4) Loss ratio is based on net claims divided by net premium income.
  • (5) Commission ratio is based on fees and commissions divided by net premium income.
  • (6) Expense ratio is based on expenses divided by net premium income.
  • (7) Combined operating ratio is the sum of the loss, commission and expense ratios.
  • (8) Consists of general and life insurance liabilities, unearned premium reserve and liability adequacy reserve.

Key points

In October 2012 RBS Group sold 520.8 million ordinary shares in Direct Line Group completing a successful initial public offering (IPO). This represented 34.7% of the total share capital, generating gross proceeds of £911 million.

Direct Line Group continues to hold a steady position in a competitive market with stable in-force policies and an operating profit of £328 million for the nine months ended 30 September 2012. Q3 2012 operating profit of £109 million was lower than Q3 2011 as a result of increased financing costs, following successful implementation of balance sheet restructuring, and lower investment returns. This was partially offset by an improved technical result.

The combined operating ratio of 99% in the quarter reflects normal weather and some improvement in expense ratio compared with Q2 2012, partially offset by lower releases from prior year reserves.

Following the renewal and expansion of partnership agreements with Nationwide Building Society and Sainsbury's Bank in H1 2012, Direct Line Group signed an arm's length, five year distribution agreement with RBS Group for the continued provision of general insurance products post divestment. In September, a new marketing campaign was launched for the Direct Line brand further differentiating its service led proposition. These activities reinforce Direct Line Group's multi-brand, multi-product and multi-channel personal lines business model in the UK.

Direct Line Group (continued)

Key points (continued)

During the quarter, Commercial continued to develop its new e-trading platform. This will enable NIG to provide a wider range of Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) products for brokers on an electronic trading platform and drive greater operational efficiency, whilst also significantly improving the broker and customer experience.

International continued to consolidate its position with 1.4 million in-force policies. Gross written premium for the year-to-date was up 5% in local currency on the same period last year. This followed a period of strong growth in 2010 and 2011. International continues to benefit from its multi-channel distribution model including partnerships.

During Q3 2012, agreement was reached on the final level of reserves to be retained by Direct Line Group in respect of the run-off of remaining claims under Tesco Personal Finance policies and finalised certain other matters arising out of the expiration of the distribution arrangements. Following this determination of the reserves, the risks and rewards of the run-off for this line of business was transferred to Direct Line Group.

Direct Line Group continues to focus on reducing operational costs, targeting the delivery of gross annual cost and claims savings of £100 million in 2014 through overall improvements in operational efficiency, continued efforts to simplify its internal organisational structure and better managing its customer acquisition costs.

Investment markets remained challenging with continued low yields. Direct Line Group continues to manage its investment portfolios conservatively, with portfolios composed primarily of investment grade corporate bonds, cash and gilts. At 30 September 2012, exposure to peripheral Eurozone debt was £52 million, less than 1% of the portfolio, comprising non-sovereign debt issued in Ireland, Italy and Spain. During the quarter, Direct Line Group continued to restructure its portfolio through a further purchase of £287 million in corporate bonds and £33 million in property.

Direct Line Group continues to optimise its capital structure with a further dividend of £200 million paid to RBS Group on 3 September 2012, taking the total dividend paid to £1 billion in 2012. Following the IPO, Direct Line Group plans to adopt a progressive dividend policy which will aim to increase dividends annually in real terms. For 2012, the dividend pay-out ratio is expected to be between 50- 60% of post tax profits from ongoing operations and a final dividend of two thirds of this amount is expected to be paid in Q2 2013.

Over the last 18 months, a number of regulatory reviews and initiatives have been announced by the UK Government, the Ministry of Justice and the Competition Commission in relation to the motor insurance industry. Direct Line Group is actively engaged with major stakeholders and supports the introduction of a coherent set of reforms. This was reinforced by the recent reversal of an earlier Court of Appeal decision (Simmons v Castle) in relation to the 10% uplift in general damages.

Key points (continued)

Separation update

From 1 July 2012, Direct Line Group has operated on a substantially standalone basis with independent corporate functions and governance, following successful implementation of a comprehensive programme of separation initiatives. During the first nine months of the year these included launching a new corporate identity and the Direct Line Group Board becoming fully compliant with the UK Corporate Governance code following further non-executive director appointments. New contracts of employment have been agreed and issued to staff, independent HR systems have been implemented and an arm's length transitional services agreement has been reached with RBS Group for residual services.

RBS completed the successful initial public offering of Direct Line Group in October 2012, representing another important milestone in RBS's restructuring plan.

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • Operating profit of £109 million was £26 million, or 19% lower, as a stable technical result was more than offset by lower investment returns.
  • Gross written premiums of £1,015 million were £19 million higher, driven by seasonality across the products.
  • Total income of £851 million was £10 million, or 1% lower, predominantly due to increased commissions payable relating to business previously reported within Non-Core.
  • Net claims of £596 million were £20 million, or 4% higher, reflecting lower releases of reserves from prior years compared with the prior quarter, partially offset by less severe weather.
  • Total expenses of £194 million were £29 million, or 13% lower than Q2 2012, primarily due to being substantially operationally separate from RBS Group, and the cessation of a period of dual running costs.
  • Investment income of £48 million was £25 million lower as realised gains arising from portfolio management initiatives during Q2 2012 were not repeated in the current quarter. In addition financing costs were higher following a full quarter of interest on the Tier 2 debt issued in Q2 2012.

  • Operating profit was £14 million, or 11% lower than Q3 2011 reflecting an improved technical result more than offset by lower investment income, which included £12 million of financing costs relating to the Tier 2 debt issued in Q2 2012.

  • Gross written premiums of £1,015 million were £62 million, or 6% lower than Q3 2011. This was predominantly driven by Motor, due to the impact of de-risking actions taken in 2011 and the continued focus on disciplined underwriting in a competitive market. International was also down, reflecting adverse exchange rate movements.
  • Total income decreased by £110 million as a result of the earn through of lower written premiums, together with significantly higher commissions payable relating to business previously reported in Non-Core.

Key points (continued)

Q3 2012 compared with Q3 2011 (continued)

  • Net claims were £99 million, or 14% lower due to a reduction in volumes, reserve releases and favourable movements relating to business previously reported within Non-Core, which is almost entirely offset within fees and commissions.
  • Expenses decreased by £21 million, or 9%, principally reflecting the move to substantial operational separation from RBS Group in Q3 2012.
  • Investment income was £24 million, or 33% lower reflecting lower yields during 2012, lower realised gains on the portfolio, and the interest payable on the Tier 2 debt issued in Q2 2012. This was partially offset by gains relating to business previously reported in Non-Core.

Central items

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Central items not allocated 176 (32) 78 - 102

Note:

(1) Costs/charges are denoted by brackets.

Funding and operating costs have been allocated to operating divisions based on direct service usage, the requirement for market funding and other appropriate drivers where services span more than one division.

Residual unallocated items relate to volatile corporate items that do not naturally reside within a division.

Key points

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • Central items not allocated represented a credit of £176 million, an improvement of £208 million compared with Q2 2012.
  • The movement was predominantly driven by an increased profit from available-for-sale bond disposals of £325 million, as the Group repositioned its liquidity portfolio, offset by higher unallocated volatility costs in Group Treasury of £95 million. In addition, a further provision of £50 million in respect of the Group technology incident was recorded in Q3 2012 compared with £125 million in Q2 2012.
  • Q3 2012 also included a £75 million reserve for various litigation and legacy conduct issues.

  • Central items not allocated represented a credit of £176 million, an improvement of £98 million compared with Q3 2011.

  • The movement was due to increases in available-for-sale bond disposals, partially offset by an increase in unallocated volatility costs and the additional provisions noted above.

Technology incident - costs of redress

The following table provides an analysis by division of the estimated costs of redress following the technology incident in June 2012. These costs are included in Central items above and include waiver of interest and other charges together with other compensation payments all of which are reported in expenses.

Quarter ended
30 September 30 June
2012 2012 Total
£m £m £m
UK Retail 6 35 41
UK Corporate (12) 36 24
International Banking (18) 21 3
Ulster Bank 54 28 82
Group Centre 20 5 25
50 125 175

During Q3, the Group increased the provision by £50 million, primarily in relation to Ulster Bank (£54 million) partially offset by reductions in UK Corporate and International Banking.

Non-Core

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Income statement
Net interest income 86 86 183 287 708
Net fees and commissions 17 29 (85) 77 9
Loss from trading activities (203) (131) (246) (604) (314)
Insurance net premium income - - 44 - 277
Other operating income
- rental income 73 133 182 374 580
- other (1) 77 (116) (13) 186 206
Non-interest (loss)/income (36) (85) (118) 33 758
Total income 50 1 65 320 1,466
Direct expenses
- staff (69) (80) (93) (220) (293)
- operating lease depreciation (43) (69) (82) (195) (256)
- other (30) (46) (62) (117) (199)
Indirect expenses (70) (67) (86) (205) (233)
(212) (262) (323) (737) (981)
Operating (loss)/profit before insurance net
claims and impairment losses (162) (261) (258) (417) 485
Insurance net claims - - (38) - (256)
Impairment losses (424) (607) (682) (1,520) (3,168)
Operating loss (586) (868) (978) (1,937) (2,939)

Note:

(1) Includes (losses)/gains on disposals (Q3 2012 - £42 million loss; Q2 2012 - £39 million loss; Q3 2011 - £37 million loss; nine months ended 30 September 2012 - £101 million gain; nine months ended 30 September 2011 - £91 million loss).

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Analysis of income/(loss) by business
Banking and portfolios 91 (117) 233 151 1,607
International businesses 60 76 101 221 319
Markets (101) 42 (269) (52) (460)
Total income 50 1 65 320 1,466
Loss from trading activities
Monoline exposures 21 (63) (230) (170) (427)
Credit derivative product companies (199) 31 (5) (206) (66)
Asset-backed products (1) 17 37 (51) 85 51
Other credit exotics 16 (69) (7) (33) (167)
Equities 1 3 (11) 3 (12)
Banking book hedges (14) (22) 73 (36) 35
Other (45) (48) (15) (247) 272
(203) (131) (246) (604) (314)
Impairment losses
Banking and portfolios 433 706 656 1,623 3,119
International businesses 16 14 17 41 52
Markets (25) (113) 9 (144) (3)
Total impairment losses 424 607 682 1,520 3,168
Loan impairment charge as % of gross
customer loans and advances (excluding
reverse repurchase agreements) (2)
Banking and portfolios 2.8% 4.2% 2.8% 3.6% 4.8%
International businesses 4.5% 3.4% 2.7% 3.9% 3.2%
Markets 0.4% (4.4%) (0.4%) (1.6%) (4.0%)
Total 2.9% 4.2% 2.8% 3.6% 4.8%

Notes:

(1) Asset-backed products include super senior asset-backed structures and other asset-backed products.

(2) Includes disposal groups.

Key metrics

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
30 September
2011
30 September
2012
30 September
2011
Performance ratios
Net interest margin 0.41% 0.24% 0.50% 0.32% 0.69%
Cost:income ratio nm nm nm nm 67%
Adjusted cost:income ratio nm nm nm nm 81%
30 September 30 June 31 December
2012
£bn
2012
£bn
Change 2011
£bn
Change
Capital and balance sheet
Total third party assets (excluding
derivatives) 65.1 72.1 (10%) 93.7 (31%)
Total third party assets (including derivatives) 72.2 80.6 (10%) 104.7 (31%)
Loans and advances to customers (gross) (1) 61.6 67.7 (9%) 79.4 (22%)
Customer deposits (1) 3.3 2.9 14% 3.5 (6%)
Risk elements in lending (1) 22.0 23.1 (5%) 24.0 (8%)
Risk-weighted assets 72.2 82.7 (13%) 93.3 (23%)

nm = not meaningful

Note:

(1) Excludes disposal groups.

30 September
2012
£bn
30 June
2012
£bn
31 December
2011
£bn
Gross customer loans and advances
Banking and portfolios 60.4 66.3 77.3
International businesses 1.2 1.4 2.0
Markets - - 0.1
61.6 67.7 79.4
Risk-weighted assets
Banking and portfolios 60.5 64.4 64.8
International businesses 2.7 2.9 4.1
Markets 9.0 15.4 24.4
72.2 82.7 93.3
Third party assets (excluding derivatives)
Banking and portfolios 57.6 63.5 81.3
International businesses 1.9 2.2 2.9
Markets 5.6 6.4 9.5
65.1 72.1 93.7

Third party assets (excluding derivatives)

Quarter ended 30 September 2012 30 June
2012
£bn
Run-off
£bn
Disposals/
restructuring
£bn
Drawings/
£bn
roll overs Impairments
£bn
FX
£bn
30 September
2012
£bn
Commercial real estate 26.9 (0.9) (0.4) - (0.4) (0.2) 25.0
Corporate 32.8 (2.7) (1.1) 0.4 - (0.4) 29.0
SME 1.6 (0.2) (0.1) - - - 1.3
Retail 4.0 (0.1) - - - (0.1) 3.8
Other 0.4 - - - - - 0.4
Markets 6.4 (0.2) (0.6) 0.1 - (0.1) 5.6
Total (excluding derivatives) 72.1 (4.1) (2.2) 0.5 (0.4) (0.8) 65.1
Quarter ended 30 June 2012 31 March
2012
£bn
Run-off
£bn
Disposals/
restructuring
£bn
Drawings/
£bn
roll overs Impairments
£bn
FX
£bn
30 June
2012
£bn
Commercial real estate 29.1 (1.2) (0.2) - (0.4) (0.4) 26.9
Corporate 40.1 (1.7) (5.9) 0.5 (0.2) - 32.8
SME 1.9 (0.3) (0.1) 0.1 - - 1.6
Retail 4.2 (0.3) - 0.1 (0.1) 0.1 4.0
Other 0.6 (0.2) - - - - 0.4
Markets 7.4 (0.7) (0.5) - 0.1 0.1 6.4
Total (excluding derivatives) 83.3 (4.4) (6.7) 0.7 (0.6) (0.2) 72.1
Quarter ended 30 September 2011 30 June
2011
£bn
Run-off
£bn
Disposals/
restructuring
£bn
Drawings/
£bn
roll overs Impairments
£bn
FX
£bn
30 September
2011
£bn
Commercial real estate 36.6 0.3 (0.6) 0.2 (0.5) (0.7) 35.3
Corporate 50.4 (2.4) (1.3) 0.5 - (0.3) 46.9
SME 2.7 (0.3) - - - - 2.4
Retail 8.0 (0.3) (0.3) - (0.1) 0.1 7.4
Other 2.3 (0.4) - - - - 1.9
Markets 11.5 (0.9) (0.4) 0.6 - 0.1 10.9
Total (excluding derivatives)
Markets - RBS Sempra
111.5 (4.0) (2.6) 1.3 (0.6) (0.8) 104.8
Commodities JV 1.1 - (0.8) - - - 0.3
Total (1) 112.6 (4.0) (3.4) 1.3 (0.6) (0.8) 105.1

Note:

(1) Disposals of £0.2 billion have been signed as at 30 September 2012 but are pending completion (30 June 2012 - nil; 30 September 2011 - £1 billion).

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
£m
30 June
2012
£m
30 September
2011
£m
30 September
2012
£m
30 September
2011
£m
Impairment losses by donating division
and sector
UK Retail
Mortgages - - 1 - 5
Personal 1 1 1 4 1
Total UK Retail 1 1 2 4 6
UK Corporate
Manufacturing and infrastructure 4 7 3 18 50
Property and construction 2 23 92 80 141
Transport - 16 - 14 46
Financial institutions (13) (3) - (15) 4
Lombard 11 12 12 33 55
Other 37 11 18 54 75
Total UK Corporate 41 66 125 184 371
Ulster Bank
Commercial real estate
- investment 61 52 74 197 458
- development 93 120 162 355 1,475
Other corporate 10 17 45 61 158
Other EMEA - 2 2 6 13
Total Ulster Bank 164 191 283 619 2,104
US Retail & Commercial
Auto and consumer 10 11 14 30 51
Cards (1) (1) - 3 (10)
SBO/home equity 46 44 57 108 168
Residential mortgages 10 4 4 17 14
Commercial real estate (9) 2 (4) (10) 26
Commercial and other (8) (3) (1) (15) (10)
Total US Retail & Commercial 48 57 70 133 239
International Banking
Manufacturing and infrastructure (5) (1) 23 - 15
Property and construction 205 236 189 527 511
Transport 1 134 (6) 148 (13)
Telecoms, media and technology - 11 27 27 50
Banks and financial institutions (19) (102) (29) (133) (67)
Other (13) 14 (1) 10 (48)
Total International Banking 169 292 203 579 448
Other
Wealth 1 1 1 1 1
Central items - (1) (2) - (1)
Total Other 1 - (1) 1 -
Total impairment losses 424 607 682 1,520 3,168
30 September
2012
£bn
30 June
2012
£bn
31 December
2011
£bn
Gross loans and advances to customers (excluding reverse
repurchase agreements) by donating division and sector
UK Retail
Mortgages - - 1.4
Personal 0.1 0.1 0.1
Total UK Retail 0.1 0.1 1.5
UK Corporate
Manufacturing and infrastructure 0.1 0.1 0.1
Property and construction 3.9 4.3 5.9
Transport 4.0 4.1 4.5
Financial institutions 0.4 0.6 0.6
Lombard 0.5 0.7 1.0
Other 4.6 6.9 7.5
Total UK Corporate 13.5 16.7 19.6
Ulster Bank
Commercial real estate
- investment 3.5 3.7 3.9
- development 7.6 7.7 8.5
Other corporate 1.6 1.6 1.6
Other EMEA 0.3 0.4 0.4
Total Ulster Bank 13.0 13.4 14.4
US Retail & Commercial
Auto and consumer 0.6 0.6 0.8
Cards 0.1 0.1 0.1
SBO/home equity 2.2 2.3 2.5
Residential mortgages 0.5 0.5 0.6
Commercial real estate 0.6 0.7 1.0
Commercial and other - 0.2 0.4
Total US Retail & Commercial 4.0 4.4 5.4
International Banking
Manufacturing and infrastructure 4.0 5.4 6.6
Property and construction 13.2 14.3 15.3
Transport 1.9 2.0 3.2
Telecoms, media and technology 1.2 0.7 0.7
Banks and financial institutions 5.3 5.3 5.6
Other 5.4 5.4 7.0
Total International Banking 31.0 33.1 38.4
Other
Wealth 0.2 0.2 0.2
Central items (0.2) (0.2) (0.2)
Total Other - - -
Gross loans and advances to customers (excluding reverse
repurchase agreements) 61.6 67.7 79.3

Key points

Non-Core remains on target to reach its third party asset objective of c£40 billion, a reduction of approximately 85% of its original portfolio, by the end of 2013. Third party assets fell to £65 billion, a reduction of £7 billion during the quarter and an overall reduction of 75% from commencement.

Risk-weighted assets decreased by £11 billion during Q3 2012 due to sales, run-off and active reductions in derivative exposures.

Market conditions in the quarter were favourable, with resulting improvements in asset prices and tightening of credit spreads.

Q3 2012 compared with Q2 2012

  • Third party assets fell by £7 billion to £65 billion, driven by run-off of £4 billion and sales of £2 billion.
  • Risk-weighted assets fell by £11 billion to £72 billion. The main drivers were lower market risk, through active reductions in derivative exposures, and assets moving into default. Further riskweighted asset mitigation from sales and run-off was partly offset by credit model changes.
  • Non-Core operating losses decreased by £282 million to £586 million, due to lower impairments, fair value movements and reductions in costs, partially offset by lower rental income following the sale of RBS Aviation Capital in Q2 2012, and higher trading losses. Trading losses increased by £72 million to £203 million due to an increase in restructuring and de-risking activities within the Markets portfolio.
  • Impairment losses fell by £183 million during Q3 2012 largely due to the non-repeat of a significant provision in the Project Finance portfolio in Q2 2012.
  • Other income increased by £193 million in Q3 2012 principally due to positive fair value adjustments in Q3 2012 compared with negative fair value adjustments in Q2 2012.
  • Costs fell by £50 million as headcount continues to reduce in line with the rundown of the division, and significantly lower operating lease depreciation following the disposal of RBS Aviation Capital in Q2 2012.

  • Third party assets declined by £40 billion, 38%, principally reflecting sales of £21 billion and runoff of £13 billion.

  • Risk-weighted assets have reduced by £46 billion to £72 billion. Continued sales and run-off including the sale of RBS Aviation Capital were the primary drivers of the reduction, combined with lower market risk through active reductions in derivative exposures
  • The Q3 2012 operating loss of £586 million was a £392 million improvement from Q3 2011 largely due to more favourable market conditions, lower impairments (£258 million improvement), and a reduction in costs. In line with ongoing disposal and run-off activity, net interest income continued to decline.
  • Since Q3 2011, headcount has reduced by approximately 2,000 (37%) reflecting business and country exits and run-down. Costs reduced by £111 million principally due to headcount attrition and reduced operating lease depreciation following the disposal of RBS Aviation Capital in Q2 2012.

Condensed consolidated income statement for the period ended 30 September 2012

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Interest receivable 4,529 4,774 5,371 14,320 16,176
Interest payable (1,658) (1,803) (2,294) (5,479) (6,571)
Net interest income 2,871 2,971 3,077 8,841 9,605
Fees and commissions receivable 1,403 1,450 1,452 4,340 4,794
Fees and commissions payable (341) (314) (304) (945) (887)
Income from trading activities 334 657 957 1,203 2,939
(Loss)/gain on redemption of own debt (123) - 1 454 256
Other operating income (excluding insurance
net premium income) (217) 394 2,384 (570) 3,917
Insurance net premium income 932 929 1,036 2,799 3,275
Non-interest income 1,988 3,116 5,526 7,281 14,294
Total income 4,859 6,087 8,603 16,122 23,899
Staff costs (2,059) (2,143) (2,076) (6,772) (6,685)
Premises and equipment (597) (544) (604) (1,704) (1,777)
Other administrative expenses (1,259) (1,156) (962) (3,431) (3,635)
Depreciation and amortisation (430) (434) (485) (1,332) (1,362)
Operating expenses (4,345) (4,277) (4,127) (13,239) (13,459)
Profit before insurance net claims and
impairment losses 514 1,810 4,476 2,883 10,440
Insurance net claims (596) (576) (734) (1,821) (2,439)
Impairment losses (1,176) (1,335) (1,738) (3,825) (6,791)
Operating (loss)/profit before tax (1,258) (101) 2,004 (2,763) 1,210
Tax charge (30) (290) (791) (459) (1,436)
(Loss)/profit from continuing operations (1,288) (391) 1,213 (3,222) (226)
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations,
net of tax
5 (4) 6 6 37
(Loss)/profit for the period (1,283) (395) 1,219 (3,216) (189)
Non-controlling interests (3) 5 7 16 (10)
Preference share dividends (98) (76) - (174) -
(Loss)/profit attributable to ordinary and B
shareholders (1,384) (466) 1,226 (3,374) (199)
Basic (loss)/profit per ordinary and B share
from continuing operations (1) (12.5p) (4.2p) 11.3p (30.7p) (1.9p)
Diluted (loss)/profit per ordinary and B share
from continuing operations (1) (12.5p) (4.2p) 11.2p (30.7p) (1.9p)
Basic and diluted loss per ordinary and B share
from discontinued operations (1) - - - - -

Note:

(1) Data for 2011 have been adjusted for the sub-division and one-for-ten consolidation of ordinary shares.

In the income statement above, one-off and other items as shown on page 17 are included in the appropriate captions. A reconciliation between the income statement above and the managed view income statement on page 11 is given in Appendix 1 to this announcement.

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the period ended 30 September 2012

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
£m
30 June
2012
£m
30 September
2011
£m
30 September
2012
£m
30 September
2011
£m
(Loss)/profit for the period (1,283) (395) 1,219 (3,216) (189)
Other comprehensive income
Available-for-sale financial assets 124 66 996 715 2,365
Cash flow hedges 437 662 939 1,132 1,300
Currency translation (573) 58 (22) (1,069) (323)
Other comprehensive income before tax (12) 786 1,913 778 3,342
Tax charge (91) (237) (480) (347) (972)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income
after tax (103) 549 1,433 431 2,370
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for
the period (1,386) 154 2,652 (2,785) 2,181
Total comprehensive (loss)/income is
attributable to:
Non-controlling interests - (10) (6) (13) (12)
Preference shareholders (98) (76) - (174) -
Ordinary and B shareholders (1,288) 240 2,658 (2,598) 2,193
(1,386) 154 2,652 (2,785) 2,181
  • The movement in available-for-sale financial assets reflects net unrealised gains on high quality UK, US and German sovereign bonds.
  • Cash flow hedging gains in both the quarter and year-to-date largely result from reductions in sterling swap rates.
  • Currency translation losses during the quarter and the nine months ended 30 September 2012 are principally due to the strengthening of Sterling against both the US Dollar, 2.9%, and the Euro, 1.4%, in the quarter and 4.3% and 5.0% respectively in the year to date.

