American Depositary Shares Series D, E, F, G, H, I, J and K, each representing one Non-Cumulative Dollar Preference Share, Series D, E, F, G, H, I, J and K, respectively
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Operating and financial review
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Presentation of information
In the Report and Accounts, and unless specified otherwise, the term ‘company’ means The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc, ‘RBS’ or the ‘Group’ means the company and its subsidiary undertakings, ‘the Royal Bank’ means The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and ‘NatWest’ means National Westminster Bank Plc.
The company publishes its financial statements in pounds sterling (“£” or “sterling”). The abbreviations ‘£m’ and ‘£bn’ represent millions and thousands of millions of pounds sterling, respectively, and references to ‘pence’ represent pence in the United Kingdom (“UK”). Reference to ‘dollars’ or ‘$’ are to United States of America (“US”) dollars. The abbreviations ‘$m’ and ‘$bn’ represent millions and thousands of millions of dollars, respectively, and references to ‘cents’ represent cents in the US. The abbreviation ‘€’ represents the ‘euro’, the European single currency and the abbreviations ‘€m’ and ‘€bn’ represent millions and thousands of millions of euros, respectively.
Certain information in this report is presented separately for domestic and foreign activities. Domestic activities primarily consist of UK domestic transactions of the Group. Foreign activities comprise the Group’s transactions conducted through those offices in the UK specifically organised to service international banking transactions and transactions conducted through offices outside the UK.
The geographic analysis in the average balance sheet and interest rates, changes in net interest income and average interest rates, yields, spreads and margins in this report have been compiled on the basis of location of office – UK and Overseas. Management believe that presentation on this basis provides more useful information on the yields, spreads and margins of the Group’s activities than would be provided by presentation on the basis of the domestic and foreign activities analysis used elsewhere in this report as it more closely reflects the basis on which the Group is managed. ‘UK’ in this context includes domestic transactions and transactions conducted through the offices in the UK which service international banking transactions.
The Group distinguishes its trading from non-trading activities by determining whether a business unit’s principal activity is trading or non-trading and then attributing all of that unit’s activities to one portfolio or the other. Although this method may result in some non-trading activity being classified as trading, and vice versa, the Group believes that any resulting misclassification is not material.
In this report, the terms ‘UK GAAP’ and ‘US GAAP’ refer to generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the UK and the US respectively.
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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’, ‘should’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘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 potential exposures to various types of market risks, such as interest rate risk, foreign exchange rate risk and commodity and equity price risk. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. For example, certain of the 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: general economic conditions in the UK and in other countries in which the Group has significant business activities or investments, including the United States; the monetary and interest rate policies of the Bank of England, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and other G-7 central banks; inflation; deflation; unanticipated turbulence in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices; changes in UK and foreign laws, regulations and taxes; changes in competition and pricing environments; natural and other disasters; the inability to hedge certain risks economically; the adequacy of loss reserves; acquisitions or restructurings; technological changes; changes in consumer spending and saving habits; 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 report, 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.
For a further discussion of certain risks faced by the Group, see Risk factors on page 6.
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Description of business
Introduction
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc is the holding company of one of the world’s largest banking and financial services groups, with a market capitalisation of £49 billion at the end of 2003. Headquartered in Edinburgh, the Group operates in the UK and internationally through its two principal subsidiaries, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (“the Royal Bank”), and National Westminster Bank Plc (“NatWest”). Both the Royal Bank and NatWest are major UK clearing banks whose origins go back over 275 years. The Group has a large and diversified customer base and provides a wide range of products and services to personal, commercial and large corporate and institutional customers.
The Group had total assets of £455 billion and ordinary shareholders’ equity of £25.2 billion at 31 December 2003. It is strongly capitalised with a total capital ratio of 11.8% and tier 1 capital ratio of 7.4% as at 31 December 2003.
Organisational structure and business overview
The Group’s activities are organised in the following business divisions: Corporate Banking and Financial Markets, Retail Banking, Retail Direct, Manufacturing, Wealth Management, RBS Insurance, Ulster Bank and Citizens. A description of each of the divisions is given below.
Corporate Banking and Financial Markets (“CBFM”) is the largest provider of banking services to medium and large businesses in the UK and the leader in the UK in asset finance. It provides an integrated range of products and services to mid-sized and large corporate and institutional customers in the UK and overseas. These services include corporate and commercial banking, treasury and capital markets products, structured and leveraged finance, trade finance, leasing and factoring.
Financial Markets provides corporate and institutional customers with treasury services, including global interest rate derivatives trading, bond origination and trading, sovereign debt trading, futures brokerage, foreign exchange, money market, currency derivative and rate risk management services. RBS Greenwich Capital, with headquarters in Connecticut, US, delivers debt market solutions tailored to meet the needs of companies and institutions around the world.
During 2003, CBFM acquired Nordisk Renting AB, a Swedish leasing company.
Retail Bankingcomprises both the Royal Bank and NatWest retail brands. It offers a full range of banking products and related financial services to the personal, premium and small business markets.
To meet its customers’ needs in the personal banking market, Retail Banking offers a variety of products: money transmission, savings, loans, mortgages and insurance. In the small business market, Retail Banking provides a full range of services which include money transmission and cash management, short, medium and long-term financial and deposit products and insurance. Customer choice and flexibility is at the heart of theRetail Banking proposition and a number of options are available to customers for carrying out their day to day banking transactions through branches, ATMs, the internet, and the telephone.
Retail Direct issues a comprehensive range of credit, charge and debit cards to personal and corporate customers and engages in merchant acquisition and processing facilities for retail businesses. It also includes Tesco Personal Finance (“TPF”), The One account (formerly Virgin One), Direct Line Financial Services (“DLFS”), Lombard Direct, WorldPay Limited, the Group’s internet banking platform, the Primeline brand and in Europe, the Comfort Card businesses, all of which offer products to customers through direct channels.
During 2003, Retail Direct acquired the credit card and personal loans portfolios of Santander Direkt Bank in Germany.
Manufacturing supports the customer facing businesses, mainly CBFM, Retail Banking, Retail Direct and Wealth Management, and provides operational technology, customer support in telephony, account management and money transmission, global purchasing, property and other services.
Manufacturing drives optimum efficiencies in high volume processing activities, leverages the Group’s purchasing power and has become a centre of excellence for managing large scale and complex change programmes such as integration.
Wealth Management comprises various private banking subsidiaries and offshore banking businesses. The Coutts Group brings together businesses that focus on private banking through the Coutts, the Royal Bank and the NatWest private banking brands. Adam & Company is a private bank operating primarily in Scotland. The offshore banking businesses – The Royal Bank of Scotland International and NatWest Offshore – deliver retail banking services to local expatriate customers, and corporate banking and treasury services to corporate, intermediary and institutional clients, principally in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar.
During 2003, the Miami-based Latin American operations of Coutts were sold and the acquisition of Bank von Ernst & Cie AG, a private bank based in Switzerland, was completed.
RBS Insurance was established following the acquisition of Churchill Insurance Group on 1 September 2003. RBS Insurance comprises all companies from the Direct Line and Churchill Groups. Direct Line and Churchill sell and underwrite retail and wholesale insurance on the telephone and the internet in the UK and overseas. UKI Partnerships is a leading wholesale provider of insurance and motoring related services. The National Insurance and Guarantee Corporation sells personal and commercial insurance products through a network of independent financial advisers, while Intergroup acts as a travel insurance intermediary and Devitt Insurance Services operates as a specialist travel broker administrator.
The combined strength of Direct Line and Churchill makes RBS Insurance the second largest general insurer in the UK, by gross earned premiums.
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Ulster Bank provides a comprehensive range of retail and wholesale financial services in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Retail Banking has a network of branches throughout Ireland and operates in the personal, commercial and wealth management sectors. Corporate Banking and Financial Markets provides a wide range of services in the corporate and institutional markets.
On 6 October 2003, the Group announced that it had agreed the terms of a recommended acquisition for cash of First Active plc. The acquisition was completed in January 2004.
First Active and Ulster Bank have retained their own distinctive brands, branch networks and customer propositions. The acquisition enables the Group to sell First Active’s competitive range of mortgage and savings products to Ulster Bank customers, and Ulster Bank’s wide range of banking products, to First Active customers.
Citizens is engaged in retail and corporate banking activities through its branch network in the states of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. Citizens is the second largest commercial banking organisation in New England and the 13th largest commercial banking organisation in the US measured by deposits. Citizens provides a full range of retail and corporate banking services, including personal banking, residential mortgages and home equity loans. In addition, Citizens engages in a wide variety of commercial loans (including real estate), consumer lending, credit card services, trust services and retail investment services. Citizens also operates subsidiaries primarily engaged in equipment lease financing.
During 2003, Citizens completed the acquisitions ofCommonwealth Bancorp, Inc., Port Financial Corp. (the holding company of CambridgePort Bank) and Community Bancorp, Inc. (the holding company of Community National Bank). It also announced the acquisition of Thistle Group Holdings, Co., the holding company of Roxborough Manayunk Bank, which was completed in January 2004.
Santander Central Hispano, S.A.
In October 1988, the Group and Banco Santander entered into an agreement whereby the Group and Banco Santander and its subsidiaries agreed to co-operate in certain banking and financial services activities in Europe, including representation in each other’s bank branches to service their respective customers, offshore and investment banking, technology development, operational co-operation and the development of representation in Europe and the Far East. In April 1999, Banco Santander merged with Banco Central Hispanoamericano, another Spanish banking group and the merged entity is now called Santander Central Hispano, S.A. (“SCH”).
The Group holds 2.83% of SCH’s capital stock and SCH holds 5.15% of the company’s ordinary shares.
Competition
The Group faces intense competition in the markets it serves. In the UK, the Group’s principal competitors are the other UK retail and commercial banks, building societies (which are similar to savings and loans associations in the US) and the other major international banks represented in London.
Competition for corporate and institutional customers in the UK remains strong. In addition to the UK banks, large foreign financial institutions are also active and offer combined investment and commercial banking capabilities. In asset finance, Lombard competes with banks and specialised asset finance providers, both captive and non-captive.
In the small business banking market, where competition remains strong, the Group competes with other UK clearing banks, with specialist finance providers and building societies.
In the personal banking segment, competition remains intense. In addition to UK banks and building societies, major retailers, life assurance companies and internet-only players are active participants. The mortgage market has remained highly competitive, with re-mortgaging activity by customers at a high level. NatWest Life and Royal Scottish Assurance compete with Independent Financial Advisors and life assurance companies. The competitive situation in the long term savings market is dynamic due to regulatory change and the impact of volatile securities markets on consumer confidence.
The UK credit card market is highly competitive. Large retailers and specialist card issuers, including major US operators, are active in the market in addition to the UK banks and building societies. There has been some consolidation in the market as larger players have acquired smaller portfolios, but non-bank new entrants are continuing to grow in importance in the marketplace. Competition is across a range of dimensions, including aggressive pricing, loyalty and reward schemes, and packaged benefits. In addition to physical distribution channels, providers compete through direct marketing activity and, increasingly, the internet.
In Wealth Management, The Royal Bank of ScotlandInternational and NatWest Offshore compete with other UK and international banks to offer offshore banking services. Coutts Group and Adam & Co. compete as private banks with UK clearing and private banks, and with international private banks. Difficult market conditions have seen some retrenchment of competitive activity, particularly in the mass-affluent segment.
RBS Insurance competes in personal lines insurance. The market is highly competitive. There is competition from a range of insurance companies which now operate telephone and internet direct sales businesses. RBS Insurance also competes in the direct motor insurance markets in Spain, Italy and Germany with the local insurance companies.
In Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Ulster Bank competes in retail and commercial banking with the major Irish banks and building societies, and with other UK and
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Operating and financial review continued
international banks and building societies active in the market. Competition is intensifying as both UK and Irish institutions seek to expand their businesses.
In the United States, Citizens competes in the New England and Mid-Atlantic retail and mid-corporate banking markets with local and regional banks and other financial institutions. The Group also competes in the US in large corporate lending and specialised finance markets, and in fixed-income trading and sales. Competition is principally with the large US commercial and investment banks and international banks active in the US.
In other international markets, principally in continental Europe, the Group faces competition from the leading domestic and international institutions active in the relevant national markets.
Risk factors
Set out below are certain risk factors which could affect the Group’s future results and cause them to be materially different from expected results. The Group’s results could also be affected by competition and other factors. The factors discussed in this report should not be regarded as a complete and comprehensive statement of all potential risks and uncertainties.
The financial performance of the Group is affected by borrower credit quality and general economic conditions, in particular in the UK and the US
Risks arising from changes in credit quality and the recoverability of loans and amounts due from counterparties are inherent in a wide range of the Group’s businesses. Adverse changes in the credit quality of the Group’s borrowers and counterparties or a general deterioration in UK, US or global economic conditions, or arising from systemic risks in the financial systems, could affect the recoverability and value of the Group’s assets and require an increase in the provision for bad and doubtful debts and other provisions.
Changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and other market factors affect the Group’s business
The most significant market risks the Group faces are interest rate, foreign exchange and bond and equity price risks. Changes in interest rate levels, yield curves and spreads may affect the interest rate margin realised between lending and borrowing costs. Changes in currency rates, particularly in the sterling-dollar and sterling-euro exchange rates, affect the value of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and affect earnings reported by the Group’s non-UK subsidiaries, mainly Citizens, RBS Greenwich Capital and Ulster Bank, and may affect income from foreign exchange dealing. The performance of financial markets may cause changes in the value of the Group’s investment and trading portfolios. The Group has implemented risk management methods to mitigate and control these and other market risks towhich the Group is exposed. However, it is difficult to predict with accuracy changes in economic or market conditions and to anticipate the effects that such changes could have on the Group’s financial performance and business operations.
The Group’s insurance businesses are subject to inherent risks involving claims provisions
Future claims in the Group’s general and life assurance business may be higher than expected as a result of changing trends in claims experience resulting from catastrophic weather conditions, demographic developments, changes in mortality and other causes outside the Group’s control. Such changes would affect the profitability of current and future insurance products and services. The Group re-insures some of the risks it has assumed.
Operational risks are inherent in the Group’s business
The Group’s businesses are dependent on the ability to process a very large number of transactions efficiently and accurately. Operational risk and losses can result from fraud, errors by employees, failure to document transactions properly or to obtain proper internal authorisation, failure to comply with regulatory requirements and Conduct of Business rules, equipment failures, natural disasters or the failure of external systems, for example, the Group’s suppliers or counterparties. Although the Group has implemented risk controls and loss mitigation actions, and substantial resources are devoted to developing efficient procedures and to staff training, it is only possible to be reasonably, but not absolutely, certain that such procedures will be effective in controlling each of the operational risks faced by the Group.
Each of the Group’s businesses is subject to substantial regulation and regulatory oversight. Any significant regulatory developments could have an effect on how the Group conducts its business and on the Group’s results of operations
The Group is subject to financial services laws, regulations, administrative actions and policies in each location in which the Group operates. This supervision and regulation, in particular in the UK, if changed could materially affect the Group’s business, the products and services offered or the value of assets.
The Group’s future growth in earnings and shareholder value depends on strategic decisions regarding organic growth and potential acquisitions
The Group devotes substantial management and planning resources to the development of strategic plans for organic growth and identification of possible acquisitions, supported by substantial expenditure to generate growth in customer business. If these strategic plans do not meet with success, the Group’s earnings could grow more slowly or decline.
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Trend information
The Competition Commission recommended a number of pricing and behavioural remedies following its inquiry into the UK market for small business banking. The Group has implemented the pricing remedies with effect from 1 January 2003 and offered the Group’s SME customers interest on current accounts. The Group has also given undertakings to implement the behavioural remedies. These behavioural remedies include measures to ease the process of switching of accounts between banks and to enable terms and conditions to be compared between banks and were implemented on 31 December 2003, as required by the OFT.
During 2003 there were signs of improving economic conditions in the United States and Continental Europe, while the United Kingdom economy maintained its positive trend. In the United States, monetary and fiscal policies remain expansive. Overall, while the economic outlook seems brighter, a level of uncertainty and fragility remains.
Litigation
In December 2003, members of the Group were joined as defendants in a number of legal actions in the United States following the collapse of Enron. Collectively, the claims are, to a substantial degree, unquantified and in each case they are made against large numbers of defendants. The Group intends to defend these claims vigorously. The US Courts dealing with the main Enron actions have ordered that the Group join the non-binding, multi-party mediation which commenced in late 2003. Based on current knowledge including applicable defences and given the unquantified nature of these claims, the directors are unable at this stage to predict with certainty the eventual loss, if any, in these matters. In addition, pursuant to requests received from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice, the Group has been providing copies of Enron-related materials to these authorities and continues to co-operate fully with them.
Members of the Group are engaged in other litigation in the United Kingdom and a number of overseas jurisdictions, including the United States, involving claims by and against them arising in the ordinary course of business. The directors of the company have reviewed these other actual, threatened and known potential claims and proceedings and, after consulting with the Group’s legal advisers are satisfied that the outcome of these claims and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Group’s consolidated net assets, results of operations or cash flows.
Critical accounting policies
The reported results of the Group are sensitive to the accounting policies, assumptions and estimates that underlie the preparation of its financial statements. The Group’s principal accounting policies are set out on pages 87 to 90. UK company law and accounting standards require the directors, in preparing the Group’s financial statements, to select suitable accounting policies, apply them consistently and make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. Where UK GAAP allows a choice of policy, Financial Reporting Standard (“FRS”) 18 ‘Accounting Policies’ requires an entity to adopt those policies judged to be most appropriate to its particular circumstances for the purpose of giving a true and fair view.
The judgements and assumptions involved in the Group’s accounting policies that are most important to the portrayal of its financial condition are discussed below. The use of estimates, assumptions or models that differ from those adopted by the Group would affect its reported results.
Provisions for bad and doubtful debts
The Group provides for losses existing in its lending book so as to state its impaired loan portfolio at its expected ultimate net realisable value. Specific provisions are established against individual exposures and the general provision covers advances impaired at the balance sheet date but which have not been identified as such. Bad and doubtful debt provisions made during the year less amounts released and recoveries of amounts written-off in previous years are charged to the profit and loss account. Loans and advances are reported on the balance sheet net of specific and general provisions.
For certain homogeneous portfolios, including credit card receivables and other personal advances including mortgages, specific provisions are established on a portfolio basis, taking into account the level of arrears, security, past loss experience, credit scores and defaults based on portfolio trends. The most significant factors in establishing these provisions are the expected loss rates and the related average life. These factors are kept under constant review by the Group.
For loans and advances that are individually assessed, the specific provision is determined from a review of the financial condition of the borrower and any guarantor and takes into account the customer’s debt capacity and financial flexibility; the level and quality of earnings; the amount and sources of cash flows; the industry in which the customer operates; and the realisable value of any security held. The most significant estimates that affect the quantum of a specific provision are the amounts and timing of receipts from the borrower and the amount that will be recovered from any security held.
Evaluating these estimates involves significant judgement as receipts will depend on the future performance of the borrower and the value of security, both of which will be affected by future economic conditions. Additionally, the security may not be readily marketable.
The general provision covers bad and doubtful debts that have not been separately identified at the balance sheet date but are known to be present in any portfolio of advances. The level of general provision is assessed in the light of past experience and reflects the size and diversity of the Group’s loan portfolio, the current state of the economies in which the Group operates, other factors affecting the business environment, recent trends in companies going into administration, receivership and bankruptcy and the Group’s monitoring and control procedures, including the scope of specific provisioning procedures.
The future credit quality of the Group’s lending book is subject to uncertainties that could cause actual credit losses to differ materially from reported loan loss provisions. These uncertainties include the economic environment, notably interest rates and their effect on customer spending, the unemployment level, payment behaviour and bankruptcy trends and changes in the Group’s portfolios.
Loans and advances – recognition of interest income
Where the collectibility of interest is in doubt it is excluded from the profit and loss account but is credited to an interest in suspense account. As interest charged to overdraft accounts loses its identity, the determination of the collectibility is generally achieved through individual file reviews. However, for some products, such as personal loans and credit cards, suspension of interest is automated based on the number of payments in arrears. Such automated suspension of interest may be accelerated in the event of death, bankruptcy, legal proceedings or financial hardship. Notwithstanding any arrears, where it is established that the customer is able to cover interest, it is credited to the profit and loss account. Loans classified as impaired and any related suspended interest are written-down to their estimated net realisable value when it is determined that there is no realistic prospect of recovery of all or part of the loan.
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Fair value
Securities and derivatives held for trading purposes are recognised in the financial statements at fair value. In the balance sheet, trading securities are included within Treasury and other eligible bills, Debt securities and Equity shares as appropriate. Positive fair values (assets) of trading derivatives are included in Other assets and negative fair values (liabilities) in Other liabilities. Positive and negative fair values of trading derivatives are offset where the contracts have been entered into under master netting agreements or other agreements that give a legally enforceable right of set-off. Gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are included in Dealing profits in the profit and loss account.
Fair value is the value at which a position could be closed out or sold in a transaction to a willing and knowledgeable counterparty over a reasonable period of time under current market conditions. Fair values are determined by reference to observable market prices where available and reliable. Where representative market prices for an instrument are not available or are unreliable because of poor liquidity, the fair value is derived from prices for its components using appropriate pricing or valuation models that are based on independently sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves, option volatilities and currency rates.
Securities carried at fair value include government, asset-backed and corporate debt obligations and corporate equity shares. Fair value for a substantial proportion of these instruments is based on observable market prices or derived from observable market parameters. Determining fair value for such instruments does not involve significant judgement. Where observable prices are not available or if a position could be liquidated only at an unfavourable price or over an extended period, fair value is based on appropriate valuation techniques or management estimates.
The Group’s derivative products include swaps, forwards, futures and options. Exchange traded instruments are valued using quoted prices. The fair value of over-the-counter instruments is derived from pricing models which take account of contract terms, including maturity, as well as quoted market parameters such as interest rates and volatilities. Most of the Group’s pricing models do not entail material subjectivity because the methodologies utilised do not incorporate significant judgement and the parameters included in the models can be calibrated to actively quoted market prices. Values established from pricing models are adjusted for credit risk, liquidity risk and future operational costs.
The table below analyses the Group’s assets and liabilities carried at fair value according to the basis on which fair value is determined.
General insurance claims
The Group makes provision for the full cost of settling outstanding claims arising from its general insurance business at the balance sheet date, including claims estimated to have been incurred but not yet reported at that date and claims handling expenses. Claims are recognised in the accounting period in which the loss occurs.
Provisions are determined by management based on experience of claims settled and on statistical models which require certain assumptions to be made regarding the incidence, timing and amount of claims and any specific factors such as adverse weather conditions. In order to calculate the total provision required, the historical development of claims is analysed using statistical methodology to extrapolate, within acceptable probability parameters, the value of outstanding claims at the balance sheet date. Also included in the estimation of outstanding claims are other assumptions such as the inflationary factor used for bodily injury claims which is based on historical trends and, therefore, allows for some increase due to changes in common law and statute. Costs for both direct and indirect claims handling expenses are also included. Outward reinsurance recoveries are accounted for in the same accounting period as the direct claims to which they relate.
The outstanding claims provision is based on information available to management and the eventual outcome may vary from the original assessment. Actual claims experience may differ from the historical pattern on which the estimate is based and the cost of settling individual claims may exceed that assumed.
Goodwill
The Group capitalises goodwill arising on the acquisition of businesses, as disclosed in the Accounting policies. Under UK GAAP goodwill is amortised and there is a rebuttable presumption that the useful economic life of purchased goodwill does not exceed 20 years from the date of acquisition. The useful economic life of acquired goodwill is assessed on the basis of the type and diversity of the business, its location and the markets in which it operates. Under US GAAP goodwill is not amortised but is subject to annual review for impairment.
An impairment test is designed to assess the recoverable amount of an asset or, in the case of goodwill, an operating segment, by comparing its carrying value with the discounted value of future cash flows that it will generate. Impairment testing inherently involves a number of judgmental areas: the preparation of cash flow forecasts for periods that are beyond the normal requirements of management reporting, the valuation of the separable assets of each business whose goodwill is being reviewed and an assessment of the discount rate appropriate to the business. Under UK GAAP, impairment tests are only undertaken in the year following an acquisition or when there is evidence that impairment might have occurred. US GAAP requires annual impairment tests that are different from any UK tests and accordingly they may support a different carrying value for the asset being tested.
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Accounting developments
UK GAAP
The Accounting Standards Board published FRS 5 Application Note G Revenue recognition that is applicable to the Group for the year ended 31 December 2003. No changes to the Group’s revenue recognition policies were required.
UITF Abstract 37 ‘Purchases and sales of own shares’ had no impact on the Group because no own shares are deemed to be under the control of Group companies.
UITF Abstract 38 ‘Accounting for ESOP trusts’ and the consequential amendment to UITF Abstract 17 ‘Employee shares schemes’ which are mandatory for accounting periods ending on or after 23 June 2004 are not expected to have a material effect on the Group.
International Financial Reporting Standards
In June 2002, the European Union adopted a regulation that requires, from 1 January 2005, listed companies to prepare their financial statements in accordance with international accounting standards. The Group’s 2005 financial statements will therefore be prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). These comprise not only IFRS but also International Accounting Standards (“IAS”).
In the light of the European Union decision, the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) announced its commitment to have a platform of high quality, improved standards in place by the end of March 2004 and its intention to avoid mandatory accounting changes between 2004 and 2006. Adoption of new standards issued in that period would be discretionary. A number of new or revised standards that will be effective for 2004 have only recently, or not yet, been finalised. These include standards of major significance for the Group, in particular IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation’ and IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. Revised versions of IAS 32 and IAS 39 were published on 18 December 2003 and the IASB’s proposals on macro-hedging were issued at the end of March 2004. Nevertheless, there can be no certainty about the applicable accounting standards in respect of 2005 until IAS 32 and IAS 39 are ratified by the European Union.
During 2003, the Group initiated a programme to change its accounting policies and practices to be IFRS compliant by 2005. A dedicated project team has been assembled and separate work streams established for each difference in accounting that will require significant effort to implement. Activities during 2003 included documenting differences between the Group’s current accounting policies and IFRS, detailed planning for the move to IFRS, identification of implementation methodologies, the specification of IT requirements and raising awareness of IFRS throughout the Group.
IFRS differ in certain significant respects from the Group’s accounting policies under UK GAAP. The summary below outlines the important differences for the Group in respect of recognition and measurement on the basis of extant IFRS that will be effective for 2005, including revised IAS 32 and IAS 39:
Dividends – IFRS require dividends payable to be recorded in the period in which they are declared whereas under UK GAAP dividends are recorded in the period to which they relate.
Computer software – under UK GAAP, most software development costs are written off as incurred. Under IFRS, such costs are capitalised if certain conditions are met and amortised over the estimated useful life of the software.
Pensions – under UK GAAP, the cost of defined benefit pension schemes and healthcare plans is determined by independent professionally qualified actuaries using the projected unit method and recognised on a systematic basis over employees’ service lives. Scheme liabilities are discounted at a long-term stable rate. Under IFRS, scheme liabilities are discounted at the market rate on high quality corporate bonds. Actuarial gains and losses must be amortised, on a straight-line basis over the expected average remaining working lives of employees, to income or expense if they amount cumulatively to more than 10% of the present value of scheme liabilities or 10% of the fair value of scheme assets.