Condensed consolidated balance sheet at 30 September 2012

30 September
2012
30 June
2012
31 December
2011
£m £m £m
Assets
Cash and balances at central banks 80,122 78,647 79,269
Net loans and advances to banks 38,347 39,436 43,870
Reverse repurchase agreements and stock borrowing 34,026 37,705 39,440
Loans and advances to banks 72,373 77,141 83,310
Net loans and advances to customers 423,155 434,965 454,112
Reverse repurchase agreements and stock borrowing 63,909 60,196 61,494
Loans and advances to customers 487,064 495,161 515,606
Debt securities 177,722 187,626 209,080
Equity shares 15,527 13,091 15,183
Settlement balances 15,055 15,312 7,771
Derivatives 468,171 486,432 529,618
Intangible assets 14,798 14,888 14,858
Property, plant and equipment 11,220 11,337 11,868
Deferred tax 3,480 3,502 3,878
Prepayments, accrued income and other assets 10,695 10,983 10,976
Assets of disposal groups 20,667 21,069 25,450
Total assets 1,376,894 1,415,189 1,506,867
Liabilities
Bank deposits 58,127 67,619 69,113
Repurchase agreements and stock lending 49,222 39,125 39,691
Deposits by banks 107,349 106,744 108,804
Customer deposits 412,712 412,769 414,143
Repurchase agreements and stock lending 93,343 88,950 88,812
Customer accounts 506,055 501,719 502,955
Debt securities in issue 104,157 119,855 162,621
Settlement balances 14,427 15,126 7,477
Short positions 32,562 38,376 41,039
Derivatives 462,300 480,745 523,983
Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities 18,458 18,820 23,125
Retirement benefit liabilities 1,779 1,791 2,239
Deferred tax 1,686 1,815 1,945
Insurance liabilities 6,249 6,322 6,312
Subordinated liabilities 25,309 25,596 26,319
Liabilities of disposal groups 22,670 23,064 23,995
Total liabilities 1,303,001 1,339,973 1,430,814
Equity
Non-controlling interests 1,194 1,200 1,234
Owners' equity*
Called up share capital 6,581 6,528 15,318
Reserves 66,118 67,488 59,501
Total equity 73,893 75,216 76,053
Total liabilities and equity 1,376,894 1,415,189 1,506,867
* Owners' equity attributable to:
Ordinary and B shareholders 67,955 69,272 70,075
Other equity owners 4,744 4,744 4,744
72,699 74,016 74,819

Key points

30 September 2012 compared with 31 December 2011

  • Total assets of £1,376.9 billion at 30 September 2012 were down £130.0 billion, 9%, compared with 31 December 2011. This was principally driven by a decrease in loans and advances to banks and customers led by Non-Core disposals and run off, decreases in debt securities and the reduction in the mark-to-market value of derivatives.
  • Loans and advances to banks decreased by £10.9 billion, 13%, to £72.4 billion. Excluding reverse repurchase agreements and stock borrowing ('reverse repos'), down £5.4 billion, 14%, to £34.0 billion, bank placings declined £5.5 billion, 13%, to £38.4 billion.
  • Loans and advances to customers declined £28.5 billion, 6%, to £487.1 billion. Within this, reverse repurchase agreements were up £2.4 billion, 4%, to £63.9 billion. Customer lending decreased by £30.9 billion, 7%, to £423.2 billion, or £30.5 billion to £443.4 billion before impairments. This reflected planned reductions in Non-Core of £15.9 billion, along with declines in International Banking, £8.7 billion, UK Corporate, £2.0 billion, Markets, £1.1 billion and Ulster Bank, £0.5 billion, together with the effect of exchange rate and other movements, £5.6 billion. These were partially offset by growth in UK Retail, £2.0 billion, US Retail & Commercial, £1.2 billion and Wealth, £0.1 billion.
  • Debt securities were down £31.4 billion, 15%, to £177.7 billion, driven mainly by reductions within Markets and Group Treasury in holdings of UK and Eurozone government securities and financial institution bonds.
  • Settlement balance assets and liabilities increased £7.3 billion to £15.1 billion and £6.9 billion to £14.4 billion respectively as a result of increased customer activity from seasonal year-end lows.
  • Derivative assets were down £61.4 billion, 12%, to £468.2 billion, and liabilities, down £61.7 billion, 12%, to £462.3 billion due to reductions across all major contract categories, with the effect of currency movements (Sterling strengthened against both the US dollar and the Euro) and contract tear-ups being significant contributors. Within interest rate contracts, the impact of lower Sterling and Euro yields, reflecting global fears of low economic growth, partially offset the foreign exchange movements. Credit derivatives also decreased due to risk reduction in Non-Core and Markets as well as tightening of credit spreads.
  • The reduction in assets and liabilities of disposal groups, down £4.8 billion, 19%, to £20.7 billion, and £1.3 billion, 6%, to £22.7 billion respectively, primarily reflects the disposal of RBS Aviation Capital in the second quarter.
  • Deposits by banks decreased £1.5 billion, 1%, to £107.3 billion, with a decrease in inter-bank deposits, down £11.0 billion, 16%, to £58.1 billion. This was partly offset by an increase in repurchase agreements and stock lending ('repos'), up £9.5 billion, 24%, to £49.2 billion, improving the Group's mix of secured and unsecured funding.
  • Customer accounts increased £3.1 billion, 1%, to £506.1 billion. Within this, repos increased £4.5 billion, 5%, to £93.4 billion. Excluding repos, customer deposits were down £1.4 billion at £412.7 billion, reflecting decreases in International Banking, £2.2 billion, Markets, £1.4 billion, Ulster Bank, £0.8 billion and Non-Core, £0.3 billion, together with exchange and other movements, £4.5 billion. This was partially offset by increases in UK Retail, £4.4 billion, US Retail & Commercial, £2.3 billion, UK Corporate, £0.6 billion and Wealth, £0.5 billion.

Commentary on condensed consolidated balance sheet

Key points (continued)

30 September 2012 compared with 31 December 2011 (continued)

  • Debt securities in issue decreased £58.5 billion, 36%, to £104.2 billion reflecting the maturity of the remaining notes issued under the UK Government's Credit Guarantee Scheme, £21.3 billion, the repurchase of bonds and medium term notes as a result of the liability management exercise completed in September 2012, £4.4 billion, and the continuing reduction of commercial paper and medium term notes in issue in line with the Group's strategy.
  • Short positions were down £8.5 billion, 21%, to £32.6 billion mirroring £7.5 billion decreases in held-for-trading debt securities.
  • Subordinated liabilities decreased by £1.0 billion, 4%, to £25.3 billion, primarily reflecting the net decrease in dated loan capital as a result of the liability management exercise completed in March 2012, with redemptions of £3.4 billion offset by the issuance of £2.8 billion new loan capital, together with exchange rate movements and other adjustments of £0.4 billion.
  • Owner's equity decreased by £2.1 billion, 3%, to £72.7 billion, driven by the £3.4 billion attributable loss for the period together with movements in foreign exchange reserves, £1.0 billion. Partially offsetting these reductions were an increase in available-for-sale reserves, £0.7 billion and cash flow hedging reserves, £0.9 billion and share capital and reserve movements in respect of employee share schemes, £0.7 billion.

Average balance sheet

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2012 2011
% % % %
Average yields, spreads and margins of the banking
business
Gross yield on interest-earning assets of banking business 3.07 3.13 3.12 3.27
Cost of interest-bearing liabilities of banking business (1.44) (1.47) (1.50) (1.62)
Interest spread of banking business 1.63 1.66 1.62 1.65
Benefit from interest-free funds 0.31 0.29 0.31 0.29
Net interest margin of banking business 1.94 1.95 1.93 1.94
Average interest rates
The Group's base rate 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
London inter-bank three month offered rates
- Sterling 0.72 0.99 0.92 0.83
- Eurodollar 0.42 0.47 0.47 0.29
- Euro 0.36 0.61 0.65 1.30

Average balance sheet (continued)

Quarter ended
30 September 2012
Quarter ended
30 June 2012
Average
balance
£m
Interest
£m
Rate
%
Average
balance
£m
Interest
£m
Rate
%
Assets
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to
69,561 110 0.63 78,151 134 0.69
customers 425,403 3,968 3.71 435,372 4,117 3.80
Debt securities 92,327 453 1.95 99,472 524 2.12
Interest-earning assets -
banking business (1) 587,291 4,531 3.07 612,995 4,775 3.13
Trading business (4) 237,032 241,431
Non-interest earning assets 571,434 603,888
Total assets 1,395,757 1,458,314
Memo: Funded assets 911,903 955,789
Liabilities
Deposits by banks 36,928 127 1.37 41,543 154 1.49
Customer accounts 330,477 860 1.04 337,189 870 1.04
Debt securities in issue 80,476 447 2.21 96,977 541 2.24
Subordinated liabilities 21,916 188 3.41 22,064 190 3.46
Internal funding of trading
business (10,166) 43 (1.68) (7,336) 41 (2.25)
Interest-bearing liabilities -
banking business (1,2,3) 459,631 1,665 1.44 490,437 1,796 1.47
Trading business (4)
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
245,299 252,639
- demand deposits 74,142 75,806
- other liabilities 542,971 565,310
Owners' equity 73,714 74,122
Total liabilities and
owners' equity 1,395,757 1,458,314

Notes:

(1) Interest receivable has been increased by £2 million (Q2 2012 - £1 million) and interest payable has been increased by £38 million (Q2 2012 - £30 million) to record interest on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss. Related interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have also been adjusted.

(2) Interest payable has been decreased by £2 million (Q2 2012 - £2 million) to exclude RFS Holdings minority interest. Related interest-bearing liabilities have also been adjusted.

(3) Interest payable has been decreased by £29 million (Q2 2012 - £35 million) in respect of non-recurring adjustments.

(4) Interest receivable and interest payable on trading assets and liabilities are included in income from trading activities.

Average balance sheet (continued)

Nine months ended
30 September 2012
Nine months ended
30 September 2011
Average
balance
£m
Interest
£m
Rate
%
Average
balance
£m
Interest
£m
Rate
%
Assets
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to
78,214 392 0.67 67,916 490 0.96
customers 434,697 12,337 3.79 471,551 13,644 3.87
Debt securities 100,877 1,602 2.12 121,949 2,056 2.25
Interest-earning assets -
banking business (1,2,3) 613,788 14,331 3.12 661,416 16,190 3.27
Trading business (4) 243,159 281,601
Non-interest earning assets 602,754 573,261
Total assets 1,459,701 1,516,278
Memo: Funded assets 959,817 1,081,562
Liabilities
Deposits by banks 40,938 461 1.50 65,323 749 1.53
Customer accounts 333,848 2,647 1.06 334,890 2,609 1.04
Debt securities in issue 100,043 1,737 2.32 169,622 2,687 2.12
Subordinated liabilities 22,169 524 3.16 23,795 452 2.54
Internal funding of trading
business (7,986) 109 (1.82) (50,581) 85 (0.22)
Interest-bearing liabilities -
banking business (1,2,3) 489,012 5,478 1.50 543,049 6,582 1.62
Trading business (4)
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
253,299 310,184
- demand deposits 74,106 65,011
- other liabilities 569,406 523,038
Owners' equity 73,878 74,996
Total liabilities and
owners' equity 1,459,701 1,516,278

Notes:

(1) Interest receivable has been increased by nil (nine months ended 30 September 2011 - £5 million) and interest payable has been decreased by £12 million (nine months ended 30 September 2011 - £1 million) to exclude the RFS Holdings minority interest. Related interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have also been adjusted.

(2) Interest receivable has been increased by £11 million (nine months ended 30 September 2011 - £7 million) and interest payable has been increased by £120 million (nine months ended 30 September 2011 - £110 million) to record interest on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss. Related interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have also been adjusted.

(3) Interest receivable has been increased by nil (nine months ended 30 September 2011 - £2 million) and interest payable has been decreased by £109 million (nine months ended 30 September 2011 - £98 million) in respect of non-recurring adjustments.

(4) Interest receivable and interest payable on trading assets and liabilities are included in income from trading activities.

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period ended 30 September 2012

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012
£m
2012
£m
2011
£m
2012
£m
2011
£m
Called-up share capital
At beginning of period 6,528 15,397 15,317 15,318 15,125
Ordinary shares issued 53 64 1 196 193
Share capital sub-division and consolidation - (8,933) - (8,933) -
At end of period 6,581 6,528 15,318 6,581 15,318
Paid-in equity
At beginning and end of period 431 431 431 431 431
Share premium account
At beginning of period 24,198 24,027 23,923 24,001 23,922
Ordinary shares issued 70 171 - 267 1
At end of period 24,268 24,198 23,923 24,268 23,923
Merger reserve
At beginning of period 13,222 13,222 13,222 13,222 13,272
Transfer to retained earnings - - - - (50)
At end of period 13,222 13,222 13,222 13,222 13,222
Available-for-sale reserve (1)
At beginning of period (450) (439) (1,026) (957) (2,037)
Net unrealised gains 651 428 1,005 1,803 1,948
Realised (gains)/losses (528) (370) (12) (1,110) 417
Tax 36 (69) (259) (27) (620)
At end of period (291) (450) (292) (291) (292)
Cash flow hedging reserve
At beginning of period 1,399 921 113 879 (140)
Amount recognised in equity 713 928 1,203 1,931 2,028
Amount transferred from equity to earnings (276) (266) (264) (799) (728)
Tax (90) (184) (254) (265) (362)
At end of period 1,746 1,399 798 1,746 798

Note:

(1) Analysis provided on page 86.

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period ended 30 September 2012 (continued)

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Foreign exchange reserve
At beginning of period 4,314 4,227 4,834 4,775 5,138
Retranslation of net assets (637) 82 (31) (1,203) (271)
Foreign currency gains/(losses) on hedges
of net assets 68 (8) 10 156 (30)
Tax 2 16 34 22 10
Recycled to profit or loss on disposal of
business (nil tax) - (3) - (3) -
At end of period 3,747 4,314 4,847 3,747 4,847
Capital redemption reserve
At beginning of period 9,131 198 198 198 198
Share capital sub-division and consolidation - 8,933 - 8,933 -
At end of period 9,131 9,131 198 9,131 198
Contingent capital reserve
At beginning and end of period (1,208) (1,208) (1,208) (1,208) (1,208)
Retained earnings
At beginning of period 16,657 17,405 19,726 18,929 21,239
(Loss)/profit attributable to ordinary and B
shareholders and other equity owners
- continuing operations (1,287) (387) 1,225 (3,198) (204)
- discontinued operations 1 (3) 1 (2) 5
Transfer from merger reserve - - - - 50
Equity preference dividends paid (98) (76) - (174) -
Actuarial losses recognised in retirement
benefit schemes
- tax (39) - - (77) -
Loss on disposal of own shares held - (196) - (196) -
Shares released for employee benefits (1) (116) (2) (130) (209)
Share-based payments
- gross 44 47 35 136 102
- tax 2 (17) (8) (9) (6)
At end of period 15,279 16,657 20,977 15,279 20,977

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity for the period ended 30 September 2012 (continued)

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Own shares held
At beginning of period (206) (765) (786) (769) (808)
(Purchase)/disposal of own shares (2) 451 13 447 19
Shares released for employee benefits 1 108 2 115 18
At end of period (207) (206) (771) (207) (771)
Owners' equity at end of period 72,699 74,016 77,443 72,699 77,443
Non-controlling interests
At beginning of period 1,200 1,215 1,498 1,234 1,719
Currency translation adjustments and other
movements (4) (13) (1) (19) (22)
(Loss)/profit attributable to non-controlling
interests
- continuing operations (1) (4) (12) (24) (22)
- discontinued operations 4 (1) 5 8 32
Dividends paid (6) (6) - (12) (39)
Movements in available-for-sale securities
- unrealised gains 3 5 - 4 -
- realised (gains)/losses (2) 3 3 18 -
- tax - - (1) - -
Equity raised - 1 - 1 -
Equity withdrawn and disposals - - (59) (16) (235)
At end of period 1,194 1,200 1,433 1,194 1,433
Total equity at end of period 73,893 75,216 78,876 73,893 78,876
Total comprehensive (loss)/income
recognised in the statement of
changes in equity is attributable to:
Non-controlling interests - (10) (6) (13) (12)
Preference shareholders (98) (76) - (174) -
Ordinary and B shareholders (1,288) 240 2,658 (2,598) 2,193
(1,386) 154 2,652 (2,785) 2,181

Notes

1. Basis of preparation

Having reviewed the Group's forecasts, projections and other relevant evidence, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Interim Management Statement for the period ended 30 September 2012 has been prepared on a going concern basis.

2. Accounting policies

The annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee of the IASB as adopted by the European Union (EU) (together IFRS).

There have been no significant changes to the Group's principal accounting policies as set out on pages 314 to 323 of the 2011 Annual Report and Accounts.

Critical accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The reported results of the Group are sensitive to the accounting policies, assumptions and estimates that underlie the preparation of its financial statements. The judgements and assumptions that are considered to be the most important to the portrayal of Group's financial condition are those relating to loan impairment provisions; pensions; financial instrument fair values; general insurance claims and deferred tax. These critical accounting policies and judgments are described on pages 323 to 325 of the Group's 2011 Annual Report and Accounts.

Recent developments in IFRS

In May 2012, the IASB issued Annual Improvements 2009-2011 Cycle which clarified:

  • the requirements for comparative information in IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting;
  • the classification of servicing equipment in IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment;
  • the accounting for the tax effect of distributions to holders of equity instruments in IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation; and
  • the requirements in IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting on segment information for total assets and liabilities.

None of the amendments are effective before 1 January 2013. Earlier application is permitted.

On 31 October 2012, the IASB issued Investment Entities (amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27). The amendments apply to 'investment entities': entities whose business is to invest funds solely for returns from capital appreciation, investment income or both and which evaluate the performance of their investments on a fair value basis. The amendments provide an exception to IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements by requiring investment entities to measure their subsidiaries (other than those that provide services related to the entity's investment activities) at fair value through profit or loss, rather than consolidate them. The amendments are effective from 1 January 2014 with early adoption permitted.

The Group is reviewing these amendments and Annual Improvements 2009-2011 Cycle to determine their effect, if any, on the Group's financial reporting.

3. Analysis of income, expenses and impairment losses

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Loans and advances to customers 3,968 4,117 4,505 12,337 13,633
Loans and advances to banks 110 134 154 392 490
Debt securities 451 523 712 1,591 2,053
Interest receivable 4,529 4,774 5,371 14,320 16,176
Customer accounts 858 870 919 2,642 2,603
Deposits by banks 131 156 248 478 756
Debt securities in issue 410 511 897 1,619 2,577
Subordinated liabilities 216 225 175 631 550
Internal funding of trading businesses 43 41 55 109 85
Interest payable 1,658 1,803 2,294 5,479 6,571
Net interest income 2,871 2,971 3,077 8,841 9,605
Fees and commissions receivable
Fees and commissions payable
1,403 1,450 1,452 4,340 4,794
- banking (209) (201) (204) (589) (623)
- insurance related (132) (113) (100) (356) (264)
Net fees and commissions 1,062 1,136 1,148 3,395 3,907
Foreign exchange 133 210 441 568 1,019
Interest rate 378 428 33 1,478 684
Credit 232 177 (369) 619 115
Own credit adjustments (435) (271) 735 (1,715) 565
Other 26 113 117 253 556
Income from trading activities 334 657 957 1,203 2,939
(Loss)/gain on redemption of own debt (123) - 1 454 256
Operating lease and other rental income 163 261 327 725 999
Own credit adjustments
Changes in the fair value of:
(1,020) (247) 1,887 (2,714) 1,821
- securities and other financial assets and
liabilities 72 (26) (148) 127 144
- investment properties (21) (88) (22) (77) (74)
Profit on sale of securities 512 259 274 994 703
(Loss)/profit on sale of:
- property, plant and equipment (1) 18 5 22 27
- subsidiaries and associates (27) 155 (39) 116 (13)
Life business losses (2) (4) (8) (8) (13)
Dividend income 12 17 14 45 47
Share of profits less losses of associated
entities 7 5 5 8 20
Other income 88 44 89 192 256
Other operating (loss)/income (217) 394 2,384 (570) 3,917

Refer to Appendix 1 for a reconciliation between the managed and statutory bases for key line items.

3. Analysis of income, expenses and impairment losses (continued)

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
30 September
2011
30 September
2012
30 September
2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Non-interest income (excluding
insurance net premium income) 1,056 2,187 4,490 4,482 11,019
Insurance net premium income 932 929 1,036 2,799 3,275
Total non-interest income 1,988 3,116 5,526 7,281 14,294
Total income 4,859 6,087 8,603 16,122 23,899
Staff costs 2,059 2,143 2,076 6,772 6,685
Premises and equipment 597 544 604 1,704 1,777
Other 1,259 1,156 962 3,431 3,635
Administrative expenses 3,915 3,843 3,642 11,907 12,097
Depreciation and amortisation 430 434 485 1,332 1,362
Operating expenses 4,345 4,277 4,127 13,239 13,459
Loan impairment losses 1,183 1,435 1,452 3,913 5,587
Securities impairment (recoveries)/losses
- sovereign debt impairment and related
interest rate hedge adjustments - - 202 - 1,044
- other (7) (100) 84 (88) 160
Impairment losses 1,176 1,335 1,738 3,825 6,791

Refer to Appendix 1 for a reconciliation between the managed and statutory bases for key line items.

Payment Protection Insurance (PPI)

To reflect current experience of PPI complaints received, the Group strengthened its provision for PPI by £125 million in Q1 2012, £135 million in Q2 2012 and a further £400 million in Q3 2012, bringing the cumulative charge taken to £1.7 billion, of which £1.0 billion in redress had been paid by 30 September 2012. The eventual cost is dependent upon complaint volumes, uphold rates and average redress costs. Assumptions relating to these are inherently uncertain and the ultimate financial impact may be different than the amount provided. The Group will continue to monitor the position closely and refresh its assumptions as more information becomes available.

Quarter ended Nine months
ended
Year ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 31 December
2012 2012 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m
At beginning of period 588 689 745 -
Transfers from accruals and other liabilities - - - 215
Charge to income statement 400 135 660 850
Utilisations (304) (236) (721) (320)
At end of period 684 588 684 745

4. Loan impairment provisions

Operating loss is stated after charging loan impairment losses of £1,183 million (Q2 2012 - £1,435 million; Q3 2011 - £1,452 million). The balance sheet loan impairment provision increased in the quarter ended 30 September 2012 from £20,297 million to £20,318 million and the movements thereon were:

Quarter ended
30 September 2012 30 June 2012 30 September 2011
Non Non Non
Core Core Total Core Core Total Core Core Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At beginning of period 8,944 11,353 20,297 8,797 11,414 20,211 8,752 12,007 20,759
Currency translation and
other adjustments (5) (186) (191) 9 (236) (227) (90) (285) (375)
Amounts written-off (466) (454) (920) (586) (494) (1,080) (593) (497) (1,090)
Recoveries of amounts
previously written-off 34 31 65 65 20 85 39 55 94
Charge to income statement 751 432 1,183 719 716 1,435 817 635 1,452
Unwind of discount (recognised
in interest income) (55) (61) (116) (60) (67) (127) (52) (65) (117)
At end of period 9,203 11,115 20,318 8,944 11,353 20,297 8,873 11,850 20,723
Nine months ended
30 September 2012 30 September 2011
Core Non
Core
Total Core Non
Core
RFS
MI
Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At beginning of period 8,414 11,469 19,883 7,866 10,316 - 18,182
Intra-group transfers - - - 177 (177) - -
Currency translation and other adjustments (4) (502) (506) (1) (45) - (46)
Disposals - - - - - 11 11
Amounts written-off (1,457) (1,388) (2,845) (1,611) (1,409) - (3,020)
Recoveries of amounts previously written-off 161 84 245 119 261 - 380
Charge to income statement
- continuing 2,266 1,647 3,913 2,479 3,108 - 5,587
- discontinued - - - - - (11) (11)
Unwind of discount (recognised in interest
income) (177) (195) (372) (156) (204) - (360)
At end of period 9,203 11,115 20,318 8,873 11,850 - 20,723

Provisions at 30 September 2012 include £117 million in respect of loans and advances to banks (30 June 2012 - £119 million; 30 September 2011 - £126 million).

5. Tax

The actual tax charge differs from the expected tax credit computed by applying the standard UK corporation tax rate of 24.5% (2011 - 26.5%).

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
(Loss)/profit before tax (1,258) (101) 2,004 (2,763) 1,210
Expected tax credit/(charge) 308 25 (531) 677 (321)
Sovereign debt impairment where no
deferred tax asset recognised - - (36) - (219)
Derecognition of deferred tax asset in
respect of losses in Australia - (21) - (182) -
Other losses in period where no deferred
tax asset recognised (129) (80) (67) (382) (335)
Foreign profits taxed at other rates (95) (109) (71) (306) (371)
UK tax rate change - deferred tax impact (89) (16) (50) (135) (137)
Unrecognised timing differences 3 14 (10) 17 (20)
Items not allowed for tax
- losses on strategic disposals and
write-downs (8) - (4) (12) (14)
- UK bank levy (16) (19) - (53) -
- employee share schemes (15) (14) (4) (44) (12)
- other disallowable items (37) (29) (46) (117) (148)
Non-taxable items
- gain on sale of RBS Aviation Capital - 27 - 27 -
- gain on sale of Global Merchant Services - - - - 12
- other non-taxable items 18 2 16 44 37
Taxable foreign exchange movements 1 (3) 2 (1) 2
Losses brought forward and utilised 1 (4) 2 12 31
Adjustments in respect of prior periods 28 (63) 8 (4) 59
Actual tax charge (30) (290) (791) (459) (1,436)

Notes (continued)

5. Tax (continued)

The high tax charge for the nine months ended 30 September 2012 reflects profits in high tax regimes (principally US) and losses in low tax regimes (principally Ireland), losses in overseas subsidiaries for which a deferred tax asset has not been recognised (principally Ireland and the Netherlands) and the derecognition of deferred tax assets in respect of losses in Australia, following the strategic changes to the Markets and International Banking businesses announced in January 2012.

The combined effect of losses in Ireland and the Netherlands in the nine months ended 30 September 2012 for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised and the derecognition of the deferred tax asset in respect of losses in Australia account for £645 million (57%) of the difference between the actual tax charge and the tax credit derived from applying the standard UK Corporation Tax rate to the results for the period.

The Group has recognised a deferred tax asset at 30 September 2012 of £3,480 million (30 June 2012 - £3,502 million; 31 December 2011 - £3,878 million) and a deferred tax liability at 30 September 2012 of £1,686 million (30 June 2012 - £1,815 million; 31 December 2011 - £1,945 million). These balances include amounts recognised in respect of UK trading losses of £3,178 million (30 June 2012 - £3,029 million; 31 December 2011 - £2,933 million). Under UK tax legislation, these UK losses can be carried forward indefinitely to be utilised against profits arising in the future. The Group has considered the carrying value of this asset as at 30 September 2012 and concluded that it is recoverable based on future profit projections.

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
RBS Sempra Commodities JV (2) 4 (8) 2 (13)
RFS Holdings BV Consortium Members 4 (16) 3 (31) 27
Other 1 7 (2) 13 (4)
Profit/(loss) attributable to non-controlling
interests 3 (5) (7) (16) 10

6. Profit/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

Notes (continued)

7. Dividends

On 26 November 2009, RBS entered into a State Aid Commitment Deed with HM Treasury containing commitments and undertakings that were designed to ensure that HM Treasury was able to comply with the commitments to be given by it to the European Commission for the purposes of obtaining approval for the State aid provided to RBS. As part of these commitments and undertakings, RBS agreed not to pay discretionary coupons and dividends on its existing hybrid capital instruments for a period of two years. This period commenced on 30 April 2010 for RBS Group instruments and ended on 30 April 2012; the two year deferral period for RBS Holdings N.V. instruments commenced on 1 April 2011.

On 4 May 2012, RBS determined that it was in a position to recommence payments on RBS Group instruments. The Core Tier 1 capital impact of discretionary amounts payable in 2012 on RBSG instruments on which payments have previously been stopped is c.£330 million. In the context of recent macro-prudential policy discussions, the Board of RBS decided to neutralise any impact on Core Tier 1 capital through equity issuance. Approximately 65% of this is ascribed to equity funding of employee incentive awards through the sale of surplus shares held by the Group's Employee Benefit Trust, which was completed in June 2012. The remaining 35% was raised through the issue of new ordinary shares which was completed in September 2012.

Discretionary dividends on certain non-cumulative dollar preference shares and discretionary distributions on certain RBSG innovative securities payable after 4 May 2012 have been paid. Future coupons and dividends on RBSG hybrid capital instruments will only be paid subject to, and in accordance with, the terms of the relevant instruments.

98 76 - 174 -

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Preference shareholders
Non-cumulative preference shares of US\$0.01 67 43 - 110 -
Non-cumulative preference shares of €0.01 27 33 - 60 -

Dividends paid to preference shareholders are as follows:

8. Share consolidation

Following approval at the Group's Annual General Meeting on 30 May 2012, the sub-division and consolidation of the Group's ordinary shares on a one-for-ten basis took effect on 6 June 2012. There was a corresponding change in the Group's share price to reflect this.

Non-cumulative preference shares of £1 4 - - 4 -

9. Earnings per ordinary and B share

Earnings per ordinary and B share have been calculated based on the following:

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Earnings
(Loss)/profit from continuing operations
attributable to ordinary and B shareholders (£m) (1,385) (463) 1,225 (3,372) (204)
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations
attributable to ordinary and B shareholders (£m) 1 (3) 1 (2) 5
Ordinary shares in issue during the period
(millions) 5,975 5,854 5,754 5,867 5,711
Effect of convertible B shares in issue during
the period (millions) 5,100 5,100 5,100 5,100 5,100
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares and effect of convertible B shares
in issue during the period (millions) 11,075 10,954 10,854 10,967 10,811
Effect of dilutive share options and
convertible securities (millions) - - 89 - 89
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary
shares and effect of convertible B shares in
issue during the period (millions) 11,075 10,954 10,943 10,967 10,900
Basic (loss)/earnings per ordinary and B
share from continuing operations (12.5p) (4.2p) 11.3p (30.7p) (1.9p)
Own credit adjustments 10.1p 4.1p (18.4p) 31.5p (16.8p)
Asset Protection Scheme - - 0.4p 0.3p 4.7p
Payment Protection Insurance costs 2.8p 0.9p - 4.6p 5.8p
Sovereign debt impairment - - 0.3p - 8.1p
Amortisation of purchased intangible assets 0.3p 0.3p 0.5p 1.0p 1.1p
Integration and restructuring costs 1.8p 1.7p 1.6p 6.7p 4.2p
Loss/(gain) on redemption of own debt 0.8p - - (3.2p) (2.3p)
Strategic disposals 0.2p (1.4p) 0.3p (1.1p) -
Bonus tax - - - - 0.2p
Interest rate hedge adjustments on impaired
available-for-sale Sovereign debt
- - 1.6p - 1.6p
Adjusted earnings/(loss) per ordinary and B
share from continuing operations 3.5p 1.4p (2.4p) 9.1p 4.7p
Loss/(earnings) from Non-Core divisions
attributable to ordinary shareholders
2.6p 3.0p (0.3p) 7.4p 6.6p
Core adjusted earnings/(loss) per ordinary
and B share from continuing operations 6.1p 4.4p (2.7p) 16.5p 11.3p
Memo: Core adjusted earnings per
ordinary and B share from continuing
operations assuming normalised tax
rate of 24.5% (2011 - 26.5%) 10.3p 9.7p 6.7p 31.5p 33.4p
Diluted (loss)/earnings per ordinary and B
share from continuing operations (12.5p) (4.2p) 11.2p (30.7p) (1.9p)

Data for 2011 have been adjusted for the sub-division and one-for-ten consolidation of ordinary shares, which took effect in June 2012.

10. Discontinued operations and assets and liabilities of disposal groups

(a) Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Discontinued operations
Total income 7 8 10 23 27
Operating expenses (1) (1) (3) (3) (4)
Impairment losses - - - - 11
Profit before tax 6 7 7 20 34
Tax (3) (2) (3) (8) (10)
Profit after tax 3 5 4 12 24
Businesses acquired exclusively with
a view to disposal
Profit/(loss) after tax 2 (9) 2 (6) 13
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations,
net of tax 5 (4) 6 6 37

Discontinued operations reflect the results of RFS Holdings attributable to the State of the Netherlands and Santander following the legal separation of ABN AMRO Bank N.V. on 1 April 2010.

(b) Assets and liabilities of disposal groups

30 September 2012
UK branch
based
businesses
Other Total 30 June
2012
31 December
2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Assets of disposal groups
Cash and balances at central banks 33 16 49 140 127
Loans and advances to banks - 83 83 88 87
Loans and advances to customers 18,509 900 19,409 19,700 19,405
Debt securities and equity shares - 36 36 36 5
Derivatives 363 3 366 376 439
Intangible assets - - - - 15
Settlement balances - - - 2 14
Property, plant and equipment 115 1 116 115 4,749
Other assets 11 433 444 445 456
Discontinued operations and other disposal groups 19,031 1,472 20,503 20,902 25,297
Assets acquired exclusively with a view to disposal - 164 164 167 153
19,031 1,636 20,667 21,069 25,450
Liabilities of disposal groups
Deposits by banks 1 - 1 1 1
Customer accounts 21,385 783 22,168 22,531 22,610
Derivatives 39 3 42 61 126
Settlement balances - - - - 8
Other liabilities 6 443 449 461 1,233
Discontinued operations and other disposal groups 21,431 1,229 22,660 23,054 23,978
Liabilities acquired exclusively with a view to disposal - 10 10 10 17
21,431 1,239 22,670 23,064 23,995

Notes (continued)

10. Discontinued operations and assets and liabilities of disposal groups (continued)

The assets and liabilities of disposal groups at 30 September 2012 primarily comprise the RBS England and Wales and NatWest Scotland branch-based businesses ("UK branch-based businesses").

UK branch-based businesses

Gross loans, risk elements in lending (REIL) and impairment provisions at 30 September 2012 relating to the Group's UK branch-based businesses are set out below.

Gross
loans
£m
REIL
£m
Impairment
provisions
£m
Residential mortgages 5,886 191 40
Personal lending 1,848 307 254
Property 5,420 443 144
Construction 524 129 55
Service industries and business activities 4,752 287 163
Other 844 45 39
Latent - - 70
Total 19,274 1,402 765

11. Financial instruments

Valuation reserves

When valuing financial instruments in the trading book, adjustments are made to mid-market valuations to cover bid-offer spread, liquidity and credit risk.

Credit valuation adjustments (CVA) represent an estimate of the adjustment to fair value that a market participant would make to incorporate the credit risk inherent in counterparty derivative exposures. Certain credit derivative product company (CDPC) exposures were restructured during the first half of the year and the CVA methodology applied to these exposures was updated to reflect the revised risk mitigation strategy that is now in place. There were no other changes to valuation methodologies.

The following table shows credit valuation adjustments and other reserves.

30 September
2012
30 June
2012
31 December
2011
£m £m £m
CVA
- Monoline insurers 408 481 1,198
- Credit derivative product companies 455 479 1,034
- Other counterparties 2,269 2,334 2,254
3,132 3,294 4,486
Bid-offer, liquidity, funding, valuation and other reserves 2,048 2,207 2,704
Valuation reserves 5,180 5,501 7,190

Key points

30 September compared with 31 December 2011

  • Gross exposure to monolines reduced by £1.1 billion from £1.9 billion at 31 December 2011 to £0.8 billion at 30 September 2012, principally in H1 2012. This was primarily due to the restructuring of certain exposures, an increase in underlying asset prices and the appreciation of sterling against the US dollar. The CVA decreased on a total basis reflecting the lower exposure, and also on a relative basis (from 63% to 49%) due to the impact of restructurings and tighter credit spreads.
  • Gross exposure to CDPCs decreased by £1.1 billion from £1.9 billon at 31 December 2011 to £0.8 billion, of which £0.4 billion was in Q3 2012. This was primarily driven by tighter credit spreads and a decrease in the relative value of senior tranches compared with the underlying reference portfolios and the impact of restructuring certain exposures in the first half of the year. The CVA decreased on an absolute basis in line with the decrease in exposure but increased on a relative basis (30 September 2012 - 60%; 30 June 2012 - 42%; 31 December 2011 - 55%).
  • Other counterparty CVA was stable over the period with the impact of tighter credit spreads offset by other factors including counterparty rating downgrades and increased weighted average life assumptions applied in H1 2012.
  • Within other reserves, bid-offer reserves decreased, primarily reflecting restructuring in the second half of H1 2012, due to risk reduction and the impact of Greek government debt restructuring.

11. Financial instruments (continued)

Own credit

The following table shows the cumulative own credit adjustment (OCA) recorded on securities heldfor-trading (HFT), classified as fair value through profit or loss (DFV) and derivative liabilities. There have been some refinements to methodologies during the nine months ended 30 September 2012, but they did not have a material overall impact on cumulative OCA.

Subordinated
Debt securities in issue (2)
HFT DFV Total DFV Total Derivatives Total (3)
Cumulative OCA (1) £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
30 September 2012 (690) 126 (564) 450 (114) 375 261
30 June 2012 (323) 1,040 717 572 1,289 452 1,741
31 December 2011 882 2,647 3,529 679 4,208 602 4,810
Carrying values of underlying liabilities £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
30 September 2012 11.3 27.7 39.0 1.0 40.0
30 June 2012 10.8 30.3 41.1 0.9 42.0
31 December 2011 11.5 35.7 47.2 0.9 48.1

Notes:

(1) The OCA does not alter cash flows and is not used for performance management. It is disregarded for regulatory capital reporting purposes and will reverse over time as the liabilities mature.

(2) Consists of wholesale and retail note issuances.

(3) The reserve movement between periods will not equate to the reported profit or loss for own credit. The balance sheet reserves are stated by conversion of underlying currency balances at spot rates for each period, whereas the income statement includes intra-period foreign exchange sell-offs.

  • The OCA decreased significantly year-to-date, including a significant decrease in Q3 2012 as credit spreads tightened, reflecting improved investor perception of RBS.
  • Senior issued debt adjustments are determined with reference to secondary debt issuance spreads. At 30 September 2012, the five year level tightened to c.100 basis points from c.450 basis points at 31 December 2011 and c.250 basis points at half year 2012, primarily due to increased demand from investors following quantitative easing measures from the European Central Bank and US Federal Reserve and the announcement of the Group's liability management exercise.
  • Significant tightening of credit spreads, buy-backs exceeding issuances and the impact of buying back certain securities at lower spreads than at issuance, resulted in an overall decrease in OCA and a negative amount related to HFT debt securities in issue.
  • Derivative liability OCA decreased as credit default swap spreads tightened.

12. Available-for-sale reserve

Quarter ended Nine months ended
30 September 30 June 30 September 30 September 30 September
2012 2012 2011 2012 2011
Available-for-sale reserve £m £m £m £m £m
At beginning of period (450) (439) (1,026) (957) (2,037)
Unrealised losses on Greek sovereign debt - - (202) - (346)
Impairment of Greek sovereign debt - - 202 - 1,044
Other unrealised net gains 651 428 1,207 1,803 2,294
Realised net gains (528) (370) (214) (1,110) (627)
Tax 36 (69) (259) (27) (620)
At end of period (291) (450) (292) (291) (292)

The Q3 2012 movement in available-for-sale reserve primarily reflects unrealised net gains on securities of £651 million, largely as yields tightened on German, US and UK sovereign bonds and realised net gains of £528 million on the sale of high quality bonds.

In Q2 2011, as a result of the deterioration in Greece's fiscal position and the announcement of proposals to restructure Greek government debt, the Group concluded that the Greek sovereign debt was impaired. Accordingly, £733 million of unrealised losses recognised in available-for-sale reserves together with £109 million related interest rate hedge adjustments were recycled to the income statement. Further losses of £202 million and £224 million were recorded in Q3 2011 and Q4 2011 respectively.

13. Contingent liabilities and commitments

30 September 2012 30 June 2012 31 December 2011
Non Non Non
Core
£m
Core
£m
Total
£m
Core
£m
Core
£m
Total
£m
Core
£m
Core
£m
Total
£m
Contingent liabilities
Guarantees and assets pledged
as collateral security 19,352 722 20,074 21,706 802 22,508 23,702 1,330 25,032
Other contingent liabilities 11,373 181 11,554 11,234 232 11,466 10,667 245 10,912
30,725 903 31,628 32,940 1,034 33,974 34,369 1,575 35,944
Commitments
Undrawn formal standby
facilities, credit lines and
other commitments to lend 213,484 7,147 220,631 221,091 6,941 228,032 227,419 12,544 239,963
Other commitments 1,664 16 1,680 1,303 70 1,373 301 2,611 2,912
215,148 7,163 222,311 222,394 7,011 229,405 227,720 15,155 242,875
Total contingent liabilities
and commitments 245,873 8,066 253,939 255,334 8,045 263,379 262,089 16,730 278,819

Additional contingent liabilities arise in the normal course of the Group's business. It is not anticipated that any material loss will arise from these transactions.

14. Litigation, investigations and reviews

Except for the developments noted below, there have been no material changes to the litigation, investigations and reviews as disclosed in the Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2012.

Litigation

Shareholder litigation

RBS and certain of its subsidiaries, together with certain current and former individual officers and directors were named as defendants in purported class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York involving holders of RBS preferred shares (the Preferred Shares litigation) and holders of American Depositary Receipts (the ADR claims).

On 4 September 2012, the Court dismissed the Preferred Shares litigation with prejudice. The plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal.

On 27 September 2012, the Court dismissed the ADR claims. The plaintiffs have filed an application seeking to re-state their case.

Investigations and reviews

LIBOR

The Group continues to co-operate fully with investigations by various governmental and regulatory authorities into its submissions, communications and procedures relating to the setting of LIBOR and other trading rates. The relevant authorities include, amongst others, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the US Department of Justice (Fraud Division) and the FSA, together with various other authorities in Europe and Asia. The Group has dismissed a number of employees for misconduct as a result of its investigations into these matters.

The Group is also under investigation by competition authorities in a number of jurisdictions including the European Commission, US Department of Justice (Antitrust Division) and Canadian Competition Bureau, stemming from the actions of certain individuals in the setting of LIBOR and other trading rates, as well as interest rate-related trading. The Group is also co-operating fully with these investigations.

The Group expects to enter into negotiations to settle some of these investigations in the near term and believes the probable outcome is that it will incur financial penalties. It is not possible to estimate reliably what effect the outcome of these investigations, any regulatory findings and any related developments may have on the Group, including the timing and amount of fines or settlements, which may be material.

14. Litigation, investigations and reviews (continued)

Private motor insurance

In December 2011, the OFT launched a market study into private motor insurance, with a focus on the provision of third party vehicle repairs and credit hire replacement vehicles to claimants. The OFT issued its report on 31 May 2012 and has advised that it believes there are features of the market that potentially restrict, distort or prevent competition in the market and that would merit a referral to the Competition Commission (CC). The OFT's particular focus is on credit hire replacement vehicles and third party vehicle repairs. On 28 September 2012 the OFT referred the private motor insurance market to the CC for a market investigation. The CC has until 27 September 2014 to publish its findings. At this stage, it is not possible to estimate the effect the market investigation may have on the Group and its independently listed subsidiary, Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Independent Commission on Banking

The UK Government published a White Paper on Banking Reform in September 2012, outlining proposed structural reforms in the UK banking industry. The measures proposed were drawn in large part from the recommendations of the Independent Commission on Banking (ICB), which was appointed by the UK Government in June 2010. The ICB published its final report to the Cabinet Committee on Banking Reform on 12 September 2011, which set out the ICB's views on possible reforms to improve stability and competition in UK banking. The final report made a number of recommendations, including in relation to (i) promotion of competition, (ii) increased loss absorbency (including bail-in i.e. the ability to write-down debt or convert it into an issuer's ordinary shares in certain circumstances) and (iii) the implementation of a ring-fence of retail banking operations.

The measures in relation to the promotion of competition are already largely in train, including the development of an industry mechanism to make it easier for customers to switch their personal current accounts to a different provider, which is due to be completed by September 2013.

Bail-in mechanisms continue to be discussed by the European Union (EU), and the Group continues to participate in the debate around such mechanisms, which could affect the rights of creditors, including holders of senior and subordinated bonds and shareholders, in the event of the implementation of a recovery or resolution scheme or an insolvency, and could thereby materially affect the price of such securities. The UK Government's White Paper discussed a number of details relating to the ring-fencing of retail operations, including possible governance arrangements, the range of activities that might be prohibited for the ring-fenced entity and possible restrictions on transactions between the ring-fenced and non-ring-fenced entities within a single group.

The UK Government published in October 2012 a draft Bill intended to enable the implementation of these reforms. This draft Bill is subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the UK Parliamentary Commission on Standards in Banking, which may recommend changes to the Bill. The UK Government is expected to introduce the Bill, which will provide primary enabling legislation early in 2013, with a view to completing the legislative framework by May 2015, requiring compliance as soon as practicable thereafter and setting a final deadline for full implementation of 2019.

14. Litigation, investigations and reviews (continued)

The impact of any final legislation on the Group is impossible to estimate with any precision at this stage. The introduction of 'bail in' mechanisms may affect the Group's cost of borrowing, its ability to access professional markets' funding and its funding and liquidity metrics. It is also likely that ringfencing certain of the Group's operations would require significant restructuring, with the possible transfer of large numbers of customers between legal entities. It is possible that such ring-fencing, by itself, or taken together with the impact of other proposals contained in this legislation and other EU legislation that will apply to the Group could have a material adverse effect on the Group's structure, results of operations, financial conditions and prospects.

It is also possible that the UK's implementation of a ring-fence may conflict with any EU legislation to implement the recommendations of the High-level Expert Group on Reforming the Structure of the EU Banking Sector, whose report, published in October 2012, proposed, inter alia, ring-fencing the trading and market-making activities of major European banks. This could affect the Group's position relative to some competitors.

Securitisation and collateralised debt obligation business

With respect to the Nevada State Attorney General's investigation relating to securitisations of mortgages, on 23 October 2012, an Assurance of Discontinuance between RBS Financial Products Inc. and the State of Nevada was filed in Nevada state court which resolves the investigation as to RBS. The Assurance of Discontinuance requires RBS Financial Products Inc. to make payments totalling US\$42.5 million.

Other investigations

With respect to the SEC's formal investigation relating to the Group's US sub-prime securities and residential mortgage exposures, SEC staff communicated in September 2012 that it had completed its investigation and that it did not, as of the date of that communication and based upon the information then in its possession, intend to recommend any enforcement action against RBS.

15. Other developments

Transfers of a substantial part of the business activities of RBS N.V. to The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (RBS plc)

On 19 April 2011, the Group announced its intention to transfer a substantial part of the business activities of The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. (RBS N.V.) to RBS plc (the "Proposed Transfers"), subject, amongst other matters, to regulatory and other approvals, further tax and other analysis in respect of the assets and liabilities to be transferred and employee consultation procedures.

It is expected that the Proposed Transfers will be implemented on a phased basis over a period ending 31 December 2013. The transfer of substantially all of the UK business was completed during Q4 2011 and substantially all of the Netherlands and EMEA businesses were transferred in September 2012.

15. Other developments (continued)

Rating agencies

On 17 July 2012, Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") affirmed its ratings on the Group and certain subsidiaries. Fitch's ratings Outlooks were also affirmed as unchanged at this time except for the Outlook on Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd which was changed to Negative from Stable. This Negative Outlook is aligned with the Outlook on the sovereign (Republic of Ireland). On 10 October 2012, Fitch re-affirmed the ratings of RBS Group plc, RBS plc, Citizens Financial Group, RBS NV, National Westminster Bank, and Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited. The Outlooks on all these entities were re-affirmed as stable. The rating affirmations on RBS Group plc and RBS plc were taken in conjunction with Fitch's Global Trading and Universal Bank (GTUB) periodic review.

On 25 October 2012, Standard & Poor's ("S&P") confirmed as unchanged its ratings and long term rating Outlooks on the Group and certain subsidiaries. Outlooks on Ulster Bank Ltd and Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd ratings remain Negative and match S&P's Negative Outlook on the Republic of Ireland sovereign. Outlooks on the Group and remaining rated subsidiaries are Stable.

No material rating actions have been undertaken on the Group or its subsidiaries by Moody's Investors Service during the quarter.

Moody's S&P Fitch
Long-term Short-term Long-term Short-term Long-term Short-term
RBS Group plc Baa1 P-2 A- A-2 A F1
RBS plc A3 P-2 A A-1 A F1
NatWest Plc A3 P-2 A A-1 A F1
RBS N.V. A3 P-2 A A-1 A F1
RBS Citizens, N.A/Citizens
Bank of Pennsylvania
A3 P-2 A A-1 A- F1
Ulster Bank Ltd/Ulster Bank
Ireland Ltd
Baa2 P-2 BBB+ A-2 A- F1

Current Group and subsidiary ratings are shown in the table below.

U K Insurance Limited has an insurance financial strength rating of 'A2' from Moody's and an insurer financial strength rating of 'A' from S&P. Both agencies have assigned a stable Outlook to the company.

16. Date of approval

This announcement was approved by the Board of directors on 1 November 2012.

Notes (continued)

17. Post balance sheet events

Save as detailed below, there have been no significant events between 30 September 2012 and the date of approval of this announcement which would require a change to or additional disclosure in the announcement.

UK branch-based businesses

On 12 October 2012, RBS announced that it had received notification of Santander's decision to pull out of its agreed purchase of certain of the Group's UK branch-based businesses. RBS has recommenced its effort to divest the business and fulfil its obligations to the European Commission.

Direct Line Group IPO

RBS completed the successful initial public offering of Direct Line Group in October 2012, representing another important milestone in RBS's restructuring plan. RBS Group sold 520.8 million ordinary shares in Direct Line Group, representing 34.7% of the total share capital, generating gross proceeds of £911 million.

Asset Protection Scheme

The Group exited from the UK Government's APS on 18 October 2012.

Risk and balance sheet management

Balance sheet management

Capital

The Group aims to maintain an appropriate level of capital to meet its business needs and regulatory requirements. Capital adequacy and risk management are closely aligned. The Group's risk-weighted assets and risk asset ratios, calculated in accordance with Financial Services Authority (FSA) definitions, are set out below.

30 September 30 June 31 December
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) by risk 2012
£bn
2012
£bn
2011
£bn
Credit risk 334.5 334.8 344.3
Counterparty risk 53.3 53.0 61.9
Market risk 47.4 54.0 64.0
Operational risk 45.8 45.8 37.9
481.0 487.6 508.1
Asset Protection Scheme (APS) relief (48.1) (52.9) (69.1)
432.9 434.7 439.0
Risk asset ratios % % %
Core Tier 1 11.1 11.1 10.6
Core Tier 1 excluding capital relief provided by APS 10.4 10.3 9.7
Tier 1 13.4 13.4 13.0
Total 14.6 14.6 13.8
  • The Core Tier 1 ratio remained stable at 11.1%. Excluding the capital relief provided by APS, the Core Tier 1 ratio improved by 70 basis points year-to-date, of which 10 basis points were in Q3 2012, reflecting reductions in RWAs and capital deductions. Gross RWAs decreased by £27.1 billion year-to-date, of which £6.6 billion was in Q3 2012.
  • Non-Core RWAs decreased by £21.1 billion year-to-date (Q3 2012 down £10.5 billion) mainly as a result of lower market risk through active reduction in derivatives, including the impact of restructuring a large derivative exposure to a highly leveraged counterparty in the first half of 2012. Credit and counterparty RWAs fell, driven by sales and run-off partly offset by the impact of regulatory uplifts.
  • In Markets, RWAs fell driven by lower market risk.
  • Retail & Commercial credit risk RWAs remained stable at c.£250 billion despite the impact of regulatory wholesale credit model changes, particularly in International Banking and UK Corporate.
  • The decrease in capital deductions principally related to securitisations, reflecting the continuation of Non-Core's de-risking strategy.

Balance sheet management: Capital (continued)

The Group's regulatory capital resources in accordance with FSA definitions were as follows:

30 September 30 June 31 December
2012
£m
2012
£m
2011
£m
Shareholders' equity (excluding non-controlling interests)
Shareholders' equity per balance sheet 72,699 74,016 74,819
Preference shares - equity (4,313) (4,313) (4,313)
Other equity instruments (431) (431) (431)
67,955 69,272 70,075
Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests per balance sheet 1,194 1,200 1,234
Non-controlling preference shares (548) (548) (548)
Other adjustments to non-controlling interests for regulatory purposes (259) (259) (259)
387 393 427
Regulatory adjustments and deductions
Own credit 651 (402) (2,634)
Unrealised losses on AFS debt securities 375 520 1,065
Unrealised gains on AFS equity shares (84) (70) (108)
Cash flow hedging reserve (1,746) (1,399) (879)
Other adjustments for regulatory purposes 895 637 571
Goodwill and other intangible assets (14,798) (14,888) (14,858)
50% excess of expected losses over impairment provisions (net of tax) (2,429) (2,329) (2,536)
50% of securitisation positions (1,180) (1,461) (2,019)
50% of APS first loss (1,926) (2,118) (2,763)
(20,242) (21,510) (24,161)
Core Tier 1 capital 48,100 48,155 46,341
Other Tier 1 capital
Preference shares - equity 4,313 4,313 4,313
Preference shares - debt 1,055 1,082 1,094
Innovative/hybrid Tier 1 securities 4,065 4,466 4,667
9,433 9,861 10,074
Tier 1 deductions
50% of material holdings (242) (313) (340)
Tax on excess of expected losses over impairment provisions 788 756 915
546 443 575
Total Tier 1 capital 58,079 58,459 56,990
Qualifying Tier 2 capital
Undated subordinated debt 2,245 1,958 1,838
Dated subordinated debt - net of amortisation 12,641 13,346 14,527
Unrealised gains on AFS equity shares 84 70 108
Collectively assessed impairment provisions 500 552 635
Non-controlling Tier 2 capital 11 11 11
15,481 15,937 17,119
Tier 2 deductions
50% of securitisation positions (1,180) (1,461) (2,019)
50% excess of expected losses over impairment provisions (3,217) (3,085) (3,451)
50% of material holdings (242) (313) (340)
50% of APS first loss (1,926) (2,118) (2,763)
(6,565) (6,977) (8,573)
Total Tier 2 capital 8,916 8,960 8,546

Balance sheet management: Capital (continued)

30 September
2012
£m
30 June
2012
£m
31 December
2011
£m
Supervisory deductions
Unconsolidated Investments
- Direct Line Group (3,537) (3,642) (4,354)
- Other investments (144) (141) (239)
Other deductions (217) (197) (235)
(3,898) (3,980) (4,828)
Total regulatory capital 63,097 63,439 60,708
Movement in Core Tier 1 capital £m
At 1 January 2012 46,341
Attributable profit net of movements in fair value of own debt 242
Share capital and reserve movements in respect of employee share schemes 659
Foreign currency reserves (461)
Decrease in non-controlling interests (34)
Decrease in capital deductions including APS first loss 1,410
Increase in goodwill and intangibles (30)
Other movements 28
At 30 June 2012 48,155
Attributable loss net of movements in fair value of own debt (330)
Ordinary shares issued 123
Share capital and reserve movements in respect of employee share schemes 46
Foreign currency reserves (567)
Decrease in non-controlling interests (6)
Decrease in capital deductions including APS first loss 373
Decrease in goodwill and intangibles 90
Other movements 216
At 30 September 2012 48,100

Balance sheet management: Capital (continued)

Risk-weighted assets by division

Risk-weighted assets by risk category and division are set out below.