Financial instruments: financial assets – under UK GAAP, loans are measured at cost less provisions for bad and doubtful debts, derivatives held for trading are carried at fair value and hedging derivatives are accounted for in accordance with the treatment of the item being hedged (see ‘Derivatives and hedging’ below), and securities are classified as being held as investment securities, or held for dealing purposes. Investment debt securities are stated at cost less provision for any permanent diminution in value. Premiums and discounts on dated securities are amortised to interest income over the period to maturity. Other securities are carried at fair value. Under IFRS, financial assets are classified into held-to-maturity; available-for-sale; held for trading; designated as fair value through profit or loss; and loans and receivables. Financial assets classified as held-to-maturity or as loans and receivables are carried at amortised cost. Other financial assets are measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale financial assets are reported in a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Changes in the fair value of financial assets held for trading or designated as fair value are taken to the profit and loss account. Financial assets can be classified as held-to-maturity only if they have a fixed maturity and the reporting entity has the positive intention
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and ability to hold to maturity. Trading financial assets are held for the purpose of selling in the near term. IFRS allows any financial asset to be designated as fair value through profit and loss on initial recognition. Unquoted debt financial assets that are not classified as held-to-maturity, held for trading or designated as fair value through profit or loss are categorised as loans and receivables. All other financial assets are classified as available-for-sale.
Effective interest rate and lending fees – under UK GAAP, loan origination fees are recognised when receivable unless they are charged in lieu of interest. IFRS requires origination fees to be deferred and recognised as an adjustment to the effective interest rate on the related financial asset. The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash flows over an instrument’s expected life to its net carrying value. It takes into account all fees and points paid that are an integral part of the yield, transaction costs and all other premiums and discounts. Under IFRS, the carrying value of a financial instrument held at amortised cost is calculated using the effective interest method.
Loan impairment – under UK GAAP, provisions for bad and doubtful debts are made so as to record impaired loans at their ultimate net realisable value. IFRS require impairment losses on financial assets carried at amortised cost to be measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. Impairment must be assessed individually for individually significant assets but can be assessed collectively for other assets.
Financial instruments: financial liabilities – IFRS require all financial liabilities to be measured at amortised cost except those held for trading and those that were designated as fair value through profit and loss on initial recognition. Under UK GAAP, short positions in securities and trading derivatives are carried at fair value, all other financial liabilities are recorded at amortised cost.
Liabilities and equity – under UK GAAP, all issued shares are classified as shareholders’ funds, and analysed between equity and non-equity interests. There is no concept of non-equity shares in IFRS. Instruments are classified between equity and liabilities in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangements. A non-derivative instrument is classified as equity if it does not include a contractual obligation either to deliver cash or to exchange financial instruments with another entity under potentially unfavourable conditions, and if the instrument will or may be settled by the issue of equity, settlement does not involve the issue of a variable number of shares.
Derivatives and hedging – under UK GAAP, non-trading derivatives are accounted for on an accruals basis in accordance with the accounting treatment of the underlying transaction or transactions being hedged. If a non-trading derivative transaction is terminated or ceases to be an effective hedge, it is re-measured at fair value and any gain or loss amortised over the remaining life of the underlying transaction or transactions being hedged. If a hedged item is derecognised the related non-trading derivative is remeasured at fair value and any gain or loss taken to the profit and loss account. Under IFRS, all derivatives are measured at fair value. Hedge accounting is permitted for three types of hedge relationship: fair value hedge – the hedge of changes in the fair value of a recognised asset or liability or firm commitment; cash flow hedge - the hedge of variability in cash flows from a recognised asset or liability or a forecast transaction; and the hedge of a net investment in a foreign entity. In a fair value hedge the gain or loss on the derivative is recognised in the profit and loss account as it arises offset by the corresponding gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the risk hedged. In a cash flow hedge and in the hedge of a net investment in a foreign entity, the element of the derivative’s gain or loss that is an effective hedge is recognised directly in equity. The ineffective element is taken to the profit and loss account. Certain conditions must be met for a relationship to qualify for hedge accounting. These include designation, documentation and prospective and actual hedge effectiveness.
Offset – for a financial asset and financial liability to be offset, IFRS require that an entity must intend to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. However, under UK GAAP an intention to settle net is not a requirement for set off, although the entity must have the ability to insist on net settlement and that ability is assured beyond doubt.
Leasing – under UK GAAP, finance lease income is recognised so as to give a level rate of return on the net cash investment in the lease. IFRS require a level rate of return on the net investment in the lease. This means that under UK GAAP tax cash flows are taken into account in allocating income but they are not under IFRS.
Share based payments – IFRS 2 requires recognition of the full economic benefit provided to employees and other suppliers in the form of equity in the reporting entity. Under UK GAAP recognition is limited to the intrinsic value of awards to employees and subject to a minimum recognisable benefit for certain all-employee awards.
Insurance Contracts – Although IFRS 5 generally permits the UK GAAP accounting for insurance contracts to continue after IFRS are adopted, contracts with features of both insurance and deposit arrangements are to be accounted for in two parts. In addition, insurance assets and liabilities consolidated under IFRS are not presented separately as under UK GAAP but aggregated with similar items held by other members of the group.
US GAAP
For a discussion of recent developments in US GAAP relevant to the Group, see Note 53 on the accounts.
10
11
Summary consolidated profit and loss account for the year ended 31 December 2003
12
2003 compared with 2002
Profit
Profit before tax increased by 29% or £1,396 million, from £4,763 million to £6,159 million.
Total income
The Group achieved strong growth in income during 2003. Total income was up 14% or £2,414 million to £19,229 million. Non-interest income now accounts for 57% of total income.
Net interest income increased by 6% to £8,301 million and represents 43% of total income (2002 – 47%). Average loans and advances to customers and average customer deposits grew by 12% and 8% respectively. The benefit of this growth has more than offset the impact on net interest income of the Competition Commission inquiry into SME banking in the UK and the lower interest rate environment in the UK and the US which have reduced income earned from deposits and investments.
Non-interest income increased by 22% to £10,928 million and represents 57% of total income (2002 – 53%). Fees receivable were up 8% with good growth in lending, transmission and card related fees reflecting higher volumes. General insurance premium income grew strongly, reflecting volume growth in both motor and home insurance products, and the acquisition of Churchill. In addition, volumes in financial markets were up strongly in both the UK and the US reflecting growth in customer-driven activity in interest rate protection, mortgage securitisation and foreign exchange. Income from rental assets grew by 17% to £1,088 million, reflecting the growth in operating leases and investment properties.
Net interest margin
The Group’s net interest margin at 3.0% was, in line with the first half, down from 3.1% in 2002 due to a reduced benefit from interest-free funds arising from the lower interest rate environment, and the outcome of the Competition Commission inquiry into SME banking.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses were in line with prior year at £9,381 million. Increased expenditure of £752 million in support of organic growth and customer service improvements was partly offset by a decrease in integration costs of £728 million.
Cost:income ratio
The strong growth in income together with tight cost management resulted in a further improvement in the Group’s ratio of operating expenses to total income, to 48.8% from 55.6%.
Net insurance claims
General insurance claims, after reinsurance, increased by 63% to £2,195 million. Excluding Churchill, the increase was 29%, consistent with volume growth in the component parts of the insurance division.
Provisions
The profit and loss charge for bad debts and amounts written off fixed asset investments was £1,494 million compared with £1,345 million in 2002. The profit and loss charge is in line with the growth in loans and advances.
Credit quality
There has been no material change during the year in the distribution by grade of the Group’s total risk assets.
The ratio of risk elements in lending to gross loans and advances to customers at 2.01% at 31 December 2003 showed an improving trend (31 December 2002 – 2.14%).
Risk elements in lending and potential problem loans represented 2.24% of gross loans and advances to customers compared with 2.66% at 31 December 2002.
Integration
Integration costs in the year were £229 million, of which, £143 million related to the final elements of the NatWest integration and £86 million related to other acquisitions, including Citizens’ acquisitions and Churchill.
All integration initiatives in relation to NatWest have been implemented. The programme benefits, comprising £890 million annual revenue benefits and £1,440 million annual cost savings, were fully implemented less than three years after the acquisition of NatWest. Total costs for the integration programme were £2.3 billion. Since 6 March 2000 the integration initiatives have contributed a cumulative £5.6 billion to the Group.
Earnings and dividends
Basic earnings per ordinary share increased by 15%, from 68.4p to 79.0p.
The final dividend of 55p per share amounting to £1.5 billion was paid on 1 December 2003 to the holders of the AVS issued in connection with the acquisition of NatWest. A total of £1 per AVS amounting to £2.7 billion in aggregate has been paid over three years to shareholders in accordance with the original schedule.
A final dividend of 35.7p per ordinary share is recommended, making a total for the year of 50.3p per share, an increase of 15%. If approved, the final dividend will be paid on 4 June 2004 to shareholders registered on 12 March 2004. The total dividend is covered 1.6 times by earnings.
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Balance sheet
Total assets were £455 billion at 31 December 2003, 11% higher than total assets of £412 billion at 31 December 2002.
Lending to customers, excluding repurchase agreements and stock borrowing (“reverse repos”), increased by 13% or £27 billion to £228 billion. Customer deposits, excluding repurchase agreements and stock lending (“repos”), grew by 8% or £16 billion to £210 billion.
Capital ratios at 31 December 2003 were 7.4% (tier 1) and 11.8% (total), against 7.3% (tier 1) and 11.7% (total) at 31 December 2002.
Profitability
The after-tax return on ordinary equity was 9.3% compared with 8.4% for 2002. This is based on profit attributable to ordinary shareholders and average equity shareholders’ funds.
Acquisitions
In January 2003, Citizens completed the acquisition of Pennsylvania-based commercial bank, Commonwealth Bancorp, Inc. for a cash consideration of US$450 million.
In April 2003, Citizens announced the acquisition of Port Financial Corp., the holding company of the Massachusetts savings bank, CambridgePort Bank for a cash consideration of US$285 million. This transaction was completed on 31 July 2003.
In May 2003, RBS announced the acquisition of Nordisk Renting AB, a Swedish leasing company, for a cash consideration of €104 million. This transaction was completed on 2 June 2003.
In May 2003, RBS announced the acquisition of the credit card and personal loans portfolios of Frankfurt-based Santander Direkt Bank for a cash consideration of €486 million. This transaction was completed on 31 July 2003.
In June 2003, RBS announced the acquisition of Churchill Insurance Group PLC for a cash consideration of £1.1 billion. This transaction was completed on 1 September 2003.
In July 2003, Citizens announced the acquisition of Community Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Community National Bank, for a cash consideration of US$116 million. This transaction was completed on 31 October 2003.
In September 2003, Citizens announced the acquisition of Thistle Group Holdings, Co., the holding company for Roxborough Manayunk Bank, for a cash consideration of US$136 million. This transaction was completed on 5 January 2004.
In October 2003, Coutts Bank (Switzerland) Limited announced the acquisition of a Swiss private bank, Bank von Ernst & Cie AG, for a cash consideration of Swiss Francs 500 million. This transaction was completed on 28 November 2003.
In October 2003, RBS announced that it had agreed terms for a recommended acquisition of First Active plc, for a cash consideration of €887 million. This transaction was completed on 5 January 2004.
On 3 February 2004, RBS announced that it had agreed terms with People’s Bank of Connecticut to purchase their credit card portfolio. This transaction was completed on 5 March 2004.
Disposals
In May 2003, RBS announced the sale of the Miami-based Latin American private banking operations of Coutts Group to Santander Central Hispano. The cash consideration was US$81 million. This transaction was completed on 31 July 2003.
2002 compared with 2001
Profit before tax was up 12%, from £4,252 million to £4,763 million.
RBS continued to achieve strong growth in income. Total income at £16,815 million was up by 16%, or £2,257 million. Excluding acquisitions, total income rose by 12%.
Citizens increased its income by 53% (15% underlying growth, excluding the effect of acquisitions and exchange rate fluctuations), Direct Line Group by 39% (34% excluding acquisitions) and Retail Direct by 16%.
Corporate Banking and Financial Markets income was up by 11%, notwithstanding Financial Markets’ strong performance in 2001 when it benefited from market volatility and falling interest rates.
Retail Banking grew its income by 8% and Ulster Bank by 8%. Income in Wealth Management declined 3% as the effect of lower stock market values on activity levels and fees more than offset the benefit from increased customer numbers and volumes.
Net interest income
Net interest income increased by 15%, or £1,003 million, to £7,849 million. Net interest income accounted for 47% of total income. Average interest-earning assets of the banking business increased by 14%.
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The Group’s net interest margin remained stable at 3.1%. Improved lending margins offset the downward pressure on deposit margins arising from lower interest rates.
Non-interest income
Non-interest income increased by 16%, or £1,254 million, to £8,966 million. Non-interest income accounted for 53% of total income.
Fees and commissions receivable were up 12%, or £573 million. Volume driven increases in lending fees and continued strong growth in fee paying current accounts contributed to the increase. Dealing profits at £1,462 million were up £36 million, 3%, on the strong performance in 2001. The increase in dealing profits resulted from customer led business growth and higher revenues from trading in interest rate instruments. Other operating income was £157 million, 15% higher mainly due to the expansion of CBFM’s operating lease business. General insurance premium income, after reinsurance, rose by 38%, or £519 million reflecting Direct Line Group’s organic growth and acquisitions in Continental Europe.
Operating expenses rose by 12%, or £990 million, to £9,357 million. This reflects the effect of acquisitions and expenditure to support strong organic growth and customer service improvements.
Strong income growth coupled with tight cost management resulted in a further improvement in the Group’s cost:income ratio, to 55.6% from 57.5%.
General insurance claims, after reinsurance, increased by 42%, or £402 million, to £1,350 million reflecting significant volume growth and acquisitions at Direct Line.
The profit and loss charge for provisions was £1,345 million compared with £991 million in 2001. The charge for the two halves of the year was consistent with the second half of 2001.
Bad debt provisions amounted to £1,286 million compared with £984 million in 2001. The charge reflects overall growth in lending and, as in the second half of 2001, is particularly influenced by provisions required against a number of specific corporate situations. Amounts written off fixed asset investments, largely in the first half of the year, were £59 million against £7 million in 2001.
Total balance sheet provisions for bad debts amounted to £3,927 million at 31 December 2002, up 8% from £3,653 million at 31 December 2001.
Overall credit quality remains strong with no material change in the distribution by grade of the Group’s total risk assets compared with the position at the previous year end.
Risk elements in lending amounted to £4,871 million at 31 December 2002, up 8% from £4,493 million at 31 December 2001, and up 2% from £4,791 million at 30 June 2002.
Total provision coverage (the ratio of total balance sheet provisions to risk elements in lending) at 31 December 2002 was maintained at 81%.
Risk elements in lending and potential problem loans in aggregate amounted to £6,054 million, an increase of 9% over 31 December 2001 and 1% over 30 June 2002.
The Group successfully completed the conversion of NatWest IT systems on to the RBS technology platform in October 2002. This programme ran for 30 months and involved more than 4,000 staff, culminating in the migration of a customer base three times the size of the Royal Bank of Scotland on to a single technology platform. The scale and complexity of this project are without precedent.
Annualised revenue benefits of £805 million and annualised cost savings of £1,350 million were delivered by December 2002. In addition, by February 2003 all integration initiatives had been completed. As a result the full programme annualised benefits, comprising £890 million revenue benefits and £1,440 million cost savings, have been achieved less than three years after the acquisition of NatWest.
Cumulative combined revenue and cost benefits to the profits for the period 2000 to 2002 amounted to £3.6 billion, which was £1.1 billion ahead of the original plan.
In the US, Citizens completed the IT integration of the Mellon Regional Franchise in August 2002, earlier than planned. Benefits from this transaction were delivered more quickly than was envisaged.
Basic earnings per ordinary share increased by 1% from 67.6p to 68.4p.
A second dividend of 30.0p per share was paid on 2 December 2002 to the holders of AVS issued in connection with the acquisition of NatWest. By the end of 2002, a total of 45.0p per AVS had been paid, in accordance with the original payment schedule.
The total ordinary dividend for the year was 43.7p per ordinary share, an increase of 15%. The total dividend was covered 1.6 times by earnings.
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Total assets were £412 billion at 31 December 2002, 12% higher than total assets of £369 billion at 31 December 2001. Of the total assets, £311 billion (76%) related to banking business and £101 billion (24%) to trading business (31 December 2001: £285 billion (77%) banking business and £84 billion (23%) trading business).
Lending to customers excluding repurchase agreements and stock borrowing (“reverse repos”) increased by 13%, £22 billion. Including reverse repos, loans and advances to customers were up 17%. Customer deposits increased by 10%, from £199 billion at 31 December 2001 to £219 billion at 31 December 2002. Excluding repurchase agreements and stock lending (“repos”), customer deposits grew by 7%, £13 billion.
Capital ratios at 31 December 2002 were 7.3% (tier 1) and 11.7% (total), against 7.1% (tier 1) and 11.5% (total) at 31 December 2001.
The after-tax return on ordinary equity was 8.4% compared with 8.9% for 2001. This is based on profit attributable to ordinary shareholders and average equity shareholders’ funds.
In May 2002, Lombard, the leasing arm of CBFM, completed the acquisition of Dixon Motors PLC for a consideration of £118 million.
In July 2002, Citizens announced the acquisition of Medford Bancorp Inc., a Massachusetts savings bank for a cash consideration of US$273 million and in September 2002 announced the acquisition of Pennsylvania-based commercial bank, Commonwealth Bancorp, Inc for a cash consideration of US$450 million. These acquisitions were completed in October 2002 and January 2003, respectively.
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Analysis of resultsNet interest income
Notes:
Net interest income increased by 6%, £452 million, to £8,301 million. Average interest-earning assets of the Group’s banking business increased by 12%, £29.1 billion, to £279.7 billion. Within this, average loans and advances to customers were up 12%, £23.3 billion, to £213.3 billion due to growth in both corporate and personal lending.
Interest spread for the Group as a whole was unchanged at 2.7%. Interest-free balances fell partly due to the outcome of the Competition Commission inquiry into SME banking. This, together with the lower interest rate environment contributed to the reduction in the benefit of interest-free funds from 0.4% to 0.3% giving a decline in net interest margin from 3.1% to 3.0%.
UK – Interest spread remained unchanged at 2.7% with product margins remaining stable despite growth in the relatively lower margin mortgage business. The reduced benefit of interest-free funds due to the rate and volume impact described above resulted in the decrease in net interest margin from 3.1% to 3.0%.
Overseas – Interest spread was unchanged at 2.7%. Asset spreads tightened in the US due to lower interest rates; however, this was offset by overall mix and volume improvements elsewhere. Lower interest rates led to a reduction in the benefit from interest-free funds, resulting in the decline in net interest margin from 3.1% to 3.0%.
Net interest income increased by 15%, £1,003 million, to £7,849 million. Average interest-earning assets of the Group’s banking business increased by 14%, £30.3 billion, to £250.6 billion. Within this, average loans and advances to customers were up 14%, £23.9 billion, to £190.0 billion due to growth in both corporate and personal lending.
Interest spread rose 0.1% to 2.7% with growth in higher-yielding customer lending offsetting the effects of the low interest rate environment.
Despite the increase in net interest-free funds of the banking business, up 28%, £8.6 billion, to £38.9 billion, the decline in interest rates led to a lower benefit from interest-free funds offsetting the rise in interest spread, leaving net interest margin of the banking business unchanged at 3.1%.
17
Average balance sheet and related interest
18
19
Analysis of change in net interest income – volume and rate analysis
Volume and rate variances have been calculated based on movements in average balances over the period and changes in interest rates on average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities. Changes due to a combination of volume and rate are allocated pro rata to volume and rate movements.
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2003 compared with 2002Non-interest income increased by 22%, or £1,962 million, to £10,928 million. Non-interest income now represents 57% of total income. Excluding general insurance premium income, non-interest income rose by 11% or £795 million to £7,867 million reflecting strong performances in CBFM, up 18% or £670 million and Retail Direct, up 17%, or £145 million.
Within non-interest income, fees and commissions receivable increased by 8% or £447 million, to £5,755 million. This reflected an increase in lending and transmission fees, and good growth in insurance brokerage, cards related fees and ATM income.
Fees and commissions payable increased by £372 million to £1,337 million reflecting higher brokerage costs in CBFM, fees paid in Retail Direct in support of higher volumes and commissions payable to brokers and intermediaries following the acquisition of Churchill.
Dealing profits at £1,793 million were up £331 million, 23% on 2002. This reflects strong growth in volumes in all product areas. The performance in the first half of the year benefited from the unusually high levels of demand for mortgage backed securities in the US.
Other operating income increased by 32% to £1,598 million. This was due to growth in income from rental assets (comprising operating lease assets and investment properties) and higher investment securities gains.
General insurance premium income, after reinsurance, rose by 62%, or £1,167 million to £3,061 million. Excluding the acquisition of Churchill Insurance the growth was 26% or £487 million reflecting volume growth in motor and home insurance products.
2002 compared with 2001Non-interest income increased by 16%, or £1,254 million, to £8,966 million. Non-interest income accounted for 53% of total income. Excluding general insurance premium income, non-interest income rose by 12% or £735 million to £7,072 million reflecting strong performances in CBFM, up 12% or £384 million, Retail Direct, up 21%, or £145 million and Citizens, up £162 million of which £121 million related to acquisitions.
Within non-interest income, net fees and commissions increased by £538 million, 14% to £4,343 million. This reflected higher transmission fees in Retail Banking due to the growth in packaged accounts and in Citizens which benefited from acquisitions, increase in lending fees, particularly in CBFM and higher insurance income. Strong growth in Cards business and TPF also contributed to this increase.
Dealing profits at £1,462 million were up £36 million, 3% on the strong performance in 2001. The increase in dealing profits resulted from customer led business growth and higher revenues from trading in interest rate instruments.
Other operating income increased by 15% to £1,209 million. This was due to the significant growth in CBFM’s operating lease business, where income rose by 16%, £112 million, and higher profits from sale of investment securities.
General insurance premium income, after reinsurance, rose by 38%, or £519 million reflecting RBS Insurance’s organic growth and acquisitions in Continental Europe.
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2003 compared with 2002Operating expenses were in line with prior year at £9,381 million. Increased expenditure of £752 million in support of organic growth and customer service improvements was partly offset by a decrease in integration costs of £728 million.
Staff costs were up £46 million to £4,518 million reflecting an offsetting decrease in integration costs and increased staff costs in respect of acquisitions and underlying business growth. The number of staff increased by 9,100, 8% to 120,900. Acquisitions in the year added 9,700 staff of which 8,500 related to Churchill.
Premises and equipment expenses increased by £67 million to £1,073 million reflecting the continuing upgrade of the property portfolio in major UK centres to support the core business.
The decrease in other administrative expenses was due to lower integration costs being partially offset by higher expenses reflecting increased business volumes.
Continued income growth coupled with a rigorous approach to cost management further improved the Group’s cost:income ratio, to 48.8% from 55.6%.
2002 compared with 2001Operating expenses rose by 12% or £990 million to £9,357 million. This reflected the effect of acquisitions and expenditure to support strong organic growth and customer service improvements.
Staff costs were up £413 million, 10% to £4,472 million reflecting acquisitions and business growth. The number of staff employed increased by 6,100, 6% to 111,800. Excluding acquisitions since 1 January 2001, staff numbers increased by 500.
Premises and equipment expenses increased by £133 million, 15% to £1,006 million reflecting higher operating lease rentals and higher utility costs supporting business expansion.
The increase in other administrative expenses reflected higher marketing expenditure, outsourcing costs and legal and professional fees.
Strong income growth coupled with tight cost management resulted in a further improvement in the Group’s cost income ratio, to 55.6% from 57.5%.
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All integration initiatives in relation to NatWest have been implemented. The programme’s annualised benefits, comprising £890 million revenue benefits and £1,440 million cost savings, were fully implemented less than three years after the acquisition of NatWest. Total costs for the integration programme were £2.3 billion.
Integration costs in relation to NatWest were £143 million in 2003, £810 million in 2002 and £847 million in 2001.
Citizens incurred £63 million of integration costs in 2003 in respect of completed acquisitions.
Expenditure of £134 million and £13 million was incurred in 2002 relating to the integration of Mellon Regional Franchise and Medford respectively compared with £28 million in respect of Mellon Regional Franchise in 2001. The transaction benefits are being delivered more quickly than was planned.
Integration costs in 2003 relating to other acquisitions were £23 million.
During 2002 and 2003, the Group committed to various integration initiatives following the acquisition of Churchill Insurance and various acquisitions by Citizens. Accruals in relation to these integration costs, together with NatWest related integration costs, are set out below.
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2003 compared with 2002Gross new provisions were up 11%, £158 million to £1,566 million. Recoveries of amounts previously written off were up £9 million, 14%, to £72 million. Consequently the net charge to the profit and loss account was up £149 million, 11% to £1,494 million.
Bad debt provisions amounted to £1,461 million compared with £1,286 million in 2002, an increase of 14%. The increased charge was in line with the growth in lending during 2003. Amounts written off fixed asset investments, largely in the second half of the year, were down £26 million to £33 million compared with £59 million in 2002.
Total balance sheet provisions for bad and doubtful debts amounted to £3,929 million compared with £3,927 million at 31 December 2002. Total provision coverage (the ratio of total balance sheet provisions to total risk elements in lending) was 76% compared with 81% at 31 December 2002.
The ratio of total balance sheet provisions to total risk elements in lending and potential problem loans increased to 68% compared with 65% at 31 December 2002.
2002 compared with 2001Gross new provisions were up 31%, £337 million to £1,408 million. The increase reflects growth in overall lending and as in the second half of 2001, provisions required in a number of specific corporate situations. Recoveries of amounts previously written off were down £17 million, 21%, to £63 million.Consequently the net charge to the profit and loss account was up £354 million, 36% to £1,345 million.
Bad debt provisions amounted to £1,286 million compared with £984 million in 2001. The charge reflects overall growth in lending and is particularly influenced by provisions required against a number of specific corporate situations. Amounts written off fixed asset investments, largely in the first half of the year, were £59 million against £7 million in 2001.
Total balance sheet provisions for bad and doubtful debts amounted to £3,927 million, up 8% from £3,653 million at 31 December 2001. Total provision coverage (the ratio of total balance sheet provisions to risk elements in lending) at 31 December 2002 was maintained at 81%.
The actual tax charge differs from the expected tax charge computed by applying the standard rate of UK corporation tax as follows:
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Divisional performanceThe contribution of each division before goodwill amortisation and integration costs and, where appropriate, Manufacturing costs is detailed below.
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Corporate Banking and Financial Markets
2003 compared with 2002Contribution increased by 11% or £359 million to £3,620 million. As well as in the UK, the division also achieved good growth in Europe and North America.
Total income was up 11% or £645 million to £6,697 million with strong growth across all business areas.