Credit Counterparty Market Operational Gross
risk risk risk risk RWAs
30 September 2012 £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
UK Retail 39.9 - - 7.8 47.7
UK Corporate 73.5 - - 8.6 82.1
Wealth 10.3 - 0.1 1.9 12.3
International Banking 44.5 - - 5.2 49.7
Ulster Bank 32.4 0.9 0.1 1.7 35.1
US Retail & Commercial 50.9 0.9 - 4.9 56.7
Retail & Commercial 251.5 1.8 0.2 30.1 283.6
Markets 15.4 35.3 41.6 15.7 108.0
Other 12.1 0.4 - 1.4 13.9
Core 279.0 37.5 41.8 47.2 405.5
Non-Core 52.4 15.8 5.6 (1.6) 72.2
Group before RFS Holdings MI 331.4 53.3 47.4 45.6 477.7
RFS Holdings MI 3.1 - - 0.2 3.3
Group 334.5 53.3 47.4 45.8 481.0
APS relief (42.2) (5.9) - - (48.1)
Net RWAs 292.3 47.4 47.4 45.8 432.9
30 June 2012
UK Retail 39.6 - - 7.8 47.4
UK Corporate 70.8 - - 8.6 79.4
Wealth 10.3 - 0.1 1.9 12.3
International Banking 41.2 - - 4.8 46.0
Ulster Bank 34.7 0.9 0.1 1.7 37.4
US Retail & Commercial 52.5 1.1 - 4.9 58.5
Retail & Commercial 249.1 2.0 0.2 29.7 281.0
Markets 15.7 33.4 43.1 15.7 107.9
Other 10.5 0.2 0.2 1.8 12.7
Core 275.3 35.6 43.5 47.2 401.6
Non-Core 56.4 17.4 10.5 (1.6) 82.7
Group before RFS Holdings MI 331.7 53.0 54.0 45.6 484.3
RFS Holdings MI 3.1 - - 0.2 3.3
Group 334.8 53.0 54.0 45.8 487.6
APS relief (46.2) (6.7) - - (52.9)
Net RWAs 288.6 46.3 54.0 45.8 434.7

Balance sheet management: Capital: Risk-weighted assets by division (continued)

Credit
risk
Counterparty
risk
Market
risk
Operational
risk
Gross
RWAs
31 December 2011 £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
UK Retail 41.1 - - 7.3 48.4
UK Corporate 71.2 - - 8.1 79.3
Wealth 10.9 - 0.1 1.9 12.9
International Banking 38.9 - - 4.3 43.2
Ulster Bank 33.6 0.6 0.3 1.8 36.3
US Retail & Commercial 53.6 1.0 - 4.7 59.3
Retail & Commercial 249.3 1.6 0.4 28.1 279.4
Markets 16.7 39.9 50.6 13.1 120.3
Other 9.8 0.2 - 2.0 12.0
Core 275.8 41.7 51.0 43.2 411.7
Non-Core 65.6 20.2 13.0 (5.5) 93.3
Group before RFS Holdings MI 341.4 61.9 64.0 37.7 505.0
RFS Holdings MI 2.9 - - 0.2 3.1
Group 344.3 61.9 64.0 37.9 508.1
APS relief (59.6) (9.5) - - (69.1)
Net RWAs 284.7 52.4 64.0 37.9 439.0

Balance sheet management (continued)

Liquidity and funding risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group is unable to meet its obligations, including financing maturities as they fall due. Liquidity risk is heavily influenced by the maturity profile and mix of the Group's funding base, as well as the quality and liquidity value of its liquidity portfolio.

Overview

The Group continues to improve the structure and composition of its balance sheet against a backdrop of improved wholesale funding market conditions and a tempering of UK regulatory requirements relating to liquidity risk.

  • Short-term wholesale funding (STWF) excluding derivative collateral continued to be actively reduced and stood at £49 billion at 30 September 2012, which was well covered by a strong Group liquidity buffer of £147 billion. STWF accounted for 5% of the funded balance sheet and 31% of wholesale funding, compared with 7% and 34%, respectively at 30 June 2012.
  • The Group's liquidity buffer was lowered by £9 billion during the quarter to £147 billion reflecting the shrinking overall balance sheet and reduced STWF.
  • The Group's customer funding gap has decreased significantly, from £37 billion at the end of 2011 to £19 billion at 30 June 2012 and £8 billion at 30 September 2012. Customer deposits now account for 70% of the Group's primary funding sources.
  • Progress against the Group's strategic plan has resulted in a balance sheet structure which is broadly matched. At 30 September 2012, the Group's loan:deposit ratio improved to 102% with a Core ratio of 91%.
  • The combined impacts of the ongoing deleveraging process being driven by Non-Core and Markets have allowed the Group to further reduce its wholesale funding base. During the third quarter, the Group completed a cash tender offer to repurchase £4.4 billion of senior unsecured debt securities issued by RBS plc. The repurchase was across dollar, sterling and euro securities of varying maturities and interest rates.
  • The Group took advantage of the improved wholesale market conditions in the quarter and issued US\$2 billion of public fixed rate notes to help pre-fund future financing needs of the holding company.
  • The Group has drawn £750 million under the Bank of England's Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) and held a comparable amount of related treasury bills at 30 September 2012.
  • The 'A' senior unsecured credit rating was affirmed with a stable outlook for the Group by Fitch in July 2012 and for RBS plc by S&P in October 2012.

Balance sheet management: Liquidity and funding risk (continued)

Funding sources

The table below shows the Group's primary funding sources including deposits in disposal groups and excluding repurchase agreements.

30 September 30 June 31 December
2012 2012 2011
£m £m £m
Deposits by banks
derivative cash collateral 28,695 32,001 31,807
other deposits 29,433 35,619 37,307
58,128 67,620 69,114
Debt securities in issue
conduit asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) 2,909 4,246 11,164
other commercial paper (CP) 2,829 1,985 5,310
certificates of deposits (CDs) 6,696 10,397 16,367
medium-term notes (MTNs) 70,417 81,229 105,709
covered bonds 9,903 9,987 9,107
securitisations 11,403 12,011 14,964
104,157 119,855 162,621
Subordinated liabilities 25,309 25,596 26,319
Notes issued 129,466 145,451 188,940
Wholesale funding 187,594 213,071 258,054
Customer deposits
cash collateral 9,642 10,269 9,242
other deposits 425,238 425,031 427,511
Total customer deposits 434,880 435,300 436,753
Total funding 622,474 648,371 694,807
Disposal group deposits included above
banks 1 1 1
customers 22,168 22,531 22,610
22,169 22,532 22,611

The table below shows the Group's wholesale funding source metrics.

Short-term wholesale
funding (1)
Total wholesale
funding
Net inter-bank
funding (2)
Excluding
derivative
collateral
£bn
Including
derivative
collateral
£bn
Excluding
derivative
collateral
£bn
Including
derivative
collateral
£bn
Deposits
£bn
Loans
£bn
Net
Inter-bank
funding
£bn
30 September 2012 48.5 77.2 158.9 187.6 29.4 (20.2) 9.2
30 June 2012 62.3 94.3 181.1 213.1 35.6 (22.3) 13.3
31 March 2012 79.7 109.1 204.9 234.3 36.4 (19.7) 16.7
31 December 2011 102.4 134.2 226.2 258.1 37.3 (24.3) 13.0
30 September 2011 141.6 174.1 267.0 299.4 46.2 (33.0) 13.2

Notes:

(1) Short-term balances denote those with a residual maturity of less than one year and includes longer-term issuances.

(2) Excludes derivative collateral.

Balance sheet management: Liquidity and funding risk: Funding sources (continued)

Notes issued

The table below shows the Group's debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities by remaining maturity.

Debt securities in issue
Other Total Total
Conduit CP and Covered Securit Subordinated notes notes
ABCP CDs MTNs bonds isations Total liabilities issued issued
30 September 2012 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m %
Less than 1 year 2,909 9,079 13,466 1,009 15 26,478 1,632 28,110 22
1-3 years - 441 22,477 2,865 1,243 27,026 5,693 32,719 25
3-5 years - 1 13,221 2,323 - 15,545 2,272 17,817 14
More than 5 years - 4 21,253 3,706 10,145 35,108 15,712 50,820 39
2,909 9,525 70,417 9,903 11,403 104,157 25,309 129,466 100
30 June 2012
Less than 1 year 4,246 12,083 16,845 1,020 69 34,263 1,631 35,894 25
1-3 years - 293 24,452 1,681 1,263 27,689 5,401 33,090 23
3-5 years - 1 16,620 3,619 - 20,240 2,667 22,907 15
More than 5 years - 5 23,312 3,667 10,679 37,663 15,897 53,560 37
4,246 12,382 81,229 9,987 12,011 119,855 25,596 145,451 100
31 December 2011
Less than 1 year 11,164 21,396 36,302 - 27 68,889 624 69,513 37
1-3 years - 278 26,595 2,760 479 30,112 3,338 33,450 18
3-5 years - 2 16,627 3,673 - 20,302 7,232 27,534 14
More than 5 years - 1 26,185 2,674 14,458 43,318 15,125 58,443 31
11,164 21,677 105,709 9,107 14,964 162,621 26,319 188,940 100

Key point

• Debt securities in issue decreased by £15.7 billion in Q3 2012 mainly due to the active reduction of CP and conduit ABCP, the maturity of unsecured MTNs and the impact of the execution of the liability management exercise.

Deposit and repo funding

The table below shows the composition of the Group's deposits excluding repos and repo funding including disposal groups.

30 September 2012 30 June 2012 31 December 2011
Deposits Repos Deposits Repos Deposits Repos
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Financial institutions
- central and other banks 58,128 49,222 67,620 39,125 69,114 39,691
- other financial institutions 69,697 92,321 65,563 87,789 66,009 86,032
Personal and corporate deposits 365,183 1,022 369,737 1,161 370,744 2,780
493,008 142,565 502,920 128,075 505,867 128,503
  • The central and other banks balances include €10 billion of funding accessed through the European Central Bank's long-term re-financing operation facility in the first half of 2012.
  • Approximately 40% of the customer deposits above are insured through the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme, US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and similar schemes.

Balance sheet management: Liquidity and funding risk: Funding sources (continued)

Customer loan:deposit ratio and funding gap

The table below shows the Group's divisional customer loan:deposit ratio (LDR) and customer funding gap.

30 September 2012 Loans (1)
£m
Deposits (2)
£m
LDR (3)
%
Funding
surplus/
(gap) (3)
£m
UK Retail 110,267 105,984 104 (4,283)
UK Corporate 105,952 126,780 84 20,828
Wealth 16,919 38,692 44 21,773
International Banking (4) 42,154 41,668 101 (486)
Ulster Bank 28,615 20,278 141 (8,337)
US Retail & Commercial 50,116 59,817 84 9,701
Conduits (International Banking) (4) 4,588 - nm (4,588)
Retail & Commercial 358,611 393,219 91 34,608
Markets 29,324 34,348 85 5,024
Direct Line Group and other 3,274 3,388 97 114
Core 391,209 430,955 91 39,746
Non-Core 51,355 3,925 nm (47,430)
Group 442,564 434,880 102 (7,684)
30 June 2012
UK Retail 110,318 106,571 104 (3,747)
UK Corporate 107,775 127,446 85 19,671
Wealth 16,888 38,462 44 21,574
International Banking (4) 43,190 42,238 102 (952)
Ulster Bank 29,701 20,593 144 (9,108)
US Retail & Commercial 51,634 59,229 87 7,595
Conduits (International Banking) (4) 6,295 - nm (6,295)
Retail & Commercial 365,801 394,539 93 28,738
Markets 30,191 34,257 88 4,066
Direct Line Group and other 1,320 2,999 44 1,679
Core 397,312 431,795 92 34,483
Non-Core 57,398 3,505 nm (53,893)
Group 454,710 435,300 104 (19,410)

nm = not meaningful

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

Balance sheet management: Liquidity and funding risk: Funding sources (continued)

Customer loan to deposit ratio and funding gap (continued)

31 December 2011 Loans (1)
£m
Deposits (2)
£m
LDR (3)
%
Funding
surplus/
(gap) (3)
£m
UK Retail 107,983 101,878 106 (6,105)
UK Corporate 108,668 126,309 86 17,641
Wealth 16,834 38,164 44 21,330
International Banking (4) 46,417 45,051 103 (1,336)
Ulster Bank 31,303 21,814 143 (9,489)
US Retail & Commercial 50,842 59,984 85 9,142
Conduits (International Banking) (4) 10,504 - nm (10,504)
Retail & Commercial 372,551 393,200 95 20,649
Markets 31,254 36,776 85 5,522
Direct Line Group and other 1,196 2,496 48 1,300
Core 405,001 432,472 94 27,471
Non-Core 68,516 4,281 nm (64,235)
Group 473,517 436,753 108 (36,764)

nm = not meaningful

Notes:

  • (1) Loans and advances to customers excluding reverse repurchase agreements and stock borrowing and including disposal groups.
  • (2) Excluding repurchase agreements and stock lending but including disposal groups.
  • (3) Based on loans and advances to customers net of provisions and customer deposits as shown.
  • (4) All conduits relate to International Banking and have been extracted and shown separately.

Key point

• The Group loan:deposit ratio has improved 600 basis points during the first nine months of 2012 to 102%, of which 200 basis points was in Q3 2012, as the Group continued to make progress on the strategic goal of a broadly matched balance sheet structure.

Balance sheet management: Liquidity and funding risk: Funding sources (continued)

Long-term debt issuance

The table below shows debt securities issued by the Group with an original maturity of one year or more. The Group also executes other long-term funding arrangements (predominantly term repurchase agreements) which are not reflected in the following tables.

Nine months
Quarter ended ended Year ended
30 September 30 June 31 March 30 September 31 December
2012 2012 2012 2012 2011
£m £m £m £m £m
Public
- unsecured 1,237 - - 1,237 5,085
- secured - - 1,784 1,784 9,807
Private
- unsecured 1,631 909 1,676 4,216 12,414
- secured - - - - 500
Gross issuance 2,868 909 3,460 7,237 27,806
Buy backs (1) (2,213) (1,730) (1,129) (5,072) (6,892)
Net issuance 655 (821) 2,331 2,165 20,914

Note:

(1) Excludes liability management exercises.

Key point

• During Q3 2012, the Group issued US\$2 billion public fixed rate notes to help pre-fund future financing needs of the holding company.

Balance sheet management: Liquidity and funding risk (continued)

Liquidity portfolio

The table below shows the composition of the Group's liquidity portfolio (at estimated liquidity value). All assets within the liquidity portfolio are unencumbered.

30 September 2012 30 June 2012 31 December 2011
Quarterly
average
£m
Period
end
£m
Quarterly
average
£m
Period
end
£m
Quarterly
average
£m
Period
end
£m
Cash and balances at central banks
Central and local government bonds
72,734 72,563 87,114 71,890 89,377 69,932
AAA rated governments and US agencies 21,612 19,776 20,163 26,315 30,421 29,632
AA- to AA+ rated governments (1) 9,727 7,393 10,739 14,449 5,056 14,102
governments rated below AA 549 647 609 519 1,011 955
local government 1,523 988 2,546 1,872 4,517 4,302
33,411 28,804 34,057 43,155 41,005 48,991
Treasury bills 54 750 - - 444 -
106,199 102,117 121,171 115,045 130,826 118,923
Other assets (2)
AAA rated 10,365 8,827 22,505 10,712 25,083 25,202
below AAA rated and other high quality assets 33,738 35,667 13,789 30,244 11,400 11,205
44,103 44,494 36,294 40,956 36,483 36,407
Total liquidity portfolio 150,302 146,611 157,465 156,001 167,309 155,330

Notes:

(1) Includes US government guaranteed and US government sponsored agencies.

(2) Includes assets eligible for discounting at central banks.

  • The liquidity portfolio decreased by £9.4 billion to £146.6 billion in the quarter and exceeded the short-term wholesale funding by 3 times (30 June 2012 - 2.5 times).
  • The proportion of the portfolio held in central and local government bonds decreased to circa 20% from circa 30% at 30 June 2012, following FSA consultation. Loans prepositioned with the central bank can also now be included within the liquidity buffer.
  • FLS related treasury bills of £750 million are included within the liquidity buffer.

Balance sheet management: Liquidity and funding risk (continued)

Net stable funding ratio

The table below shows the composition of the Group's net stable funding ratio (NSFR), estimated by applying the Basel III guidance issued in December 2010. The Group's NSFR will also continue to be refined over time in line with regulatory developments and related interpretations. It may also be calculated on a basis that may differ from other financial institutions.

30 September 2012 30 June 2012 31 December 2011
ASF (1) ASF (1) ASF (1) Weighting
£bn £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn %
Equity 74 74 75 75 76 76 100
Wholesale funding > 1 year 111 111 119 119 124 124 100
Wholesale funding < 1 year 77 - 94 - 134 - -
Derivatives 462 - 481 - 524 - -
Repurchase agreements 143 - 128 - 129 - -
Deposits
- retail and SME - more stable 232 209 235 212 227 204 90
- retail and SME - less stable 32 26 29 23 31 25 80
- other 170 85 171 86 179 89 50
Other (2) 76 - 83 - 83 - -
Total liabilities and equity 1,377 505 1,415 515 1,507 518
Cash 80 - 79 - 79 - -
Inter-bank lending 38 - 39 - 44 - -
Debt securities > 1 year
- governments AAA to AA- 71 4 70 4 77 4 5
- other eligible bonds 58 12 60 12 73 15 20
- other bonds 19 19 20 20 14 14 100
Debt securities < 1 year 30 - 38 - 45 - -
Derivatives 468 - 486 - 530 - -
Reverse repurchase agreements 98 - 98 - 101 - -
Customer loans and advances > 1 year
- residential mortgages 148 96 146 95 145 94 65
- other 144 144 151 151 173 173 100
Customer loans and advances < 1 year
- retail loans 18 15 18 15 19 16 85
- other 132 66 140 70 137 69 50
Other (3) 73 73 70 70 70 70 100
Total assets 1,377 429 1,415 437 1,507 455
Undrawn commitments 221 11 228 11 240 12 5
Total assets and undrawn commitments 1,598 440 1,643 448 1,747 467
Net stable funding ratio 115% 115% 111%

Notes:

(1) Available stable funding.

  • (2) Deferred tax, insurance liabilities and other liabilities.
  • (3) Prepayments, accrued income, deferred tax, settlement balances and other assets.

  • The NSFR remained unchanged at 115% at 30 September 2012 compared with the half year position, but improved by 400 basis points from the 2011 year end position.

  • In Q3 2012, reduced loan balances of £10 billion were largely offset by an £8 billion reduction in long-term funding.

Risk management: Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss due to the failure of a customer to meet its obligation to settle outstanding amounts. The quantum and nature of credit risk assumed across the Group's different businesses vary considerably, while the overall credit risk outcome usually exhibits a high degree of correlation with the macroeconomic environment.

Financial assets

The table below analyses the Group's financial asset exposures, both gross and net of offset arrangements.

30 September 2012 Gross
exposure
£m
IFRS
offset (1)
£m
Balance
sheet value
£m
Other
offset (2)
£m
Exposure
post offset
£m
Cash balances at central banks 80,122 - 80,122 - 80,122
Reverse repos 159,885 (61,950) 97,935 (18,537) 79,398
Lending 461,502 - 461,502 (39,186) 422,316
Debt securities
Equity shares
177,722 - 177,722 - 177,722
Derivatives 15,527
862,618
-
(394,447)
15,527
468,171
-
(434,406)
15,527
33,765
Settlement balances 21,760 (6,705) 15,055 (2,539) 12,516
Other financial assets 891 - 891 - 891
Total excluding disposal groups 1,780,027 (463,102) 1,316,925 (494,668) 822,257
Total including disposal groups 1,799,970 (463,102) 1,336,868 (494,668) 842,200
Short positions (32,562) - (32,562) - (32,562)
Net of short positions 1,767,408 (463,102) 1,304,306 (494,668) 809,638
30 June 2012
Cash balances at central banks 78,647 - 78,647 - 78,647
Reverse repos 144,465 (46,564) 97,901 (13,212) 84,689
Lending 474,401 - 474,401 (41,151) 433,250
Debt securities 187,626 - 187,626 - 187,626
Equity shares 13,091 - 13,091 - 13,091
Derivatives 910,996 (424,564) 486,432 (445,980) 40,452
Settlement balances 21,644 (6,332) 15,312 (3,090) 12,222
Other financial assets 1,490 - 1,490 - 1,490
Total excluding disposal groups 1,832,360 (477,460) 1,354,900 (503,433) 851,467
Total including disposal groups 1,852,702 (477,460) 1,375,242 (503,433) 871,809
Short positions (38,376) - (38,376) - (38,376)
Net of short positions 1,814,326 (477,460) 1,336,866 (503,433) 833,433

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

Gross IFRS Balance Other Exposure
31 December 2011 exposure
£m
offset (1)
£m
sheet value
£m
offset (2)
£m
post offset
£m
Cash balances at central banks 79,269 - 79,269 - 79,269
Reverse repos 138,539 (37,605) 100,934 (15,246) 85,688
Lending 497,982 - 497,982 (41,129) 456,853
Debt securities 209,080 - 209,080 - 209,080
Equity shares 15,183 - 15,183 - 15,183
Derivatives 1,074,109 (544,491) 529,618 (478,848) 50,770
Settlement balances 9,130 (1,359) 7,771 (2,221) 5,550
Other financial assets 1,309 - 1,309 - 1,309
Total excluding disposal groups 2,024,601 (583,455) 1,441,146 (537,444) 903,702
Total including disposal groups 2,045,134 (583,455) 1,461,679 (537,444) 924,235
Short positions (41,039) - (41,039) - (41,039)
Net of short positions 2,004,095 (583,455) 1,420,640 (537,444) 883,196

Risk management: Credit risk: Financial assets (continued)

Notes:

(1) Relates to offset arrangements that comply with IFRS criteria and to transactions cleared through and novated to central clearing houses, primarily London Clearing House.

(2) This reflects the amounts by which the Group's credit risk is reduced through arrangements such as master netting agreements and current account pooling. In addition, the Group holds collateral in respect of individual loans and advances. This collateral includes mortgages over property (both personal and commercial); charges over business assets such as plant, inventories and trade debtors; and guarantees of lending from parties other than the borrower. The Group also obtains collateral in the form of securities relating to reverse repo and derivative transactions.

  • Financial asset exposures post offset arrangements, excluding disposal groups, decreased by £81 billion compared with 31 December 2011 (Q3 2012 - £29 billion) to £822 billion, reflecting the Group's focus on reducing its funded balance sheet, primarily in Non-Core and Markets.
  • Reductions in lending (year-to-date £35 billion; Q3 2012 £11 billion), debt securities (year-todate - £31 billion; Q3 2012 - £10 billion), derivatives (year-to-date - £17 billion; Q3 2012 - £7 billion) and reverse repos (year-to-date - £6 billion; Q3 2012 - £5 billion) were partially offset by higher seasonal settlement balances (year-to-date - £7 billion).
  • Central and local government exposures decreased by £23 billion (Q3 2012 £8 billion) principally in debt securities. This was driven by Markets continuing to de-risk and reduce its balance sheet, management of the Group Treasury liquidity portfolio as well as overall risk reductions in respect of eurozone exposures.
  • Exposures to financial institutions were £25 billion lower (Q3 2012 £11 billion), across securities, loans and derivatives, also reflecting Markets balance sheet management.
  • Within lending:
  • UK Retail increased its lending to homeowners, principally in the first half of the year, including to first-time buyers, whilst unsecured lending balances fell.
  • UK Corporate reduced its Core commercial real estate lending by £2.4 billion (Q3 2012 £0.6 billion), contributing to the decrease in Core property and construction exposure. The Core decrease was primarily offset by the transfer of £2 billion of social housing loans from Non-Core to Core in Q3 2012.
  • Non-Core continued to make significant progress on its balance sheet strategy and lending declined across the majority of sectors, principally property and construction, where commercial real estate lending decreased by £6.2 billion (Q3 2012 - £2.3 billion), reflecting repayments and sales.

Risk management: Credit risk: Financial assets (continued)

Sector concentration

The table below analyses balance sheet financial assets by sector.

Re
ve
rse
Le
nd
ing
Se
riti
cu
es Ba
lan
ce
Ot
he
r
Ex
p
os
ure
rep
os
Co
re
No
n-C
ore
To
tal
De
bt
Eq
uit
y
De
riv
ati
ve
s
Ot
he
r
sh
alu
t v
ee
e
off
t
se
ffs
t o
et
p
os
30
Se
be
r 2
01
2
tem
p
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Go
t (
1)
ve
rnm
en
41
7
8,
71
6
1,
45
2
10
16
8
,
10
7,
68
6
- 6,
18
8
1,
72
8
12
6,
18
7
(
5,
94
6
)
12
0,
24
1
Fin
- b
ks
an
ce
an
34
02
6
,
38
01
7
,
44
7
38
46
4
,
11
30
4
,
1,
89
9
35
6,
37
1
80
12
2
,
52
2,
18
6
(
4)
36
7,
86
15
4,
32
2
the
- o
r
63
11
9
,
41
03
1
,
3,
08
7
44
11
8
,
53
12
0
,
2,
64
0
84
86
2
,
13
89
6
,
26
1,
75
5
(
11
0,
09
0
)
15
1,
66
5
Pe
l -
rtg
rso
na
mo
ag
es
- 14
0,
33
2
3,
27
0
14
3,
60
2
- - - - 14
3,
60
2
(
1)
14
3,
60
1
red
- u
nse
cu
- 30
26
5
,
1,
11
9
31
38
4
,
- - - 53 31
43
7
,
(
17
)
31
42
0
,
Pro
rty
d c
str
uct
ion
pe
an
on
- 45
28
3
,
32
45
5
,
77
73
8
,
95
4
61
4
4,
69
4
- 84
00
0
,
(
2,
76
2)
81
23
8
,
Ma
fac
ing
tur
nu
31
8
21
10
8
,
58
2,
0
23
68
8
,
91
9
1,
69
3
2,
23
0
59 28
90
7
,
(
5
)
2,
96
25
94
2
,
Fin
lea
s (
2)
an
ce
se
- 8,
80
8
4,
64
5
13
45
3
,
40 2 44 2 13
54
1
,
- 13
54
1
,
Re
tai
l, w
ho
les
ale
d r
air
an
ep
s
- 20
34
6
,
1,
75
2
22
09
8
,
44
2
1,
65
4
98
9
- 25
18
3
,
(
)
1,
54
5
23
63
8
,
Tra
rt a
nd
sto
ns
po
rag
e
- 14
53
6
,
3,
97
0
18
50
6
,
49
5
27
1
3,
82
2
- 23
09
4
,
(
51
6
)
22
57
8
,
He
alt
h,
ed
tio
nd
leis
uca
n a
ure
29 12
91
7
,
1,
00
2
13
91
9
,
28
4
47
9
75
6
- 15
46
7
,
(
)
96
0
14
50
7
,
Ho
tel
nd
tau
ts
s a
res
ran
- 6,
54
1
98
7
52
8
7,
20
8
46 50
1
4 8,
28
7
(
22
9
)
8,
05
8
Uti
litie
s
- 5,
14
3
1,
56
3
6,
70
6
1,
35
3
66
8
3,
12
8
16 11
87
1
,
(
1,
02
0
)
10
85
1
,
Ot
he
r
26 26
76
7
,
3,
68
1
30
44
8
,
1,
84
6
5,
69
8
4,
58
6
18
8
42
79
2
,
(
75
3
)
42
03
9
,
of
To
tal
vis
ion
gro
ss
pro
s
97
93
5
,
41
9,
81
0
62
01
0
,
48
1,
82
0
17
8,
65
1
15
66
4
,
46
8,
17
1
96
06
8
,
1,
33
8,
30
9
(
)
49
4,
66
8
84
3,
64
1
Pro
vis
ion
s
- (
9,
20
3
)
(
11
11
5
)
,
(
20
31
8
)
,
(
92
9
)
(
13
7)
- - (
21
38
4)
,
n/a (
21
38
4)
,
To
tal
clu
din
dis
l g
ex
g
po
sa
rou
ps
5
97
93
,
41
0,
60
7
50
5
89
,
50
46
1,
2
17
7,
72
2
15
52
7
,
46
8,
17
1
96
06
8
,
5
1,
31
6,
92
(
)
49
4,
66
8
25
82
2,
7
Dis
l g
po
sa
rou
ps
- 18
50
9
,
98
3
19
49
2
,
31 5 36
6
49 19
94
3
,
- 19
94
3
,
To
tal
inc
lud
ing
di
al g
sp
os
rou
ps
97
93
5
,
42
9,
11
6
51
87
8
,
48
0,
99
4
17
75
3
7,
15
53
2
,
46
8,
53
7
96
11
7
,
1,
33
6,
86
8
(
49
4,
66
8
)
84
2,
20
0

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

Risk management: Credit risk: Financial assets (continued)

Sector concentration (continued)

Re
ve
rse
Le
nd
ing
Se
ritie
cu
s Ba
lan
ce
Ot
he
r
Ex
po
su
re
rep
os
Co
re
No
n-C
ore
To
tal
De
bt
Eq
uity
De
riva
tive
s
Ot
he
r
sh
t v
alu
ee
e
off
set
st
off
set
po
31
De
mb
20
11
ce
er
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Go
t (
1)
ve
rnm
en
2,
24
7
8,
35
9
1,
38
3
9,
74
2
126
60
4
,
- 5,
54
1
64
1
144
77
5
,
(
1,
09
8)
14
3,
67
7
Fin
- b
ks
an
ce
an
39
34
5
,
43
37
4
,
61
9
43
99
3
,
16
94
0
,
2,
21
9
40
0,
26
1
79
26
9
,
58
2,
02
7
(
40
45
7)
7,
17
4,
0
57
the
- o
r
58
47
8
,
46
45
2
,
3,
22
9
49
68
1
,
60
45
3
,
2,
49
0
97
82
5
,
7,
43
7
27
6,
36
4
(
119
71
7)
,
15
6,
64
7
Pe
l - m
ort
rso
na
ga
ge
s
- 138
50
9
,
5,
102
143
61
1
,
- - - - 143
61
1
,
- 143
61
1
,
red
- u
nse
cu
- 31
06
7
,
1,
55
6
32
62
3
,
- - - 52 32
67
5
,
(
7)
32
66
8
,
Pro
rty
d c
str
uct
ion
pe
an
on
- 45
48
5
,
40
73
6
,
86
22
1
,
62
3
22
8
5,
54
5
1 92
61
8
,
(
3)
2,
41
90
20
5
,
Ma
fac
tur
ing
nu
25
4
23
20
1
,
4,
93
1
28
132
,
66
4
1,
93
8
3,
78
6
30
6
35
08
0
,
(
2,
21
4)
32
86
6
,
Fin
lea
s (
2)
an
ce
se
- 8,
44
0
6,
05
9
14
49
9
,
145 2 75 - 14
72
1
,
(
16
)
14
70
5
,
Re
tai
l, w
ho
les
ale
d r
air
an
ep
s
- 21
31
4
,
2,
33
9
23
65
3
,
64
5
2,
65
2
1,
134
18 28
102
,
(
1,
67
1)
26
43
1
,
Tra
rt a
nd
sto
ns
po
rag
e
43
6
16
45
4
,
5,
47
7
21
93
1
,
53
9
74 3,
75
9
- 26
73
9
,
(
24
1)
26
49
8
,
He
alt
h,
ed
tio
nd
leis
uca
n a
ure
- 13
27
3
,
1,
41
9
14
69
2
,
31
0
21 88
5
- 15
90
8
,
(
97
3)
14
93
5
,
Ho
tel
nd
tau
ts
s a
res
ran
- 7,
143
1,
16
1
8,
30
4
116 5 67
1
- 9,
09
6
(
184
)
8,
91
2
Uti
litie
s
- 6,
54
3
1,
84
9
8,
39
2
1,
53
0
4
55
3,
70
8
30 14
21
4
,
(
45
0)
13
76
4
,
Ot
he
r
174 28
37
4
,
4,
01
7
32
39
1
,
2,
89
9
5,
14
1
6,
42
8
59
5
47
62
8
,
(
1,
00
3)
46
62
5
,
To
tal
of
vis
ion
gro
ss
pro
s
100
93
4
,
43
98
8
7,
79
87
7
,
51
86
7,
5
21
1,
46
8
15
32
4
,
52
9,
61
8
88
34
9
,
1,
46
3,
8
55
(
53
44
4)
7,
92
6,
114
Pro
vis
ion
s
- (
8,
41
4)
(
11
46
9)
,
(
19
88
3)
,
(
2,
38
8)
(
14
1)
- - (
22
41
2)
,
n/a (
22
41
2)
,
To
tal
clu
din
dis
l g
ex
g
po
sa
rou
ps
100
93
4
,
42
9,
57
4
68
40
8
,
49
7,
98
2
20
9,
08
0
15
183
,
52
9,
61
8
88
34
9
,
1,
44
1,
146
(
53
7,
44
4)
90
3,
70
2
Dis
l g
po
sa
rou
ps
- 18
67
7
,
81
5
19
49
2
,
- 5 43
9
59
7
20
53
3
,
- 20
53
3
,
To
tal
inc
lud
ing
di
al g
sp
os
rou
ps
100
93
4
,
44
8,
25
1
69
22
3
,
51
7,
47
4
20
9,
08
0
15
188
,
53
0,
05
7
88
94
6
,
1,
46
1,
67
9
(
53
7,
44
4)
92
4,
23
5

Notes:

(1) Comprises central and local government.

(2) Includes instalment credit.

Risk management: Credit risk: Financial assets (continued)

Debt securities

The table below analyses debt securities by issuer and IFRS measurement classifications.

Other
Central and local government financial Of which
UK US Other Banks institutions Corporate Total ABS
30 September 2012 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Held-for-trading (HFT) 5,506 19,039 34,905 2,460 23,468 2,169 87,547 21,363
Designated as at fair value 1 - 127 85 709 8 930 580
Available-for-sale 11,453 19,787 16,858 8,508 24,963 2,995 84,564 32,086
Loans and receivables 10 - - 251 3,980 440 4,681 3,988
Long positions 16,970 38,826 51,890 11,304 53,120 5,612 177,722 58,017
Of which US agencies - 6,187 - - 24,183 - 30,370 28,820
Short positions (HFT) (830) (11,233) (15,156) (1,590) (1,591) (1,032) (31,432) (86)
Available-for-sale
Gross unrealised gains 1,232 1,259 1,084 101 719 122 4,517 763
Gross unrealised losses - (1) (38) (702) (1,295) (16) (2,052) (1,989)
31 December 2011
Held-for-trading 9,004 19,636 36,928 3,400 23,160 2,948 95,076 20,816
Designated as at fair value 1 - 127 53 457 9 647 558
Available-for-sale 13,436 20,848 25,552 13,175 31,752 2,535 107,298 40,735
Loans and receivables 10 - 1 312 5,259 477 6,059 5,200
Long positions 22,451 40,484 62,608 16,940 60,628 5,969 209,080 67,309
Of which US agencies - 4,896 - - 25,924 - 30,820 28,558
Short positions (HFT) (3,098) (10,661) (19,136) (2,556) (2,854) (754) (39,059) (352)
Available-for-sale
Gross unrealised gains 1,428 1,311 1,180 52 913 94 4,978 1,001
Gross unrealised losses - - (171) (838) (2,386) (13) (3,408) (3,158)
30 September 2012 31 December 2011
UK US Other (1) Total UK US Other (1) Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Central and local
government 11,453 19,787 16,858 48,098 13,436 20,848 25,552 59,836
Banks 1,001 417 7,090 8,508 1,391 376 11,408 13,175
Other financial
institutions 2,709 11,906 10,348 24,963 3,100 17,453 11,199 31,752
Corporate 1,207 735 1,053 2,995 1,105 131 1,299 2,535
Total 16,370 32,845 35,349 84,564 19,032 38,808 49,458 107,298
Of which ABS 3,533 15,823 12,730 32,086 3,659 20,256 16,820 40,735
AFS reserves (gross) 886 810 (1,443) 253 845 486 (1,815) (484)

Risk management: Credit risk: Financial assets: Debt securities (continued)

The table below analyses available-for-sale debt securities and related reserves, gross of tax.

Note:

(1) Includes eurozone countries as detailed in the Country risk section of this report.

  • Debt securities decreased by £31.4 billion or 15% during the nine months ended 30 September 2012, £22.7 billion in available-for-sale (AFS) across the Group and £7.5 billion of held-fortrading (HFT) positions within Markets reflecting a combination of de-risking strategies and active balance sheet management.
  • HFT: The £7.5 billion decrease comprised £6.1 billion of central and local government, £0.9 billion of banks and £0.8 billion of corporate, partially offset by an increase of £0.3 billion of other financial institutions. A decrease in UK government bonds of £3.5 billion reflected maturities and disposals in line with Markets balance sheet management strategy. A reduction in other government bonds principally French, Italian, Swiss and Japanese, was partially offset by moves to those issued by Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands.
  • AFS: decreased by £22.7 billion, comprising £11.7 billion of central and local government, £6.8 billion of other financial institutions and £4.7 billion of banks, partially offset by an increase of £0.5 billion of corporate bonds. UK Government bonds fell by £2.0 billion primarily due to disposals. Disposals from the Group Treasury liquidity portfolio resulted in lower government bonds, primarily German and French (£5.6 billion). Japanese government bonds fell by £2.0 billion reflecting reduced collateral requirements following a change in clearing status from direct (self-clearing) to agency in H1 2012. Bank bonds decreased by £4.7 billion of which £2.0 billion related to sales of Spanish covered bonds by Group Treasury and lower positions in Australian and German securities reflected the close out of positions and maturities, respectively.

Risk management: Credit risk: Financial assets: Debt securities (continued)

The table below analyses debt securities by issuer and external ratings. Ratings are based on the lowest of Standard and Poor's, Moody's and Fitch.

Central and local government Other
financial
30 September 2012 UK
£m
US
£m
Other
£m
Banks
£m
institutions Corporate
£m
£m Total
£m
Total
%
Of which
ABS
£m
AAA 16,970 43 21,006 2,493 11,824 171 52,507 30 10,884
AA to AA+ - 38,760 8,671 1,330 28,394 658 77,813 44 32,843
A to AA- - 22 16,069 2,975 3,266 1,957 24,289 14 3,136
BBB- to A- - - 5,398 3,833 4,600 1,450 15,281 8 7,389
Non-investment grade - - 742 350 3,301 762 5,155 3 2,858
Unrated - 1 4 323 1,735 614 2,677 1 907
16,970 38,826 51,890 11,304 53,120 5,612 177,722 100 58,017
31 December 2011
AAA 22,451 45 32,522 5,155 15,908 452 76,533 37 17,156
AA to AA+ - 40,435 2,000 2,497 30,403 639 75,974 36 33,615
A to AA- - 1 24,966 6,387 4,979 1,746 38,079 18 6,331
BBB- to A- - - 2,194 2,287 2,916 1,446 8,843 4 4,480
Non-investment grade - - 924 575 5,042 1,275 7,816 4 4,492
Unrated - 3 2 39 1,380 411 1,835 1 1,235
22,451 40,484 62,608 16,940 60,628 5,969 209,080 100 67,309
  • AAA rated debt securities decreased as France and Austria were downgraded to AA+ in the first half of the year and also reflected the Group's reduced holdings of UK government bonds. Additionally, certain Spanish covered bonds and the Dutch bond portfolio were downgraded during H1 2012.
  • The decrease in A to AA- debt securities related to further downgrades of Italy and Spain to BBB+ and BBB- respectively in H1 2012, along with a downgrade of selected bank ratings.
  • Non-investment grade and unrated debt securities accounted for 4% of the portfolio.

Risk management: Credit risk (continued)

Problem debt management

The following tables analyse loans and advances to banks and customers (excluding reverse repos) and the related debt management measures and ratios by division.

Refer to pages 136 to 141 of the Group's 2011 Annual Report and Accounts for policies, methodologies and approaches to problem debt management.

Credit metrics
REIL as a %
of gross Provisions Year-to-date
Gross loans to loans to as a % Impairment Amounts
Banks Customers REIL Provisions customers of REIL charge written-off
30 September 2012 £m £m £m £m % % £m £m
UK Retail 862 105,370 4,074 2,342 3.9 57 436 472
UK Corporate 900 96,603 4,579 1,921 4.7 42 604 389
Wealth 1,810 17,016 243 99 1.4 41 30 11
International Banking 5,250 47,378 699 644 1.5 92 74 220
Ulster Bank 1,011 32,179 7,036 3,564 21.9 51 1,046 44
US Retail & Commercial 371 50,701 1,057 327 2.1 31 64 298
Retail & Commercial 10,204 349,247 17,688 8,897 5.1 50 2,254 1,434
Markets 22,542 29,523 393 306 1.3 78 12 23
Direct Line Group and other 5,271 3,023 - - - - - -
Core 38,017 381,793 18,081 9,203 4.7 51 2,266 1,457
Non-Core 447 61,563 22,019 11,115 35.8 50 1,647 1,388
Group 38,464 443,356 40,100 20,318 9.0 51 3,913 2,845
Total including disposal groups 38,547 463,544 41,502 21,097 9.0 51 3,913 2,845
30 June 2012
UK Retail 854 105,559 4,115 2,376 3.9 58 295 299
UK Corporate 884 98,108 3,938 1,845 4.0 47 357 218
Wealth 1,747 16,985 229 99 1.3 43 22 3
International Banking 5,219 50,138 682 694 1.4 102 62 210
Ulster Bank 2,286 33,008 6,234 3,307 18.9 53 717 28
US Retail & Commercial 232 52,239 1,022 340 2.0 33 43 192
Retail & Commercial 11,222 356,037 16,220 8,661 4.6 53 1,496 950
Markets 23,614 30,398 345 283 1.1 82 19 41
Direct Line Group and other 4,316 1,055 - - - - - -
Core 39,152 387,490 16,565 8,944 4.3 54 1,515 991
Non-Core 403 67,653 23,088 11,353 34.1 49 1,215 934
Group 39,555 455,143 39,653 20,297 8.7 51 2,730 1,925
Total including disposal groups 39,643 475,624 41,106 21,078 8.6 51 2,730 1,925
Credit metrics
REIL as a %
Gross loans to of gross Provisions Year-to-date
loans to as a % Impairment
charge
Amounts
written-off
31 December 2011 £m Banks Customers
£m
REIL
£m
Provisions
£m
customers
%
of REIL
%
£m £m
UK Retail 628 103,377 4,087 2,344 4.0 57 788 823
UK Corporate 806 98,563 3,988 1,623 4.0 41 790 658
Wealth 2,422 16,913 211 81 1.2 38 25 11
International Banking 3,411 57,728 1,632 851 2.8 52 168 125
Ulster Bank 2,079 34,052 5,523 2,749 16.2 50 1,384 124
US Retail & Commercial 208 51,562 1,007 455 2.0 45 248 373
Retail & Commercial 9,554 362,195 16,448 8,103 4.5 49 3,403 2,114
Markets 29,991 31,490 414 311 1.3 75 - 23
Direct Line Group and other 3,829 929 - - - - - -
Core 43,374 394,614 16,862 8,414 4.3 50 3,403 2,137
Non-Core 619 79,258 23,983 11,469 30.3 48 3,838 2,390
Group 43,993 473,872 40,845 19,883 8.6 49 7,241 4,527
Total including disposal groups 44,080 494,068 42,394 20,674 8.6 49 7,241 4,527

Risk management: Credit risk: Problem debt management (continued)

  • Total REIL including disposal groups decreased by £0.9 billion to £41.5 billion compared with 31 December 2011 as improvements in International Banking and Non-Core were partially offset by a number of corporate defaults in UK Corporate and the ongoing elevated levels of default in Ulster Bank. In Q3 2012, UK Corporate defaults resulted in a £0.6 billion increase in REIL. REIL represented 9.0% of gross loans to customers (30 June 2012 and 31 December 2011 - 8.6%).
  • Provision coverage increased to 51% at 30 September 2012 and 30 June 2012 from 49% at 31 December 2011 and Core coverage increased slightly to 51%, but decreased in Q3 2012 reflecting low provision cases in Ulster Bank.
  • Annualised impairment charge for the nine months to 30 September 2012 represented 1.13% of loans and advances to customers, compared with 1.47% for the year ended 31 December 2011, primarily reflecting a reduction in Non-Core impairments, particularly relating to exposures originating in Ulster Bank.
  • The challenging economic backdrop continued to be reflected in Ulster Bank credit metrics with Core REIL increasing by £1.5 billion since 31 December 2011 (Q3 2012 - £0.8 billion), primarily within the mortgage and commercial real estate portfolio, to £7.0 billion and is now 21.9% of gross loans to customers. Impairments continue to outpace write-offs.
  • Non-Core REIL decreased by £2.0 billion or 8% (Q3 2012 £1.1 billion or 5%) reflecting a mixture of repayments and write-offs within UK Corporate, Markets and International Banking corporate portfolios.

Risk management: Credit risk: Problem debt management (continued)

Key points (continued)

• Exposure to commercial real estate lending has decreased by £8.8 billion or 12% during 2012 (Q3 2012 - £3.3 billion or 5%) in line with the Group's reduction strategy, while the REIL as a percentage of gross loans to customers has increased by 200 basis points from 31 December 2011 to 32.6%. Commercial real estate lending metrics were as follows:

Total Non-Core (1)
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
31 December
2011
30 September
2012
30 June
2012
31 December
2011
Lending (gross) £66.0bn £69.3bn £74.8bn £28.0bn £30.4bn £34.3bn
Of which REIL £21.5bn £21.7bn £22.9bn £17.1bn £18.1bn £18.8bn
Provisions £9.5bn £9.4bn £9.5bn £8.1bn £8.0bn £8.2bn
REIL as a % of gross loans to
customers 32.6% 31.3% 30.6% 61.2% 59.5% 54.8%
Provisions as a % of REIL 44% 43% 42% 47% 44% 44%

Note:

(1) Excludes property related lending to customers in other sectors managed by Real Estate Finance.

Ulster Bank is a significant contributor to Non-Core commercial real estate lending. For further information refer to the section on Ulster Bank Group (Core and Non-Core).

Risk elements in lending (REIL)

REIL are stated without giving effect to any security held that could reduce the eventual loss should it occur or to any provisions marked. The table below details the movement in REIL excluding disposal groups.

Impaired loans Other loans (1) REIL
Non Non Non
Core Core Total Core Core Total Core Core Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2012 15,306 23,441 38,747 1,556 542 2,098 16,862 23,983 40,845
Currency translation and
other adjustments (193) (681) (874) 9 (10) (1) (184) (691) (875)
Additions 5,296 4,015 9,311 2,617 390 3,007 7,913 4,405 12,318
Transfers 232 118 350 (289) (67) (356) (57) 51 (6)
Disposals and restructurings (656) (786) (1,442) (131) (7) (138) (787) (793) (1,580)
Repayments (2,351) (3,070) (5,421) (1,858) (478) (2,336) (4,209) (3,548) (7,757)
Amounts written-off (1,457) (1,388) (2,845) - - - (1,457) (1,388) (2,845)
At 30 September 2012 16,177 21,649 37,826 1,904 370 2,274 18,081 22,019 40,100

Note:

(1) Accruing loans past due 90 days or more where an impairment event has taken place but no impairment provision has been recognised. This category is used for fully collateralised non-revolving credit facilities.

Risk management: Credit risk: Problem debt management (continued)

Impairment provisions

The table below analyses impairment provisions in respect of loans and advances to banks and customers.

30 September 2012 30 June 2012 31 December 2011
Non Non Non
Core Core Total Core Core Total Core Core Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Individually assessed 2,910 9,953 12,863 2,797 10,071 12,868 2,674 9,960 12,634
Collectively assessed 4,893 648 5,541 4,785 676 5,461 4,279 861 5,140
Latent loss 1,284 513 1,797 1,244 605 1,849 1,339 647 1,986
Loans and advances to customers 9,087 11,114 20,201 8,826 11,352 20,178 8,292 11,468 19,760
Loans and advances to banks 116 1 117 118 1 119 122 1 123
Total provisions 9,203 11,115 20,318 8,944 11,353 20,297 8,414 11,469 19,883
Provisions as a % of REIL 51% 50% 51% 54% 49% 51% 50% 48% 49%
Customer provisions as a % of customer
loans (1) 2.5% 18.0% 4.5% 2.4% 16.7% 4.4% 2.2% 14.4% 4.2%

Note:

(1) Includes disposal groups and excludes reverse repos.

  • Within Core, individually assessed provisions increased by £236 million in the year-to-date (Q3 2012 - £113 million), driven by UK Corporate and Ulster Bank corporate portfolios where individual impairment charges continue to outpace the level of write-offs. This has been partially offset by lower individual provisions within International Banking mainly as a result of a material write-off on a single counterparty in H1 2012.
  • The increase in the year-to-date Core collectively assessed provisions reflects further impairment charges taken within Ulster Bank's mortgage portfolio, due to elevated levels of nonperforming assets and increasing mortgage loss rate.

Risk management: Credit risk (continued)

Ulster Bank Group (Core and Non-Core)

Overview

At 30 September 2012, Ulster Bank Group accounted for 10.1% (30 June 2012 and 31 December 2011 - 10.1%) of the Group's total gross loans to customers and 8.4% (30 June 2012 - 8.5%; 31 December 2011 - 8.6%) of the Group's Core gross loans to customers. The impairment charge for the first nine months of 2012 was £1,659 million (Q3 2012 - £493 million), mainly driven by the residential mortgage and commercial real estate portfolios. Increased unemployment, austerity measures and economic uncertainty have in general affected both residential and commercial mortgage affordability and reduced real estate lease rentals, which, together with limited liquidity, have depressed asset values and reduced consumer spending with a consequent downward impact on mortgage, property and SME lending. The impairment charge for the first nine months of 2011 was significantly higher at £3,148 million (Q3 2011 - £608 million), reflecting substantial deterioration in development land values during the first half of 2011.

Core

The impairment charge for the first nine months of 2012 was £1,046 million (Q3 2012 - £329 million), with the mortgage sector accounting for £511 million, 49% (Q3 2012 - £155 million, 47%). The impairment charge for the corresponding period in 2011 was £1,057 million (Q3 2011 - £327 million), with the mortgage sector accounting for £437 million, 41% (Q3 2011 - £126 million, 39%).

Non-Core

The impairment charge for the first nine months of 2012 was £613 million (Q3 2012 - £164 million). The commercial real estate sector accounted for £552 million, 90% (Q3 2012 - £154 million, 94%), within which the development segment accounted for £355 million, 64% (Q3 2012 - £93 million, 60%).

The impairment charge for the corresponding period in 2011 was £2,091 million (Q3 2011 - £281 million). The commercial real estate sector accounted for £1,933 million, 92% (Q3 2011 - £236 million, 84%), within which the development segment accounted for £1,475 million, 76% (Q3 2011 - £162 million, 69%).