Average loans and advances to customers of the banking business increased by 9% or £7.5 billion to £94.3 billion. Lending margin was maintained. Average customer deposits within the banking businesses increased by 7% or £4.1 billion to £61.0 billion; however, the lower interest rate environment adversely affected deposit margins as it reduced the benefit of interest free funds. Net interest income was further impacted by the effect of implementing from 1 January 2003 the pricing remedies agreed following the Competition Commission inquiry into SME banking and by lower money market income, due to less favourable market conditions.
The asset rental business comprising operating leases and investment properties, grew strongly. Average rental assets increased to £8.1 billion and net income after deducting funding costs and operating lease depreciation increased by 28%, £53 million to £241 million.
Fees receivable rose by £143 million, 10% to £1,537 million due to growth in fees related to lending and from the expansion and success of capital markets activities. Fees payable including brokerage were up £63 million to £220 million due to higher volumes in Financial Markets.
Dealing profits which is income before associated direct costs from our role in servicing customer demand for interest and currency rate protection and mortgage backed securitisation rose by 24% to £1,661 million providing incremental profit contribution of some £170 million. There has been steady growth in underlying customer volumes in all product areas. While first half performance was particularly strong given the unusually high levels of demand for mortgage backed securities in the United States, dealing revenues in the second half were up 10% on the prior year period, in line with the growth in income for the division as a whole.
Other operating income was up £110 million, 56% to £307 million partially due to the full year effect of the inclusion of Dixon Motors’ gross profit.
Direct expenses increased by 12% or £256 million to £2,322 million. Excluding the effect of the acquisition of Nordisk Renting and Dixon Motors and operating lease depreciation,
26
operating expenses were up 10%, £161 million. This was due to performance related costs associated with the strong growth in trading revenues, expansion in all business areas and continued investment in capital market activities and in the growing overseas franchise.
The charge for provisions for bad debts and amounts written off fixed asset investments amounted to £755 million, an increase of £30 million. The charge in the second half of the year was £351 million, 13% lower than the first half. The increase in provisions of 4% over last year was less than the growth in lending of 9%, reflecting an improvement in credit quality and the economic environment during 2003.
2002 compared with 2001Contribution increased by 6% or £181 million to £3,261 million. Contribution before provisions was up by 11%, £404 million to £3,986 million.
Total income was up 11% or £595 million to £6,052 million. Excluding acquisitions, which added £67 million, total income increased 10%.
Net interest income rose by 10% or £211 million to £2,349 million, reflecting customer lending growth in Corporate Banking and continued good performance by FinancialMarkets from strong wholesale money market activity. Average loans and advances to customers of the banking business increased by 12%, £9.3 billion to £86.9 billion.
Non-interest income rose by 12% or £384 million to £3,703 million, mainly as a result of increased fees, reflecting growth in lending and in payment and electronic banking activities. Dealing profits benefited from continued customer led business growth and higher revenues from trading in interest rate instruments and matched the strong performance of 2001. Operating lease business expanded significantly during 2002 with average assets increasing by 23% from £3.5 billion to £4.3 billion resulting in higher income, up 16%, £112 million.
Direct expenses increased by 10% or £191 million to £2,066 million. Excluding acquisitions, expenses were up £131 million or 7%, of which £104 million was higher staff costs reflecting business growth and £27 million was higher operating lease depreciation.
Provisions amounted to £725 million compared with £502 million in 2001. The increase reflected growth in lending and, as in the second half of 2001, provisions required against a number of specific corporate situations, and higher investment provisions.
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2003 compared with 2002The division achieved strong volume growth across all personal product areas - current accounts, mortgages and loans and savings. Despite lower interest rates and the adverse effect of the pricing remedies agreed following the Competition Commission inquiry into SME banking which were implemented from 1 January 2003, income increased by 5% or £210 million to £4,403 million, and contribution by 4% or £107 million to £3,126 million.
Net interest income rose by 4% or £111 million to £2,951 million, reflecting the continued strong growth in customer advances and deposits which was partially offset by the implementation of the Competition Commission pricing remedies and the impact of a lower interest rate environment. Excluding the effect of the Competition Commission the increase was 8%. Average loans to customers, excluding mortgages, grew by 9% or £1.9 billion to £23.7 billion. Average mortgage lending grew by 12% or £3.6 billion to £33.7 billion. Average customer deposits increased by 6% or £3.7 billion to £60.9 billion.
Non-interest income rose by 7% or £99 million to £1,452 million. This reflected further growth in the customer base and a 15% growth in general insurance income to £301 million. Embedded value profits of the life assurance business increased by 14%, or £7 million to £57 million.
Direct expenses increased by 4% or £43 million to £1,004 million. Staff expenses increased 10% or £70 million to £777 million reflecting further investment in customer facing staff.
Other expenses decreased 11% or £27 million to £227 million, as a result of our rigorous approach to management of non-staff costs.
The charge for provisions for bad debts increased by £60 million to £273 million. The overall quality of the loan portfolio remains stable and the increased charge reflects growth in lending over recent years particularly in NatWest since its acquisition.
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2002 compared with 2001Contribution increased by 8% or £212 million to £3,019 million.
Total income was up 8% or £294 million to £4,193 million. The increase in income reflected continued growth in customer numbers. The number of personal current accounts increased by 4% to 10.63 million. Retail Banking is the leading provider of services to small businesses and has 1.10 million customers.
Net interest income rose by 8% or £218 million to £2,840 million, reflecting strong growth in customer loans and deposits. Average loans to customers, excluding mortgages, grew by 14% or £2.7 billion to £21.8 billion. Average mortgage lending was up 10% or £2.7 billion to £29.8 billion. Average customer deposits increased by 6% or £3.1 billion to £57.2 billion.
Non-interest income rose by 6% or £76 million to £1,353 million, reflecting growth in packaged current accounts, transmission income and higher volumes of general insurance products sold through the Royal Bank and NatWest networks. Strong sales performance was seen in Bancassurance with new business up 30% although the sharp fall in equity markets depressed Bancassurance income.
Direct expenses increased by 4% or £33 million to £961 million. Staff costs were up £5 million, 1% to £707 million. Other costs rose £28 million, 12% to £254 million partly due to increased incidence of fraud losses.
Provisions increased by £49 million to £213 million, reflecting recent growth in lending.
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2003 compared with 2002Contribution increased by 25% or £172 million to £873 million.
Total income was up 15% or £245 million to £1,835 million, reflecting continued strong growth in supermarket banking (TPF), mortgages and cards. Net interest income was up 13% or £100 million to £849 million. Average lending rose by 15% to £20.3 billion of which average mortgage lending was 20% higher at £7.6 billion mainly in The One account. Average customer deposits were up 5% to £4.4 billion. During 2003, the total number of customer accounts increased by 1.7 million.
Non-interest income was up 17% or £145 million to £986 million. There was good growth in insurance and ATM income resulting from increased volumes, particularly in TPF and in the Cards Business.
Direct expenses increased by 9% or 7% excluding acquisitions, and other expenses increased by £36 million, 9% (7% excluding acquisitions), with increased processing and operational costs in support of the higher business levels.
The charge for provisions for bad debts increased by £16 million or 6% to £297 million, reflecting growth in lending volumes offset by higher recoveries. The indicators of credit quality remain stable.
2002 compared with 2001Contribution increased by 27% or £150 million to £701 million.
Total income was up 16% or £220 million to £1,590 million, reflecting continued strong growth in the Cards business and in TPF. The number of active credit card accounts increased during the year to 9.5 million. TPF continued its strong growth, increasing customer accounts across all products to 3.4 million.
Net interest income was up 11% or £75 million to £749 million. Average customer lending increased by 16% to £17.9 billion. In TPF, average personal loans rose by 29% to £1.1 billion and average customer deposits rose by 26% to £1.9 billion.
Average mortgage lending in The One account was 36% higher at £4.3 billion and in DLFS was up 10% to £2.3 billion. Average personal lending in DLFS and Lombard Direct increased by 20% to £2.0 billion.
Non-interest income was up 21% or £145 million to £841 million mainly as a result of higher fee income reflecting growth in volumes, especially in TPF, where the total number of general insurance policies increased during the year to 1.3 million.
Direct expenses increased by 8% or £44 million to £608 million reflecting increased volumes and higher marketing activity to support strong business expansion.
Provisions increased by £26 million to £281 million due to the growth in lending volumes.
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* prior periods have been restated following the transfer of certain activities from Corporate Banking and Financial Markets and Wealth Management
** prior periods have also been restated to reflect the transfer of certain business units within Manufacturing
2003 compared with 2002Manufacturing’s costs increased by 6% or £113 million, to £1,875 million.
Group Technology costs have increased by 6% or £38 million to £651 million. This reflects business as usual cost growth and a specific improvement programme, the majority of the cost of which will be borne by Group Technology. This is already providing benefits across the Group and further investment opportunities have been identified which will lead to further efficiency benefits across the Group in 2004 and again in 2005.
The cost base of Group Purchasing and Property Operations rose by 9% or £51 million to £636 million, largely as a result of the continuing upgrade of the property portfolio in major UK centres to support the Group’s core business.
Customer Support and other operations costs were £588 million, 4% or £24 million higher than the previous year. This reflects further expansion of business operations with increased expenditure in customer support areas of Lending, Telephony, Payments and Security. In telephony, the Royal Bank of Scotland customer service proposition has been introduced to NatWest customers who can now choose between speaking to their local branch, to a customer service officer or using the automated telephone service.
2002 compared with 2001Total manufacturing costs at £1,762 million were 7% or £116 million higher than 2001.
The increase in costs reflected growth in business volumes arising from customer accounts, mortgage applications, personal loans and ATM transactions, and initiatives to enhance customer service, particularly in NatWest telephony.
Manufacturing successfully completed the integration of NatWest on to the RBS technology platform in October 2002, ahead of schedule.
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* Prior periods have been restated following the transfer of certain activities to Manufacturing.
2003 compared with 2002Contribution was £438 million, £16 million or 4% lower than 2002. Excluding the acquisition and disposals, income was up 1%, with contribution before provisions up 4%. The charge for provisions for bad and doubtful debts was £9 million compared with a net release of £11 million in 2002.
Total income was down by 3% or £28 million to £879 million.
Net interest income increased by 1% or £5 million to £465 million. The benefit from growth in lending volumes was partly negated by the effect of lower interest rates which also caused a tightening of deposit margins.
Non-interest income declined by 7% or £33 million to £414 million. Excluding the acquisition and disposals the decrease was 1%. This reflects the impact of lower equity markets adversely affecting fees and commissions.
Investment management assets increased by £6.8 billion or 33% to £27.3 billion principally due to the acquisition of Bank von Ernst in the year.
Expenses were down by 7% or £32 million to £432 million reflecting tight cost control in difficult market conditions and the 7% reduction in staff numbers since 31 December 2002.
Provisions for bad and doubtful debts were £9 million compared with a net release of £11 million in 2002.
2002 compared with 2001Contribution at £454 million was £27 million, 6% lower primarily due to the effect of the fall in equity markets on the level of activity and ad valorem fee income.
Total income was down 3% or £26 million to £907 million.
Net interest income declined by 1% or £4 million to £460 million, as a result of a slight contraction in deposit margins due to lower interest rates. Average customer deposits increased from £28.5 billion to £28.7 billion.
Non-interest income was £22 million, 5% lower at £447 million. This reflected lower equity markets which continued adversely to affect fees and commissions. Investment management assets at £20.5 billion were £0.9 billion, 4% lower as new business inflow was more than offset by the significant decline in equity markets.
Expenses were up 2% or £7 million to £464 million.
Releases and recoveries of provisions exceeded gross new provisions required. As a result, there was a net release of provisions of £11 million, against a net release of £5 million in 2001.
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2003 compared with 2002Contribution increased by 32% or £113 million to £468 million. Excluding Churchill, contribution increased by 26% or £92 million.
Total income was up 52% or £1,106 million to £3,245 million. Excluding Churchill, total income grew by 25% or £525 million.
After reinsurance, insurance premium income was up 62% or £1,167 million to £3,061 million. Excluding Churchill, insurance premium income (net of reinsurance) grew by 26% or £487 million. The number of UK in-force motor insurance policies increased by 3.4 million of which 3.1 million was from Churchill, while the number of UK in-force home insurance policies increased by 3.6 million including 3.4 million from Churchill. The number of international in-force motor policies increased by 317,000 during the year.
Other income net of commissions payable was down from £245 million to £184 million. Excluding Churchill, which included £148 million commissions payable to brokers and intermediaries, other income was up 16% or £38 million due to higher investment income, embedded value profits and share of associates profits.
Expenses increased by 34% or £148 million to £582 million. Excluding Churchill, expenses increased by 9% or £40 million. Staff numbers, excluding Churchill, increased by 4% (400) to support growth in business volumes, particularly in the partnership business.
Net claims, after reinsurance, increased by 63% or £845 million to £2,195 million. Excluding Churchill, net claims increased by 29% or £393 million.
UK combined operating ratio was 91.6%. Excluding Churchill, the UK ratio improved from 89.4% to 89.2%.
2002 compared with 2001Contribution increased by 36% or £94 million to £355 million.
Total income was up 39% or £596 million to £2,139 million. Excluding acquisitions, which added £73 million, total income was up 34% or £523 million.
After reinsurance, insurance premium income was up 38% or £519 million to £1,894 million, reflecting strong growth in customer numbers. The leading position in the UK direct motor insurance market was maintained with motor insurance policies increasing 16%, or 651,000 to 4.67 million. The number of UK in-force home insurance policies increased by 17% or 227,000 to 1.59 million. The number of international in-force motor policies more than doubled to 1.22 million, including 280,000 from acquisitions.
Other income increased by 46% or £77 million to £245 million. Higher investment income and profit commissions contributed to this increase.
Expenses increased by 30% or £100 million to £434 million. Excluding acquisitions, which added £35 million, expenses were up by 20% or £65 million reflecting business expansion.
Net claims, after reinsurance, increased by 42% or £402 million to £1,350 million reflecting increased volumes.
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2003 compared with 2002Contribution increased by 12% or £29 million to £273 million driven by strong volume growth in both loan and deposit products. The number of customers increased in 2003 by 36,000.
Total income increased by 12% or £61 million to £581 million reflecting the strong volume growth, in particular residential mortgages.
Net interest income rose by 17% or £57 million to £396 million, reflecting strong growth in both average customer lending and deposits which increased by 26% or £2.1 billion, to £10.1 billion and by 13% or £1.0 billion, to £8.9 billion respectively.
Non-interest income increased by £4 million to £185 million. Strong growth in lending, transmission and card fee income was partially offset by lower dealing profits. Uncertainty in equity markets adversely affected brokerage fees in the stockbroking business which was sold in October 2003.
Expenses increased by 9% or £22 million to £276 million. This reflected the annual pay award and the additional costs to support increased business volumes.
The charge for provisions for bad debts was up £10 million to £32 million reflecting growth in lending.
2002 compared with 2001Contribution increased by 7%, or £15 million to £244 million.
Total income increased by 8%, £37 million to £520 million.
Net interest income rose by 8% or £26 million to £339 million, reflecting good growth in loans and deposits despite a less buoyant economic environment in the Republic of Ireland. Average customer lending and deposits of the banking business increased by 10%, £0.7 billion, to £8.0 billion, and by 7%, £0.5 billion, to £7.9 billion respectively. Average mortgage lending grew by 23% to £1.5 billion and the number of current accounts increased by 5%.
Non-interest income rose by 6% or £11 million to £181 million. Increases of £7 million in net fees and commissions and £6 million in other operating income were partially offset by a £2 million reduction in dealing profits.
Expenses increased by 6% or £15 million to £254 million to support higher business volumes and pay awards.
Provisions were up by £7 million to £22 million reflecting a small number of specific situations.
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2003 compared with 2002Contribution which increased by 12% or £91 million to £857 million was diminished by the weakening of the US dollar in relation to sterling. In US dollar terms, contribution increased by 22% or $250 million to $1,401 million.
Total income was up 16% or $406 million to $2,984 million.
Net interest income increased by 14% or $268 million to $2,143 million. Excluding the acquisitions, net interest income was up 9% or $164 million (£100 million), reflecting strong organic growth in personal loans and deposits. Excluding the acquisitions, average loans were up 29% or $8.0 billion and average deposits were up 20% or $9.1 billion. The benefit of this growth was reduced by a narrowing interest margin due to reductions in US interest rates.
Non-interest income rose by 20% or $138 million to $841 million. Excluding the acquisitions, non-interest income was up 16% or $115 million (£70 million).
Expenses increased by 12% or $153 million to $1,438 million. Excluding the acquisitions, expenses increased by 8% or $102 million (£62 million), to support higher business volumes and expansion of Citizens’ supermarket banking programme.
Provisions were up $3 million from $142 million to $145 million. Excluding the acquisitions, provisions were $2 million (£1 million), or 1%, lower than 2002. Credit quality metrics remain strong and total non-performing loans were 0.40% of total loans and advances at 31 December 2003 compared with 0.57% at the end of 2002.
In 2003, Citizens increased its personal customer base by 376,000 accounts and its business customers by 36,000 due to growth through both traditional and supermarket branches, and the acquisition of Commonwealth Bancorp, Inc., Port Financial Corp. and Community Bancorp, Inc.
2002 compared with 2001Contribution increased by 53% or £265 million to £766 million. In US dollar terms, contribution increased by 60% or $431 million to $1,151 million. Excluding the incremental contribution of $331 million from the Mellon Regional Franchise and Medford (the “acquisitions”), the contribution increased by 14% or $100 million (£67 million).
Total income was up 60% or $966 million to $2,578 million. Excluding acquisitions, organic income growth was up 15% or $238 million.
Net interest income rose by 60% or $703 million to $1,875 million. Excluding acquisitions, which added $546 million, net interest income was up 14% or $157 million (£104 million), as a result of strong organic growth in customer loans and deposits.
Non-interest income rose by 60% or $263 million to $703 million. Excluding acquisitions, which added $183 million, non-interest income was up 19% or $80 million (£53 million), as a result of growth in deposit service charges and mortgage banking.
Expenses increased by 62% or $492 million to $1,285 million. Excluding acquisitions, which added $385 million, expenses increased by 14% or $107 million (£71 million), to support higher business volumes. Citizens increased its in-store banking activities by opening new branches in 58 Stop&Shop supermarkets. The cost of establishing presence in these stores contributed to the increase in operating expenses.
Provisions were up from $99 million to $142 million. Excluding the Mellon Regional Franchise which added $15 million, provisions were broadly consistent with the second half of 2001.
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2003 compared with 2002Total Central items increased by £42 million to £629 million.
Funding costs at £215 million, were unchanged. Increased income from higher shareholders’ funds was offset by the funding costs associated with the acquisition of Churchill in September 2003 and the £1.5 billion AVS dividend paid in December 2003.
Central departmental costs and other corporate items at £414 million were £42 million or 11% higher than 2002. This is partly due to staff costs and other costs relating to certain departments such as Customer Relations which have been centralised and additional resources devoted to Group wide projects such as preparations for the implementation of Basel II and International Accounting Standards.
2002 compared with 2001Total Central items increased by £101 million to £587 million.
Funding costs, which include interest on the perpetual regulatory tier one securities issued in August 2001 of £60 million (2001 – £23 million) were similar to the previous year. This reflected the benefit of retained earnings and lower interest rates.
Central departmental costs and other corporate items increased to £372 million compared with £275 million in 2001, which benefited from certain one off items.
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* Prior periods have been restated to reflect the transfer in 2003 of certain activities from Corporate Banking and Financial Markets and Wealth Management to Manufacturing.
2003 compared with 2002The number of employees increased by 9,100, 8% to 120,900. The acquisition of Churchill added 8,500 staff in RBS Insurance.
2002 compared with 2001The number of employees increased by 6,100, 6% to 111,800 reflecting business growth and 5,600 from acquisitions, offset by staff reductions from integration.
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Overview of consolidated balance sheet
Total assets of £455.3 billion at 31 December 2003 were up £43.3 billion, 11%, compared with 31 December 2002, reflecting business growth.
Treasury bills and other eligible bills decreased by £6.6 billion, 58%, to £4.8 billion, reflecting liquidity management.
Loans and advances to banks rose £7.6 billion, 17%, to £51.9 billion. Growth in bank placings, up £1.7 billion, 7% to £25.4 billion, and reverse repurchase agreements and stock borrowing (“reverse repos”), up £5.9 billion, 29%, to £26.5 billion, were due in part to a switch from treasury bills and other eligible bills.
Loans and advances to customers were up £29.2 billion, 13%, to £252.5 billion. Within this, reverse repos increased by 10%, £2.1 billion to £24.1 billion. Excluding reverse repos, lending increased by £27.1 billion, 13% to £228.4 billion with growth in all divisions.
Debt securities increased by £12.9 billion, 19%, to £79.9 billion, principally due to increased holdings in Financial Markets together with growth in Wealth Management’s investment portfolio of investment grade asset-backed securities, Citizens’ portfolio of US government and agency securities and the acquisition of Churchill.
Equity shares rose £0.4 billion, 22% to £2.3 billion largely to support an increase in Financial Markets equity derivatives business.
Intangible fixed assets increased by £0.4 billion, 3% to £13.1 billion. Goodwill arising on the acquisitions made during the year amounted to £1.5 billion, principally in respect of Churchill, £0.8 billion and Citizens’ acquisitions, £0.4 billion. This was partially offset by goodwill amortisation, £0.8 billion and the adverse effect of exchange rate movements, £0.3 billion.
Tangible fixed assets were up £3.4 billion, 33% to £13.9 billion, primarily due to growth in operating lease assets, up £1.1 billion, 20% to £6.4 billion, and the acquisition of various investment properties.
Other assets rose by £1.5 billion, 9% to £18.4 billion, mainly due to growth in the mark-to-market value of trading derivatives.
Long-term assurance assets and liabilities declined £5.6 billion, 61% to £3.6 billion, resulting from the transfer of the pension managed fund business of NatWest Life to another third party life company.
Deposits by banks increased by £12.6 billion, 23% to £67.3 billion to fund business growth, with repurchase agreements and stock lending (“repos”) up £6.9 billion, 35%, to £27.0 billion and inter-bank deposits up £5.7 billion, 16% to £40.3 billion.
Customer accounts were up £17.8 billion, 8% at £237.0 billion. Within this, repos were up £2.0 billion, 8% to £27.0 billion. Excluding repos, deposits rose by £15.8 billion, 8%, to £210.0 billion with growth mainly in CBFM, £6.4 billion, Retail Banking, £4.6 billion, Citizens, £3.2 billion and Ulster Bank £0.9 billion. In $ terms, Citizens grew US$11.7 billion, 23%, of which, US$3.2 billion related to acquisitions.
Debt securities in issue were up £7.1 billion, 21%, at £41.0 billion primarily to meet the Group’s funding requirements.
Subordinated liabilities were up £3.0 billion, 22% to £17.0 billion. This reflected the issue of £1.6 billion (€2,250 million) euro denominated and £0.7 billion (US$1,100 million) US$ denominated dated loan capital, and £1.1 billion sterling denominated and £0.5 billion (US$850 million) US$ denominated, undated loan capital. This was partially offset by the £0.4 billion (US$500 million and £40 million) redemption of dated loan capital and the effect of exchange rate movements, £0.5 billion.
Minority interests increased by £0.9 billion, 48%, to £2.7 billion, mainly reflecting the issues by subsidiaries of the Group of US$850 million (£0.5 billion) Series I non-cumulative trust preferred securities in May 2003 and US$650 million (£0.4 billion) Series II non-cumulative trust preferred securities in December 2003.
Shareholders’ funds rose £1.0 billion, 4% to £28.1 billion principally due to retentions of £0.8 billion and the issue of £0.8 billion of equity shares in respect of scrip dividends and the exercise of share options, partly offset by the redemption of £0.4 billion non-equity preference shares in January 2003 and the adverse effect of exchange rate movements on share premium account, £0.2 billion.
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2003The major factors contributing to the net cash inflow of £19,708 million from operating activities in 2003 were the profit before tax of £6,159 million, increases in deposits and debt securities in issue of £33,935 million, increases in short positions and settlement balances of £3,202 million and decreases in treasury and other eligible bills of £6,626 million, partially offset by the net increase in loans and advances of £23,343 million and increases in securities of £9,871 million.
Interest on subordinated liabilities of £557 million and dividends of £399 million to preference and minority shareholders were paid during the year.
Net purchases of investment securities of £3,056 million and fixed assets of £3,909 million, including operating lease assets and investment properties, comprised the net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment.
Equity and Additional Value Shares (‘AVS’) dividends paid includes the final dividend on the AVS of £1,463 million.
The issue of £883 million trust preferred securities and £3,817 million subordinated debt, partially offset by the redemption of preference shares of £364 million and repayment of £336 million of subordinated debt were the main contributors to the net cash inflow from financing of £4,128 million.
2002The major factors contributing to the net cash inflow of £13,737 million from operating activities in 2002 were the profit before tax of £4,763 million and an increase in deposits, debt securities in issue and other liabilities of £40,981 million, which were partially offset by the increase in loans and advances of £35,426 million.
Interest on subordinated liabilities of £674 million and dividends of £429 million to preference and minority shareholders were paid during the year.
Net purchases of investment securities of £6,629 million and fixed assets of £2,556 million, including operating lease assets,comprised the net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment.
Equity and AVS dividends paid includes the second dividend on the AVS of £798 million.
The issue of £1,242 million trust preferred securities and £2,157 million subordinated debt, partially offset by the redemption of preference shares of £600 million and repayment of £202 million of subordinated debt were the main contributors to the net cash inflow from financing of £2,711 million.
2001Profit before tax of £4,252 million and an increase of £27,450 million in deposits and debt securities in issue together with an increase in short positions and settlement balances of £3,644 million, partially offset by increases in loans and advances of £22,823 million and in treasury and other eligible bills of £6,796 million, were the major factors in the net cash inflow from operating activities of £7,287 million.
Interest on subordinated liabilities of £652 million and dividends of £396 million to preference and minority shareholders were paid during the year.
Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment consisted of net purchases of investment securities of £6,959 million and fixed assets, including operating lease assets, of £3,378 million.
Equity and AVS dividends paid includes the first dividend on the AVS of £399 million.
The issue of £2,705 million of subordinated debt and £2,131 million proceeds from the issue of shares, including a market placing of £2,007 million, in July 2001, to fund the acquisition of the Mellon Regional Franchise, were the main contributors to the net cash inflow from financing of £4,411 million.
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UK GAAP compared with US GAAP
The Group’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with UK GAAP, which differs in certain material respects from US GAAP as described on pages 136 to 148.
The net income available for ordinary shareholders under US GAAP was £2,564 million, £249 million higher than profit attributable to ordinary shareholders under UK GAAP of £2,315 million. The principal reasons for the increase are:
Capital resources
The following table analyses the Group’s regulatory capital resources at the period end:
It is the Group’s policy to maintain a strong capital base, to expand it as appropriate and to utilise it efficiently throughout its activities to optimise the return to shareholders while maintaining a prudent relationship between the capital base and the underlying risks of the business. In carrying out this policy, the Group has regard to the supervisory requirements of the Financial Services Authority (“FSA”). The FSA uses Risk Asset Ratio (“RAR”) as a measure of capital adequacy in theUK banking sector, comparing a bank’s capital resources with its weighted risk assets (the assets and off-balance sheet exposures are ‘weighted’ to reflect the inherent credit and other risks); by international agreement, the RAR should be not less than 8% with a tier 1 component of not less than 4%. At 31 December 2003, the Group’s total RAR was 11.8% (2002 –11.7%) and the tier 1 RAR was 7.4% (2002 – 7.3%).
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Risk management
Framework
A number of high-level committees support the Board in the effective measurement and management of risk. Board subcommittees have the following roles and responsibilities for managing risk, capital and liquidity:
In addition to the responsibilities at Board level outlined above, operational authority and oversight is delegated to the Group Executive Management Committee (“GEMC”), which is responsible for implementing a risk management framework consistent with the Board's risk appetite. The GEMC, in turn, is supported by:
GRM and GT also respond to various regulatory developments affecting risk, capital and liquidity management. This includes working with international and domestic trade associations, being active with various regulators, especially the FSA, and encouraging discussions with the main regulatory and political groups, such as the Basel Committee and the EU Commission.
The principal risks that the Group manages are as follows:
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Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk arising from the possibility that the Group will incur losses from the failure of customers to meet their obligations.
The credit risk framework
The management of credit risk is undertaken within an agreed and regulated Credit Risk Framework which is defined in the Group’s ‘Principles for Managing Credit Risk’. These set out minimum standards for managing credit risk including principles for maintaining the credit risk framework, approving credit risk taken by the Group, credit stewardship and reviewing the effectiveness of the credit culture. These standards are used to manage the Group’s portfolio of risk assets.
All credit risk exposures require approval by authorised individuals or credit committees, independent of business revenue generation. Existing credit risk exposures are monitored and reviewed periodically against approved risk limits. Review occurs at least annually with the lower quality exposures being subject to greater frequency of analysis and assessment. Exposures below specified thresholds and meeting specific criteria can be approved through authorised largely automated processes.
Different credit approval processes exist for each customer type in order to ensure appropriate skills and resources are employed in credit assessment and approval. Risk exposures are aggregated to determine the appropriate level of credit approval required and to facilitate consolidated credit risk management:
GRM and the GEMC review the reports on the Group’s portfolio of credit risks on a monthly basis.
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Credit risk (continued)
Risk asset quality
Internal reporting and oversight of risk assets is principally differentiated by credit ratings. Internal ratings are used to assess the credit quality of borrowers. Customers are assigned credit ratings, based on statistical and judgemental rating systems that map to a Group asset quality scale reflecting the probability of default.
As at December 2003, exposure to investment grade counterparties (AQ1) accounted for over half of risk assets. Over 97% of exposures were to counterparties rated AQ4 or higher.
Loans and advances
The Group’s loan portfolio consists of loans (including overdraft facilities), instalment credit and finance lease receivables. The value of loans and advances to customers as at 31 December 2003 was £256,453 million (2002 – £227,244 million), representing an increase of £29,209 million (13%) over the year. Including banks, total loans and advances at 31 December 2003 was £308,351 million (2002 –£271,547 million), an increase of 14%.
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• Industry analysis
Industry analysis plays an important part in assessing concentrations within the loan portfolio. Particular attention is given to industry sectors where the Group believes there is a higher degree of risk or potential for volatility in the future.
• Geographic analysis
Although the Group is active in over twenty different countries, its principal focus is on the UK, US and Europe.
Geographically, 92% of loans and advances to customers fall within the UK or US, both of which have experienced stable or improving economic growth. Europe accounts for about 8% of exposures.
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• Cross border exposures
Cross border exposures are defined as loans to banks and customers (including finance lease and instalment credit receivables) and other monetary assets, including non-local currency claims of overseas offices on local residents.
The Group monitors the geographical breakdown of these exposures based on the country of domicile of the borrower or guarantor of ultimate risk.
The table below sets out the Group’s cross border outstandings in excess of 0.75% of Group total assets (including acceptances), which totalled £455.9 billion (2002 – £414.4 billion; 2001 – £371.7 billion). None of these countries has experienced repayment difficulties that have required refinancing of outstanding debt.
* Less than 0.75% of Group total assets (including acceptances).
Selected country exposures
The Group devotes particular attention to those countries that have been adversely affected by global economic pressure. The table below details exposures to countries that are considered as having a higher credit and foreign exchange risk.
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Risk elements in lending and potential problem loans
The table below sets out the Group’s loans that are classified as non-accrual, accruing past due and restructured loans (together risk elements in lending (REIL)) or potential problem loans (PPL) as defined by the SEC in the US. The figures incorporate estimates and are stated before the value of security held or related provisions.
REIL increased to £5,157 million (a rise of 6% compared with 2002). REIL as a proportion of total loans and advances to customers was 2.01% in 2003 (2002 – 2.14%; 2001 – 2.31%), reflecting active risk management and improvements in the economic environment in the Group’s key markets.
These factors also contributed to a reduction of 5% in the aggregate amount of PPL and REIL which together account for 2.24% of loans and advances to customers (2002 – 2.66%; 2001 – 2.87%).
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Credit risk (continued)ProvisionsThe Group provides for losses in its loan portfolio so as to record impaired loans and advances at their expected ultimate net realisable value. The objective is to set provisions based on the current understanding of the portfolio. To reach this understanding, retail and corporate loans and advances are treated separately.
The Group’s retail portfolios which consist of small value, high volume credits have highly efficient largely automated processes for identifying problem credits and very short timescales, typically three months, before resolution or adoption of various recovery measures.
Corporate portfolios consist of higher value, lower volume credits, which tend to be structured to meet individual customers requirements. These portfolios do not have an automated provisioning process, relying on individual expert judgement, controls and oversight to identify problems.
Early and proactive management of problem exposures ensures that credit losses are minimised. Specialised units are used for different customer types to ensure that the appropriate risk mitigation is taken in a timely manner.
Specific and general provisionsProvisions fall into one of two categories, specific or general:
(1) Excludes specific provisions against loans and advances to banks of £7 million (2002 – £7 million; 2001 – £8 million)
Provisions for bad and doubtful debts at the end of 2003 were broadly unchanged from the previous year end. The increase in provisions of £1,461 million through the charge to the profit and loss account was substantially offset by the amounts written-off, net of recoveries, of £1,447 million. This, coupled with the growth in the portfolio, led to a reduction in the ratio of provisions to loans and advances to customers from 1.72% at the end of 2002 to 1.53%.
The coverage ratio of closing provisions as a percentage of REIL has reduced to 76% from 81% at the end of 2002. This isdue to a slight shift in the composition of REIL away from larger corporate customers, against which the Group typically holds less security and thus requires higher provisions proportionately, and into smaller mid-corporate customers against which the Group tends to hold higher levels of security.
The coverage ratio of total closing provisions as a percentage of PPL and REIL has increased to 68% from 65% and 66% at the end of 2002 and 2001 respectively.
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Analysis of specific provisionsThe table below shows specific provisions by industry and geographic area.
Amounts written off and recoveredThe table below shows the amounts written off by industry and geographical area.
The following table shows amounts previously written off and subsequently recovered during the year by industry and geographical area.
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Liquidity riskLiquidity managementLiquidity management within the Group focuses on both overall balance sheet structure and the control, within prudent limits, of risk arising from the mismatch of maturities across the balance sheet and from commitments and contingent obligations.
The management of liquidity risk within the Group is undertaken within limits and other policy parameters set by GALCO, who review monthly and receive on an exception basis reports detailing compliance with those policy parameters. A weekly report is also provided to the Group’s executive management. Compliance is monitored and co-ordinated daily under the stewardship of the Group Treasury function, both in respect of internal policy and the regulatory requirements of the Financial Services Authority. Detailed liquidity position reports are compiled each day by Group Treasury and reviewed daily and weekly with Financial Markets, who manage day-to-day and intra-day market execution within the policy parameters set.
In addition to their consolidation within the Group’s daily liquidity management processes, it is also the responsibility of all Group subsidiaries and branches outside the UK to ensure compliance with any separate local regulatory liquidity requirements where applicable.
The structure of the Group’s balance sheet is managed to maintain substantial diversification, to minimise concentration across its various deposit sources, and to contain the level of reliance on total and net short-term wholesale sources of funds within prudent levels.
The short-term maturity structure of the Group’s assets and liabilities is also managed on a daily basis to ensure that contractual cash flow obligations, and potential cash flows arising from undrawn commitments and other contingent obligations, can be met as they arise day to day, either from cash inflows from maturing assets, new borrowing or from the sale or repurchase of debt securities held.
Short-term liquidity risk is managed on a consolidated basis for the whole Group excluding the activities of Citizens and insurance businesses in the UK, which are subject to regulatory regimes that necessitate the separate management of liquidity.
Internal liquidity mismatch limits are set for all other subsidiaries and non-UK branches which have material local treasury activities in external markets, to ensure those activities do not compromise daily maintenance of the Group’s overall liquidity risk position within the Group’s policy parameters.
The level of large deposits taken from banks, corporate customers, non-bank financial institutions and other customers and significant cash outflows are also reviewed to monitor concentrations and identify any adverse trends.
The degree of maturity mismatch within the overall long-term structure of the Group’s assets and liabilities is also managed within internal policy limits, to ensure that term asset commitments may be funded on an economic basis over their life. In managing its overall term structure, the Group analyses and takes into account the effect of retail and corporate customer behaviour on actual asset and liability maturities where they differ materially from the underlying contractual maturities.
The Group also periodically evaluates various scenarios and undertakes stress tests to analyse the potential impact on its liquidity risk. Contingency plans are maintained to anticipate and respond to any approaching or actual material deterioration in market conditions.
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Sources of funding Excluding capital and other liabilities, customer accounts continue to provide a substantial majority of the Group’s funding and represent a well diversified and stable source of funds from a wide range of retail, corporate and non-bank institutional customers.
Customer accounts, excluding repo agreements, grew by £15,841 million (8%), and represent 58% of the Group’s funding excluding capital and other liabilities. In reflection of the higher rate of growth in customer loans and advances excluding reverse repos, up £27,081 million (13%), the proportion of funding from wholesale sources has increased.
Repo agreements with corporate and institutional customers are undertaken primarily by RBS Greenwich Capital in the US and by Financial Markets. Repo activity with customers represented 7% of the Group’s funding excluding capital and other liabilities at 31 December 2003.
Deposits by banks increased by £12,603 million to represent 19% of the Group’s funding, excluding capital and other liabilities. Deposits by banks are taken from a wide range of counterparties, with the largest single depositor continuing to represent less than 1% of the Group’s total funding.
Debt securities in issue increased by £7,078 million to represent 11% of the Group’s funding, excluding capital and other liabilities, at 31 December 2003. Total debt securities in issue at 31 December 2003 includes £9,187 million (2002 – £6,035 million) with a maturity of over one year, reflecting the activity of the Group in raising term funds through its Euro Medium Term Note programme and other term issues.
The Group remains well placed to access various wholesale funding sources from a wide range of counterparties and markets, and the changing mix evident between customer repos, deposits by banks and debt securities in issue primarily reflects comparative pricing and investor/counterparty demand rather than a material perceived trend.
Net customer activity Net customer lending rose by £11,240 million as the growth in loans and advances to customers exceeded the growth in customer accounts, thus increasing wholesale market funding to support loan growth. Structural liquidity risk continues to be maintained well within the Group’s policy parameters.
In prevailing economic conditions and with interest rates at historically low levels in the UK, US and Europe, the growth in demand for borrowing by customers may in the medium term continue to exceed customer deposits received, thus increasing net customer lending further. The Group hasevaluated a range of balance sheet management strategies and has developed plans to increase gradually over time short term and longer term funding from various wholesale market sources, whilst maintaining its overall funding structure within its normal prudent liquidity risk policy parameters.
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Liquidity risk (continued)Net wholesale market activityOverall structural liquidity risk remains well within the Group’s policy parameters. The Group’s net surplus of wholesale assets reduced by £8,372 million to £6,274 million.
Excluding repo and reverse repos, the comparison of the maturity and level of deposits by banks with that of loans and advances to banks shows an increased reliance on inter-bank funding but of slightly longer maturity.
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Sterling liquidityOver 51% of the Group’s total assets are denominated in Sterling. The FSA requires the Group, on a consolidated basis, to maintain daily a minimum ratio of 100% between:
The Group has exceeded the minimum ratio requirement throughout 2003.
The FSA also sets an absolute minimum level for the stock of qualifying liquid assets that the Group is required to maintain each day. The Group has exceeded that minimum stock requirement at all times during 2003.
The Group’s operational processes are actively managed to ensure that both the minimum Sterling liquidity ratio and the minimum stock requirement are achieved or exceeded at all times.
Liquidity in non-sterling currenciesFor non-Sterling currencies, no specific regulatory liquidity requirement is set for the Group by the FSA. However, the importance of managing prudently the liquidity risk in its non-Sterling activities is recognised and the Group manages its non-Sterling liquidity risk daily within net mismatch limits set for the 0-8 calendar day and 0-1 month periods as a percentage of the Group’s total deposit liabilities.
In measuring its non-sterling liquidity risk, due account is taken of the marketability within a short period of the wide range of debt securities held. Appropriate adjustments are applied in each case, dependent on various parameters, to determine the Group’s ability to realise cash at short notice via the sale or repo of such marketable assets if required to meet unexpected outflows.
The level of contingent risk from the potential drawing of undrawn or partially drawn commitments, back-up lines, standby lines and other similar facilities is also actively monitored and reflected in the measures of the Group’s non-Sterling liquidity risk. Particular attention is given to the US$ commercial paper market and the propensity of the Group’s corporate counterparties (who are active in raising funds from that market) to switch to take up facilities offered by the Group in the event of either counterparty specific difficulties or a significant widening of interest spreads generally in the commercial paper market.
The Group also provides liquidity back-up facilities to both its own conduits and certain other conduits which take funding from the US$ commercial paper market. Limits sanctioned for such facilities totalled less than £4,000 million at 31 December 2003. The short-term contingent liquidity risk in providing such back-up facilities is also mitigated by the spread of maturity dates, typically over a three-month period of the commercial paper taken by the conduits.
The Group has operated within its non-Sterling liquidity policy mismatch limits at all times during 2003 and operational processes are actively managed to ensure that is the case going forward.
Contingency plans are also maintained to enable the Group to respond effectively to unforeseen market liquidity or major payment systems problems that may emerge from time to time.
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Market riskThe Group is exposed to market risk because of positions held in its trading portfolios and its non-trading business including the Group’s treasury operations.
The Group manages the market risk in its trading and treasury portfolios through its Market Risk Management framework, which is based on value-at-risk (“VaR”) limits, together with, but not limited to, stress testing, scenario analysis, and position and sensitivity limits. Stress testing measures the impact of abnormal changes in market rates and prices on the fair value of the Group’s trading portfolios. GEMC approves the high-level VaR and stress limits for the Group. The Group Market Risk function, independent from the Group’s trading businesses, is responsible for setting and monitoring the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s market risk management processes.
Value-at-riskVaR is a technique that produces estimates of the potential negative change in the market value of a portfolio over a specified time horizon at given confidence levels. For internal risk management purposes, the Group’s VaR assumes a time horizon of one day and a confidence level of 95%. The Group uses historical simulation models in computing VaR. This approach, in common with many other VaR models, assumes that risk factor changes observed in the past are a good estimate of those likely to occur in the future and is, therefore, limited by the relevance of the historical data used. The Group’s method, however, does not make any assumption about the nature or type of underlying loss distribution.
The Group typically uses the previous two years of market data. The Group’s VaR should be interpreted in light of the limitations of the methodology used. These limitations include:
The Group largely computes the VaR of trading portfolios at the close of business and positions may change substantially during the course of the trading day. Controls are in place to limit the Group’s intra-day exposure; such as the calculation of the VaR for selected portfolios.
These limitations and the nature of the VaR measure mean that the Group cannot guarantee that losses will not exceed the VaR amounts indicated. For a discussion of the Group’s accounting policies for, and information with respect to, its exposures to derivative financial instruments, see Accounting policies and Note 39 on the accounts.
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TradingThe principal focus of the Group’s trading activities is client facilitation - providing products to the Group’s client base at competitive prices. The Group also undertakes: market making – quoting firm bid (buy) and offer (sell) prices with the intention of profiting from the spread between the quotes; arbitrage –entering into offsetting positions in different but closely related markets in order to profit from market imperfections; and proprietary activity – taking positions in financial instruments asprincipal in order to take advantage of anticipated market conditions. The main risk factors are interest rates, credit spreads and foreign exchange.
Financial instruments held in the Group’s trading portfolios include, but are not limited to, debt securities, loans, deposits, securities sale and repurchase agreements and derivative financial instruments (futures, forwards, swaps and options).
The VaR for the Group’s trading portfolios segregated by type of market risk exposure is presented in the tables below.
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Market risk (continued)Non-tradingThe principal market risks arising from the Group's non-trading activities are interest rate risk, currency risk and equity risk. Treasury activity and mismatches between the repricing of assets and liabilities in its retail and corporate banking operations account for most of the non-trading interest rate risk. Non-trading currency risk derives from the Group's investments in overseas subsidiaries, associates and branches. The Group's venture capital portfolio, investments held by its general insurance business and its strategic equity investments are the principal sources of non-trading equity price risk. The Group's portfolios of non-trading financial instruments mainly comprise loans (including finance leases), debt securities, equity shares, deposits, certificates of deposits and other debt securities issued, loan capital and derivatives. To reflect their distinct nature, the Group's long-term assurance assets and liabilities attributable to policyholders have been excluded from these market risk disclosures.
• Interest rate riskTreasuryThe Group’s treasury activities include its money market business and the management of internal funds flow within the Group’s businesses. Money market portfolios include cash instruments (principally debt securities, loans and deposits) and related hedging derivatives. VaR for the Group’s treasury portfolios, which relates mainly to interest rate risk was £8.1 million at 31 December 2003 (2002 – £6.5 million). During the year the maximum VaR was £11.0 million (2002 – £6.7 million), the minimum £5.6 million (2002 – £3.5 million) and the average £8.3 million (2002 – £4.4 million).
Retail and corporate banking Structural interest rate risk arises in these activities where assets and liabilities have different repricing dates. It is the Group’s policy to minimise the sensitivity of net interest income to changes in interest rates and where interest rate risk is retained to ensure that appropriate resources, measures and limits are applied.
Structural interest rate risk is calculated in each division on the basis of establishing the repricing behaviour of each asset and liability product. For many products, the actual interest rate repricing characteristics differ from the contractual repricing. In most cases, the repricing maturity is determined by the market interest rate that most closely fits the historical behaviour of the product interest rate. For non-interest bearing current accounts, the repricing maturity is determined by the stability of the portfolio. The repricing maturities used are approved by Group Treasury and divisional asset and liability committees at least annually. Key conventions are reviewed annually by GALCO.
A static maturity gap report is produced as at the month-end for each division, in each functional currency based on the behaviouralised repricing for each product. It is Group policy to include in the gap report, non-financial assets and liabilities, mainly tangible fixed assets and the Group’s capital and reserves, spread over medium and longer term maturities. This report also includes hedge transactions, principally derivatives.
Any residual non-trading interest rate exposures are controlled by limiting repricing mismatches in the individual balance sheets. Potential exposures to interest rate movements in the medium to long term are measured and controlled using a version of the same VaR methodology that is used for the Group’s trading portfolios but without discount factors. Net interest income exposures are measured and controlled in terms of sensitivity over time to movements in interest rates.
Non-trading interest rate VaRNon-trading interest rate VaR for the Group’s treasury and retail and corporate banking activities was £78.1 million at 31 December 2003 (2002 – £34.7 million) with the major exposure being to changes in longer term US dollar interest rates. During the year, the maximum VaR was £78.1 million (2002 – £34.7 million), the minimum £29.9 million (2002 – £9.7 million) and the average £51.7 million (2002 – £14.5 million).
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Citizens was the main contributor to the Group’s non-trading interest rate VaR in 2002 and 2003. It invests its surplus retail deposits in a portfolio of highly rated and liquid investments principally mortgage-backed securities. This balance sheet management approach is common for US retail banks where mortgages are originated and then sold to Federal agencies for funding through the capital markets. The significant increase in VaR during 2003 reflects substantial growth in retail deposits in Citizens and asset growth in home equity loans and mortgage backed securities.
VaR, like all interest rate risk measures, has its limitations when applied to retail banking books and the management of Citizens’ interest rate exposures involves a number of other interest rate risk measures and related limits. Two measures that are reported both to Citizens ALCO and Board are:
These limits are set to parallel movements of +/-1% and +/-2%.
The EVE methodology captures deposit re-pricing strategies and the embedded option risks that exists within both the investment portfolio of mortgage-backed securities and the consumer loan portfolio. EVE is the present value of the cash flows generated by the current balance sheet. EVE sensitivity to a 2% parallel movement upwards and downwards in US interest rates is shown below.
At Group level, the other major structural interest rate risk arises from a low interest rate environment, particularly in sterling, sustained for a number of years. In such a scenario deposit pricing may reach effective floors below which it is not reasonable to reduce rates further whilst variable rate asset pricing continues to decline. A sustained low rate scenario would also generate progressively reduced income from the medium and long term hedging of non-interest bearing liabilities. GALCO regularly reviews the impact of successive declines in rates to ensure that appropriate risk management strategies are employed. This may involve execution of derivatives, product development and tactical pricing changes.
Note 40 includes, on pages 125 to 126, tables that summarise the Group’s interest rate sensitivity gap for its non-trading book at 31 December 2003 and 31 December 2002. The tables show the contractual re-pricing for each category of asset liability and for off-balance sheet items and do not reflect the behaviouralised repricing used in the Group’s asset and liability management methodology and the non-trading interest rate VaR presented above.
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Market risk (continued)Non-trading (continued)• Currency riskThe Group does not maintain material non-trading open currency positions other than the structural foreign currency translation exposures arising from its investments in overseas subsidiaries and associated undertakings and their related currency funding. The Group’s policy in relation to structural positions is to match fund the structural foreign currency exposure arising from net asset value, including goodwill, inoverseas subsidiaries, equity accounted investments and branches, except where doing so would materially increase the sensitivity of either the Group’s or the subsidiary’s regulatory capital ratios to currency movements. The policy requires structural foreign exchange positions to be reviewed regularly by GALCO. Gains or losses on foreign currency investments net of any gains or losses on related foreign currency funding or hedges are recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses.
The tables below set out the Group’s structural foreign currency exposures.
The structural foreign currency exposure in euros is principally due to Ulster Bank running an open structural foreign exchange position to minimise the sensitivity of its capital ratios to possible movements in the Euro exchange rate against Sterling.
• Equity riskNon-trading equity risk arises principally from the Group’s strategic investments, its venture capital activities and its general insurance business. The reserves of the Group’s general insurance business are invested in cash, debt securities and equity shares. The VaR of the equity element of this portfolio was £9.9 million at 31 December 2003 (2002 – £8.6 million). During 2003, the maximum VaR was £11.1 million (2002 – £8.6 million), the minimum £8.3 million (2002 – £6.8 million) and the average £9.6 million (2002 – £7.4 million).
VaR is not an appropriate risk measure for the Group’s venture capital investments, comprising a mix of quoted and unquoted investments, or its portfolio of strategic investments. At 31 December 2003, equity shares held as investment securities had a book value of £1,821 million (2002 – £1,783 million) and a valuation of £2,238 million (2002 – £1,699 million).
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Insurance riskThe Group is exposed to insurance risk, either directly through its businesses or through using insurance as a tool to reduce other risk exposures:
The management of insurance risk is overseen by a Pricing Committee that meets weekly to review underwriting factors, e.g. car groups, terms and conditions, claims experience. This is supplemented by a range of system controls and processes including risk acceptance, with regular independent reviews of underwriting across the business. Primary focus is on high volume and relatively straightforward products for example home and motor. This facilitates the generation of comprehensive underwriting and claims data, which is used to monitor and accurately price the risks accepted. This attention to data analysis is reinforced by tight controls on costs and claims handling procedures.Underwriting concentrations and catastrophe exposure are reviewed and, where necessary, mitigated by reinsurance which is spread across a number of reinsurers. Reviews of the Group’s general insurance reserves by external actuaries are conducted annually.Investment strategy reflects the maturity of underwriting liabilities and is governed through Investment Management Committees, with involvement and oversight from Group Treasury. The Group’s underwriting experience, the level of retained risk and solvency are monitored at divisional and Group level.
The management of insurance risk is overseen by a Pricing Committee that meets weekly to review underwriting factors, e.g. car groups, terms and conditions, claims experience. This is supplemented by a range of system controls and processes including risk acceptance, with regular independent reviews of underwriting across the business. Primary focus is on high volume and relatively straightforward products for example home and motor. This facilitates the generation of comprehensive underwriting and claims data, which is used to monitor and accurately price the risks accepted. This attention to data analysis is reinforced by tight controls on costs and claims handling procedures.
Underwriting concentrations and catastrophe exposure are reviewed and, where necessary, mitigated by reinsurance which is spread across a number of reinsurers. Reviews of the Group’s general insurance reserves by external actuaries are conducted annually.
Investment strategy reflects the maturity of underwriting liabilities and is governed through Investment Management Committees, with involvement and oversight from Group Treasury. The Group’s underwriting experience, the level of retained risk and solvency are monitored at divisional and Group level.
Enterprise riskIn order to adequately identify and manage the full range of Enterprise risk, the Group has separately defined operational and external risk:
Operational risk is defined as the risk arising from within the organisation from:
External risk is defined as the risk arising from outside of the organisation in three main areas:
Enterprise risk also includes the potential or actual impact on corporate reputation arising from any of the Group’s activities.
Enterprise risk management is achieved through monitoring the Group’s exposure to direct or indirect loss using a range of policies, procedures, data, analytical tools and reporting techniques. In particular, Group-wide risk management processes ensure that Enterprise risk issues are quickly escalated and resolved, that the risks inherent in new products are fully evaluated, and that emerging external risks are actively monitored.
Operational risk exposures and loss events for each division are captured through monthly Risk and Control returns, which provide details on the change of risk exposures for each risk category in the light of improving/deteriorating trends and the risk profile of each division.
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60
Governance
61
Board of directors and secretary
62
ChairmanSir George Mathewson (age 63)CBE, DUniv, LLD, FRSE, FCIBSC (Chairman), N (Chairman)
Appointed to the Board in September 1987 and as Chairman in April 2001, Sir George has a wide background in finance, technology and management and spent some of his career in the United States. He became Group Chief Executive in January 1992 and in March 2000, he was appointed Executive Deputy Chairman. He is president of the British Bankers’ Association and a director of Santander Central Hispano, S.A., The Scottish Investment Trust PLC and the Institute of International Finance, Inc. He was chief executive of the Scottish Development Agency from 1981 to 1987.
Vice-chairmenSir Iain Vallance (age 60)FCIBSC
Appointed to the Board in January 1993 and as Vice-Chairman in March 1994, Sir Iain is an experienced businessman who is currently chairman of the European Service Forum and a director of the supervisory board of Siemens AG. He is also a member of the European Advisory Council of the Rothschild Group and the European Advisory Committee of the NYSE. He has also held a range of other positions including president of the CBI, chairman of British Telecommunications Plc and deputy chairman of the Financial Reporting Council. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Mobil Corporation.