Credit metrics
REIL as a
% of gross Provisions Provisions Year-to-date
Gross loans to as a % of as a % of Impairment Amounts
loans REIL Provisions customers REIL gross loans charge written-off
Sector analysis £m £m £m % % % £m £m
30 September 2012
Core
Mortgages 18,861 2,887 1,377 15.3 48 7.3 511 9
Commercial real estate
- investment 3,627 1,493 543 41.2 36 15.0 169 -
- development 739 345 173 46.7 50 23.4 38 2
Other corporate 7,624 2,109 1,282 27.7 61 16.8 292 8
Other lending 1,328 202 189 15.2 94 14.2 36 25
32,179 7,036 3,564 21.9 51 11.1 1,046 44
Non-Core
Commercial real estate
- investment 3,490 2,804 1,374 80.3 49 39.4 197 3
- development 7,581 7,168 4,416 94.6 62 58.3 355 73
Other corporate 1,591 1,214 696 76.3 57 43.7 61 7
12,662 11,186 6,486 88.3 58 51.2 613 83
Ulster Bank Group
Mortgages 18,861 2,887 1,377 15.3 48 7.3 511 9
Commercial real estate
- investment 7,117 4,297 1,917 60.4 45 26.9 366 3
- development 8,320 7,513 4,589 90.3 61 55.2 393 75
Other corporate 9,215 3,323 1,978 36.1 60 21.5 353 15
Other lending 1,328 202 189 15.2 94 14.2 36 25
44,841 18,222 10,050 40.6 55 22.4 1,659 127
REIL as a
% of gross
Provisions Provisions Year-to-date
Amounts
written-off
£m £m % % % £m £m
11
-
-
2
15
28
3
37
1,619 1,136 70.2 58 40.5 51 7
86.7 57 49.7 449 47
11
3
37
9
1,451 211 14.5 92 13.4 29 15
38.1 56 21.2 1,166 75
Gross
loans
19,172
3,715
762
7,908
1,451
33,008
3,698
7,683
19,172
7,413
8,445
9,527
REIL
2,561
1,117
335
2,010
211
6,234
2,929
7,212
13,000 11,277
2,561
4,046
7,547
3,146
46,008 17,511
Provisions loans to
customers
£m
1,242
13.4
481
30.1
164
44.0
1,226
25.4
194
14.5
3,307
18.9
1,430
79.2
4,374
93.9
656
6,460
1,242
13.4
1,911
54.6
4,538
89.4
1,882
33.0
194
9,767
as a % of
REIL
48
43
49
61
92
53
49
61
48
47
60
60
Credit metrics
as a % of
gross loans
6.5
12.9
21.5
15.5
13.4
10.0
38.7
56.9
6.5
25.8
53.7
19.8
Impairment
charge
356
91
24
217
29
717
136
262
356
227
286
268
Credit metrics
REIL as a
Gross % of gross
loans to
Provisions
as a % of
Provisions
as a % of
Full year
loans REIL Provisions customers REIL gross loans Impairment
charge
Amounts
written-off
Sector analysis £m £m £m % % % £m £m
31 December 2011
Core
Mortgages 20,020 2,184 945 10.9 43 4.7 570 11
Commercial real estate
- investment 3,882 1,014 413 26.1 41 10.6 225 -
- development 881 290 145 32.9 50 16.5 99 16
Other corporate 7,736 1,834 1,062 23.7 58 13.7 434 72
Other lending 1,533 201 184 13.1 92 12.0 56 25
34,052 5,523 2,749 16.2 50 8.1 1,384 124
Non-Core
Commercial real estate
- investment 3,860 2,916 1,364 75.5 47 35.3 609 1
- development 8,490 7,536 4,295 88.8 57 50.6 1,551 32
Other corporate 1,630 1,159 642 71.1 55 39.4 173 16
13,980 11,611 6,301 83.1 54 45.1 2,333 49
Ulster Bank Group
Mortgages 20,020 2,184 945 10.9 43 4.7 570 11
Commercial real estate
- investment 7,742 3,930 1,777 50.8 45 23.0 834 1
- development 9,371 7,826 4,440 83.5 57 47.4 1,650 48
Other corporate 9,366 2,993 1,704 32.0 57 18.2 607 88
Other lending 1,533 201 184 13.1 92 12.0 56 25
48,032 17,134 9,050 35.7 53 18.8 3,717 173

Risk management: Credit risk: Ulster Bank Group (Core and Non-Core) (continued)

  • Core REIL increased by £1,513 million or 27% to £7,036 million year-to-date at 30 September 2012 (Q3 2012 - £802 million or 13%) of which mortgages accounted for £703 million (Q3 2012 - £326 million) as a result of an increase in arrears.
  • Core mortgage REIL as a percentage of gross mortgages was 15.3% at 30 September 2012 compared with 13.4% at 30 June 2012 and 10.9% at 31 December 2011, the trend reflecting continuing deterioration of macroeconomic factors. The number of properties repossessed in the first nine months of 2012 was 102 (Q3 2012 - 17), compared with 134 in the same period in 2011 (Q3 2011 - 36).
  • Year-to-date, commercial real estate accounted for £534 million or 35% of the increase in total Core REIL (Q3 2012 - £386 million, 48%). The movement in the quarter was driven by a small number of restructuring arrangements for higher value real estate customers.
  • The provision coverage ratio for total Core corporate portfolio increased during H1 2012 (from 51.6% at 31 December 2011 to 54.0%), reflecting additional impairment charges on the defaulted book due to further deterioration in collateral values. It then decreased to 50.6% in Q3 2012, mainly driven by three material newly defaulted customers with lower provision requirements (accounting for £294 million or 60% of the Q3 2012 increase in Core corporate REIL).
  • At 30 September 2012 £2.1 billion (30 June 2012 £1.9 billion; 31 December 2011 £1.8 billion) of the mortgage book was on a forbearance arrangement.
  • Non-Core REIL decreased by £425 million or 4% year-to-date to £11,186 million at 30 September 2012, reflecting lower defaults as well as recoveries and write-offs. At 30 September 2012, 61% (30 June 2012 - 64%; 31 December 2011 - 68%) of REIL was in Non-Core, of which the commercial real estate development portfolio accounted for 64%, broadly unchanged from the positions at 30 June 2012 and 31 December 2011.

Commercial real estate

The commercial real estate lending portfolio for Ulster Bank (Core and Non-Core) totalled £15.4 billion at 30 September 2012, of which £11.1 billion or 72% was in Non-Core. The geographic split of the total Ulster Bank Group commercial real estate portfolio remained similar to 31 December 2011, with 62.2% in the Republic of Ireland, 26.4% in Northern Ireland, 11.3% in the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) and 0.1% in Western Europe.

Investment Development
Commercial Residential Commercial Residential Total
Exposure by geography £m £m £m £m £m
30 September 2012
Ireland (ROI and NI) 4,717 1,015 2,272 5,666 13,670
UK (excluding NI) 1,280 91 81 287 1,739
RoW 13 1 5 9 28
6,010 1,107 2,358 5,962 15,437
30 June 2012
Ireland (ROI and NI) 4,939 1,077 2,315 5,719 14,050
UK (excluding NI) 1,287 96 91 304 1,778
RoW 14 - 5 11 30
6,240 1,173 2,411 6,034 15,858
31 December 2011
Ireland (ROI and NI) 5,097 1,132 2,591 6,317 15,137
UK (excluding NI) 1,371 111 95 336 1,913
RoW 27 4 - 32 63
6,495 1,247 2,686 6,685 17,113
  • Commercial real estate remains the primary sector contributing to the Ulster Bank Group defaulted loan book. A further modest reduction in exposure to the sector was seen during the quarter, partly reflecting foreign exchange rate movements and continuing the Group's strategy to reduce concentration risk.
  • The outlook for the property sector remains challenging. While there may be some signs of stabilisation in main urban centres, the outlook continues to be negative for secondary locations on the island of Ireland.
  • A small number of additional larger exposures defaulted and were subject to restructuring during the third quarter. In particular, three customers with low provision coverage accounted for £294 million (60%) of the increase in Core corporate REIL in the third quarter.
  • During the third quarter, Ulster Bank experienced further migration of commercial real estate exposures to its problem management framework, where various measures may be agreed to assist customers whose loans are performing but who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties. During the first nine months of 2012, performing loans of £55 million (each having exposures greater than £10 million) benefited from such measures.
  • During the first nine months of 2012, impaired loans of £628 million with provisions of £181 million (for exposures greater than £10 million) were restructured and remained in the nonperforming book at 30 September 2012.

Market risk

Market risk arises from changes in interest rates, foreign currency, credit spreads, equity prices and risk related factors such as market volatilities. The Group manages market risk centrally within its trading and non-trading portfolios through a comprehensive market risk management framework. This control framework includes qualitative and quantitative guidance in the form of comprehensive policy statements, dealing authorities, limits based on, but not limited to, value-at-risk (VaR), stress testing, and sensitivity analyses.

For a description of the Group's basis of measurement and methodologies, refer to pages 229 to 231 of the Group's 2011 Annual Report and Accounts.

CRD III capital charges

Following the implementation of CRD III in 2011, the Group is required to calculate: (i) Stressed VaR (SVaR) - an additional capital charge based on a stressed calibration of the VaR model; (ii) an Incremental Risk Charge (IRC) to capture the default and migration risk for credit risk positions in the trading book; and (iii) an All Price Risk (APR) measure for correlation trading positions, subject to a capital floor that is based on standardised securitisation charges. The capital charges associated with these models are shown in the table below:

30 September 31 December
2012 2011
£m £m
Stressed VaR 1,407 1,682
Incremental Risk Charge 519 469
All Price Risk 34 297
  • The decrease in SVaR and APR over the first nine months of 2012 was primarily due to the restructuring of certain trades in Non-Core. General de-risking in sovereign and agency positions in Markets also contributed to the decrease.
  • The increase in IRC due to the implementation of a new IRC model at the end of Q2 2012 was partially offset by the general de-risking.

Market risk (continued)

Daily distribution of Markets trading revenues

The graph below shows trading revenues for Markets for the nine months ended 30 September 2012 and the corresponding period in 2011.

Note:

(1) The effect of any month end adjustments, not attributable to a specific daily market move, is spread evenly over the trading days in that specific month.

  • The average daily revenue earned by Markets trading activities in the first nine months of 2012 was £18 million, compared with £20 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The standard deviation of the daily revenues decreased from £20 million to £14 million.
  • The number of days with negative revenue decreased to 18 from 27. During Q3 2011 the credit environment deteriorated rapidly causing credit spreads to widen following a heightened period of uncertainty in the eurozone.
  • The most frequent daily revenue was between £15 million and £20 million, which occurred 32 times. In the prior period, the most frequent daily revenue was between £25 million and £30 million, which occurred 24 times.

Market risk (continued)

Counterparty Exposure Management (CEM) manages the over-the-counter derivative counterparty credit and funding risk on behalf of Markets, by actively controlling risk concentrations and reducing unwanted risk exposures. The hedging transactions that CEM enters into are booked in the trading book and therefore contribute to the market risk VaR exposure of the Group. The counterparty exposures themselves are not captured in VaR for regulatory capital. In the interest of transparency and to more properly represent the exposure, CEM exposure and total VaR excluding CEM are disclosed separately.

The table below details VaR for the Group's trading portfolios, analysed by type of market risk exposure, and between Core, Non-Core, CEM and the Group's total trading VaR excluding CEM.

Nine months ended 31 December
30 September 2012 30 September 2011 2011
Average Period end Maximum Minimum Average Period end Maximum Minimum Period end
Trading VaR £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Interest rate 63.7 44.8 95.7 43.6 50.3 73.0 79.2 27.5 68.1
Credit spread 69.4 67.2 94.9 44.9 87.4 69.8 151.1 47.4 74.3
Currency 11.4 8.9 21.3 5.3 10.1 6.5 18.0 5.2 16.2
Equity 6.3 8.2 12.5 3.3 9.8 7.7 17.3 4.6 8.0
Commodity 1.9 2.7 6.0 0.9 0.4 3.6 3.6 - 2.3
Diversification (1) (40.8) (54.3) (52.3)
Total 99.0 91.0 137.0 66.5 104.1 106.3 181.3 59.7 116.6
Core 74.2 69.4 118.0 47.4 75.3 83.1 133.9 41.7 89.1
Non-Core 32.3 26.5 41.9 22.1 74.2 38.7 128.6 33.2 34.6
CEM 77.7 74.3 84.2 73.3 44.1 54.1 58.2 30.3 75.8
Total (excluding CEM) 46.4 46.6 76.4 32.2 82.6 66.6 150.0 43.1 49.7

Note:

(1) The Group benefits from diversification, which reflects the risk reduction achieved by allocating investments across various financial instrument types, currencies and markets. The extent of diversification benefit depends on the correlation between the assets and risk factors in the portfolio at a particular time.

  • The Group's average and maximum credit spread VaR for the first nine months of 2012 were lower than for the corresponding period of 2011. This reflected the credit spread volatility experienced during the 2008 financial crisis dropping out of the time series window, combined with a reduction in the asset-backed securities trading inventory in Core and the restructuring of some monoline hedges relating to the Non-Core banking book.
  • Towards the end of September 2012, the credit spread VaR increased, driven by credit spreads widening on the back of a deterioration in eurozone sentiment and by an increase in bought protection on credit indices. This caused both the Group's period end total and credit spread VaR to increase in the third quarter of 2012, compared with the first half of the year.
  • The period end interest rate VaR for the first nine months of 2012 was lower than that for the same period in 2011, largely driven by position reductions. However, the average interest rate VaR was higher, due to pre-hedging and positioning ahead of government bond auctions.
  • Since late 2011, CEM started to centrally manage the funding risk on over-the-counter derivative contracts. The CEM trading VaR was considerably higher in the first nine months of 2012 than in the same period in 2011, primarily due to the transfer of funding risk management from individual desks to CEM.

Market risk (continued)

The table below details VaR for the Group's non-trading portfolio, excluding the structured credit portfolio and loans and receivables.

Nine months ended 31 December
30 September 2012 30 September 2011 2011
Average Period end Maximum Minimum Average Period end Maximum Minimum Period end
Non-trading VaR £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Interest rate 7.6 5.5 10.7 5.3 8.6 10.3 11.1 5.7 9.9
Credit spread 11.1 8.6 15.4 7.3 19.6 14.8 39.3 14.1 13.6
Currency 3.4 1.5 4.5 1.3 1.8 4.1 5.9 0.1 4.0
Equity 1.7 1.7 1.9 1.6 2.2 1.8 3.1 1.6 1.9
Diversification (1) (8.0) (13.5) (13.6)
Total 12.6 9.3 18.3 8.6 20.9 17.5 41.6 13.4 15.8
Core 12.4 9.2 19.0 8.3 20.4 18.6 38.9 13.5 15.1
Non-Core 2.1 3.6 3.6 1.6 3.4 3.7 4.3 2.2 2.5
CEM 1.0 1.0 1.1 0.9 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.9
Total (excluding CEM) 12.4 9.3 17.8 8.2 20.9 17.5 41.4 13.7 15.5

Note:

(1) The Group benefits from diversification, which reflects the risk reduction achieved by allocating investments across various financial instrument types, currencies and markets. The extent of diversification benefit depends on the correlation between the assets and risk factors in the portfolio at a particular time.

  • The average and period end total and credit spread VaR were considerably lower for the first nine months of 2012, due to reduced volatility in the market data time series, position reductions and a decrease in the size of the collateral portfolio. The reduction in collateral was driven by the restructuring of certain Dutch residential mortgage-backed securities during H1 2012 permitting their eligibility as European Central Bank collateral. This allowed the disposal during the first nine months of 2012 of additional collateral purchased during the corresponding period in 2011.
  • The Non-Core period end VaR was higher at 30 September 2012 than at 31 December 2011, due to improvements in the time series mapping on certain Australian bonds and the purchase of additional hedges.

Market risk (continued)

Structured Credit Portfolio

The Structured Credit Portfolio is within Non-Core. The risk in this portfolio is not measured or disclosed using VaR, as the Group believes this is not an appropriate tool for the banking book portfolio, which comprises illiquid debt securities. These assets are reported on a drawn notional and fair value basis, and managed on a third party asset and risk-weighted assets basis. The table below shows the open market risk in the structured credit portfolio.

Drawn notional Fair value
Other Other
CDOs CLOs MBS ABS Total CDOs CLOs MBS ABS Total
30 September 2012 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
1-2 years - - - 128 128 - - - 120 120
2-3 years - - 6 28 34 - - 5 27 32
3-4 years - - - 45 45 - - - 43 43
4-5 years - - 161 218 379 - - 136 198 334
5-10 years - 298 110 - 408 - 278 53 - 331
>10 years 317 313 436 553 1,619 127 285 267 314 993
317 611 713 972 2,613 127 563 461 702 1,853
31 December 2011
1-2 years - - - 27 27 - - - 22 22
2-3 years - - 10 196 206 - - 9 182 191
4-5 years - 37 37 95 169 - 34 30 88 152
5-10 years 32 503 270 268 1,073 30 455 184 229 898
>10 years 2,180 442 464 593 3,679 766 371 291 347 1,775
2,212 982 781 1,179 5,154 796 860 514 868 3,038

Key point

• The Structured Credit Portfolio drawn notional and fair values declined across all asset classes from 31 December 2011 to 30 September 2012. Key drivers were: (i) during H1 2012, the liquidation of legacy trust preferred securities and commercial real estate CDOs and subsequent sale of the underlying assets, and (ii) during Q3 2012, the sale of underlying assets from CDO collateral pools and legacy conduits.

Risk management: Country risk

Introduction

Country risk is the risk of material losses arising from significant country-specific events such as sovereign events (default or restructuring); economic events (contagion of sovereign default to other parts of the economy, cyclical economic shock); political events (transfer or convertibility restrictions, expropriation or nationalisation); and natural disaster or conflict. Such events have the potential to affect elements of the Group's credit portfolio that are directly or indirectly linked to the country in question and can also give rise to market, liquidity, operational and franchise risk related losses.

The global picture remains mixed, with advanced economies, particularly in Europe, overall much weaker than emerging markets. The economic outlook in Asia is weakening but remains comparatively positive. Although the US and Japanese central banks have both announced additional asset purchases to counteract economic weakness, market confidence will remain primarily influenced by developments in eurozone crisis management and a resolution of the US fiscal deadlock. The Latin American outlook remains positive despite rising external risks.

Markets continue to benefit from the European Central Bank's Outright Monetary Transactions (OMT) announcement and the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) approval by the German Constitutional Court, but disagreements over the next steps to eurozone integration highlight the length of the road ahead. Overall, the Group still sees a gradual resolution of the crisis as the most likely outcome. In the short-term, a clearer roadmap towards a joint banking regulator is needed, a prerequisite for the ESM being able to lend to banks directly. Direct lending by the ESM to banks would sever the interconnection between sovereigns and their banks.

The risk that one or more of the weaker eurozone member states will default on its external debts and/or exit the eurozone is a particular concern. It carries with it the potential for broader economic contagion and even a complete break-up or restructuring of the eurozone. The potential for such events gives rise to redenomination risk, the risk that losses may occur when a country converts its currency and then suffers a sharp devaluation, in addition to other risks.

The Group's overall exposure to redenomination risk is difficult to predict with certainty, but the key driving factors are: the scope and reach of the new legislation introduced by an exiting country; the currency of exposures; the form and nature of the documentation, collateral and guarantees related to the exposures; and whether there are offsetting liabilities that would be redenominated at the same time. For the purposes of estimating funding mismatches at risk of redenomination (see below), the Group assumes that non-euro exposures, and certain facilities documented under international law, are unlikely to be affected by a redenomination event.

The Group believes that the balances reported in this section represent a realistic, if conservative, view of its asset exposure to redenomination risk and related risks. Assets that are not denominated in euros, and facilities that are guaranteed or documented under international law, are expected to have protection from redenomination, and analysis shows the Group's actual exposure purely to redenomination risk is lower. However, a redenomination event would be accompanied by increased credit risk, for two reasons. First, capital controls would likely be introduced in the affected country, resulting in any non-redenominated assets, including non-euro assets, potentially becoming harder to service. Second, a sharp devaluation could imply payment difficulties for counterparties with large debts denominated in foreign currency.

Risk management: Country risk: Introduction (continued)

The Group's focus continues to be on reducing its asset exposures and funding mismatches in the eurozone periphery countries. At 30 September 2012, total asset exposures to these countries were 6% lower than at 30 June 2012. Estimated funding mismatches were approximately £2 billion lower in Ireland, at £10 billion, and approximately £1 billion lower in Spain, at £6 billion. The mismatch positions in Portugal and Greece were modest. In Italy there were surplus liabilities of approximately £1 billion. Since the end of the third quarter, the Group has put in place more than £3 billion of repo facilities, further reducing the Spanish funding mismatch.

For further details of the Group's approach to country risk management, refer to pages 208 to 210 of the Group's 2011 Annual Report and Accounts.

The tables that follow show the Group's exposures by country of incorporation of the counterparty at 30 September 2012. Countries shown are those where the Group's balance sheet exposure (as defined in this section) to counterparties incorporated in the country exceeded £1 billion and the country had an external rating of A+ or below from Standard and Poor's, Moody's or Fitch at 30 September 2012, as well as certain eurozone countries. The numbers are stated before taking into account mitigants, such as collateral (with the exception of repos), insurance or guarantees, which may have been taken to reduce or eliminate exposure to country risk events. Exposures relating to ocean-going vessels are not included due to their multinational nature.

Definitions of headings in the following tables:

Lending - comprises gross loans and advances to: central and local government; central banks, including cash balances; other banks and financial institutions, incorporating overdraft and other shortterm facilities; corporates, in large part loans and leases; and individuals, comprising mortgages, personal loans and credit card balances. Lending includes impaired loans and loans where an impairment event has taken place but no impairment provision is recognised.

Debt securities - comprise securities classified as available-for-sale (AFS), loans and receivables (LAR), held-for-trading (HFT) and designated as at fair value through profit or loss (DFV). All debt securities other than LAR securities are carried at fair value. LAR debt securities are carried at amortised cost less impairment. HFT debt securities are presented as gross long positions (including DFV securities) and short positions per country. Impairment losses and exchange differences relating to AFS debt securities, together with interest are recognised in the income statement; other changes in the fair value of AFS securities are reported within AFS reserves, which are presented gross of tax.

Risk management: Country risk: Introduction (continued)

Derivatives (net) - comprise the mark-to-market (mtm) value of such contracts after the effect of legally enforceable netting agreements but before the effect of collateral. In the event of counterparty default, this is the net amount due to the Group from the counterparty. Counterparty netting is applied within the regulatory capital model used.

Repos (net) - comprises the mtm value of repo and reverse repo contracts after the effect of legally enforceable netting agreements and collateral. Counterparty netting is applied within the regulatory capital model used.

Balance sheet - comprises lending, debt securities, derivatives (net) and repo (net) exposures, as defined above. In addition, for eurozone periphery countries, derivatives and repos gross of netting referred to above are disclosed.

Off-balance sheet - comprises contingent liabilities, including guarantees, and committed undrawn facilities.

Credit default swaps (CDSs) - under a CDS contract, the credit risk on the reference entity is transferred from the buyer to the seller. The fair value, or mtm value, represents the balance sheet carrying value. The mtm value of CDSs is included within derivatives against the counterparty of the trade, as opposed to the reference entity. The notional is the par value of the credit protection bought or sold and is included against the reference entity of the CDS contract.

The column CDS notional less fair value represents the instantaneous increase in exposure arising from sold positions netted against the decrease arising from bought positions should the CDS contract be triggered by a credit event and assuming there is a zero recovery rate. For a sold position, the change in exposure equals the notional less fair value amount and represents the amount the Group would owe its CDS counterparties. Positive recovery rates would tend to reduce the gross components (increases and decreases) of those numbers.

Government - comprises central and local government.

Asset quality (AQ) - for the probability of default range relating to each internal asset quality band, refer to page 172 of the Group's 2011 Annual Report and Accounts.

Eurozone periphery - comprises Ireland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus.

Other eurozone - comprises Austria, Estonia, Finland, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Risk management: Country risk: Summary

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Risk management: Country risk: Summary (continued)

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Risk management: Country risk: Summary (continued)

Reported exposures are affected by currency movements. During the first nine months of 2012, sterling appreciated 4.3% against the US dollar and 5.0% against the euro. During the third quarter, sterling appreciated 2.9% against the US dollar and 1.4% against the euro.

  • Balance sheet and off-balance sheet exposures to nearly all countries shown in the table declined during the first nine months of 2012, as the Group maintained a cautious stance and many clients reduced debt levels. The reductions were seen in all broad product categories and in all client groups. Non-Core lending exposure declined as the strategy for disposal progressed, particularly in Germany, Spain and Ireland.
  • Total eurozone balance sheet exposure declined by £16.7 billion or 9% during the first nine months of 2012 to £176.7 billion, with reductions seen primarily in periphery countries but also in the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg. This reflected exchange rate movements, sales of Greek, Spanish and Portuguese AFS bonds, write-offs, active exposure management and debt reduction efforts by bank clients.
  • Eurozone periphery balance sheet exposure decreased in all countries to a combined £57.0 billion, a reduction of £10.9 billion or 16%, caused in part by reductions in AFS bonds. Most of the Group's exposure arises from the activities of Markets, International Banking, Group Treasury and Ulster Bank (with respect to Ireland). Group Treasury has a portfolio of Spanish bank and financial institution securities. International Banking provides trade finance facilities to clients across Europe, including the eurozone periphery. Balance sheet exposure to Cyprus amounted to £0.3 billion at 30 September 2012, comprising mainly lending exposure to special purpose vehicles incorporated in Cyprus.
  • Germany and the Netherlands
  • The Group holds significant short-term surplus liquidity with central banks given credit risk and capital considerations and limited alternative investment opportunities. This exposure also fluctuates as part of the Group's asset and liability management. In Q3 2012 the Group transferred part of its euro payments activity from the RBS N.V. account with the Dutch central bank to the RBS plc account with the Bundesbank, as part of strategic plans to migrate most of the RBS N.V. balance sheet, activities and exposures to RBS plc.
  • Net long HFT positions in German bonds in Markets increased during the first nine months of 2012, driven by market opportunities. Concurrently, German AFS bond positions in Group Treasury were reduced in the first half of the year in line with internal liquidity management strategies.
  • Lending to German corporate clients fell by £1.7 billion, driven by reductions in the transport, commercial real estate, electricity and media sectors.
  • Non-Core lending exposure in Germany was £3.9 billion at 30 September 2012, down £1.5 billion since 31 December 2011. Most of the lending was in the property (54%) and transport (22%) sectors.
  • Non-Core lending exposure in the Netherlands was £2.3 billion at 30 September 2012, down £0.2 billion since 31 December 2011. Most of the lending was in the commercial real estate (51%) and securitisations (18%) sectors.

Risk management: Country risk: Summary: Key points (continued)

  • France During the first nine months of 2012, particularly in the first half, in anticipation of widening credit spreads and as part of general risk management, the Group reduced its holdings in French bonds, both AFS in Group Treasury and HFT in Markets. Lending exposure to French banks increased in the third quarter as a result of a transfer of bank account services for Group Treasury secured funding transactions from in-house to an external bank. Corporate lending decreased by £1.0 billion due to reductions in the commercial real estate, telecommunications and construction sectors. Non-Core lending exposure in France was £1.8 billion at 30 September 2012, a decline of £0.5 billion since 31 December 2011. The lending portfolio mainly comprised property (39%) and sovereign and quasi-sovereign (26%) exposures.
  • Belgium Net HFT government bond exposure increased by £0.9 billion reflecting fluctuations in market making positions.
  • Japan Exposure decreased during the first nine months of 2012, principally in the first half, reflecting a reduction in International Banking's cash management business and a change in Japanese yen clearing status from direct (self-clearing) membership to agency, resulting in a £2.0 billion reduction in AFS Japanese government bonds. Derivative exposure decreased reflecting reduced forward foreign exchange positions taken by clients.
  • CDS protection bought and sold:
  • The Group uses CDS contracts to service customer activity as well as to manage counterparty and country exposure. During the first nine months of 2012, eurozone gross notional CDS contracts, bought and sold, decreased significantly. This was caused by maturing contracts and by efforts to reduce counterparty credit exposures and risk-weighted assets through derivative compression trades and other means. The fair value of bought and sold CDS contracts also decreased due to the reduction in gross notional CDS positions and a narrowing of CDS spreads during the first nine months of 2012 for a number of eurozone countries, including Portugal and Ireland. On balance, net CDS protection referring to entities in eurozone countries taken by the Group in terms of CDS notional less fair value decreased to £7.1 billion, from £8.4 billion at 31 December 2011.
  • Greek sovereign CDS positions were fully closed out in April 2012, as the use of the collective action clause in the Greek debt swap resulted in a credit event occurring, which triggered Greek sovereign CDS contracts.
  • Outside the eurozone, the Group also has net bought CDS protection on most countries shown in the table. A £0.4 billion net sold CDS position on Brazil was primarily hedging bought nth-to-default CDS contracts with Brazilian reference entities (these latter contracts are not included in the reported numbers by country - see below).
  • The Group transacts CDS contracts primarily with investment grade global financial institutions that are active participants in the CDS market. These transactions are subject to regular margining. For European peripheral sovereigns, credit protection has been purchased from a number of major European banks, predominantly outside the country of the reference entity. In a few cases where protection was bought from banks in the country of the reference entity, giving rise to wrong-way risk, the risk is mitigated through specific collateralisation.

Risk management: Country risk: Summary: Key points (continued)

  • Due to their bespoke nature, exposures relating to CDPCs and associated hedges have not been included as they cannot be meaningfully attributed to a particular country or reference entity. Nth-to-default basket swaps have also been excluded as they cannot be meaningfully attributed to a particular reference entity.
  • During the first nine months of 2012 the credit quality of counterparties from whom the Group has bought CDS protection as shown in the individual country tables deteriorated, reflecting an actual deterioration in the credit quality of some of those counterparties as well as more conservative internal ratings.

For more specific analysis and commentary on the Group's exposure to Ireland, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece, refer to pages 137 to 151.

Risk management: Country risk: Total eurozone

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Risk management: Country risk: Total eurozone (continued)

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Risk management: Country risk: Ireland

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Risk management: Country risk: Ireland (continued)

Se
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CDS bought protection: counterparty analysis by internal asset quality band

AQ 1 AQ
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Risk management: Country risk: Ireland (continued)

Key points

  • At 30 September 2012, Ulster Bank Group (UBG) contributed 88% of the Group's exposure to Ireland (31 December 2011 - 87%). The largest components of the Group's exposure were corporate lending of £17.7 billion (more than half of which is to the property sector - mainly commercial real estate, and construction and building materials) and personal lending of £17.6 billion (mainly mortgages). In addition, UBG has money market placings with the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), and Markets has derivative exposure to financial institutions and large international clients with funding subsidiaries based in Ireland.
  • Group exposure decreased further during the first nine months of 2012, principally lending down £3.4 billion as a result of currency movements and de-risking in the portfolio.

• Government and central bank

Exposure to the CBI fluctuates, driven by regulatory requirements and deposits of excess liquidity as part of UBG's asset and liability management.

• Financial institutions

Markets, International Banking and UBG account for the majority of the Group's exposure to financial institutions. The largest categories are derivatives and repos, where exposure is affected predominantly by market movements and much of the exposure is collateralised.

• Corporate

Lending exposure fell by £1.3 billion during the first nine months of 2012, driven by exchange rate movements and write-offs. Commercial real estate lending amounted to £10.4 billion at 30 September 2012, down £0.5 billion from 31 December 2011 amid continuing adverse market conditions. The commercial real estate lending exposure was largely in UBG Non-Core and included REIL of £7.9 billion and loan provisions of £4.2 billion.

• Personal

Overall lending exposure fell by £1.3 billion as a result of exchange rate movements, amortisation, maturities, a small amount of write-offs, low new business volumes and active risk management. Residential mortgage loans amounted to £16.6 billion, including REIL of £2.8 billion and loan provisions of £1.3 billion. The housing market continues to suffer from weak domestic demand, with house prices now approximately 50% below their 2007 peak.

• Non-Core (included above)

Ireland Non-Core lending exposure was £9.5 billion at 30 September 2012, down £0.7 billion since 31 December 2011. The lending portfolio largely consisted of exposures to commercial real estate (82%), retail (5%) and leisure (4%).

Risk management: Country risk: Spain

AF
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Risk management: Country risk: Spain (continued)

Se
30
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CDS bought protection: counterparty analysis by internal asset quality band

AQ 1 AQ
2-A
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3
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AQ 10 To
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30
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be
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7

Risk management: Country risk: Spain (continued)

Key points

  • The Group maintains good relationships with multinational banks, other financial institutions and large corporate clients.
  • The exposure to Spain is driven by corporate lending and a sizeable mortgage-backed securities covered bond portfolio. Exposure fell further in most categories during the first nine months of 2012, driven by the sale of part of the covered bond portfolio and a decline in corporate lending, as a result of steps to de-risk the portfolio.

• Financial institutions

The Group's largest exposure was AFS debt securities (mainly covered bond portfolio) of £4.4 billion at 30 September 2012, which decreased by £2.1 billion during the first nine months of 2012, largely as a result of sales in the first half. The portfolio continued to perform satisfactorily. However, the Group is monitoring the situation closely, including undertaking stress analyses.

Derivative exposure, mostly to Spanish international banks and a few of the large regional banks, declined to £1.3 billion at 30 September 2012 from £1.9 billion at 31 December 2011. The majority of this exposure was collateralised.

Lending to banks consists mainly of short-term uncommitted credit lines with the top two international Spanish banks.

• Corporate

Lending decreased by £1.3 billion and off-balance exposure by £0.8 billion, due to reductions primarily in the property and natural resources sectors. Commercial real estate lending amounted to £1.9 billion at 30 September 2012, predominantly in Non-Core. The majority of REIL and loan provisions relates to commercial real estate lending and further decreased during the first nine months of 2012, reflecting disposals and restructurings.

• Non-Core (included above)

At 30 September 2012, Non-Core had lending exposure to Spain of £2.9 billion, a reduction of £0.8 billion or 22% since 31 December 2011. The commercial real estate (64%), construction (13%) and electricity (8%) sectors accounted for the majority of the remaining lending exposure.

Risk management: Country risk: Italy

S a
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Risk management: Country risk: Italy (continued)

Se
30
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CDS bought protection: counterparty analysis by internal asset quality band

AQ 1 AQ
2-A
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3
AQ
4-A
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AQ 10 To
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No
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30
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Risk management: Country risk: Italy (continued)

Key points

• The Group maintains good relationships with Italian government entities, banks, other financial institutions and large corporate clients. Since the start of 2011, the Group has taken steps to reduce its risk through strategic exits where appropriate, or to mitigate its risk through increased collateral requirements, in line with its evolving appetite for Italian risk. Lending exposure to Italian counterparties was reduced by a further £1.2 billion during the first nine months of 2012, to £1.9 billion.

• Government and central bank

The Group is an active market-maker in Italian government bonds, resulting in large and fluctuating gross long and short positions in held-for-trading securities.

• Financial institutions

The majority of the Group's exposure relates to the top five banks. The Group's product offering consists largely of collateralised trading products and, to a lesser extent, short-term uncommitted lending lines for liquidity purposes. During the first nine months of 2012, derivative exposure decreased by £0.2 billion due to market movements; risk is mitigated since most facilities are fully collateralised. Lending declined by £0.3 billion to £0.3 billion.

The AFS bond exposure was reduced by £0.3 billion.

• Corporate

Lending declined by £0.9 billion, largely in lending to manufacturing companies.

• Non-Core (included above)

Non-Core lending exposure was £0.9 billion at 30 September 2012, a £0.2 billion (20%) reduction since 31 December 2011, largely within investment funds and industrials. The remaining lending exposure was mainly to the commercial real estate (30%), leisure (24%) and electricity (16%) sectors.

Risk management: Country risk: Portugal

S a
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nd
HF T
LA
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Gr
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s
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ing
RE
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Pro
vis
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cu
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Lo
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To
tal
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Re
p
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be
30
tem
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2
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£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
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t
ve
rnm
en
- - - 63 (
)
26
32 24 71 16 - 87 - 87 16 -
Ot
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r b
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an
1 - - 60 (
16
)
25 2 83 37
8
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2
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3
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r F
I
- - - 1 - 3 13 (
)
9
43 - 34 3 37 43 -
Co
rat
rpo
e
40
3
19
9
15
9
40 - 2 - 42 74 - 51
9
17
2
69
1
76 -
Pe
l
rso
na
6 - - - - - - - - - 6 8 14 - -
41
0
19
9
15
9
16
4
(
42
)
62 39 18
7
51
1
- 1,
10
8
18
4
1,
29
2
61
2
10
31
De
mb
20
11
ce
er
Go
t
ve
rnm
en
- - - 56 (
58
)
36 152 (
60
)
19 - (
)
41
- (
41
)
25 -
Ot
he
r b
ks
an
10 - - 91 (
36
)
12 2 10
1
38
9
- 50
0
2 50
2
49
7
21
7
Ot
he
r F
I
- - - 5 - 7 - 12 30 - 42 - 42 30 3
Co
rat
rpo
e
49
5
27 27 42 - 18 - 60 81 - 63
6
25
8
89
4
81 -
Pe
l
rso
na
5 - - - - - - - - - 5 8 13 - -
51
0
27 27 194 (
94
)
73 154 113 51
9
- 1,
14
2
26
8
1,
41
0
63
3
22
0

Risk management: Country risk: Portugal (continued)

30
Se
tem
p
be
r 2
01
2
31
De
ce
mb
20
11
er
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
Bo
ht
ug
So
ld
Bo
ht
ug
So
ld
Bo
ht
ug
So
ld
Bo
ht
ug
So
ld
CD
S b
ref
nti
ty
y
ere
nc
e e
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Go
t
ve
rnm
en
3,
11
2
3,
04
2
34
2
(
31
0
)
3,
30
4
3,
41
3
99
7
(
98
5)
Ot
he
r b
ks
an
91
4
90
5
78 (
73
)
1,
197
1,
155
26
4
(
26
0)
Ot
he
r F
I
8 5 1 (
1)
8 5 1 (
1)
Co
rat
rpo
e
44
5
38
2
41 (
20
)
36
6
32
1
68 (
48
)
4,
47
9
4,
33
4
46
2
(
40
4)
4,
87
5
4,
89
4
1,
33
0
(
1,
29
4)

CDS bought protection: counterparty analysis by internal asset quality band

AQ 1 AQ
2-A
Q
3
AQ
4-A
Q
9
AQ 10 To
tal
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
30
Se
be
r 2
01
2
tem
p
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Ba
nks
2,
74
2
27
4
37 4 - - - - 2,
77
9
27
8
Ot
he
r F
I
1,
63
8
16
8
- - 31 4 31 12 1,
70
0
18
4
4,
38
0
44
2
37 4 31
4
31
12
4,
47
9 46
2
31
20
11
De
mb
ce
er
Ba
nks
2,
92
2
78
6
46 12 - - - - 2,
96
8
79
8
Ot
he
r F
I
1,
87
4
51
7
- - 33 15 - - 1,
90
7
53
2
4,
79
6
1,
30
3
46 12 33 15 - - 4,
87
5
1,
33
0

Risk management: Country risk: Portugal (continued)

Key points

  • The portfolio, managed out of Spain, is focused on corporate lending and derivative trading with the largest local banks. Medium-term activity has ceased with the exception of that carried out under a Credit Support Annex.
  • Exposure declined further during the first nine months of 2012, with continued reductions in lending and in off-balance sheet exposure, and sale of Group Treasury's AFS bonds.

• Government and central bank

The Group's exposure to the Portuguese government at 30 September 2012 was £87 million, comprising a very small derivative exposure and a small net long debt securities position, an increase from the net short debt securities position at 31 December 2011.

• Financial institutions

A major proportion of the remaining exposure is focused on the top four systemically important financial groups. Exposures generally consist of collateralised trading products.

• Corporate

The largest exposure is to the natural resources and transport sectors, concentrated on a few large, highly creditworthy clients.

• Non-Core (included above)

Non-Core's lending exposure to Portugal was reduced by £0.1 billion during the first nine months of 2012, to £0.2 billion. The portfolio largely comprised lending exposure to the land transport and logistics (40%), electricity (37%) and commercial real estate (18%) sectors.

Risk management: Country risk: Greece

S a
AF
nd
HF T
LA
R d
eb
t
AF
S
de
bt
se
riti
cu
es
To
tal
de
bt
Ne
t
Ba
lan
ce
Of
f-b
ala
nc
e
Gr
os
s
Le
nd
ing
RE
IL
Pro
vis
ion
s
riti
se
cu
es
res
erv
es
Lo
ng
Sh
ort
riti
se
cu
es
De
riv
ati
ve
s
Re
p
os
sh
t
ee
sh
t
ee
To
tal
De
riv
ati
ve
s
Re
p
os
Se
30
tem
be
r 2
01
2
p
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Go
t
ve
rnm
en
- - - - - 22 8 14 10 - 24 - 24 13
2
-
Ce
al
ba
nk
ntr
2 - - - - - - - - - 2 - 2 - -
Ot
he
r b
ks
an
- - - - - 1 - 1 30
2
- 30
3
- 30
3
41
3
-
Ot
he
r F
I
29 - - - - - - - 2 - 31 - 31 2 -
Co
rat
rpo
e
15
6
97 97 - - - - - 45 - 20
1
17 21
8
64 -
Pe
l
rso
na
11 - - - - - - - - - 11 10 21 - -
19
8
97 97 - - 23 8 15 35
9
- 57
2
27 59
9
61
1
-
31
De
mb
20
11
ce
er
Go
t
ve
rnm
en
7 - - 31
2
- 10
2
5 40
9
- - 41
6
- 41
6
71 -
Ce
ntr
al
ba
nk
6 - - - - - - - - - 6 - 6 - -
Ot
he
r b
ks
an
- - - - - - - - 29
0
- 29
0
- 29
0
40
5
-
Ot
he
r F
I
31 - - - - - - - 2 - 33 - 33 2 -
Co
rat
rpo
e
42
7
25
6
25
6
- - - - - 63 - 49
0
42 53
2
63 -
Pe
l
rso
na
14 - - - - - - - - - 14 10 24 - -
48
5
25
6
25
6
31
2
- 102 5 40
9
35
5
- 1,
24
9
52 1,
30
1
54
1
-

Risk management: Country risk: Greece (continued)

30
Se
be
tem
p
r 2
01
2
31
De
mb
ce
er
20
11
No
tio
na
l Fa
ir v
alu
e No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
Bo
ht
ug
So
ld
Bo
ht
ug
So
ld
Bo
ht
ug
So
ld
Bo
ht
ug
So
ld
CD
S b
ref
nti
ty
y
ere
nc
e e
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Go
t
ve
rnm
en
- - - - 3,
158
3,
165
2,
22
8
(
2,
23
0)
Ot
he
r b
ks
an
4 4 1 (
2)
22 22 3 (
3)
Ot
he
r F
I
32 32 4 (
)
5
34 34 8 (
8)
Co
rat
rpo
e
29
7
29
2
66 (
69
)
43
4
42
8
144 (
142
)
33
3
32
8
71 (
76
)
3,
64
8
3,
64
9
2,
38
3
(
2,
38
3)

CDS bought protection: counterparty analysis by internal asset quality band

AQ 1 AQ
2-A
Q
3
AQ
4-A
Q
9
AQ 10 To
tal
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
No
tio
l
na
Fa
ir v
alu
e
30
Se
be
r 2
01
2
tem
p
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Ba
nks
10
0
23 - - - - - - 10
0
23
Ot
he
r F
I
20
1
44 - - - - 32 4 23
3
48
30
1
67 - - - - 32 4 33
3
71
31
De
mb
20
11
ce
er
Ba
nks
2,
00
1
1,
34
5
1 1 - - - - 2,
00
2
1,
34
6
Ot
he
r F
I
1,
50
7
94
5
63 45 76 47 - - 1,
64
6
1,
03
7
3,
50
8
2,
29
0
64 46 76 47 - - 3,
64
8
2,
38
3

Risk management: Country risk: Greece (continued)

Key points

• The Group has substantially reduced its exposure to Greece which it continues to actively manage, in line with the Group's de-risking strategy that has been in place since early 2010. Much of the remaining exposure is collateralised or guaranteed. The remaining Greek exposure at 30 September 2012 was £0.6 billion. Half of this was derivative exposure to banks (itself in part collateralised); the rest was mostly corporate lending (part of this being exposure to local subsidiaries of international companies).

• Government and central bank

The Group participated in the restructuring of the Greek government debt in March 2012, which resulted in new bonds that were sold in March and April, and in £0.3 billion of AFS bonds issued by the European Financial Stability Facility incorporated in Luxembourg. The Group no longer holds any AFS bonds issued by the Greek government. A small HFT position, resulting from the sovereign debt restructuring in March has been retained to enable the Group to quote prices and stay relevant to key clients.

• Financial institutions

Activity with Greek financial institutions is largely collateralised derivative and repo exposure and remains under close scrutiny.

• Corporate

Lending exposure fell by £0.3 billion, largely due to a single name write-off in the first half of 2012.

The Group's focus is on short-term trade facilities to the domestic subsidiaries of international clients, increasingly supported by parental guarantees.

• Non-Core (included above)

Non-Core's lending exposure to Greece was £0.1 billion at 30 September 2012, a slight reduction from 31 December 2011. The remaining lending portfolio primarily consisted of the following sectors: financial services companies (41%), construction (25%) and other services (12%).

Additional information

Share information

30 September
2012
30 June
2012
31 December
2011
Ordinary share price* 257.0p 215.3p 201.8p
Number of ordinary shares in issue* 6,070m 6,017m 5,923m

* data for 31 December 2011 have been adjusted for the sub-division and one-for-ten share consolidation of ordinary shares, which took effect in June 2012.

Statutory results

Financial information contained in this document does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 ('the Act'). The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2011 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor on those statutory accounts was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Act.

Financial calendar

2012 annual results Thursday 28 February 2013

Appendix 1

Income statement reconciliations and Segmental analysis

Income statement reconciliations

Qu
art
de
d
er
en
30
Se
be
r 2
01
tem
p
2 30 Ju
20
12
ne
30
Se
be
r 2
01
tem
p
1
Re
allo
ion
cat
Re allo
ion
cat
Re allo
ion
cat
of
ff
on
e-o
of
ff
on
e-o
of
ff
on
e-o
Ma
ed
na
g
ite
ms
Sta
tut
ory
Ma
ed
na
g
ite
ms
Sta
tut
ory
Ma
ed
na
g
ite
ms
Sta
tut
ory
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Int
eiv
ab
le
st
ere
rec
4,
52
9
- 4,
52
9
4,
77
4
- 4,
77
4
5,
37
1
- 5,
37
1
Int
ab
le
st
ere
pa
y
(
65
)
1,
6
(
2)
(
65
)
1,
8
(
1)
1,
80
(
2)
(
)
1,
80
3
(
)
2,
29
3
(
1)
(
4)
2,
29
Ne
t in
ter
t in
es
co
me
2,
87
3
(
2)
2,
87
1
2,
97
3
(
2)
2,
97
1
3,
07
8
(
1)
3,
07
7
Fe
d c
mis
sio
eiv
ab
le
es
an
om
ns
rec
1,
40
3
- 1,
40
3
1,
45
0
- 1,
45
0
1,
45
2
- 1,
45
2
Fe
d c
mis
sio
ab
le
es
an
om
ns
pa
y
(
1)
34
- (
1)
34
(
4)
31
- (
4)
31
(
4)
30
- (
4)
30
Inc
e f
din
ivit
ies
tra
act
om
rom
g
76
9
(
43
)
5
33
4
93
1
(
27
4)
65
7
28
2
67
5
95
7
/g
(
Lo
)
ain
de
tio
f o
de
bt
ss
on
re
mp
n o
wn
- (
123
)
(
12
3
)
- - - - 1 1
Ot
he
ing
in
(e
lud
ing
in
ium
in
)
rat
t p
r o
pe
co
me
xc
su
ran
ce
ne
rem
co
me
82
2
(
)
1,
03
9
(
21
7)
46
9
(
)
75
39
4
54
9
1,
83
5
2,
38
4
Ins
ium
in
t p
ura
nce
ne
rem
co
me
93
2
- 93
2
92
9
- 92
9
1,
03
6
- 1,
03
6
No
n-i
t in
nte
res
co
me
3,
58
5
(
7)
1,
59
1,
98
8
3,
46
5
(
)
34
9
3,
11
6
3,
01
5
2,
51
1
5,
52
6
in
To
tal
co
me
6,
45
8
(
)
1,
59
9
4,
85
9
6,
43
8
(
1)
35
6,
08
7
6,
09
3
2,
51
0
8,
60
3
Sta
ff c
ost
s
(
1,
94
3
)
(
116
)
(
2,
05
9
)
(
2,
03
6
)
(
107
)
(
2,
14
3
)
(
1,
96
3
)
(
113
)
(
2,
07
6
)
Pre
mis
d e
ipm
t
es
an
qu
en
(
2)
55
(
)
45
(
7)
59
(
)
52
3
(
)
21
(
4)
54
(
4)
58
(
)
20
(
4)
60
Ot
he
dm
inis
tive
tra
r a
ex
pe
nse
s
(
77
0
)
(
48
9
)
(
1,
25
9
)
(
93
6
)
(
22
0
)
(
1,
15
6
)
(
85
8
)
(
104
)
(
96
2)
De
cia
tio
nd
ort
isa
tio
pre
n a
am
n
(
4)
37
(
)
56
(
)
43
0
(
2)
38
(
)
52
(
4)
43
(
)
41
6
(
)
69
(
)
48
5
Op
tin
era
g
ex
p
en
se
s
(
3,
63
9
)
(
70
6
)
(
4,
34
5
)
(
3,
87
7)
(
40
0
)
(
4,
27
7)
(
3,
82
1)
(
30
6
)
(
4,
12
7)
Pro
fit
be
for
the
tin
ch
e o
r o
p
era
g
arg
es
2,
81
9
(
)
2,
30
5
51
4
2,
56
1
(
1)
75
1,
81
0
2,
27
2
2,
20
4
4,
47
6
Ins
laim
t c
ura
nce
ne
s
(
59
6
)
- (
59
6
)
(
57
6
)
- (
57
6
)
(
73
4)
- (
73
4)
Op
tin
rof
it/
(
los
)
be
for
e i
air
los
nt
era
g
p
s
mp
me
se
s
2,
22
3
(
)
2,
30
5
(
82
)
1,
98
5
(
1)
75
1,
23
4
1,
53
8
2,
20
4
3,
74
2
Im
irm
t lo
pa
en
sse
s
(
1,
17
6
)
- (
1,
17
6
)
(
1,
33
5
)
- (
1,
33
5
)
(
1,
53
6
)
(
20
2)
(
1,
73
8
)
Op
tin
rof
it/
(
los
)
era
g
p
s
1,
04
7
(
2,
30
)
5
(
1,
25
8
)
65
0
(
1)
75
(
10
1)
2 2,
00
2
2,
00
4

Income statement reconciliations (continued)

Qu de
d
art
er
en
30
Se
be
r 2
tem
p
01
2
30 Ju
20
12
ne
30
Se
be
r 2
01
tem
p
1
Re
allo
cat
ion
Re allo
cat
ion
Re allo
cat
ion
of
ff
on
e-o
of
ff
on
e-o
of
ff
on
e-o
Ma
ed
na
g
£m
ite
ms
£m
Sta
tut
ory
£m
Ma
ed
na
g
£m
ite
ms
£m
Sta
tut
ory
£m
Ma
ed
na
g
£m
ite
ms
£m
Sta
tut
ory
£m
tin
rof
it/
(
)
Op
los
era
g
p
s
1,
04
7
(
)
2,
30
5
(
)
1,
25
8
65
0
(
1)
75
(
1)
10
2 2,
00
2
2,
00
4
Ow
red
it a
dju
(
1)
stm
ts
n c
en
(
1,
45
5
)
1,
45
5
- (
51
8
)
51
8
- 2,
62
2
(
2,
62
2)
-
n S
(
2)
As
Pr
ctio
ch
set
ote
em
e
1 (
1)
- (
2)
2 - (
)
60
60 -
Pa
Pro
tio
n I
nt
tec
sts
me
ns
ura
nce
co
y
(
40
0
)
40
0
- (
13
5
)
135 - - - -
So
rei
n d
eb
t im
irm
t
ve
g
pa
en
- - - - - - (
14
2)
142 -
Int
e h
ed
dju
im
ire
d a
ilab
le-
for
le
st
rat
stm
ts
ere
g
e a
en
on
pa
va
-sa
ig
n d
eb
t
s
ov
ere
- - - - - - (
60
)
60 -
f p
Am
ort
isa
tio
ha
d i
nta
ible
set
n o
urc
se
ng
as
s
(
)
47
47 - (
)
51
51 - (
)
69
69 -
Int
ion
d r
ing
rat
est
tur
sts
eg
an
ruc
co
(
25
7)
25
7
- (
21
3
)
21
3
- (
23
3
)
23
3
-
(
)
/g
f o
Lo
ain
de
tio
de
bt
ss
on
re
mp
n o
wn
(
)
12
3
123 - - - - 1 (
1)
-
Str
ic d
isp
als
ate
g
os
(
23
)
23 - 16
0
(
160
)
- (
49
)
49 -
Bo
s t
nu
ax
- - - - - - (
)
5
5 -
RF
S H
old
ing
ino
rity
in
ter
est
s m
(
1)
1 - 8 (
)
8
- (
3
)
3 -
(
)
/p
Lo
rof
it b
efo
tax
ss
re
(
)
1,
25
8
- (
)
1,
25
8
(
1)
10
- (
1)
10
2,
00
4
- 2,
00
4
Ta
ha
x c
rg
e
(
30
)
- (
30
)
(
29
0
)
- (
29
0
)
(
79
1)
- (
79
1)
(
)
/p
rof
it f
nti
ing
tio
Lo
ss
rom
co
nu
op
era
ns
(
)
1,
28
8
- (
)
1,
28
8
(
1)
39
- (
1)
39
1,
21
3
- 1,
21
3
Pro
fit/
(
los
)
fro
dis
nti
ed
tio
of
et
tax
s
m
co
nu
op
era
ns
, n
5 - 5 (
4)
- (
4)
6 - 6
(
Lo
)
/p
rof
it f
the
eri
od
ss
or
p
(
)
1,
28
3
- (
)
1,
28
3
(
5
)
39
- (
5
)
39
1,
21
9
- 1,
21
9
No
llin
inte
tro
ts
n-c
on
g
res
(
3
)
- (
3
)
5 - 5 7 - 7
fer
Pre
sh
di
vid
ds
en
ce
are
en
(
)
98
- (
)
98
(
)
76
- (
)
76
- - -
(
Lo
)
/p
rof
it a
ibu
tab
le t
rdi
d B
sh
ho
lde
ttr
ss
o o
na
ry
an
are
rs
(
1,
38
4)
- (
1,
38
4)
(
46
6
)
- (
46
6
)
1,
22
6
- 1,
22
6

Notes:

(1) Reallocation of £435 million loss (Q2 2012 - £271 million loss; Q3 2011 - £735 million gain) to income from trading activities and £1,020 million loss (Q2 2012 - £247 million loss; Q3 2011 - £1,887 million gain) to other operating income.

(2) Reallocation to income from trading activities.