Sir Angus Grossart (age 66)CBE, DBA, LLD, FRSE, DL, FCIBSC
Appointed to the Board in September 1985 and as Vice-Chairman in April 1996, Sir Angus is an advocate and chartered accountant with a career in merchant banking. He is chairman of Noble Grossart Limited, Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail Limited and Edinburgh US Tracker Trust plc. His directorships of public companies include Scottish and Newcastle Plc and Trinity Mirror Plc. He is a trustee of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and a former chairman of the trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland. He has also served on the boards of a wide range of other companies in the UK, the USA and Canada.
Executive directorsFred Goodwin (age 45)DUniv, FCIBS, FCIBGroup Chief ExecutiveC
Appointed to the Board in August 1998, Mr Goodwin is a chartered accountant. He was formerly chief executive and director, Clydesdale Bank PLC and Yorkshire Bank PLC. He is chairman of The Prince’s Trust and a former president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland.
Lawrence Fish (age 59)Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officerof Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
Appointed to the Board in January 1993, Mr Fish is an American national. He is a career banker and a director of Textron Inc. and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. He is also a director of the Financial Services Roundtable, a trustee of The Brookings Institution and a director of numerous community organisations in the USA.
Norman McLuskie (age 59)FCIBSChairman, Retail Direct
Appointed to the Board in June 1992, Mr McLuskie is a chartered accountant. He is also chairman of MasterCard Europe SPRL and a member of the board of MasterCard International Inc. He was formerly chief executive, Retail Direct.
Gordon Pell (age 53)FCIBS, FCIBChairman, Retail Banking and Wealth Management
Appointed to the Board in March 2000, Mr Pell was formerly group director of Lloyds TSB UK Retail Banking before joining National Westminster Bank Plc as a director in February 2000 and then becoming chief executive, Retail Banking. He is currently also a director of Race for Opportunity and Southampton University Development Trust.
Fred Watt (age 43)FCIBSCGroup Finance Director
Appointed to the Board in September 2000, Mr Watt is a chartered accountant. He was formerly finance director of Wassall plc.
Non-executive directorsEmilio Botin (age 69)
Appointed to the Board in February 1989, Mr Botin is a Spanish national. He is chairman of Santander Central Hispano, S.A. and several Santander Central Hispano Group subsidiaries and a director of a number of Spanish companies including BANKINTER S.A. Mr Botin is chairman of Universia.net, an internet venture between Santander Central Hispano and 650 universities in Spain, Portugal and the main countries in Latin America. He is also a director of Shinsei Bank Limited, a Japanese bank.
Colin Buchan* (age 49)A (Acting Chairman), R
Appointed to the Board in June 2002, Mr Buchan was educated in South Africa and spent the early part of his career in South Africa and the Far East. He has considerable international investment banking experience, as well as experience in very large risk management in the equities business. He was formerly a member of the group management board of UBS AG and head of equities of UBS Warburg. He is a director of Merrill Lynch World Mining Trust Plc, Merrill Lynch Gold Limited, Royal Scottish National Orchestra Society Limited, Standard Life Investments Limited, UBS Securities Canada Inc. and World Mining Investment Company Limited.
Jim Currie* (age 62)D.LittR
Appointed to the Board in November 2001, Dr Currie is a highly experienced senior international civil servant who spent many years working in Brussels and Washington. He was formerly director general at the European Commission with responsibility for the EU’s environmental policy and director general for Customs and Excise and Indirect Taxation. He is also a director of British Nuclear Fuels PLC,an international adviser to Eversheds and a consultant to Butera & Andrews UK Limited.
Juan Inciarte (age 51)
Appointed to the Board in February 1998, Mr Inciarte is a Spanish national. He is a general manager of Santander Central Hispano Group in charge of Europe and consumer finance. He is a director of several Santander Central Hispano Group subsidiaries and a number of Spanish and European companies including CC-Bank AG. He was a director of First Wachovia and San Paolo – IMI S.P.A.
Eileen Mackay* (age 60)CB, FCIBSA, R
Appointed to the Board in May 1996, Miss Mackay is a former senior UK civil servant who held posts in Scotland, HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office and was principal finance officer at The Scottish Office. She is a director of Edinburgh Investment Trust plc, Scottish Financial Enterprise and the British Library. She is also chairman of the trustees of the David Hume Institute and a trustee of the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland.
Iain Robertson (age 58)CBE, FCIBSChairman, Corporate Banking and Financial Markets
Appointed to the Board in January 1993, Mr Robertson is a chartered accountant. He is chairman of British Empire Securities and General Trust plc.
Sir Steve Robson* (age 60)A
Appointed to the Board in July 2001, Sir Steve is a former senior UK civil servant, with responsibility for a wide variety of Treasury matters. His early career included the post of Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and secondment to ICFC, (now 3i). He was also a Second Permanent Secretary of HM Treasury, where he was managing director of the Finance and Regulation Directorate. He is a non-executive director of Cazenove Group Plc, Xstrata Plc and Partnerships UK plc.
Bob Scott* (age 62)CBEC, N, R (Chairman)
Appointed to the Board in January 2001, Mr Scott is an Australian national. He is the senior independent director. Mr Scott has many years experience in the international insurance business and played a leading role in the consolidation of the UK insurance industry. He is a former group chief executive of CGNU plc and chairman of the board of the Association of British Insurers. He is chairman of Yell Group plc, a non-executive director of Swiss Reinsurance Company (Zurich), Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc and Focus Wickes Group Limited, and a trustee of the Crimestoppers Trust.
Peter Sutherland* (age 57)KCMGN
Appointed to the Board in January 2001, Mr Sutherland is an Irish national. He is a former attorney general of Ireland and from 1985 to 1989 was the European commissioner responsible for competition policy. He is chairman of BP Plc and Goldman Sachs International and a director of Investor AB and Telefonaktiebolaget LMEricsson. He was formerly chairman of Allied Irish Bank and a director general of GATT and the World Trade Organisation.
Group Secretary and General Counsel Miller McLean (age 54)FCIBSC
Mr McLean was appointed group secretary in August 1994. He is a trustee of the Industry and Parliament Trust, a non-executive chairman of The Whitehall and Industry Group and a director of The Scottish Parliament and Business Exchange. He is a former vice-chairman of Banco Santander, Portugal S.A.
A member of the Audit CommitteeC member of the Chairman’s Advisory GroupN member of the Nominations CommitteeR member of the Remuneration Committee * independent non-executive director
63
Report of the directors
The directors have pleasure in presenting their report together with the audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2003.
Profit and dividendsThe profit attributable to the ordinary shareholders of the company for the year ended 31 December 2003 amounted to £2,315 million (after preference dividends of £261 million and the Additional Value Shares dividend of £1,463 million) compared with £1,971 million for the year ended 31 December 2002, as set out in the consolidated profit and loss account on page 91.
An interim dividend of 14.6p per ordinary share was paid on 10 October 2003 totalling £431 million (2002 – £368 million). The directors now recommend that a final dividend of 35.7p per ordinary share totalling £1,059 million (2002 – £899 million) be paid on 4 June 2004 to members on the register at the close of business on 12 March 2004. If this recommendation is approved by shareholders at the annual general meeting on 29 April 2004, the retained profit for the year will amount to £825 million (2002 – £704 million). Subject to the approval of the dividend by shareholders at the annual general meeting, shareholders will be offered the choice of taking ordinary shares in lieu of cash in respect of the final dividend.
The final dividend of 55p per share on the Additional Value Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of NatWest was paid on 1 December 2003, totalling £1.5 billion.
Activities and business reviewThe company is a holding company owning the entire issued ordinary share capital of the Royal Bank, the principal direct operating subsidiary undertaking of the company. The “Group” comprises the company and all its subsidiary and associated undertakings, including the Royal Bank and NatWest. The Royal Bank and NatWest and their subsidiary undertakings are engaged principally in providing a comprehensive range of banking, insurance and other financial services. Details of the principal subsidiary undertakings of the company are shown in Note 17. A review of the business for the year to 31 December 2003, of recent events and of likely future developments is contained in the operating and financial review.
Business developmentsIn January 2003, 49% of the Royal Bank’s economic interest in Royal Bank of Scotland Unit Trust Management was sold to Aviva plc.
In January 2003, the entire issued ordinary share capital of NatWest was transferred from the company to the Royal Bank.
In January 2003, Citizens completed the acquisition of Pennsylvania-based commercial bank, Commonwealth Bancorp, Inc.
In June 2003, RBS completed the acquisition of Nordisk Renting AB, a Swedish leasing company.
In July 2003, Citizens completed the acquisition of Port Financial Corp., the holding company of the Massachusetts savings bank, CambridgePort Bank.
In July 2003, RBS completed the purchase of the credit card and personal loans portfolios of Frankfurt-based Santander Direkt Bank.
In July 2003, RBS completed the sale of the Miami-based Latin American private banking operations of Coutts Group.
In September 2003, RBS completed the acquisition of Churchill Insurance Group PLC.
In September 2003, Citizens announced the acquisition of Thistle Group Holdings, Co., the holding company of Pennsylvania-based Roxborough Manayunk Bank. This acquisition was completed in January 2004.
In October 2003, RBS announced that it had agreed terms for a recommended acquisition for cash of First Active plc. This acquisition was completed in January 2004.
In October 2003, Citizens completed the acquisition of Community Bancorp, Inc., the holding company of Massachusetts-based Community National Bank.
In November 2003, Coutts Bank (Switzerland) Limited completed the acquisition of Zurich-based private bank, Bank von Ernst & Cie AG.
Going concernThe directors are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the ‘going concern’ basis for preparing the accounts.
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Ordinary share capitalDuring the year ended 31 December 2003, the ordinary share capital was increased by the following issues:
The total consideration for ordinary shares issued during the year amounted to £775 million.
Details of the authorised and issued ordinary share capital at 31 December 2003 are shown in Note 33.
Preference share capitalIn January 2003, the company redeemed the 8 million Series B and the 16 million Series C, non-cumulative preference shares of US$0.01 each, at a total cost of US$600 million.
Details of the authorised and issued preference share capital at 31 December 2003 are shown in Note 33.
Non-voting deferred sharesFollowing the payment of the final dividend on the Additional Value Shares on 1 December 2003, they were de-listed from the London Stock Exchange, converted to Non-voting Deferred Shares and transferred to RBS NVDS Nominees Limited.
Trust preferred securitiesIn May 2003, a subsidiary of the company issued 850,000 Series I non-cumulative trust preferred securities of US$1,000 per security, the net proceeds being US$841 million.
In December 2003, a subsidiary of the company issued 650,000 Series II non-cumulative trust preferred securities of US$1,000 per security, the net proceeds being US$644 million.
Subordinated liabilitiesIn March 2003, the Royal Bank issued £500 million 5.125% subordinated notes, the net proceeds being £490 million.
In April 2003, the Royal Bank issued €750 million 4.875% subordinated notes, the net proceeds being €749 million.
In June 2003, the company issued US$850 million 5.75% Exchangeable capital securities, the net proceeds being US$827 million, and the Royal Bank issued £200 million 5.625% subordinated notes, the net proceeds being £211 million.
In July 2003, the company issued US$350 million 4.7% subordinated notes, the net proceeds being US$348 million.
In October 2003, the Royal Bank issued €1 billion subordinated floating rate notes, the net proceeds being €998 million and £400 million 5.625% subordinated notes, the net proceeds being £396 million.
In November 2003, the company issued US$750 million 5% subordinated notes, the net proceeds being US$744 million, and NatWest redeemed US$500 million 9.375% guaranteed capital notes.
In December 2003, the Royal Bank issued €500 million 4.5% subordinated notes, the net proceeds being €498 million.
Details of the subordinated liabilities are shown in Notes 30 and 31.
ShareholdingsAs at 18 February 2004, the company had been notified of the following interests in its shares, in accordance with section 198 of the Companies Act 1985:
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Report of the directors continued
DirectorsThe names and brief biographical details of the directors are shown on page 63. All directors, except Mr Bill Wilson who died on 25 December 2003, served throughout the year and to the date of signing of the financial statements. Sir George Mathewson, Sir Angus Grossart, Sir Iain Vallance, Mr Emilio Botin, Mr Lawrence Fish, Mr Gordon Pell and Mr Iain Robertson will retire and offer themselves for re-election at the forthcoming annual general meeting. Sir Angus Grossart and Sir Iain Vallance have indicated that they would not wish to submit themselves for re-election in 2005. Details of the service agreements for Mr Fish, Mr Pell and Mr Robertson are set out on page 76. No other director seeking re-election has a service agreement.
Directors’ interestsThe interests of the directors in the shares of the company at 31 December 2003 are shown on page 82. None of the directors held an interest in the loan capital of the company or in the shares and loan capital of any of the subsidiary undertakings of the company, during the period from 1 January 2003 to 18 February 2004.
Employee propositionThe company encourages employees to contribute to the Group’s performance through Total Reward, one of the most comprehensive remuneration and benefits packages in financial services. The elements of Total Reward include; salary; selectable benefits; bonus and share schemes; and pensions.
RBSelect, the Group’s benefits choice programme, attracted some 43,000 employees in 2003, allowing them to increase the overall value of their Total Reward package as well as tailoring it to suit their lifestyle. Employees can choose from a range of options including subsidised childcare, discounted shopping vouchers, private medical insurance, additional pension contributions and telephone legal advice.
Employees can also participate in a bonus scheme or incentive plan specific to their business. Employees are also able to share in the Group’s success through profit sharing, Buy As You Earn and Sharesave schemes, aligning their interests with those of shareholders.
In each of the last five years the success of the Group has given eligible employees a further ten percent of their basic salary through Group profit sharing.
In 2003, the Group introduced the Buy As You Earn Plan allowing employees to buy shares in the Group on a monthly basis.
The Group provides pension scheme membership for the majority of staff in the UK and overseas. The largest scheme is The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Pension Fund, which has some 74,000 employee members. This is a non-contributory, defined benefit fund and is open to full-time and part-time employees, including fixed-term contractors.
Development and training are given a high priority in the Group and significant importance is placed on having strong leadership capability across the organisation, proactively developing future leaders and succession plans for senior and executive management roles. A core component of this is the Executive Leadership Programme provided by Harvard Business School. There has also been strong demand for the Group’s graduate programme, with 185 participants in 2003.
The Group encourages professional development and lifelong learning. Through Learning Awards it offers a financial incentive to employees who take the banking qualifications offered by The Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland and The Institute of Financial Services.
As part of the Group’s relationship with the Prince’s Trust, UK-based employees are encouraged to become involved in the Trust’s work with young people which offers personal development opportunities. This also contributes to the Group’s aims in respect of Community Investment and Corporate Responsibility.
Employee communicationThe Group encourages employee involvement through a process of communication and consultation. This involves internal communication through a corporate intranet, an in-house magazine, team meetings led by line managers, briefings held by senior managers and regular dialogue with employees and employee representatives.
The Group Chief Executive and other senior Group executives regularly communicate directly with employees through ‘Question Time’ style programmes, broadcast on the Group’s internal television network. The Group Chief Executive also meets employees during frequent visits to Group offices.
Short films explaining the Group’s annual and interim financial results are broadcast through the internal television network which is also used for staff training and development.
Employee consultationThe importance the Group places on consultation with employees is evidenced by its annual, Group-wide employee opinion survey, which seeks views and feedback on a variety of key topics. The latest survey took place in January 2003 and with an overall response rate of 83%, the Group is confident that staff value the survey as a method of expressing their views and of initiating change in the organisation.
The Group has established an European Employee Communication Council to facilitate dialogue amongst employee representatives in the European Economic Area on employment matters.
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DiversityThe Group is committed to recognising diversity in all areas of recruitment, employment, training and promotion. The Group’s business model is based on meritocracy and inclusiveness, which allows all employees to develop their full potential, irrespective of their race, gender, marital status, age, disability, religious belief, political opinion or sexual orientation.
In 2003 the Group participated in a number of programmes and activities in support of its approach to diversity and good people management.
The Group’s benchmark ratings for age and race diversity improved in 2003 and silver ratings in both Opportunity Now and Race for Opportunity were achieved. The Group sponsored the launch of the Age Audit toolkit by the Employers Forum on Age, which had been piloted earlier in the year. The Group was also a sponsor of the Guardian “Diversity in Britain” Conference and the Opportunity Now Annual Awards.
Health, Safety & SecurityThe health, safety and security of employees and customers is of paramount importance to the Group.
The Group has a continuous programme of reviewing its health and safety policies in light of current legislation and best practice, as well as to ensure that they meet the operational needs of the business.
Corporate responsibilityBusiness excellence requires that the Group meets changing customer, shareholder, investor, employee and supplier expectations and the Group believes that meeting high standards of environmental, social and ethical responsibility is key to the way it does business.
The Board regularly considers corporate responsibility issues and receives a formal report on these matters twice each year. Further details of the Group’s corporate responsibility policies will be contained in the 2003 Corporate Responsibility Report.
Code of ethicsThe Group has adopted a code of ethics that is applicable to all of the Group’s employees and a copy is available upon request.
Charitable contributionsIn 2003 the cost of the Group’s Community Investment programmes increased to £40.1 million (2002 – £33.7 million). The total amount given for charitable purposes by the company and its subsidiary undertakings during the year ended 31 December 2003 was £14.7 million (2002 – £14.7 million).
Corporate governanceThe company is committed to high standards of Corporate governance. Details are given on pages 68 to 71.
Political donationsNo political donations were made during the year.
At the annual general meeting in 2002 shareholders gave authority for the company and certain of its subsidiaries to make political donations and incur political expenditure up to a maximum aggregate sum of £675,000 as a precautionary measure in light of the wide definitions in The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, for a period of four years. These authorities have not been used and it is not proposed that the Group’s longstanding policy of not making contributions to any political party be changed.
Policy and practice on payment of creditorsIn the year ending 31 December 2004, the Group will continue to adhere to the payment policy set out below in respect of all suppliers. The Group is committed to maintaining a sound commercial relationship with its suppliers. Consequently, it is the Group’s policy to negotiate and agree terms and conditions with its suppliers, which includes the giving of an undertaking to pay suppliers within 30 days of receipt of a correctly prepared invoice submitted in accordance with the terms of the contract or such other payment period as may be agreed.
At 31 December 2003, the Group’s trade creditors represented 27 days (2002 – 27 days) of amounts invoiced by suppliers. The company does not have any trade creditors.
AuditorsOn 1 August 2003, Deloitte & Touche, the company’s auditors transferred their business to Deloitte & Touche LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act 2000. The company’s consent has been given to treating the appointment of Deloitte & Touche as extending to Deloitte & Touche LLP with effect from 1 August 2003 under the provisions of section 26(5) of the Companies Act 1989. A resolution to re-appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company’s auditor will be proposed at the forthcoming annual general meeting.
By order of the Board.
Miller McLeanSecretary18 February 2004
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plcis registered in Scotland No. 45551.
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Corporate governance
The company is committed to high standards of corporate governance, business integrity and professionalism in all its activities.
Throughout the year ended 31 December 2003, the company has complied with all of the provisions set out in section 1 of the Combined Code issued by the London Stock Exchange in June 1998. In addition, the company has complied with the provisions set out in the revised Combined Code issued by the Financial Reporting Council in July 2003 (the ‘Code’) except in relation to:
Under the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, enhanced standards of corporate governance and business and financial disclosure apply to companies, including the company, with securities registered in the US. All changes necessary to comply with the new standards have been implemented.
Board of directorsThe Board is the principal decision making forum for the company. It has overall responsibility for leading and controlling the company and is accountable to shareholders for financial and operational performance. The Board approves Group strategy and monitors performance. The Board has adopted a formal schedule of matters detailing key aspects of the company’s affairs reserved to it for its decision. This schedule is reviewed annually.
The roles of the Chairman and Group Chief Executive are distinct and separate, with a clear division of responsibilities. The Chairman leads the Board and ensures the effective engagement and contribution of all non-executive and executive directors. The Group Chief Executive has responsibility for all Group businesses and acts in accordance with the authority delegated from the Board of directors. Responsibility for the development of policy and strategy and operational management is delegated to the Group Chief Executive and other executive directors.
All directors participate in discussing strategy, performance and financial and risk management of the company and meetings of the Board are structured to allow open discussion. The Board meets at least eight times each year. It is supplied with comprehensive papers in advance of each Board meeting including financial and business reports covering the Group’s principal business activities. Members of the executive management attend and make regular presentations at meetings of the Board.
Board balance and independenceThe Board currently comprises the Chairman, five executive directors and 11 non-executive directors. The Board functions effectively and efficiently and is considered to be of an appropriate size in view of the scale of the company and the diversity of its businesses. The directors provide the Group with the knowledge, mix of skills, experience and networks of contacts required. The Board Committees contain directors with a variety of relevant skills and experience so that no undue reliance is placed on any one individual.
The non-executive directors combine broad business and commercial experience with independent and objective judgement. The balance between non-executive and executive directors enables the Board to provide clear and effective leadership and maintain the highest standards of integrity across the company’s business activities. The names and biographies of all Board members are set out on page 63.
The Code requires the Board to determine whether its non-executive members are independent. The Board considers that all non-executive directors are independent for the purposes of the Code, with the following exceptions:
As a result, in terms of the Code, the Board comprises six independent and 10 non-independent directors (including executive directors), in addition to the Chairman.
The composition of the Board is subject to continuing review and the provisions of the Code will be taken into account in respect of the balance of the Board. It is the Board’s intention to have a majority of independent directors. Sir Angus Grossart and Sir Iain Vallance have agreed to offer themselves for reelection at the company’s annual general meeting on 29 April 2004. However, they have indicated that they would not wish to submit themselves for re-election in April 2005.
Mr Bob Scott has been nominated as the senior independent director and would be consulted when necessary on the concerns of shareholders.
Re-election of directors At each annual general meeting, one third of the directors will retire and offer themselves for re-election and each director must stand for re-election at least once every three years. Any non-executive directors who have served for more than nine years will also stand for annual re-election. The proposed reelection of directors is subject to prior review by the Board.
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The names of directors standing for re-election at the 2004 annual general meeting are contained on page 66 and further information will be given in the Chairman’s letter to shareholders in relation to the company’s annual general meeting.
Information, induction and professional developmentThe Chairman ensures that all directors receive accurate, timely and clear information on all relevant matters. Any requests for further information or clarification are dealt with or co-ordinated by the Group Secretary.
The Group Secretary is responsible for advising the Board, through the Chairman, on all governance matters. All directors have access to the advice and services of the Group Secretary who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that Board procedures are followed and that applicable rules and regulations are complied with. In addition, all directors are able, if necessary, to obtain independent professional advice at the company’s expense.
Each new director receives a formal induction, including visits to all the Group’s major businesses and meetings with senior management. The induction is tailored to the director’s specific requirements. Existing directors undertake such professional development as they consider necessary in assisting them to carry out their duties as directors.
Performance evaluationBuilding on the internal review conducted in 2001, a performance evaluation of the Board and its Committees was undertaken in the autumn of 2003. The review was conducted by the Group Secretary using a detailed questionnaire and meetings with each of the directors to discuss the performance of the Board and its Committees.
In addition, each director discussed his or her own performance with the Chairman and the senior independent director met individually with the executive directors and with the non-executive directors as a group without the Chairman present, to consider the Chairman’s performance. The report on the Board evaluation, which was designed to assist the Board in further improving its performance, was considered and discussed by the Board as a whole and specific actions are currently being implemented. A performance review will be conducted on an annual basis.
Board CommitteesIn order to provide effective oversight and leadership, the Board has established a number of Committees with particular responsibilities. The Committee chairmanship and membership is refreshed on a regular basis.
Audit Committee The Audit Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in discharging its responsibilities in relation to the financial affairs of the Group, the arrangements for accounting and financial reporting and regulatory compliance, the standards of internal control, and arrangements for internal audit, risk management and the external auditors. The Audit Committee meets executive directors and management and the external and internal auditors privately.
In January 2003, the Audit Committee established its policy on the engagement of the external auditors to supply audit and non-audit services, taking into account relevant legislation regarding the provision of such services by an external audit firm. This policy is reviewed annually by the Audit Committee which also reviews and monitors the independence of the external auditors when it approves non-audit work to be carried out by them, taking into consideration relevant ethical guidance. To safeguard auditor objectivity and independence in the provision of non-audit services, a detailed submission is made by management to the Audit Committee prior to appointment. The submission contains, in particular, details as to why the proposed appointment would not breach auditor independence.
The Audit Committee undertakes an annual evaluation to assess the independence and objectivity of the external auditors and the effectiveness of the audit process, taking into consideration relevant professional and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee will make recommendations in relation to the reappointment, remuneration and terms of engagement of the external auditors at the annual general meeting on 29 April 2004.
All members of the Audit Committee are independent non-executive directors. The Board is satisfied that the Committee members have recent and relevant financial experience. Although the Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is an ‘Audit Committee Financial Expert’ as defined in the SEC rules under the US Securities Exchange Act, the members of the Audit Committee are selected with a view to the expertise and experience of the Audit Committee as a whole, and the Audit Committee reports to the Board as a single entity. The designation of a director or directors as an ‘Audit Committee Financial Expert’ does not impose on any such director any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations and liability imposed on such director as a member of the Audit Committee and Board in the absence of such a designation. Nor does the designation of a director as an ‘Audit Committee Financial Expert’ affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the Board.
Remuneration CommitteeThe Remuneration Committee is responsible for formulating and reviewing the Group’s executive remuneration policy and making recommendations to the Board on the remuneration arrangements for its directors. The Directors’ Remuneration report is contained on pages 72 to 81. All members of the Remuneration Committee are independent non-executive directors.
Responsibility for determining the remuneration of executive directors has not been delegated to the Remuneration Committee, and in that sense the provisions of the Code have not been complied with. The Board as a whole reserves the authority to make the final determination of the remuneration of directors as it considers that this two stage process allows greater consideration and evaluation and is consistent with the unitary nature of the Board. No director is involved in decisions regarding his or her own remuneration.
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Corporate governance continued
Nominations CommitteeThe Nominations Committee comprises independent non-executive directors, under the chairmanship of the Chairman. The Nominations Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in the formal selection and appointment of directors and considers succession planning for the Board. It also considers potential candidates and recommends appointments of new directors to the Board. The appointments are based on merit and against objective criteria including the time available, and commitment which will be required of, the potential director.
The Board is aware of the other commitments of its directors and is satisfied that these do not conflict with their duties as non-executive directors of the company.
MeetingsThe number of meetings of the Board and the Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committees and individual attendance by members is shown below.
* Mr Buchan was appointed to the Remuneration Committee on 29 October 2003
Relations with shareholdersThe company communicates with shareholders through the annual report and by providing information in advance of the annual general meeting. Individual shareholders can raise matters relating to their shareholdings and the business of the Group at any time. Furthermore, shareholders are given the opportunity to ask questions at the annual general meeting or submit written questions in advance. The chairmen of the Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committees are available to answer questions at the annual general meeting.
The Board is proactive in obtaining an understanding of shareholder preferences and all directors receive regular reports. Communication with the company’s largest institutional shareholders is undertaken as part of the company’s investor relations programme. The mechanisms used to communicate with shareholders were considered as part of the Board evaluation and will be reviewed annually.
The Chairman and Group Chief Executive and, if appropriate, the senior independent director communicate shareholder views to the Board as a whole. In addition, the senior independent director will attend the results presentations.
The terms of reference of the Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committees and the standard terms and conditions of the appointment of non-executive directors are available on the Group’s website (www.rbs.co.uk) and copies are available on request.
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Internal controlThe Board of directors is responsible for the Group’s system of internal control that is designed to facilitate effective and efficient operations and to ensure the quality of internal and external reporting and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In devising internal controls, the Group has regard to the nature and extent of the risk, the likelihood of it crystallising and the cost of controls. A system of internal control is designed to manage, but not eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can only provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against the risk of material misstatement, fraud or losses.
The Board has established an ongoing process for the identification, evaluation and management of the significant risks faced by the Group, which operated throughout the year ended 31 December 2003 and to 18 February 2004, the date the directors approved the Report and Accounts. This process is regularly reviewed by the Board and meets the requirements of the guidance ‘Internal Control: Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code’ issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 1999.
The effectiveness of the Group’s internal control system is reviewed regularly by the Board and the Audit Committee. Executive management committees or boards of directors in each of the Group’s businesses receive quarterly reports on significant risks facing their business and how they are being controlled. These reports are combined and submitted to the Board as quarterly risk and control assessments. Additional details of the Group’s approach to risk management are given in the ‘Risk management’ section of the ‘Operating and financial review’ on pages 42 to 59. The Audit Committee also receives regular reports from Group Risk Management and Group Internal Audit. In addition, the Group’s independent auditors present to the Audit Committee reports that include details of any significant internal control matters which they have identified. The system of internal controls of the authorised institutions and other regulated entities in the Group are also subject to regulatory oversight in the UK and overseas.
Disclosure controls and proceduresThe Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director, after evaluating the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the rules under the US Securities Exchange Act) have concluded and been authorised by the Board to certify that as at 31 December 2003, the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective and designed to ensure that material information relating to the company and its consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities.
Changes in internal controlsThere were no significant changes in the company’s internal controls over financial reporting or, to the knowledge of the Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director, in other factors that could significantly affect those internal controls as at 31 December 2003.
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Directors’ remuneration report
The Remuneration CommitteeThe following directors, all of whom are independent non-executive directors, were members of the Remuneration Committee during the year ended 31 December 2003.
Bob Scott (Chairman)Colin Buchan (from 29 October 2003)Jim CurrieEileen MackayBill Wilson (deceased 25 December 2003)
During the accounting period, the Remuneration Committee confirmed the appointment of Ernst & Young and appointed Mercer Human Resource Consulting to provide advice on matters relating to directors’ remuneration in the UK and US respectively. In addition, the Remuneration Committee has taken account of the views of the Chairman and the Group Chief Executive on performance assessment.
In addition to advising the Remuneration Committee, Ernst & Young provided professional services in the ordinary course of business including actuarial and corporate recovery advice. Mercer Human Resource Consulting provided advice in connection with a range of healthcare, actuarial and investment matters.
Remuneration policyThe executive remuneration policy is kept under review by the Remuneration Committee and is set out below. There have been no material changes to the policy which was approved by shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting in 2003.
The objective of the executive remuneration policy is to provide, in the context of the company’s business strategy, remuneration in form and amount which will attract, motivate and retain high calibre executives. In order to achieve this objective, the policy is framed around the following core principles:
The non-executive directors’ fees are reviewed annually by the Board, on the recommendation of the Chairman. The level of remuneration reflects the responsibility and time commitment of directors and the level of fees paid to non-executive directors of comparable major UK companies. Non-executive directors do not participate in any incentive or performance plan.
The Remuneration Committee approves the remuneration arrangements of senior executives below Board level who are members of the Group Executive Management Committee, on the recommendation of the Group Chief Executive, and reviews all long-term incentive arrangements which are operated by the Group.
Components of executive remunerationUK based directorsSalarySalaries are reviewed annually as part of total remuneration, having regard to remuneration packages received by executives of comparable companies. The Remuneration Committee uses a range of survey data from remuneration consultants and reaches individual salary decisions taking account of the remuneration environment and the performance and responsibilities of the individual director.
BenefitsUK-based executive directors are eligible to participate in The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Pension Fund (‘the RBS Fund’). The RBS Fund is a non-contributory defined benefit fund which provides pensions and other benefits within Inland Revenue limits. Certain directors receive additional pension and life assurance benefits in excess of Inland Revenue limits. Details of pension arrangements of directors are shown on page 81.
Executives directors are eligible to receive a choice of various employee benefits or a cash equivalent, on a similar basis to other employees. In addition, like other employees, executive directors are eligible also to participate in Sharesave, Buy As You Earn and the Group profit sharing scheme, which currently pays up to 10 per cent of salaries, depending on the Group’s performance. These schemes are not subject to performance conditions since they are operated on an all-employee basis. Executive directors also receive death in service benefits.
Short-term annual incentivesThis typically focuses from year to year on the delivery of a combination of appropriate Group and individual financial and operational targets approved by the Remuneration Committee. Individual UK-based executive directors normally have a maximum annual bonus potential of 100 per cent of salary
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(150 per cent in the case of the Group Chief Executive), although for exceptional performance, as measured by the achievement of significant objectives, bonuses up to 200 per cent of salary may be awarded.
Long-term incentivesThe company provides long-term incentives in the form of share options and share or share equivalent awards. Their objective is to encourage the creation of value over the long-term and to align the rewards of the executive directors with the returns to shareholders.
Medium-term performance planThe medium-term performance plan was approved by shareholders in April 2001. Each executive director is eligible for an annual award under the plan in the form of share or share equivalent awards, within the overall limit of one and a half times earnings. The awards made in 2003 were up to one and a half times salary.
The plan is highly geared to the company’s relative performance. All awards under the plan are subject to three-year performance targets. First, the annual growth in the company’s earnings per share (‘EPS’) must exceed the annualised growth of the Retail Prices Index (‘RPI’) plus three per cent. If this condition is satisfied, the company’s total shareholder return (‘TSR’) is compared with the TSR of a comparator group of certain companies in the financial services sector, referred to below. Awards under the plan will not vest if the company’s TSR is below the median of the comparator group. Achievement of the EPS target and median TSR performance against the comparator companies will result in the vesting of up to 50 per cent of the award, increasing on a sliding scale up to 100 per cent at upper quartile performance and up to 200 per cent at upper decile performance. This combination of EPS and TSR performance targets measures the underlying financial performance of the company and ensures a direct link between the value delivered to shareholders and the levels of incentive payment.
The companies in the comparator group are Abbey National plc; Aviva plc; Barclays PLC; Citigroup; HBOS plc; HSBC Holdings plc; Legal & General Group plc; Lloyds TSB Group plc; Prudential plc and Standard Chartered PLC. In choosing the comparator group, it was recognised that while the company has significant international business, the bulk of its operations are UK-based. Consequently the comparator group for the award in 2001 focused on the UK financial services sector. In respect of grants made in 2002 and subsequent years, the comparator group was reviewed and, following the merger of Halifax with Bank of Scotland, Citigroup was added to the group.
OptionsThe executive share option scheme was approved by shareholders in January 1999. Each executive director is eligible for the annual grant of an option, typically equal to 1.25 times salary, over shares at the market value at date of grant. No payment is made by the executive on the grant of an option award.
All executive share options are subject to a performance target, which is currently that the options are not exercisable unless the growth in the company’s EPS over three years has exceeded the growth in the RPI plus nine per cent. This EPS performance target, which is consistent with market practice, measures underlying financial performance and represents a stretching long-term test of performance. For awards made in 2004 and in future, there will be no re-testing of the performance condition. The condition is reviewed annually. No previous awards have been subject to re-testing.
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Directors’ remuneration report continued
US based director – Mr Lawrence FishSalaryMr Fish’s salary is reviewed annually as part of his total remuneration, having regard to levels of remuneration paid to executives of comparable US companies and Mr Fish’s performance.
BenefitsMr Fish accrues pension benefits under a number of arrangements in the US. Details are provided on page 81. In addition, Mr Fish is entitled to receive other benefits on a similar basis to other employees.
Short-term annual incentivesMr Fish’s short-term performance rewards take the form of an annual incentive plan which rewards the achievement of Group, business unit and individual financial and non-financial targets. In line with US market practice, the maximum annual bonus potential is normally 200 per cent of salary, although additional amounts to a maximum of an additional 200 per cent of salary may be awarded, at the discretion of the Board, for exceptional performance as measured by the achievement of significant objectives.
Longer term incentivesMr Fish currently participates in two long term incentive plans established for executives of Citizens and may be eligible to participate in the company’s long tem incentive plans. The Remuneration Committee believes that it is appropriate to include, as part of his total remuneration package, an element of reward which is based on the value created in Citizens. It is also necessary to ensure that Mr Fish’s total remuneration package is competitive for the US market.
Citizens Long Term Incentive PlanMr Fish is eligible for an annual award under the Citizens Long Term Incentive Plan, a cash compensation plan designed to reward participants for achieving long-term financial results. A separate three-year cycle commences each year. The maximum award payable to him annually is 105 per cent of his average salary over the previous three-year period. These awards are not, in normal circumstances, payable until the relevant three-year performance target has been met. Each three-year performance target is based on the annual pre-tax income target for Citizens. For the maximum award to be paid in respect of each three-year target, Citizens must achieve 130 per cent of the three-year aggregate budgeted profit figure. This performance target has been chosen because it focuses on the profit targets of Citizens, which the Remuneration Committee believes are challenging, and aligns Mr Fish’s reward with the performance of Citizens. This performance target is measured by taking the pre-tax income for Citizens, which is a simple and transparent method of measuring a profit figure target.
Citizens Phantom 2000 PlanMr Fish has received two annual grants of awards under the Phantom 2000 Plan and, in line with the grant schedule put in place when the plan was approved by shareholders in 2000, no further awards will be made to him. Under this plan, units are awarded which are a cash-based proxy for share options. The value of the units at the time of vesting is performance-linked and depends on a formula, based on the absolute cumulative levels of economic profit generated by Citizens, the trend in economic profit earnings, and on the external market trends in the US banking sector, using the price/earnings ratios of comparator banks. This performance target has been chosen because it establishes a clear link between the level of potential incentive and the performance of Citizens. It is designed to provide competitive executive rewards in the US environment. Mr Fish may, in normal circumstances, exercise the award only between four and five years from the date of grant.
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The performance graphThe undernoted performance graph illustrates the performance of the company over the past five years in terms of total shareholder return compared with that of the companies comprising the FTSE 100 index. This index has been selected because it represents a cross-section of leading UK companies. The total shareholder return for the company and the FTSE 100 have been rebased to 0 for 1998.
Total shareholder return
Service contractsThe company’s policy in relation to the duration of contracts with directors is that executive directors’ contracts generally continue until termination by either party, subject to the required notice, or until retirement date. The notice period under the service contracts of executive directors will not normally exceed 12 months. However, the notice period may exceed 12 months if existing service contracts have notice periods greater than 12 months and the Remuneration Committee considers it appropriate not to reduce the existing notice period. In relation to newly recruited executive directors, subject to the prior approval of the Remuneration Committee, the notice period from the employing company required to terminate the contract will not normally exceed 12 months unless there is a clear case for this. Where a longer period of notice is initially approved on appointment, it will normally be structured such that it will automatically reduce to 12 months in due course.
All new service contracts for executive directors will be subject to approval by the Remuneration Committee. It will be the norm to include in those contracts standard clauses covering the performance review process, the company’s normal disciplinary procedure, and terms for dismissal in the event of failure to perform or in situations involving actions in breach of the Group’s policies.
Any compensation payment made in connection with the departure of an executive director will be subject to approval by the Remuneration Committee, having regard to the terms of the service contract and the reasons for termination.
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Information regarding executive directors’ service contracts is summarised in the table and notes below.
Except as noted below, in the event of severance of contract where any contractual notice period is not worked, the employing company may pay a sum to the executive in lieu of this period of notice. Any such payment would, at maximum, comprise base salary and a cash value in respect of fixed benefits (including pension plan contributions). In the event of failure to perform, or in situations involving breach of the employing company’s policies resulting in dismissal, reduced or no compensation will be paid to the executive. Depending on the circumstances of the termination of employment, the executive may be entitled, or the Remuneration Committee may exercise its discretion to allow, the executive to exercise outstanding awards under long-term incentive arrangements. Exceptions to these severance arrangements are as follows:
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Chairman and non-executive directorsThe original date of appointment as a director of the company and the scheduled date for the next re-election is as follows:
Other than Mr Robertson, the non-executive directors do not have service contracts or notice periods, although under the company’s articles of association, all directors must retire by rotation and seek re-election by shareholders at least every three years.
Mr Robertson entered into a new contract to reflect his role as a non-executive director, which took effect on 25 June 2003. Under this contract, Mr Robertson’s appointment will terminate at the company’s annual general meeting in April 2005, unless terminated earlier by either party on one month’s written notice.
No compensation would be paid to the Chairman or to any non-executive director in the event of early termination.
The tables and explanatory notes on pages 78 to 81 report the remuneration of each director for the year ended 31 December 2003 and have been audited by the company’s auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP.
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Directors’ remuneration
* includes 10% profit sharing
Basic salary is the only component of the remuneration package which is pensionable.
No director received any expense allowances chargeable to UK income tax or compensation for loss of office/termination payment. The non-executive directors did not receive any bonus payments or benefits.
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Share optionsOptions to subscribe for ordinary shares of 25p each in the company granted to, and exercised by, directors during the year to 31 December 2003 are included in the table below:
* Options held under the sharesave and option 2000 schemes, which are not subject to performance conditions.
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No options had their terms and conditions varied during the accounting period to 31 December 2003. No payment is required on the award of an option.
The executive share options which are exercisable from March 2002 onwards are subject to the satisfaction of an EPS growth target such that no option is exercisable unless the growth in the company’s EPS over three years has exceeded the growth in the RPI plus 9%. In respect of executive share options exercisable before March 2002 the performance condition is that the growth in the company’s EPS over three years has exceeded the growth in the RPI plus 6%.
The market price of the company’s ordinary shares at 31 December 2003 was £16.46 and the range during the year to 31 December 2003 was £12.37 to £17.80.
In the ten year period to 31 December 2003, awards made using new issue shares under the company’s share plans represented 4.2% of the company’s issued ordinary share capital, leaving an available dilution headroom of 5.8%.
Medium Term Performance Plan
*Awards were granted on 17 June 2001 and vested at 135.22% at the end of the performance period on 31 December 2003.No variation was made to any of the terms of the plan during the year. The performance measures are detailed on page 73.
Phantom 2000 Plan
No variation was made to any of the terms of the plan during the year. The performance measures are detailed on page 74.
Citizens Long Term Incentive Plan
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Directors’ pension arrangementsDuring the year, Mr Goodwin, Mr McLuskie, Mr Pell,Mr Robertson and Mr Watt participated in The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Pension Fund (‘the RBS Fund’). The RBS Fund is a defined benefit fund which provides pensions and other benefits within Inland Revenue limits.
The pension entitlements of Mr Goodwin, Mr Pell, Mr Robertson, and Mr Watt within the RBS Fund are restricted by Inland Revenue limits as set out in the Finance Act 1989. Additional life assurance cover in excess of these limits is provided by a separate arrangement. Arrangements have been made to provide Mr Goodwin and Mr Pell with additional pension benefits on a defined benefit basis outwith the RBS Fund. The figures shown below include the accrual in respect of these arrangements. Mr Watt is provided with additional pension benefits on a defined contribution basis and contributions made in the year are shown below.
Sir George Mathewson receives life insurance cover under an individual arrangement. The non-executive directors do not accrue pension benefits, other than Mr Robertson who continued to accrue benefits in the RBS Fund after his appointment as a non-executive director.
Mr Fish accrues pension benefits under a number of arrangements in the USA. Defined benefits are built up under the Citizens’ Qualified Plan, Excess Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Arrangement. In addition, he is a member of two defined contribution arrangements – a Qualified 401(k) Plan and an Excess 401(k) Plan.
As in the 2002 Report and Accounts, disclosure of these benefits has been made in accordance with the Stock Exchange Listing Rules and the Combined Code and with the Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations 2002.
* net of statutory revaluation applying to deferred pensions
Contributions and allowances paid in the year ended 31 December 2003 under defined contribution arrangements were:
Bob Scott, Chairman of the Remuneration Committee18 February 2004
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Directors’ interests in shares
Ordinary sharesThe following directors held a beneficial interest in the company’s ordinary shares:
No other director had an interest in the company’s ordinary shares during the year.
Additional Value sharesThe following directors held a beneficial interest in the company’s Additional Value Shares:
No other director had an interest in the company’s Additional Value Shares during the year.
Following the final dividend payment on the Additional Value Shares on 1 December 2003, the Additional Value Shares were de-listed from the London Stock Exchange, converted to Non-voting Deferred Shares and transferred to RBS NVDS Nominees Limited. None of the directors has an interest in the Non-voting Deferred Shares.
Preference sharesMr Fish held 20,000 non-cumulative preference shares of US$0.01 each at 31 December 2003 (2002 – 20,000). No other director had an interest in the preference shares during the year.
Loan notesNo director had an interest in loan notes during the year.
The company’s Register of Directors’ Interests, which is open to inspection, contains full details of directors’ shareholdings and options to subscribe.
On 7 January 2004 and 9 February 2004, eight and seven ordinary shares of 25p each, respectively, were acquired by Mr Goodwin under the Group’s Buy As You Earn share scheme.
On 7 January 2004 and 9 February 2004, eight and seven ordinary shares of 25p each, respectively, were acquired by Mr McLuskie under the Group’s Buy As You Earn share scheme.
No director held a non-beneficial interest in the shares of the company at 31 December 2003, at 1 January 2003 or date of appointment if later.
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Statement of directors’ responsibilities
United Kingdom company law requires the directors to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the Group as at the end of the financial year and of the profit or loss of the Group for that year. In preparing those accounts, the directors are required to:
The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 1985. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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Financial statements
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Independent auditors’ report to the members ofThe Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc
We have audited the financial statements of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (“the company”) and its subsidiaries (together “the Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2003 which comprise the accounting policies, the profit and loss account, the balance sheets, the cash flow statement, the statement of total recognised gains and losses, the reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds and the related notes 1 to 53. These financial statements have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein. We have also audited the information in the part of the directors’ remuneration report that is described as having been audited.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
As described in the ‘Statement of directors’ responsibilities’, the company’s directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and accounting standards. They are also responsible for the preparation of the other information contained in the Annual Report on Form 20-F including the directors’ remuneration report. Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report described as having been audited in accordance with relevant United Kingdom legal and regulatory requirements and auditing standards.
We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and whether the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report described as having been audited have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the directors’ report is not consistent with the financial statements, if the company has not kept proper accounting records, if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified by law regarding directors’ remuneration and transactions with the company and other members of the Group is not disclosed.
We review whether the corporate governance statement reflects the company's compliance with the seven provisions of the Combined Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority, and we report if it does not. We are not required to consider whether the Board's statements on internal control cover all risks and controls, or form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group's corporate governance procedures or its risk and control procedures.
We read the directors’ report and the other information contained in the Annual Report on Form 20-F as described in the contents section including the unaudited part of the directors’ remuneration report and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements.
Basis of audit opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with United Kingdom auditing standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board and with generally accepted auditing standards in the United States of America. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report described as having been audited. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the circumstances of the company and the Group, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.
We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report described as having been audited are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion, we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report described as having been audited.
UK Opinion
In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the Group as at 31 December 2003 and of the profit and cash flows of the Group for the year then ended and the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report described as having been audited have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985.
US Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2003 and 2002 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 31 December 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom.
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of net income for each of the three years in the period ended 31 December 2003 and the determination of shareholders’ equity as at 31 December 2003 and 2002, to the extent summarised in Note 53 to the financial statements.
Deloitte & Touche LLP Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors Edinburgh 18 February 2004
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Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards in the UK and the Statements of Recommended Accounting Practice issued by the British Bankers’ Association and by the Finance and Leasing Association. The Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the Association of British Insurers (1998) has been followed by the insurance members of the Group; they have been consolidated in the recognised manner for banking groups, in particular, by using the embedded value method for life business. A summary of the more important accounting policies is set out below. The consolidated accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 1985 (“the Act”) relating to banking groups.
The accounts of the company are prepared in accordance with section 226 of, and Schedule 4 to, the Act and, as permitted by section 230(3) of the Act, no profit and loss account is presented.
1 Accounting convention and bases of consolidationThe accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention modified by the periodic revaluation of premises and certain investments. To avoid undue delay in the presentation of the Group’s accounts, the accounts of certain subsidiary undertakings have been made up to 30 November. There have been no changes in respect of these subsidiary undertakings, in the period from their balance sheet dates to 31 December, that materially affect the view given by the Group’s accounts.
2 Revenue recognitionInterest is credited to the profit and loss account as it accrues unless there is significant doubt that it can be collected (as described in the accounting policy on loans and advances).
Fees in respect of services are recognised as the right to consideration accrues through performance to customers. Services are in respect of financial services related products, the arrangement is generally contractual, the cost of providing this service is incurred as the service is rendered and the price is usually fixed and always determinable.
The application of the Group’s policy to significant fee types is outlined below.
Loan origination fees: up-front lending fees are recognised as income when receivable except where they are charged in lieu of interest or charged to cover the cost of a continuing service to the borrower, in which case they are credited to income over the life of the advance.
Commitment and utilisation fees: these are generally determined as a percentage of the outstanding used or unused facility. They are usually charged to the customer in arrears and recognised when charged.
Payment services: this comprises income received for payment services including cheques cashed, direct debits, Clearing House Automated Payments (the UK electronic settlementsystem) and BACS payments (the automated clearing house that processes direct debits and direct credits). These are generally charged on a per transaction basis. The income is earned when the payment or transaction occurs. Payment services income is usually charged to the customer’s account, monthly or quarterly in arrears. Accruals are raised for services provided but not charged at period end.
Card related services: fees from credit card business include:
Commission received from retailers for processing credit and debit card transactions: income is accrued to the profit and loss account as the service is performed.Interchange received: as issuer, the Group receives a fee (interchange) each time a cardholder purchases goods and services. The Group also receives interchange fees from other card issuers for providing cash advances through its branch and Automated Teller Machine networks. These fees are accrued once the transaction has taken place.An annual fee payable by a credit card holder is charged at the beginning of each year but is deferred and taken to income over the period of the service i.e. 12 months.
Commission received from retailers for processing credit and debit card transactions: income is accrued to the profit and loss account as the service is performed.
Interchange received: as issuer, the Group receives a fee (interchange) each time a cardholder purchases goods and services. The Group also receives interchange fees from other card issuers for providing cash advances through its branch and Automated Teller Machine networks. These fees are accrued once the transaction has taken place.
An annual fee payable by a credit card holder is charged at the beginning of each year but is deferred and taken to income over the period of the service i.e. 12 months.
Insurance brokerage: this is made up of fees and commissions received from the agency sale of insurance. Commission on the sale of an insurance contract is earned at the inception of the policy as the insurance has been arranged and placed. However, provision is made where commission is refundable in the event of policy cancellation in line with estimated cancellations.
Securities and derivatives held for trading are recorded at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognised in dealing profits together with dividends from, and interest receivable and payable on, trading business assets and liabilities.
3 GoodwillGoodwill is the excess of the cost of acquisition of subsidiary and associated undertakings over the fair value of the Group’s share of net tangible assets acquired. Goodwill arising on acquisitions of subsidiary and associated undertakings after 1 October 1998 is capitalised on the balance sheet and amortised on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful economic life, currently over periods up to 20 years.Capitalised goodwill is reviewed for impairment at the end of the first full year following an acquisition and subsequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable in full. Goodwill arising on acquisitions of subsidiary and associated undertakings prior to 1 October 1998, previously charged directly against profit and loss account reserves, was not reinstated under the transitional provisions of FRS 10 ‘Goodwill and Intangible Assets’. It will be written back only on disposal and reflected in the calculation of the gains or losses arising.
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Accounting policies continued
4 Foreign currenciesMonetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Profit and loss accounts of overseas branches and subsidiary undertakings are translated at the average rates of exchange for the period. Exchange differences arising from the application of closing rates of exchange to the opening net assets of overseas branches and subsidiary undertakings and from restating their results from average to period-end rates are taken to profit and loss account reserves, together with exchange differences arising on related foreign currency borrowings. All other exchange differences are included in operating profit.
5 Pensions and other post-retirement benefitsThe Group provides post-retirement benefits in the form of pensions and healthcare plans to eligible employees. The cost of defined benefit pension schemes and healthcare plans is assessed by independent professionally qualified actuaries and recognised on a systematic basis over employees’ service lives. Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are recognised in the profit and loss account when payable.
6 LeasesContracts to lease assets are classified as finance leases if they transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to the customer. Other contracts to lease assets are classified as operating leases. Total gross earnings under finance leases are allocated to accounting periods using the actuarial after tax method to give a constant periodic rate of return on the net cash investment. Finance lease receivables are stated in the balance sheet at the amount of the net investment in the lease. Rental income from operating leases is credited to the profit and loss account on a receivable basis over the term of the lease. Balance sheet carrying values of finance lease receivables and operating lease assets include amounts in respect of the residual values of the leased assets. Unguaranteed residual values are subject to regular review to identify potential impairments. Provisions are made for impairment arising on specific asset categories.
7 General insuranceGeneral insurance comprises short-duration contracts and include principally property and liability insurance contracts. Due to the nature of the products sold – retail based property and casualty, motor, home and personal health insurance contracts – the insurance protection is provided on an even basis throughout the term of the policy.
In calculating operating profit from general insurance activities, premiums (net of reinsurance premiums) are recognised in the accounting period in which they begin. Unearned premiums represent the proportion of the net premiums that relate to periods of insurance after the balance sheet date and are calculated over the period of exposure under the policy, on a daily basis, 24th’s basis or allowing for the estimated incidence of exposure under policies which are longer than twelve months. Provision is made where necessary for the estimatedamount required over and above unearned premiums net of reinsurance, including that in respect of future written business on discontinued lines under the run-off of delegated underwriting authority arrangements. It is designed to meet future claims and related expenses and is calculated across related classes of business on the basis of a separate carry forward of deferred acquisition expenses after making allowance for investment income.
Acquisition expenses relating to new and renewed business for all classes are deferred over the period during which the premiums are unearned. The principal acquisition costs so deferred are commissions payable, direct advertising expenditure, costs associated with the telesales and underwriting staff and prepaid claims handling costs in respect of delegated claims handling arrangements for claims which are expected to occur after the balance sheet date.
Claims (net of reinsurance) are recognised in the accounting period in which the loss occurs. Provision is made for the full cost (net of reinsurance) of settling outstanding claims at the balance sheet date, including claims estimated to have been incurred but not yet reported at that date, and claims handling expenses.
8 Long-term life assurance businessThe Group’s long-term assurance business includes whole-life, guaranteed renewable term life, endowment, annuity and universal life contracts that are expected to remain in force for an extended period of time, generally five to forty years.