Income statement reconciliations (continued)

Nin
ths
e m
on
de
d
en
30 Se
be
r 2
01
2
tem
p
30
Se
be
r 2
01
1
tem
p
Re
allo
ion
cat
Re
allo
ion
cat
of
ff
on
e-o
of
ff
on
e-o
Ma
ed
na
g
ite
ms
Sta
tut
ory
Ma
ed
na
g
ite
ms
Sta
tut
ory
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Int
eiv
ab
le
st
ere
rec
14
32
0
,
- 14
32
0
,
16
18
3
,
(
7)
16
17
6
,
Int
ab
le
st
ere
pa
y
(
5,
7)
46
(
12)
(
5,
)
47
9
(
57
)
6,
0
(
1)
(
57
1)
6,
Ne
t in
t in
ter
es
co
me
8,
85
3
(
12)
8,
84
1
9,
61
3
(
8
)
9,
60
5
Fe
d c
mis
sio
eiv
ab
le
es
an
om
ns
rec
4,
34
0
- 4,
34
0
4,
79
4
- 4,
79
4
Fe
d c
mis
sio
ab
le
es
an
om
ns
pa
y
(
)
94
5
- (
)
94
5
(
7)
88
- (
7)
88
Inc
e f
din
ivit
ies
tra
act
om
rom
g
2,
96
4
(
1,
76
1)
1,
20
3
3,
07
1
(
132
)
2,
93
9
Ga
in o
ed
tio
f o
de
bt
n r
em
p
n o
wn
- 45
4
45
4
- 25
6
25
6
Ot
he
ing
in
(e
lud
ing
in
mi
in
)
rat
r o
pe
co
me
xc
su
ran
ce
pre
um
co
me
2,
01
6
(
)
2,
58
6
(
57
0
)
2,
12
2
1,
79
5
3,
91
7
Ins
ium
in
t p
ura
nce
ne
rem
co
me
2,
79
9
- 2,
79
9
3,
27
5
- 3,
27
5
No
n-i
t in
nte
res
co
me
11
17
4
,
(
3,
89
3
)
28
1
7,
12
37
5
,
1,
91
9
14
29
4
,
in
To
tal
co
me
20
02
7
,
(
)
3,
90
5
16
12
2
,
21
98
8
,
1,
91
1
23
89
9
,
Sta
ff c
ost
s
(
6,
20
0
)
(
57
2)
(
6,
77
2)
(
6,
38
2)
(
30
3
)
(
6,
68
5
)
Pre
mis
d e
ipm
t
es
an
qu
en
(
5
)
1,
62
(
)
79
(
4)
1,
70
(
)
1,
70
3
(
)
74
(
7)
1,
77
Ot
he
dm
inis
tive
tra
r a
ex
pe
nse
s
(
2,
52
5
)
(
90
6
)
(
3,
43
1)
(
2,
55
7)
(
1,
07
8
)
(
3,
63
5
)
De
cia
tio
nd
isa
tio
ort
pre
n a
am
n
(
15
)
1,
0
(
)
182
(
2)
1,
33
(
2)
1,
19
(
)
170
(
2)
1,
36
Op
tin
era
g
ex
p
en
se
s
(
11
50
0
)
,
(
1,
73
9
)
(
13
23
9
)
,
(
11
83
4)
,
(
1,
62
5
)
(
13
45
9
)
,
Pro
fit
be
for
the
tin
ch
e o
r o
p
era
g
arg
es
8,
52
7
(
64
4)
5,
2,
88
3
10
15
4
,
28
6
10
44
0
,
Ins
laim
t c
ura
nce
ne
s
(
1)
1,
82
- (
1)
1,
82
(
)
2,
43
9
- (
)
2,
43
9
Op
tin
rof
it b
efo
im
air
los
nt
era
g
p
re
p
me
se
s
6,
70
6
(
64
4)
5,
1,
06
2
7,
71
5
28
6
8,
00
1
Im
irm
t lo
pa
en
sse
s
(
)
3,
82
5
- (
)
3,
82
5
(
7)
5,
74
(
4)
1,
04
(
1)
6,
79
Op
tin
rof
it/
(
los
)
era
g
p
s
2,
88
1
(
4)
5,
64
(
)
2,
76
3
1,
96
8
(
)
75
8
1,
21
0

Income statement reconciliations (continued)

Nin
e m
on
ths
de
d
en
30 Se
be
r 2
01
2
tem
p
30
Se
be
r 2
01
1
tem
p
Re
allo
cat
ion
of
ff
on
e-o
Re
allo
cat
ion
of
ff
on
e-o
Ma
ed
na
g
£m
ite
ms
£m
Sta
tut
ory
£m
Ma
ed
na
g
£m
ite
ms
£m
Sta
tut
ory
£m
tin
rof
it/
(
)
Op
los
era
g
p
s
2,
88
1
(
4)
5,
64
(
)
2,
76
3
1,
96
8
(
)
75
8
1,
21
0
Ow
red
it a
dju
(
1)
stm
ts
n c
en
(
4,
42
9
)
4,
42
9
- 2,
38
6
(
2,
38
6
)
-
n S
(
2)
As
Pr
ctio
ch
set
ote
em
e
(
)
44
44 - (
7)
69
69
7
-
Pa
Pro
tio
n I
nt
tec
sts
me
ns
ura
nce
co
y
(
66
0
)
66
0
- (
85
0
)
85
0
-
So
rei
n d
eb
t im
irm
t
ve
g
pa
en
- - - (
87
5
)
87
5
-
Int
e h
ed
dju
im
ire
d a
ilab
le-
for
le s
ig
n d
eb
st
rat
stm
ts
t
ere
g
e a
en
on
pa
va
-sa
ov
ere
- - - (
)
16
9
169 -
Am
isa
tio
f p
ha
d i
ible
ort
nta
set
n o
urc
se
ng
as
s
(
14
6
)
146 - (
16
9
)
169 -
Int
rat
ion
d r
est
tur
ing
sts
eg
an
ruc
co
(
)
93
0
93
0
- (
)
58
6
58
6
-
Ga
in o
ed
tio
f o
de
bt
n r
em
p
n o
wn
45
4
(
45
4)
- 25
6
(
25
6
)
-
Str
ate
ic d
isp
als
g
os
12
9
(
)
129
- (
)
22
22 -
Bo
s t
nu
ax
- - - (
27
)
27 -
S H
RF
old
ing
ino
rity
in
ter
est
s m
(
)
18
18 - (
)
5
5 -
(
Lo
)
/p
rof
it b
efo
tax
ss
re
(
2,
76
3
)
- (
2,
76
3
)
1,
21
0
- 1,
21
0
Ta
ha
x c
rg
e
(
)
45
9
- (
)
45
9
(
)
1,
43
6
- (
)
1,
43
6
Lo
fro
nti
ing
tio
ss
m
co
nu
op
era
ns
(
3,
22
2)
- (
3,
22
2)
(
22
6
)
- (
22
6
)
fit
fro
of
Pro
dis
nti
ed
tio
et
tax
m
co
nu
op
era
ns
, n
6 - 6 37 - 37
Lo
fo
r th
eri
od
ss
e p
(
3,
21
6
)
- (
3,
21
6
)
(
18
9
)
- (
18
9
)
No
llin
inte
tro
ts
n-c
on
g
res
16 - 16 (
)
10
- (
)
10
Pre
fer
sh
di
vid
ds
en
ce
are
en
(
17
4)
- (
17
4)
- - -
Lo
tri
bu
tab
le
ord
ina
d B
sh
ho
lde
at
to
ss
ry
an
are
rs
(
4)
3,
37
- (
4)
3,
37
(
)
19
9
- (
)
19
9

Notes:

(1) Reallocation of £1,715 million loss (nine months ended 30 September 2011 - £565 million gain) to income from trading activities and £2,714 million loss (nine months ended 30 September 2011 - £1,821 million gain) to other operating income.

(2) Reallocation to income from trading activities.

Segmental analysis

In January 2012, the Group announced the reorganisation of its wholesale businesses into 'Markets' and 'International Banking'. Divisional results are presented based on the new organisational structure. The Group also revised its allocation of funding and liquidity costs and capital for the new divisional structure as well as for a new methodology. In addition, the Group had previously included movements in the fair value of own derivative liabilities within the Markets operating segment. These movements are now combined with movements in the fair value of own debt in a single measure, 'own credit adjustments' and presented as a reconciling item. Refer to 'presentation of information' on page 4 of the main announcement for further details. Comparatives have been restated accordingly.

Analysis of divisional operating profit/(loss)

The following tables provide an analysis of divisional operating profit/(loss) by main income statement captions. The divisional income statements on pages 20 to 62 of the main announcement reflect certain presentational reallocations as described in the notes below. These do not affect the overall operating profit/(loss).

Net Non Impairment
interest interest Total Operating Insurance (losses)/ Operating
income income income expenses net claims recoveries profit/(loss)
Quarter ended 30 September 2012 £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
UK Retail 990 252 1,242 (637) - (141) 464
UK Corporate 729 409 1,138 (523) - (247) 368
Wealth 185 107 292 (219) - (8) 65
International Banking 227 308 535 (348) - (12) 175
Ulster Bank 163 50 213 (126) - (329) (242)
US Retail & Commercial 492 288 780 (536) - (21) 223
Markets (1) 14 1,028 1,042 (753) - 6 295
Direct Line Group (2) 61 838 899 (194) (596) - 109
Central items (67) 334 267 (91) - - 176
Core 2,794 3,614 6,408 (3,427) (596) (752) 1,633
Non-Core (3) 79 (29) 50 (212) - (424) (586)
Managed basis 2,873 3,585 6,458 (3,639) (596) (1,176) 1,047
Reconciling items
Own credit adjustments (4) - (1,455) (1,455) - - - (1,455)
Asset Protection Scheme (5) - 1 1 - - - 1
Payment Protection Insurance costs - - - (400) - - (400)
Amortisation of purchased intangible
assets - - - (47) - - (47)
Integration and restructuring costs - - - (257) - - (257)
Loss on redemption of own debt - (123) (123) - - - (123)
Strategic disposals - (23) (23) - - - (23)
RFS Holdings minority interest (2) 3 1 (2) - - (1)
Statutory basis 2,871 1,988 4,859 (4,345) (596) (1,176) (1,258)

Notes:

(1) Reallocation of £3 million between net interest income and non-interest income to record interest on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss.

(2) Total income includes £48 million investment income, of which £29 million is included in net interest income and £19 million in non-interest income. Reallocation of £32 million between non-interest income and net interest income in respect of instalment income.

(3) Reallocation of £7 million between net interest income and non-interest income in respect of funding costs of rental assets, £12 million and to record interest on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss, £5 million.

(4) Comprises £435 million loss included in 'Income from trading activities' and £1,020 million loss included in 'Other operating income' on a statutory basis.

(5) Included in 'Income from trading activities' on a statutory basis.

Segmental analysis (continued)

Analysis of divisional operating profit/(loss) (continued)

Quarter ended 30 June 2012 Net
interest
income
£m
Non
interest
income
£m
Total
income
£m
Operating
expenses
£m
Insurance
net claims
£m
Impairment
(losses)/
recoveries
£m
Operating
profit/(loss)
£m
UK Retail 988 242 1,230 (653) - (140) 437
UK Corporate 772 439 1,211 (518) - (181) 512
Wealth 178 125 303 (227) - (12) 64
International Banking 234 327 561 (367) - (27) 167
Ulster Bank 160 46 206 (128) - (323) (245)
US Retail & Commercial 492 323 815 (558) - (28) 229
Markets 32 1,034 1,066 (796) - (19) 251
Direct Line Group (1) 68 866 934 (223) (576) - 135
Central items 1 110 111 (145) - 2 (32)
Core 2,925 3,512 6,437 (3,615) (576) (728) 1,518
Non-Core (2) 48 (47) 1 (262) - (607) (868)
Managed basis
Reconciling items
2,973 3,465 6,438 (3,877) (576) (1,335) 650
Own credit adjustments (3) - (518) (518) - - - (518)
Asset Protection Scheme (4) - (2) (2) - - - (2)
Payment Protection Insurance costs - - - (135) - - (135)
Amortisation of purchased intangible
assets
- - - (51) - - (51)
Integration and restructuring costs - - - (213) - - (213)
Strategic disposals - 160 160 - - - 160
RFS Holdings minority interest (2) 11 9 (1) - - 8
Statutory basis 2,971 3,116 6,087 (4,277) (576) (1,335) (101)

Notes:

(1) Total income includes £73 million investment income, of which £37 million is included in net interest income and £36 million in non-interest income. Reallocation of £31 million between non-interest income and net interest income in respect of instalment income.

(2) Reallocation of £38 million between net interest income and non-interest income in respect of funding costs of rental assets, £40 million and to record interest on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss, £2 million.

(3) Comprises £271 million loss included in 'Income from trading activities' and £247 million loss included in 'Other operating income' on a statutory basis.

(4) Included in 'Income from trading activities' on a statutory basis.

Segmental analysis (continued)

Analysis of divisional operating profit/(loss) (continued)

Quarter ended 30 September 2011 Net
interest
income
£m
Non
interest
income
£m
Total
income
£m
Operating
expenses
£m
Insurance
net claims
£m
Impairment
(losses)/
recoveries
£m
Operating
profit/(loss)
£m
UK Retail 1,086 292 1,378 (673) - (195) 510
UK Corporate 753 453 1,206 (547) - (230) 429
Wealth 152 118 270 (221) - (4) 45
International Banking (1) 293 357 650 (408) - (14) 228
Ulster Bank 196 60 256 (137) - (327) (208)
US Retail & Commercial 482 289 771 (563) - (85) 123
Markets (2) (9) 456 447 (800) - 5 (348)
Direct Line Group (3) 84 949 1,033 (215) (695) - 123
Central items (88) 105 17 66 (1) (4) 78
Core 2,949 3,079 6,028 (3,498) (696) (854) 980
Non-Core (4) 129 (64) 65 (323) (38) (682) (978)
Managed basis 3,078 3,015 6,093 (3,821) (734) (1,536) 2
Reconciling items
Own credit adjustments (5) - 2,622 2,622 - - - 2,622
Asset Protection Scheme (6) - (60) (60) - - - (60)
Sovereign debt impairment - - - - - (142) (142)
Interest rate hedge adjustments on
impaired available-for-sale sovereign
debt - - - - - (60) (60)
Amortisation of purchased
intangible assets - - - (69) - - (69)
Integration and restructuring costs - - - (233) - - (233)
Gain on redemption of own debt - 1 1 - - - 1
Strategic disposals - (49) (49) - - - (49)
Bonus tax - - - (5) - - (5)
RFS Holdings minority interest (1) (3) (4) 1 - - (3)
Statutory basis 3,077 5,526 8,603 (4,127) (734) (1,738) 2,004

Notes:

(1) Reallocation of £9 million between net interest income and non-interest income in respect of funding costs of rental assets.

(2) Reallocation of £3 million between net interest income and non-interest income to record interest on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss.

(3) Total income includes £72 million investment income, of which £49 million is included in net interest income and £23 million in non-interest income. Reallocation of £35 million between non-interest income and net interest income in respect of instalment income.

(4) Reallocation of £54 million between net interest income and non-interest income in respect of funding costs of rental assets, £53 million and to record interest on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss, £1 million.

(5) Comprises £735 million gain included in 'Income from trading activities' and £1,887 million gain included in 'Other operating income' on a statutory basis.

(6) Included in 'Income from trading activities' on a statutory basis.

Segmental analysis (continued)

Analysis of divisional operating profit/(loss) (continued)

Nine months ended 30 September 2012 Net
interest
income
£m
Non
interest
income
£m
Total
income
£m
Operating
expenses
£m
Insurance
net claims
£m
Impairment
(losses)/
recoveries
£m
Operating
profit/(loss)
£m
UK Retail 2,979 760 3,739 (1,925) - (436) 1,378
UK Corporate 2,257 1,293 3,550 (1,574) - (604) 1,372
Wealth 542 343 885 (681) - (30) 174
International Banking (1) 712 926 1,638 (1,125) - (74) 439
Ulster Bank 488 145 633 (384) - (1,046) (797)
US Retail & Commercial 1,480 871 2,351 (1,729) - (68) 554
Markets (2) 62 3,780 3,842 (2,457) - (15) 1,370
Direct Line Group (3) 213 2,586 2,799 (650) (1,821) - 328
Central items (71) 341 270 (238) - (32) -
Core 8,662 11,045 19,707 (10,763) (1,821) (2,305) 4,818
Non-Core (4) 191 129 320 (737) - (1,520) (1,937)
Managed basis 8,853 11,174 20,027 (11,500) (1,821) (3,825) 2,881
Reconciling items
Own credit adjustments (5)
- (4,429) (4,429) - - - (4,429)
Asset Protection Scheme (6) - (44) (44) - - - (44)
Payment Protection Insurance costs - - - (660) - - (660)
Amortisation of purchased intangible
assets - - - (146) - - (146)
Integration and restructuring costs - - - (930) - - (930)
Gain on redemption of own debt - 454 454 - - - 454
Strategic disposals - 129 129 - - - 129
RFS Holdings minority interest (12) (3) (15) (3) - - (18)
Statutory basis 8,841 7,281 16,122 (13,239) (1,821) (3,825) (2,763)

Notes:

(1) Reallocation of £9 million between net interest income and non-interest income in respect of funding costs of rental assets.

(2) Reallocation of £5 million between net interest income and non-interest income to record interest on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss.

(3) Total income includes £211 million investment income, of which £119 million is included in net interest income and £92 million in non-interest income. Reallocation of £94 million between non-interest income and net interest income in respect of instalment income.

(4) Reallocation of £96 million between net interest income and non-interest income in respect of funding costs of rental assets, £103 million and to record interest on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss, £7 million.

(5) Comprises £1,715 million loss included in 'Income from trading activities' and £2,714 million loss included in 'Other operating income' on a statutory basis.

(6) Included in 'Income from trading activities' on a statutory basis.

Segmental analysis (continued)

Analysis of divisional operating profit/(loss) (continued)

Nine months ended 30 September 2011 Net
interest
income
£m
Non
interest
income
£m
Total
income
£m
Operating
expenses
£m
Insurance
net claims
£m
Impairment
(losses)/
recoveries
£m
Operating
profit/(loss)
£m
UK Retail 3,270 929 4,199 (2,039) - (597) 1,563
UK Corporate 2,334 1,352 3,686 (1,611) - (557) 1,518
Wealth 477 347 824 (637) - (12) 175
International Banking (1) 876 1,086 1,962 (1,247) - (112) 603
Ulster Bank 559 162 721 (415) - (1,057) (751)
US Retail & Commercial 1,404 843 2,247 (1,626) - (261) 360
Markets (2) 47 3,676 3,723 (2,734) - 19 1,008
Direct Line Group (3) 261 2,888 3,149 (637) (2,183) - 329
Central items (164) 175 11 93 - (2) 102
Core 9,064 11,458 20,522 (10,853) (2,183) (2,579) 4,907
Non-Core (4) 549 917 1,466 (981) (256) (3,168) (2,939)
Managed basis 9,613 12,375 21,988 (11,834) (2,439) (5,747) 1,968
Reconciling items
Own credit adjustments (5) - 2,386 2,386 - - - 2,386
Asset Protection Scheme (6) - (697) (697) - - - (697)
Payment Protection Insurance costs - - - (850) - - (850)
Sovereign debt impairment - - - - - (875) (875)
Interest rate hedge adjustments on
impaired available-for-sale
sovereign debt - - - - - (169) (169)
Amortisation of purchased intangible
assets - - - (169) - - (169)
Integration and restructuring costs (2) (3) (5) (581) - - (586)
Gain on redemption of own debt - 256 256 - - - 256
Strategic disposals - (22) (22) - - - (22)
Bonus tax - - - (27) - - (27)
RFS Holdings minority interest (6) (1) (7) 2 - - (5)
Statutory basis 9,605 14,294 23,899 (13,459) (2,439) (6,791) 1,210

Notes:

(1) Reallocation of £30 million between net interest income and non-interest income in respect of funding costs of rental assets.

(2) Reallocation of £9 million between net interest income and non-interest income to record interest on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss.

(3) Total income includes £205 million investment income, of which £156 million is included in net interest income and £49 million in non-interest income. Reallocation of £105 million between non-interest income and net interest income in respect of instalment income.

(4) Reallocation of £159 million between net interest income and non-interest income in respect of funding costs of rental assets, £155 million and to record interest on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss, £4 million.

(5) Comprises £565 million gain included in 'Income from trading activities' and £1,821 million gain included in 'Other operating income' on a statutory basis.

(6) Included in 'Income from trading activities' on a statutory basis.

Appendix 2

Businesses outlined for disposal

RBS Group – Q3 2012 Results

Appendix 2 Businesses outlined for disposal

To comply with EC State Aid requirements the Group agreed to make a series of divestments by the end of 2013: the disposal of a majority interest in Direct Line Group, Global Merchant Services and its interest in RBS Sempra Commodities JV. The Group also agreed to dispose of its RBS England and Wales and NatWest Scotland branch-based businesses, along with certain SME and corporate activities across the UK ('UK branch-based businesses'). The disposals of Global Merchant Services and RBS Sempra Commodities JV businesses have now effectively been completed.

On 12 October 2012, the Group announced that it had received notification of Santander's decision to pull out of its agreed purchase of certain of the Group's UK branched-based businesses. Santander's decision follows extensive work by both parties to separate the businesses into a largely standalone form and to prepare the business, customers and staff for transfer. RBS intends to initiate a new process of disposal following discussion with HM Treasury and the European Commission.

The Direct Line Group IPO prospectus was published on 28 September 2012 and the shares were admitted to listing on 16 October 2012. RBS Group sold 520.8 million ordinary shares in Direct Line Group, representing 34.7% of the total share capital, generating gross proceeds of £911 million. This was consistent with the already communicated plan to divest control of Direct Line Group in stages, with control ceded by the end of 2013 and complete disposal by the end of 2014.

Direct Line Group reached agreement with RBS Group in September 2012 for an arm's-length, five year distribution agreement for the continued provision of general insurance products post-divestment. Residual IT services will also be provided under a Transitional Services Agreement.

The table below shows total income and operating profit of Direct Line Group and the UK branchbased businesses.

Operating profit
Total income before impairments Operating profit
YTD YTD
Q3 2012 FY 2011 Q3 2012 FY 2011 Q3 2012 FY 2011
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Direct Line Group (1) 2,799 4,286 328 407 328 407
UK branch-based businesses 672 959 360 518 262 319
Total 3,471 5,245 688 925 590 726

The table below shows the estimated risk-weighted assets, total assets and capital of the businesses identified for disposal.

RWAs Total assets Capital
30 September
31 December
30 September
31 December
30 September
31 December
2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011
£bn £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
Direct Line Group (1) n/m n/m 13.1 13.9 3.5 4.4
UK branch-based businesses (2) 10.2 11.1 19.0 19.3 1.0 1.1
Total 10.2 11.1 32.1 33.2 4.5 5.5

Notes:

(1) Total income includes investment income of £211 million (FY 2011 - £302 million). Total assets and estimated capital include approximately £0.9 billion of goodwill, of which £0.7 billion is attributed to Direct Line Group by RBS Group.

(2) Estimated notional equity based on 10% of RWAs.

Appendix 2 Businesses outlined for disposal (continued)

Further information on the UK branch-based businesses by division is shown in the tables below:

Division Total
UK UK YTD
Retail Corporate Q3 2012 FY 2011
£m £m £m £m
Income statement
Net interest income 241 256 497 689
Non-interest income 64 111 175 270
Total income 305 367 672 959
Direct expenses
- staff (53) (64) (117) (158)
- other (70) (42) (112) (166)
Indirect expenses (46) (37) (83) (117)
(169) (143) (312) (441)
Operating profit before impairment losses 136 224 360 518
Impairment losses (42) (56) (98) (199)
Operating profit 94 168 262 319
Analysis of income by product
Loans and advances 86 224 310 436
Deposits 58 108 166 245
Mortgages 106 - 106 134
Other 55 35 90 144
Total income 305 367 672 959
Net interest margin 4.64% 3.03% 3.64% 3.57%
Employee numbers
(full time equivalents rounded to the nearest hundred)
2,700 1,600 4,300 4,400
Division Total
UK
Retail
£bn
UK
Corporate
£bn
Markets
£bn
30 September
2012
£bn
31 December
2011
£bn
Capital and balance sheet
Total third party assets (excluding mark-to-
market derivatives) 7.4 11.2 - 18.6 18.9
Loans and advances to customers (gross) 7.6 11.7 - 19.3 19.5
Customer deposits 8.5 12.9 - 21.4 21.8
Derivative assets - - 0.4 0.4 0.4
Derivative liabilities - - - - 0.1
Risk elements in lending 0.5 0.9 - 1.4 1.5
Loan:deposit ratio 86% 88% - 87% 86%
Risk-weighted assets 3.5 6.7 - 10.2 11.1

Index

Page
Accounting policies 74
Analysis of results 13
Balance sheet 19
Capital resources and ratios 18
Impairment losses 16
Net-interest income 13
Non-interest income 14
One-off and other items 17
Operating expenses 15
Available-for-sale reserve 86
Average balance sheet 68
Balance sheet
Consolidated 65
Summary 19
Basis of preparation 74
Business divestments
Businesses outlined for disposal Appendix 2
Notes 82
Capital 92
Analysis of results 18
Capital resources 93
Risk asset ratios 92
Central items 54
Consolidated financial statements 63
Consolidated balance sheet 65
Consolidated income statement 63
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 71
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 64
Notes 74
Contacts xii
Contingent liabilities and commitments 86

Index (continued)

Page
Debt securities 109
Direct Line Group 48
Dividends 80
Divisional performance 20
Central Items 54
Direct Line Group 48
International Banking 31
Markets 44
Non-Core 56
UK Corporate 26
UK Retail 23
Ulster Bank 35
US Retail & Commercial 38
Wealth 29
Earnings per share 81
Employees
Costs 76
Employee numbers 22
Financial instruments 84
Forward-looking statements 3
Funded assets by division 21
Group Chief Executive's comment iv
Highlights i
Impairment
Analysis of results 16
Problem debt management 112
Income statement
Consolidated 63
Summary 10
International Banking 31

Index (continued)

Page
Litigation, investigations and reviews 87
Markets 44
Net interest income 13
Non-Core 56
Non-interest income 14
One-off and other items 17
Operating expenses
Analysis of results
Notes
15
76
Other developments 89
Outlook xi
Payment Protection Insurance 76
Post balance sheet events 91
Presentation of information 4
Results presentation xii
Results summary - statutory 9
Risk and balance sheet management 92
Capital 92
Country risk 127
Credit risk 105
Liquidity and funding risk
Market risk
97
122
Risk-weighted assets
By division 22
Capital 92
Segmental analysis Appendix 1
Share consolidation 80

Index (continued)

Page
Statement of changes in equity 71
Statement of comprehensive income 64
Strategic Plan xi
Tax 78
UK Corporate 26
UK Retail 23
Ulster Bank 35
US Retail & Commercial 38
Value-at-risk (VaR) 124
Wealth 29

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