The value placed on the Group’s long-term life assurance business comprises the net assets of the Group’s life assurance subsidiaries, including its interest in the surpluses retained within the long-term assurance funds, and the present value of profits inherent in in-force policies. In calculating the value of in-force policies, future surpluses expected to emerge are estimated using appropriate assumptions as to future mortality, persistency and levels of expenses, which are then discounted at a risk-adjusted rate. Changes in this value, which is determined on a post-tax basis, are included in operating profit, grossed up at the underlying rate of taxation.
Long-term assurance assets attributable to policyholders are valued on the following bases: equity shares and debt securities at market price; investment properties and loans at valuation. These assets are held in the life funds of the Group’s life assurance companies, and although legally owned by them, the Group only benefits from these assets when surpluses are declared. To reflect the distinct nature of the long-term assurance assets, they are shown separately on the consolidated balance sheet, as are liabilities attributable to policyholders.
The Group has reinsured contracts that transfer significant insurance risk. Within net assets, the reinsurance cash flows are recognised when they become payable. For most contracts this effectively spreads the cost of reinsurance over the life of the reinsured contracts. In some cases, the acquisition costs
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are financed by the reinsurer offering a nil premium payment period. In these cases, the acquisition costs incurred on the underlying insurance contracts are compared with the benefit arising with respect to the nil premium paying period on the reinsurance contract.
9 Loans and advancesThe Group makes provisions for bad and doubtful debts, through charges to the profit and loss account, so as to record impaired loans and advances at their expected ultimate net realisable value.
Specific provisions are made against individual loans and advances that the Group no longer expects to recover in full. For the Group’s portfolios of smaller balance homogeneous advances, such as credit card receivables, specific provisions are established on a portfolio basis taking into account the level of arrears, security and past loss experience. For loans and advances that are individually assessed, the specific provision is determined from a review of the financial condition of the borrower and any guarantor and takes into account the nature and value of any security held.
The general provision is made to cover bad and doubtful debts that have not been separately identified at the balance sheet date but are known to be present in any portfolio of advances. The level of general provision is determined in the light of past experience, current economic and other factors affecting the business environment and the Group’s monitoring and control procedures, including the scope of specific provisioning procedures.
Specific and general provisions are deducted from loans and advances. When there is significant doubt that interest receivable can be collected, it is excluded from the profit and loss account and credited to an interest suspense account. Loans and advances and suspended interest are written off in part or in whole when there is no realistic prospect of recovery.
10 TaxationProvision is made for taxation at current enacted rates on taxable profits taking into account relief for overseas taxation where appropriate. Timing differences arise where gains and losses are accounted for in different periods for financial reporting purposes and for taxation purposes. Deferred taxation is accounted for in full for all such timing differences, except in relation to revaluations of fixed assets where there is no commitment to dispose of the asset, taxable gains on sales of fixed assets that are rolled over into the tax cost of replacement assets, and unremitted overseas earnings. Deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that it is considered more likely than not that they will be recovered. Deferred tax amounts are not discounted.
11 Debt securities and equity sharesDebt securities and equity shares intended for use on a continuing basis in the Group’s activities are classified as investment securities and are stated at cost less provision forany permanent diminution in value. The cost of dated investment securities is adjusted for the amortisation of premiums or discounts over periods to redemption and the amortisation is included in interest receivable. Other debt securities and equity shares are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in the profit and loss account.
12 Shares in subsidiary undertakingsThe company’s shares in subsidiary undertakings are stated in the balance sheet of the company at directors’ valuation that takes account of the subsidiary undertakings’ net asset values.
13 Interests in associated undertakingsInterests in associated undertakings are accounted for by the equity method and are stated in the consolidated balance sheet at the Group’s share of their net tangible assets. The Group’s share of the results of associated undertakings is included in the consolidated profit and loss account. For this purpose, the latest available audited accounts are used together with available unaudited interim accounts.
14 Tangible fixed assetsFreehold and long leasehold properties are revalued on a rolling basis, each property being revalued at least every five years. Other tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation and provisions for impairment. Costs of adapting premises for the use of the Group are separately identified and depreciated.
Tangible fixed assets are depreciated to their residual value over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight-line basis, as follows:
Assets on operating leases are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line or reverse-annuity basis. Land has an unlimited life and is not depreciated.
Investment properties are revalued annually to open market value. No depreciation is charged on freehold investment properties, in accordance with the requirements of Statement of Standard Accounting Practice 19 ‘Accounting for investment properties’. This is a departure from the requirements of the Companies Act 1985 which requires all tangible fixed assets to be depreciated. Investment properties are held not for consumption but for investment and the directors consider that to depreciate them would not give a true and fair view. It is not practicable to assess estimated useful lives for investment properties, and accordingly the effect of not depreciating them cannot be reasonably quantified.
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15 DerivativesThe Group enters into derivative transactions including futures, forwards, swaps and options principally in the interest rate, foreign exchange and equity markets. The accounting treatment for these instruments is dependent upon whether they are entered into for trading or non-trading (hedging) purposes.
TradingDerivatives held for trading purposes are recognised in the accounts at fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are included in dealing profits in the consolidated profit and loss account. Fair value is based on quoted market prices. Where representative market prices are not available, the fair value is determined from current market information using appropriate pricing or valuation models. Adjustments are made to quoted market prices where appropriate to cover credit risk, liquidity risk and future operational costs. In the consolidated balance sheet, positive fair values (assets) of trading derivatives are included in Other assets and negative fair values (liabilities) in Other liabilities. Positive and negative fair values of trading derivatives are offset where the contracts have been entered into under master netting agreements or other arrangements that give a legally enforceable right of set-off.
Non-tradingNon-trading derivatives are entered into by the Group to hedge exposures arising from transactions entered into in the normal course of banking activities. They are recognised in the accounts in accordance with the accounting treatment of the underlying transaction or transactions being hedged. To be classified as non-trading, a derivative must match or eliminate the risk inherent in the hedged item from potential movements in interest rates, exchange rates or market values. In addition, there must be a demonstrable link to an underlying transaction, pool of transactions or specified future transaction or transactions. Specified future transactions must be reasonably certain to arise for the derivative to be accounted for as a hedge. In the event that a non-trading derivative transaction is terminated or ceases to be an effective hedge, the derivative is re-measured at fair value and any resulting profit or loss amortised over the remaining life of the underlying transaction or transactions being hedged. If a hedged item is derecognised, or a specified future transaction is no longer likely to occur, the related non-trading derivative is remeasured at fair value and the resulting profit or loss taken to the profit and loss account.
16 Sale and repurchase transactionsSecurities which have been sold with an agreement to repurchase continue to be shown on the balance sheet and the sale proceeds recorded as a deposit. Securities acquired in reverse sale and repurchase transactions are not recognised in the balance sheet and the purchase price is treated as a loan. The difference between the sale price and repurchase price is accrued evenly over the life of the transaction and charged or credited to the profit and loss account as interest payable or receivable.
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Consolidated profit and loss accountfor the year ended 31 December 2003
All items dealt with in arriving at profit on ordinary activities before tax relate to continuing operations.
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation and the retained profit for the year on a historical cost basis were not materially different from the reported amounts.
* includes integration expenditure (see Note 4)
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Consolidated balance sheetat 31 December 2003
The accounts were approved by the Board of directors on 18 February 2004 and signed on its behalf by:
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Statement of consolidated total recognised gains and lossesfor the year ended 31 December 2003
Reconciliation of movements in consolidated shareholders’ fundsfor the year ended 31 December 2003
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Consolidated cash flow statementfor the year ended 31 December 2003
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Balance sheet – the companyat 31 December 2003
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Notes on the accounts
1 Dealing profits
Dealing profits include interest income and expense recognised on trading-related interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and exclude direct costs and administrative expenses.
2 Administrative expenses – staff costs
The average number of persons employed by the Group during the year, excluding temporary staff, was 119,500 (2002 – 113,500; 2001 – 99,400).
3 Pension costsThe Group operates a number of pension schemes throughout the world. The main schemes are defined benefit schemes whose assets are independent of the Group’s finances. The total pension cost for the Group was as follows:
At 31 December 2003, there was a pension cost prepayment of £112 million and accrual of £18 million (2002 – prepayment of £136 million and accrual of £17 million; 2001 – prepayment of £115 million and accrual of £33 million).
On the acquisition of NatWest in March 2000, a surplus of £1,070 million on its major schemes was recognised in the consolidated balance sheet, and is being amortised over the average future service life of members of the schemes. The unamortised balance as at 31 December 2003 was £755 million (2002 – £838 million) before tax and £529 million (2002 – £587 million) after tax. The unamortised balance before tax is included in ‘Other assets’.
The Group’s two main UK pension schemes, The Royal Bank of Scotland Staff Pension Scheme and the National Westminster Bank Pension Fund, merged on 1 April 2002 to form The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Pension Fund. Scheme valuations are carried out by independent professionally qualified actuaries to determine pension costs, using the projected unit method; any imbalance between assets and liabilities is adjusted over the average future service life of members of the scheme. The assumptions that have the most significant effect on the results of the valuations are those relating to the valuation rate of interest and the rates of increases in salaries and pensions.
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The latest formal valuation of The Royal Bank of Scotland Staff Pension Scheme and the National Westminster Bank Pension Fund was carried out as at 31 March 2001 on a basis that assumed the merger of the schemes. The results of this valuation and the principal actuarial assumptions were:
In addition, allowance is made for promotional salary increases.
The pension costs relating to the merged schemes were:
In addition to the main scheme, the Group operates a number of other UK and overseas pension schemes and also provides other post-retirement benefits, principally through subscriptions to private healthcare schemes in the UK and the US and unfunded post-retirement benefit plans. Provision for the costs of these benefits is charged to the profit and loss account over the average remaining future service lives of the eligible employees. The amounts are not material.
In accordance with SSAP 24, the pension costs relating to the main scheme are based on the actuarial valuation as at 31 March 2001. Since that date, stock market equity values and bond yields have declined. The next triennial actuarial valuation will be carried out as at 31 March 2004.
FRS 17In accordance with the transitional requirements of FRS 17 interim valuations of the Group’s schemes were prepared to 31 December 2003 and 31 December 2002 by independent actuaries, using the following assumptions:
* weighted average
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Notes on the accounts continued
Pension costs (continued)
The values of the assets and liabilities of the schemes at 31 December 2003 and 2002 and the effect on the Group’s reserves if they were to be incorporated in the balance sheet were as follows:
Main UKscheme£m
The assumptions for long-term rates of return on the principal classes of assets at 31 December 2003 were equities 8.4%, gilts 4.8%, other bonds 5.6%, property 6.6% and cash and other assets 4.9% (2002 – equities 8.4%, gilts 4.5%, other bonds 5.75%, property 6.5% and cash 4.5%; 2001 – equities 8.4%, gilts 5.0%, other bonds 6.0%, property 6.8% and cash 4.5%).
The following amounts would be reflected in the profit and loss account and statement of total recognised gains and losses on implementation of FRS 17:
The contribution rate for 2003 and 2004 for the main scheme is 6.8% (2002 – 6.8%) of pensionable salaries.
98
4 Profit on ordinary activities before taxProfit on ordinary activities before tax is stated after taking account of the following:
Auditors’ remunerationAmounts paid to the auditors for statutory audit and other services were as follows:
The auditors’ remuneration for statutory audit work for the company was £0.1 million (2002 – £0.1 million). Non–audit fees paid to the auditors and their associates in the UK was £6.2 million (2002 – 6.3 million).
99
5 Tax on profit on ordinary activities
The actual tax charge differs from the expected tax charge computed by applying the standard rate of UK corporation tax of 30% as follows:
100
6 Preference and Additional Value Shares dividends
7 Ordinary dividends
8 Profit dealt with in the accounts of the companyOf the profit attributable to shareholders, £2,619 million (2002 – £1,955 million; 2001 – £1,033 million) has been dealt with in the accounts of the company.
9 Earnings per ordinary shareThe earnings per share are based on the following:
101
10 Treasury bills and other eligible bills
Treasury and other eligible bills are principally of short-term maturity and their market value is not materially different from carrying value.
11 Loans and advances to banks
102
12 Loans and advances to customers
The cost of assets acquired during the year for the purpose of letting under finance leases and hire purchase agreements was £6,361 million (2002 – £4,684 million).
The Group’s exposure to risk from its lending activities is widely diversified both geographically and industrially. Lending to the services sector, house mortgage lending, loans to financial institutions, other personal loans and lending to property companies exceeded 10% of total loans and advances to customers (before provisions).
Residual value exposures
The table below gives details of the unguaranteed residual values included in the carrying value of finance lease receivables (see above) and operating lease assets (see Note 20).
103
13 Provisions for bad and doubtful debts
In certain cases, interest may be charged to a customer’s account but, because its recoverability is in doubt, not recognised in the Group’s consolidated profit and loss account. Such interest is held in a suspense account and netted off against loans and advances in the consolidated balance sheet.
104
14 Debt securities
The cost of securities carried at market value is not disclosed because it cannot be determined without unreasonable expense.
Movements in debt securities which are held as investment securities were as follows:
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14 Debt securities (continued)The following table categorises the Group’s investment debt securities by maturity and yield (based on weighted averages) at 31 December 2003:
Gross gains of £158 million (2002 – £70 million) and gross losses of £47 million (2002 – £7 million) were realised on the sale and redemption of investment debt securities.
15 Equity shares
Movements in equity shares which are held as investment securities were as follows:
Gross gains of £68 million (2002 – £52 million) and gross losses of £7 million (2002 – £30 million) were realised on the sale of investment equity shares.
106
16 Interests in associated undertakingsMovements in interests in associated undertakings during the year were as follows:
Interests in associated undertakings are analysed as follows:
The principal associated undertaking is:
* Incorporating unaudited interim accounts.
Linea Directa Aseguradora S.A. operates in Spain.
Dividends receivable from associated undertakings (excluding related tax credits) totalled £9 million (2002– £1 million).
Transactions with associated undertakings are conducted on similar terms to third party transactions and are not material to the Group’s results or financial condition.
107
17 Shares in Group undertakings
Movements in shares in Group undertakings during the year were as follows:
On the historical cost basis, shares in Group undertakings at 31 December 2003 would have been included at a cost of £15,499 million (2002 – £13,863 million).
The principal subsidiary undertakings of the company are shown below. Their capital consists of ordinary and preference shares which are unlisted with the exception of certain preference shares issued by NatWest. The Royal Bank, Churchill Insurance Group PLC and RBS Life Holdings are directly owned by the company, and all of the other subsidiary undertakings are owned directly, or indirectly through intermediate holding companies, by the Royal Bank and are all wholly-owned. All of these subsidiaries are included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements and have an accounting reference date of 31 December.
The above information is provided in relation to the principal subsidiaries as permitted by Section 231(5) of the Companies Act 1985. Full information on all subsidiaries will be included in the Annual Return filed with the UK Companies House.
108
18 Loans to Group undertakings
19 Intangible fixed assets
109
20 Tangible fixed assets
On the historical cost basis, the Group’s freehold and long leasehold premises would have been included at £5,886 million (2002 – £3,638 million).
Freehold and long leasehold properties are revalued on a rolling basis, each property being valued at least every five years. Interim valuations outwith the five year cycle are carried out on properties where there is an indication that their value has changed significantly, given market conditions. The directors are not aware of any material change in the valuation of the Group’s properties and therefore no additional interim valuations were required.
Properties occupied by the Group are valued on the basis of Existing Use Value, except for certain specialised properties which are valued on a Depreciated Replacement Cost basis. Investment properties and properties to be disposed of are valued to reflect Open Market Value. Valuations are carried out by internal and external qualified surveyors who are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or, in the case of some overseas properties, locally qualified valuers.
110
21 Other assets
22 Long-term assurance businessThe long-term assurance assets and liabilities attributable to policyholders comprise:
The increase in the shareholders’ interest in the long-term assurance business included in the profit and loss account is calculated as follows:
111
23 Deposits by banks
24 Customer accounts
25 Debt securities in issue
26 Settlement balances and short positions
112
28 Deferred taxationProvision for deferred taxation has been made as follows:
29 Other provisions
113
30 Dated loan capital
114
115
31 Undated loan capital including convertible debt
116
32 Minority interests – non-equity
33 Share capital
* In December 2003, the AVS were converted to non-voting deferred shares of £0.01 each.
117
33 Share capital (continued)
Ordinary shares The following issues of ordinary shares were made during the year to 31 December 2003:
During the year to 31 December 2003, options were granted over 14.5 million ordinary shares under the company’s executive, sharesave and option 2000 schemes. At 31 December 2003, options granted under the company’s various schemes, exercisable up to 2013 at prices ranging from 388p to 1841p per share, were outstanding in respect of 69.6 million ordinary shares. In addition, options granted under the NatWest schemes were outstanding in respect of 7.3 million ordinary shares exercisable up to 2009 at prices ranging from 312p to 924p per share. As permitted by UITF 17 ‘Employee share schemes’ applicable to SAYE schemes, no cost has been recognised in respect of sharesave options.
Additional Value SharesApproximately 2.7 billion Additional Value Shares (“AVS”) with a total nominal value of £27 million were issued to shareholders by way of a bonus issue in July 2000 in connection with the acquisition of NatWest.
A dividend of 15 pence per AVS was paid on 3 December 2001, a second dividend of 30 pence per AVS on 2 December 2002 and a third and final dividend of 55 pence per AVS on 1 December 2003. The AVS were de-listed and in accordance with the terms of issue they were converted to Non-voting deferred shares and transferred to RBS NVDS Nominees Limited.
Preference sharesIn January 2003, the company redeemed the 8 million Series B and the 16 million Series C, non-cumulative preference shares of US$0.01 each, at a redemption price of US$25 per share, at a total cost of US$600 million.
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Non-cumulative preference shares
Non-cumulative preference shares entitle the holders thereof to receive periodic non-cumulative cash dividends at specified fixed rates for each Series payable out of distributable profits of the company.
The non-cumulative preference shares are redeemable at the option of the company, in whole or in part from time to time at the rates detailed below plus dividends otherwise payable for the then current dividend period accrued to the date of redemption.
In the event that the non-cumulative convertible preference shares are not redeemed on or before the redemption date, the holder may convert the non-cumulative convertible preference shares into ordinary shares in the company.
Under existing arrangements, no redemption or purchase of any non-cumulative preference shares may be made by the company without the prior consent of the UK Financial Services Authority.
On a winding-up or liquidation of the company, the holders of the non-cumulative preference shares will be entitled to receive, out of any surplus assets available for distribution to the company’s shareholders (after payment of arrears of dividends on the cumulative preference shares up to the date of repayment) pari passu with the cumulative preference shares, the non-cumulative sterling preference shares and all other shares of the company ranking pari passu with the non-cumulative preference shares as regards participation in the surplus assets of the company, a liquidation distribution of US$25 per non-cumulative preference share of US$0.01, US$1,000 per non-cumulative convertible preference share of US$0.01, €1,000 per non-cumulative convertible preference share of €0.01 and £1,000 per non-cumulative convertible preference share of £0.01, together with an amount equal to dividends for the then current dividend period accrued to the date of payment, before any distribution or payment may be made to holders of the ordinary shares as regards participation in the surplus assets of the company.
Except as described above, the holders of the non-cumulative preference shares have no right to participate in the surplus assets of the company.
Holders of the non-cumulative preference shares are not entitled to receive notice of or attend general meetings of the company except if any resolution is proposed for adoption by the shareholders of the company to vary or abrogate any of the rights attaching to the non-cumulative preference shares or proposing the winding-up or liquidation of the company. In any such case, they are entitled to receive notice of and to attend the general meeting of shareholders at which such resolution is to be proposed and will be entitled to speak and vote on such resolution (but not on any other resolution). In addition, in the event that, prior to any general meeting of shareholders, the company has failed to pay in full the three most recent quarterly dividend payments due on the non-cumulative dollar preference shares, the two most recent semi-annual dividend payments due on the non-cumulative convertible dollar preference shares and the most recent annual dividend payments due on the non-cumulative convertible euro preference shares and on the non-cumulative convertible sterling preference shares, the holders shall be entitled to receive notice of, attend, speak and vote at such meeting on all matters together with the holders of the ordinary shares, and in these circumstances only, the rights of the holders of the non-cumulative preference shares so to vote shall continue until the company shall have resumed the payment in full of the dividends in arrears.
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34 Reserves
The cumulative goodwill arising on acquisitions of subsidiary and associated undertakings which are still part of the Group and written off directly against profit and loss account reserves of the Group amounted to £1,133 million at 31 December 2003.
Exchange gains of £604 million (2002 – £281 million) arising on foreign currency borrowings have been offset in the Group’s profit and loss account reserves against differences on retranslating the net investment in overseas subsidiary and associated undertakings financed by these borrowings.
The tax effect of gains and losses taken directly to reserves was nil (2002 – £7 million charge).
Included in the closing balances of the Group’s revaluation reserves and profit and loss account at 31 December 2003 are cumulative net gains of £90 million (2002 – £55 million) relating to the retranslation of opening net assets of subsidiary and associated undertakings offset by foreign currency borrowing.
At 31 December 2003, 790,019 (2002 – 919,255) ordinary shares of 25p each of the company were held by the 1992 Employee Share Trust in respect of options under the executive option scheme and awards under the restricted share scheme. Included in ‘Other assets’ is an amount which reflects the exercise price of the options that the shares are expected to be used to satisfy.
120
Non-equity shareholders’ funds:
35 Lease commitmentsThe annual rental commitments of the Group under non-cancellable operating leases were as follows:
36 Analysis of total assets and liabilities
37 Collateral given and received under repurchase transactionsThe Group enters into securities repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions under which it receives or transfers cash or securities as collateral in accordance with normal market practice. Securities transferred under repurchase transactions included within securities on the balance sheet as follows:
Of the above securities, £25.0 billion (2002 – £25.1 billion) could be resold or repledged by the holder. Securities received as collateral under reverse repurchase agreements amounted to £57.7 billion (2002 – £46.1 billion), of which £53.6 billion (2002 – £39.3 billion) had been resold or repledged as collateral for the Group’s own transactions.
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38 Assets charged as security for liabilities
Included above are assets pledged with overseas government agencies and banks, and margin deposits placed with exchanges.
39 Derivatives In the normal course of business, the Group enters into a variety of derivative transactions principally in the foreign exchange and interest rate markets. These are used to provide financial services to customers and to take, hedge and modify positions as part of trading activities. Derivatives are also used to hedge or modify risk exposures arising on the balance sheet from a variety of activities including lending and securities investment.
The principal types of derivative contracts into which the Group enters are described below.
SwapsThese are over-the-counter (“OTC”) agreements between two parties to exchange periodic payments of interest, or payments for the change in value of a commodity, or related index, over a set period based on notional principal amounts. The Group enters into swap transactions in several markets. Interest rate swaps exchange fixed rates for floating rates of interest based on notional amounts. Basis swaps exchange floating or fixed interest calculated using different bases. Cross currency swaps are the exchange of interest based on notional values of different currencies. Equity and commodity swaps exchange interest for the return on an equity or commodity, or equity or commodity index.
OptionsCurrency and interest rate options confer the right, but not the obligation, on the buyer to receive or pay a specific quantity of an asset or financial instrument for a specified price at or before a specified date. Options may be exchange traded or OTC agreements. The Group principally buys and sells currency and interest rate options.
Futures and forwardsShort-term interest rate futures, bond futures and forward foreign exchange contracts are all agreements to deliver, or take delivery of, a specified amount of an asset or financial instrument based on the specified rate, price or index applied against the underlying asset or financial instrument, at a specified date. Futures are exchange traded at standardised amounts of the underlying asset or financial instrument. Forward contracts are OTC agreements and are principally dealt in by the Group in interest rates as forward rate agreements and in currency as forward foreign exchange contracts.
CollateralThe Group may require collateral in respect of the credit risk in derivative transactions. The amount of credit risk is principally the positive fair value of contracts. Collateral may be in the form of cash or in the form of a lien over a customer’s assets entitling the Group to make a claim for current and future liabilities.
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Maturity of replacement cost of over-the-counter contracts (trading and non-trading)Replacement cost indicates the Group’s derivatives credit exposure. The following table sets forth the gross positive fair values by maturity. The net replacement cost of internal trades is not included as there is no credit risk associated with them.
At 31 December 2003, the potential credit risk exposure, which is after netting and allowing for collateral received, of the Group’s trading and non-trading derivatives, was £5,405 million (2002 – £5,428 million) to banks and investment firms and £5,985 million (2002 – £5,482 million) to other counterparties.
Exchange traded contracts are excluded from the above table. Such contracts generally involve lower credit risk than OTC contracts as they are cleared through exchanges that require margin from participants and the daily settlement of gains and losses.
Trading derivativesThe following table shows the fair values of instruments in the derivatives trading portfolio:
Gains and losses on exchange traded contracts subject to daily margining requirements are settled daily. The fair value of such contracts included above reflects the last day’s variation margin.
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39 Derivatives (continued)The following table analyses, by maturity and contract type, the notional principal amounts of the Group’s trading derivatives:
Non-trading derivativesThe Group establishes non-trading derivatives positions externally with third parties and also internally. It should be noted that the following tables include the components of the internal hedging programme that transfers risks to the trading portfolios in the Group or to external third party participants in the derivatives markets.
The following table summarises the fair values and book values of derivatives held for non-trading activities and includes internal trades:
The following table analyses, by maturity and contract type, the notional principal amounts of the Group’s non-trading derivatives (third party and internal):
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40 Financial instruments
The Group’s objectives and policies in managing the risks that arise in connection with the use of financial instruments are set out in the Operating and financial review under ‘Market risk’, ‘Currency risk’ and ‘Equity risk’.
Interest rate sensitivity gap
The tables below summarise the Group’s interest rate sensitivity gap for its non-trading book at 31 December 2003 and 31 December 2002. The tables show the contractual repricing for each category of asset, liability and for off-balance sheet items. A liability (or negative) gap position exists when liabilities reprice more quickly or in greater proportion thanassets during a given period and tends to benefit net interest income in a declining interest rate environment. An asset (or positive) gap position exists when assets reprice more quickly or in greater proportion than liabilities during a given period and tends to benefit net interest income in a rising interest rate environment. Contractual repricing terms do not reflect the potential impact of early repayment or withdrawal. Positions may not be reflective of those in subsequent periods. Major changes in positions can be made promptly as market outlooks change. In addition, significant variations in interest rate sensitivity may exist within the re-pricing periods presented and among the currencies in which the Group has interest rate positions.
125
40 Financial instruments (continued)
Currency risk
The Group does not maintain material non-trading open currency positions other than the structural foreign currency translation exposures arising from its investment in overseas subsidiary and associated undertakings and their related funding.
The Group’s structural currency exposures were as follows:
Trading book market risk
An explanation of the value-at-risk (“VaR”) methodology of estimating potential losses arising from the Group’s exposure to market risk in its trading book and the main assumptions and parameters underlying it is given in ‘Risk management – market risk’ in the Operating and financial review.
The following table analyses the VaR for the Group’s trading portfolios by type of market risk exposure at the period end and as an average for the period and the maximum and minimum for the period:
126
Fair values of financial instruments
The following tables set out the fair values of the Group’s financial instruments. Fair value is the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Quoted market values are used where available; otherwise, fair values have been estimated based on discounted expected future cash flows and other valuation techniques. These techniques involve uncertainties and requireassumptions and judgements covering prepayments, credit risk and discount rates. Changes in these assumptions would significantly affect estimated fair values. The fair values reported would not necessarily be realised in an immediate sale; nor are there plans to settle liabilities prior to contractual maturity. As there is a wide range of valuation techniques, it may be inappropriate to compare the Group’s fair value information to independent markets or other financial institutions’ fair value.
127
Hedges
Derivatives and debt securities held for hedging purposes are accounted for in accordance with the treatment of the hedged transaction. As a result, any gains or losses on the hedging instrument arising from changes in fair values are not recognised in the profit and loss account immediately but are accounted for in the same manner as the hedged item.
During the year to 31 December 2003, gains of £58 million (2002 – £33 million) and losses of £95 million (2002 – £16 million) arising in previous periods were taken directly to the profit and loss account on financial instruments no longer accounted for as hedges.
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41 Memorandum items
Contingent liabilities and commitments
The amounts shown in the table below are intended only to provide an indication of the volume of business outstanding at 31 December. Although the Group is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance of the obligations undertaken by customers, the amounts shown do not, and are not intended to, provide any indication of the Group’s expectation of future losses.
Banking commitments and contingent obligations, which have been entered into on behalf of customers and for which there are corresponding obligations from customers, are not included in assets and liabilities. The Group’s maximum exposure to credit loss, in the event of non-performance by the other party and where all counterclaims, collateral or security proves valueless, is represented by the contractual nominal amount of these instruments included in the table above. These commitments and contingent obligations are subject to the Group’s normal credit approval processes and any potential loss is taken into account in assessing provisions for bad and doubtful debts in accordance with the Group’s provisioning policy.
Contingent liabilities
Acceptances – in accepting a bill of exchange drawn on it by a customer a bank undertakes to pay the holder of the bill at maturity. Most acceptances are presented for payment and reimbursement by the customer is usually immediate. In the UK, bills accepted by certain banks designated by the Bank of England are eligible for rediscount at the Bank of England.
Endorsements – in endorsing a bill of exchange a bank accepts liability for payment of any shortfall on the bill at maturity. Unlike acceptances, the endorsing bank receives value for the bill, which is then rediscounted.
Guarantees – the Group gives guarantees on behalf of customers. A financial guarantee represents an irrevocable undertaking that the Group will meet a customer’s obligations to third parties if the customer fails to do so. The maximum amount that the Group could be required to pay under a guarantee is its principal amount as disclosed in the table above. The Group expects most guarantees it provides to expire unused.
Other contingent liabilities – these include standby letters of credit, supporting customer debt issues and contingent liabilities relating to customer trading activities such as those arising from performance and customs bonds, warranties and indemnities.
Commitments
Documentary credits and other short-term trade related transactions – documentary letters are commercial letters of credit providing for payment by the Group to a named beneficiary against presentation of specified documents.
Commitments to lend – under a loan commitment the Group agrees to make funds available to a customer in the future. Loan commitments, which are usually for a specified term may be unconditionally cancellable or may persist, provided all conditions in the loan facility are satisfied or waived. Commitments to lend include commercial standby facilities and credit lines, liquidity facilities to commercial paper conduits and unutilised overdraft facilities.
Other commitments – these include forward asset purchases, forward forward deposits placed and undrawn note issuance and revolving underwriting facilities.
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.
129
41 Memorandum items (continued)Litigation
In December 2003, members of the Group were joined as defendants in a number of legal actions in the United States following the collapse of Enron. Collectively, the claims are, to a substantial degree, unquantified and in each case they are made against large numbers of defendants. The Group intends to defend these claims vigorously. The US Courts dealing with the main Enron actions have ordered that the Group join the non-binding, multi-party mediation which commenced in late 2003. Based on current knowledge including applicable defences and given the unquantified nature of these claims, the directors are unable at this stage to predict with certainty the eventual loss, if any, in these matters. The Group continues to co-operate fully with the appropriate authorities.
Members of the Group are engaged in other litigation in the United Kingdom and a number of overseas jurisdictions, including the United States, involving claims by and against them arising in the ordinary course of business. The directors of the company have reviewed the actual, threatened and known potential claims and proceedings and, after consulting with the Group’s legal advisers are satisfied that the outcome of these claims and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Group’s consolidated net assets, results of operations or cash flows.
42 AcquisitionsThe Group made a number of acquisitions during the year, all of which were accounted for using acquisition accounting principles. The most significant of these was Churchill Insurance Group PLC which was acquired by the company in September 2003 for a consideration of £1.1 billion.
The provisional fair values of the assets and liabilities of all acquisitions made during the year and the consideration paid are shown in the table below:
Fair value adjustments reflect the restatement of balances to their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition, and the related tax effect.
130
43 Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities
44 Analysis of the net outflow of cash in respect of the purchase of businesses and subsidiary undertakings
131
45 Sale of subsidiary and associated undertakings
46 Analysis of changes in financing during the year
47 Analysis of cash
Certain subsidiary undertakings are required to maintain balances with the Bank of England which, at 31 December 2003, amounted to £231 million (2002 – £211 million). Certain subsidiary undertakings are required by law to maintain reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank in the US. Such reserve balances amounted to US$190 million at 31 December 2003 (2002 – US$205 million).
48 Analysis of changes in cash during the year
132
49 Segmental analysisIn the tables below, the analyses of net assets are included in compliance with Statement of Standard Accounting Practice 25 ‘Segmental Reporting’. The fungible nature of liabilities within the banking industry results in allocations of liabilities which, in some cases, are necessarily subjective. The directors believe that it is more meaningful to analyse total assets and the result of this analysis is therefore also included in the tables.
The prior year data in the tables below have been restated to reflect the transfer in 2003 of certain activities from Corporate Banking and Financial Markets and Wealth Management to Manufacturing.
a) Classes of business
* Comprises provisions for bad and doubtful debts and amounts written off fixed asset investments.
133
49 Segmental analysis (continued)
Segmental analysis of goodwill is as follows:
(b) Geographical segmentsThe geographical analyses in the tables below have been compiled on the basis of location of office where the transactions are recorded.
134
50 Directors’ remuneration
Retirement benefits are accruing to six directors (2002 – six) under defined benefit schemes, two (2002 – two) of whom also accrued benefits under defined contribution schemes.
The executive directors may also participate in the company’s executive share option, sharesave and option 2000 schemes and details of their interests in the company’s shares arising from their participation are contained on page 79. Details of the remuneration received by each director during the year and each directors’ pension arrangements are given on pages 78 to 81.
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51 Transactions with directors, officers and others
Subsidiary undertakingsIn accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 8 ‘Related Party Disclosures’(“FRS 8”), transactions or balances between Group entities that have been eliminated on consolidation are not reported.InvestmentsGroup members provide development and other types of capital support to businesses in their roles as providers of finance. These investments are made in the normal course of business and on arm’s-length terms depending on their nature. In some instances, the investment may extend to ownership or control over 20% or more of the voting rights of the investee company. However, these investments are not considered to give rise to transactions of a materiality requiring disclosure under FRS 8.Pension FundThe Group recharges The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Pension Fund with the cost of administration services incurred by it. The amounts involved are not material to the Group. Santander Central Hispano (“SCH”)Details of the Group’s cross-holding with SCH are given on page 5. It is not a related party as defined in FRS 8.
Subsidiary undertakingsIn accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 8 ‘Related Party Disclosures’(“FRS 8”), transactions or balances between Group entities that have been eliminated on consolidation are not reported.
InvestmentsGroup members provide development and other types of capital support to businesses in their roles as providers of finance. These investments are made in the normal course of business and on arm’s-length terms depending on their nature. In some instances, the investment may extend to ownership or control over 20% or more of the voting rights of the investee company. However, these investments are not considered to give rise to transactions of a materiality requiring disclosure under FRS 8.
Pension FundThe Group recharges The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Pension Fund with the cost of administration services incurred by it. The amounts involved are not material to the Group.
Santander Central Hispano (“SCH”)Details of the Group’s cross-holding with SCH are given on page 5. It is not a related party as defined in FRS 8.
53 Significant differences between UK and US generally accepted accounting principlesThe consolidated financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with UK generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) that differ in certain material respects from US GAAP. The significant differences are summarised as follows:
(a)Acquisition accounting Under UK GAAP, all integration costs relating to acquisitions are expensed as post-acquisition expenses. Under US GAAP, certain restructuring and exit costs incurred in the acquired business are treated as liabilities assumed on acquisition and taken into account in the calculation of goodwill. Under UK GAAP, provisional fair value adjustments made in the accounting year in which the acquisition occurs may be amended in the subsequent accounting year. Under US GAAP, the allocation of the cost of acquisition to the fair values of assets and liabilities is generally completed within 12 months of the date of acquisition. (b) GoodwillUnder the Group’s UK GAAP accounting policy, goodwill arising on acquisitions after 1 October 1998 is recognised as an asset and amortised on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful economic life. Impairment tests on goodwill are carried out at the end of the first full accounting period after its acquisition, and whenever there are indications of impairment. Goodwill arising on acquisitions before 1 October 1998 was deducted from reserves immediately. Under US GAAP, goodwill is recognised as an asset, and is not amortised. Under the transition rules of SFAS 142 ‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets’, no amortisation is charged on acquisitions made after 30 June 2001; amortisation is charged up to 31 December 2001 for other goodwill. All goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually. Certain amounts included in goodwill under UK GAAP are classified as intangible assets under US GAAP and amortised over their useful economic life. (c)Property revaluation and depreciation The Group’s freehold and leasehold properties are carried at original cost or subsequent valuation. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is included in the Group’s reserves. Under US GAAP, revaluations of property are not permitted to be reflected in the financial statements. Depreciation charged and gains or losses on disposal under UK GAAP are based on the revalued amount of freehold and long leasehold properties; no depreciation is charged on investment properties which are revalued annually. Under US GAAP, the depreciation charge and gains or losses on disposal are based on the historical cost of all properties. (d) Leasehold property provisions Under UK GAAP, provisions are raised on leasehold properties when there is a commitment to vacate the property. US GAAP requires provisions to be recognised at the time the property is vacated. (e) Dividends Under UK GAAP, dividends are recorded in the period to which they relate, whereas under US GAAP dividends are recorded in the period in which they are declared. (f) Loan origination fees Under UK GAAP, certain loan fees are recognised when received. Under US GAAP, all non-refundable loan fees and certain direct costs are deferred and recognised as an adjustment to the yield on the related loan or facility. (g) Pension costs Pension costs, based on actuarial assumptions and methods, are charged in the consolidated accounts so as to allocate the cost of providing benefits over the service lives of employees in a consistent manner approved by the 136
Acquisition accounting Under UK GAAP, all integration costs relating to acquisitions are expensed as post-acquisition expenses. Under US GAAP, certain restructuring and exit costs incurred in the acquired business are treated as liabilities assumed on acquisition and taken into account in the calculation of goodwill.
Under UK GAAP, provisional fair value adjustments made in the accounting year in which the acquisition occurs may be amended in the subsequent accounting year. Under US GAAP, the allocation of the cost of acquisition to the fair values of assets and liabilities is generally completed within 12 months of the date of acquisition.
GoodwillUnder the Group’s UK GAAP accounting policy, goodwill arising on acquisitions after 1 October 1998 is recognised as an asset and amortised on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful economic life. Impairment tests on goodwill are carried out at the end of the first full accounting period after its acquisition, and whenever there are indications of impairment. Goodwill arising on acquisitions before 1 October 1998 was deducted from reserves immediately. Under US GAAP, goodwill is recognised as an asset, and is not amortised. Under the transition rules of SFAS 142 ‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets’, no amortisation is charged on acquisitions made after 30 June 2001; amortisation is charged up to 31 December 2001 for other goodwill. All goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually. Certain amounts included in goodwill under UK GAAP are classified as intangible assets under US GAAP and amortised over their useful economic life.
Property revaluation and depreciation The Group’s freehold and leasehold properties are carried at original cost or subsequent valuation. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is included in the Group’s reserves. Under US GAAP, revaluations of property are not permitted to be reflected in the financial statements.
Depreciation charged and gains or losses on disposal under UK GAAP are based on the revalued amount of freehold and long leasehold properties; no depreciation is charged on investment properties which are revalued annually. Under US GAAP, the depreciation charge and gains or losses on disposal are based on the historical cost of all properties.
Leasehold property provisions Under UK GAAP, provisions are raised on leasehold properties when there is a commitment to vacate the property. US GAAP requires provisions to be recognised at the time the property is vacated.
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actuary. US GAAP prescribes the method of actuarial valuation and also requires assets to be assessed at fair value and the assessment of liabilities to be based on current interest rates. Additionally, under US GAAP a minimum additional liability must be recognised if the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets and the Group has recorded a prepaid pension cost or has an accrued liability that is less than the unfunded accumulated benefit. This minimum additional liability represents the underfunding of the scheme on an accumulated benefit obligation basis, together with an amount equal to the pension prepayment. Movements in the minimum additional liability, together with the related deferred tax, are recognised through other comprehensive income as a deduction from equity. (h) Long-term assurance business The shareholders’ interest in the long-term assurance fund is valued as the discounted value of the cash flows expected to be generated from in-force policies together with net assets in excess of the statutory liabilities. Under US GAAP, for traditional business, premiums are recognised as revenue when due from the policyholders. Costs of claims are recognised when insured events occur. A liability for future policy benefits is established based upon the present value of future benefits less the present value of future net premiums. Acquisition costs for traditional business contracts are charged to the profit and loss account in proportion to premium revenue recognised. For unit-linked business, premiums and front-end load-type charges receivable from customers and acquisition costs relating to the acquisition of new contracts are capitalised and depreciated in proportion to the present value of estimated gross profits. Costs of claims are recognised when insured events occur. (i) Extinguishment of liabilities Under UK GAAP, recognition of a financial liability ceases once any transfer of economic benefits to the creditor is no longer likely. Under US GAAP, a financial liability is derecognised only when the creditor is paid or the debtor is legally released from being the primary obligator under the liability, either judicially or by the creditor. (j) Leasing In accordance with UK GAAP, the Group’s accounting policy for finance lease income receivable is to allocate total gross earnings to accounting periods so as to give a constant periodic rate of return on the net cash investment, and certain operating lease assets are depreciated on a reverse-annuity basis. Under US GAAP, finance lease income is recognised so as to give a level rate of return on the investment in the lease but without taking into account the associated tax flows, and all operating lease assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis. (k) Securities Under UK GAAP, the Group’s debt securities and equity shares are classified as being held as investment securities or for dealing purposes. Investment securities are stated at cost less provision for any permanent diminution in value. Premiums and discounts on dated debt securities are amortised to interest income over the period to maturity. Securities held for dealing purposes are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in the profit and loss account. Under US GAAP, securities held by the Group’s private equity business are considered to be held by investment companies and are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value being reflected in net income. The Group’s other investment debt securities and marketable investment equity shares are classified as available-for-sale securities with unrealised gains and losses reported in a separate component of equity. (l) Derivatives and hedging activities SFAS 133 ‘Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities’ was effective for the Group’s US GAAP information from 1 January 2001. The Group has not made changes in its use of non-trading derivatives to meet the hedge criteria of SFAS 133. As a result, from 1 January 2001, for US GAAP purposes, the Group’s portfolio of non-trading derivatives has been remeasured to fair value and changes in fair value reflected in net income. Under UK GAAP, these derivatives continue to be classified as non-trading and accounted for in accordance with the underlying transaction or transactions being hedged. SFAS 133 does not permit a non-derivative financial instrument to be designated as the hedging instrument in a fair value hedge of the foreign exchange exposure of available-for-sale securities. The Group’s UK and US GAAP reconciliations also reflect transition adjustments on initial application of SFAS 133. These adjustments were: a cumulative-effect-type adjustment increasing net income by £45 million (£65 million less tax of £20 million); and a cumulative-effect-type adjustment decreasing other comprehensive income by £51 million (£73 million less tax of £22 million). SFAS 133 also requires derivatives embedded in other financial instruments to be accounted for on a stand-alone basis if they have economic characteristics and risks that differ from those of the host instrument. US GAAP does not permit a profit or loss to be recognised on transacting a derivative unless its valuation is based on observable market data. There is no similar requirement under UK GAAP. Inception profits and losses reflecting the application of the Group’s usual pricing methodologies are recognised as they arise. (m) Software development costs Under UK GAAP, most software development costs are written off as incurred. Under US GAAP, certain costs relating to software developed for own use that are incurred after 1 January 1999 are capitalised and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the software. (n) Stock-based compensation Under UK GAAP, no compensation expense is recognised for the Group’s executive share option schemes, under which options are granted at the higher of nominal value and market value on the date of grant and for the Group’s
Derivatives and hedging activities SFAS 133 ‘Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities’ was effective for the Group’s US GAAP information from 1 January 2001. The Group has not made changes in its use of non-trading derivatives to meet the hedge criteria of SFAS 133. As a result, from 1 January 2001, for US GAAP purposes, the Group’s portfolio of non-trading derivatives has been remeasured to fair value and changes in fair value reflected in net income. Under UK GAAP, these derivatives continue to be classified as non-trading and accounted for in accordance with the underlying transaction or transactions being hedged. SFAS 133 does not permit a non-derivative financial instrument to be designated as the hedging instrument in a fair value hedge of the foreign exchange exposure of available-for-sale securities. The Group’s UK and US GAAP reconciliations also reflect transition adjustments on initial application of SFAS 133. These adjustments were: a cumulative-effect-type adjustment increasing net income by £45 million (£65 million less tax of £20 million); and a cumulative-effect-type adjustment decreasing other comprehensive income by £51 million (£73 million less tax of £22 million). SFAS 133 also requires derivatives embedded in other financial instruments to be accounted for on a stand-alone basis if they have economic characteristics and risks that differ from those of the host instrument.
US GAAP does not permit a profit or loss to be recognised on transacting a derivative unless its valuation is based on observable market data. There is no similar requirement under UK GAAP. Inception profits and losses reflecting the application of the Group’s usual pricing methodologies are recognised as they arise.
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53 Significant differences between UK and US generally accepted accounting principles (continued)
Sharesave schemes, under which employees are granted options at a 20% discount to market value at date of grant. Under US GAAP, the compensation is based on the estimated fair value which is charged to the profit and loss account over the period to their average vesting date. (o) Variable interest entities UK GAAP requires consolidation of entities controlled by an enterprise where control means the enterprise’s ability to direct the financial and operating policies of an entity with a view to gaining economic benefits. US GAAP requires consolidation by the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). An enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both. (p) Perpetual regulatory securitiesUnder UK GAAP, the Group’s perpetual regulatory securities are classified as liabilities. Under US GAAP, they are classified as equity instruments. (q) Acceptances Acceptances outstanding and the matching customers’ liabilities are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheet, but are disclosed as memorandum items. Under US GAAP, acceptances outstanding and the matching customers’ liabilities are reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. (r) Offset of repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements Under UK GAAP, debit and credit balances with the same counterparty are aggregated into a single item where there is a right to insist on net settlement and the debit balance matures no later than the credit balance. Under US GAAP, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements with the same counterparty may be offset only where they have the same settlement date specified at inception. (s) Deferred taxation Accounting for deferred tax under UK GAAP is consistent with US GAAP except that deferred tax is not recognised under UK GAAP on certain timing differences resulting from the roll-over of gains on disposal of properties, but is provided under US GAAP on such differences.
Recent developments in US GAAPIn April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 149 ‘Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities’. It amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities under SFAS 133. The statement is effectivefor contracts entered into or modified after 30 June 2003, and for hedging relationships designated after 30 June 2003. Implementation of SFAS 149 has had no effect on the Group’s US financial information.
The FASB issued SFAS 150 ‘Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity’ in May 2003. This statement addresses classification and measurement by an issuer of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS 150 also addresses the classification of certain financial instruments that embody obligations to issue equity shares. The statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after 31 May 2003 and is otherwise effective on or after 15 June 2003. SFAS 150 has not affected the classification of any of the capital instruments issued by the Group.
The FASB issued SFAS 132 (revised) ‘Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88 and 106’ in December 2003. This statement retains the disclosures required by SFAS 132 and requires additional information on changes in pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations and fair value of assets. SFAS 132R is effective for the Group’s 2003 financial statements.
In December 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46 (revised) ‘Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51.’ FIN 46R clarifies some of the provisions of FIN 46, issued in January 2003, and exempts certain entities from its requirements. FIN 46R replaces FIN 46 but as FIN 46R contains deferral provisions, FIN 46 is extant until FIN 46R is applied. FIN 46 and FIN 46R address accounting for VIEs. Expected losses and expected residual returns of a VIE have been clarified in FIN 46R as the expected negative variability and positive variability, respectively, in the fair value of its net assets excluding variable interests and include expected variability resulting from the operating results of the entity.
The Group elected to adopt the provisions of FIN 46R as at 31 December 2003, except in relation to certain investments made by its private equity business which is involved with entities that may be deemed to be VIEs. The FASB has deferred non-registered investment companies (entities that invest for capital appreciation and income) from the application of FIN 46R until the scope of investment company accounting has been clarified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The FASB continues to provide additional guidance on implementation of FIN 46. As further guidance is provided, the Group will continue to review the status of the VIEs with which it is involved.
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Selected figures in accordance with US GAAP
The following tables summarise the significant adjustments to consolidated net income available for ordinary shareholders and shareholders’ equity which would result from the application of US GAAP instead of UK GAAP. Where applicable, the adjustments are stated gross of tax with the tax effect shown separately in total.
Total assets under US GAAP, adjusted to reflect the inclusion of acceptances, provisions for contingent liabilities and commitments, the fair value of financial guarantees and the grossing-up of certain repurchase agreements offset under UK GAAP, together with the effect of adjustments made to net income and shareholders’ funds, were £488 billion (2002 – £431 billion).
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Earnings per shareBasic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) under US GAAP differs from UK GAAP only to the extent that the income calculated under US GAAP differs from that under UK GAAP.
* US GAAP net income available to ordinary shareholders, see page 139.
Convertible preference shares totalling £200 million (2002 – £200 million, 2001 – £800 million), €750 million (2002 and 2001 – €750 million) and $1,900 million (2002 and 2001 – $1,900 million) have not been included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect is anti-dilutive. Interest payments on the $1,200 million (2002 and 2001 – $1,200 million) perpetual regulatory securities may be settled by the issue of ordinary shares at the option of the company and have not been included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect is also anti-dilutive.
Outstanding options to purchase shares are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS where the exercise prices of the options are greater than the average market price of the ordinary shares during the relevant period. At 31 December 2003, there were 5.2 million such options outstanding (2002 –3.8 million; 2001 – 0.6 million).
PensionsOn 1 April 2002, the Group’s main pension schemes, The Royal Bank of Scotland Staff Pension Scheme and the National Westminster Bank Pension Fund, were merged to form The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Pension Fund (“the plan”). The provisions of SFAS 87 ‘Employers’ Accounting for Pensions’ have been applied to the plan, which covers most of the Group’s UK employees; the impact of US GAAP on the other Group schemes is considered to be immaterial.
A trust fund has been established under the plan, to which payments are made, determined on an actuarial basis, designed to build up reserves during the working life of full-time employees to pay such employees or dependants a pension after retirement. Such pensions are based on final pensionable salaries and are related to the length of service prior to retirement. Pensions are limited to a maximum oftwo-thirds of final salary for 40 years service or more. Staff do not make contributions for basic pensions but may make voluntary contributions on a regular basis to purchase additional service qualification where less than 40 years service will have been completed by normal retirement age.
The assets of the plan are held under separate trusts and, in the long-term, the funding policy is to maintain assets sufficient to cover the benefits in respect of service to date, with due allowance for future earnings increases. The plan assets consist mainly of fixed-income securities and listed securities. The investment policy followed for the plan seeks to deploy the plan assets primarily in UK and overseas equity shares and UK government securities.
Pension scheme disclosures required by SFAS 132R are set out below.
Obligations and funded status
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Assumptions
At 31 December 2003 and 2001, the fund had a surplus of assets over its accumulated benefit obligation and no minimum liability was recognised. At 31 December 2002, the fund’s accumulated benefit obligation was underfunded by £168 million. This resulted in a reduction in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of US GAAP shareholders’ equity of £3,568 million, comprising the excess of the accumulated benefit obligation over the market value of assets of £168 million, prepaid pension cost of £3,414 million less unrecognised prior service cost of £14 million. This was reduced by deferred tax of £1,070 million.
Cash flowsThe Group’s contribution to its main UK pension scheme in 2004 will be determined by the actuarial valuation to be completed as at 31 March 2004. The following pension payments under the main scheme, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
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Loan impairmentAt 31 December 2003 and 2002, the Group estimated that the difference between the carrying value of its loan portfolio under US GAAP and its value in the Group’s UK GAAP financial statements was such that no adjustment to net income or consolidated shareholders’ equity was required. At 31 December 2003, the Group’s non-accrual loans, loans past due 90 days and troubled debt restructurings amounted to £5,157 million (2002 – £4,871 million). Specific provisions of £2,782 million (2002 – £2,435 million) were held against these loans. Average non-accrual loans, loans past due 90 days and troubled debt restructurings for the year to 31 December 2003 were £5,166 million (2002 – £4,762 million).
Gross interest income not recognised, but which would have been recognised under the original terms of non-accrual and restructured loans, amounted to £237 million for the yearended 31 December 2003 (2002 – £234 million; 2001 – £173 million) from domestic loans and £55 million for the year ended31 December 2003 (2002 – £73 million; 2001 – £60 million) from foreign loans. Interest on non-accrual and restructured loans included in net income was £60 million for the year ended 31 December 2003 (2002 – £47 million; 2001 – £42 million) from domestic loans and £3 million for the year ended 31 December 2003 (2001 – £7 million; 2000 – £14 million) from foreign loans.
SecuritiesDuring 2003, there were no gross gains or gross losses included in US GAAP net income from transfers of securities from the available-for-sale category into the trading category. For 2003, net unrealised losses of £652 million on available-for-sale securities were included in US GAAP other comprehensive income and £164 million was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into US GAAP net income.
Cash flow statementsThere are many similarities between SFAS 95, ‘Statement of Cash Flows’ as amended by SFAS 104 ‘Statement of Cash Flows – Net Reporting of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments and Classification of Cash Flows from Hedging Transactions’, and FRS 1 ‘Cash Flow Statements’ (Revised). The principal differences are the classifications of certain transactions.
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Summary consolidated statements of cash flows presented on a US GAAP basis for each of the three years ended 31 December 2003 are set out below:
The composition of cash at 31 December 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the movement in cash for the years then ended are shown in Note 47 and Note 48 on the accounts respectively.
Stock-based compensation costsThe Group grants share options to executive officers under an executive share option scheme (the “executive scheme”) and to employees under a savings-related sharesave scheme (the “savings scheme”) and the option 2000 scheme.
Executive schemeUnder the terms of the executive scheme, senior management employees and executive directors of Group companies may participate in the executive scheme at the discretion of the Board of directors of the company. The executive scheme involves a participant being granted an option to subscribe for ordinary shares of the company at the higher of nominal value and market value of ordinary shares on the date of grant. Normally, options may be granted only within six weeks after the announcement of final or interim results of the Group for any particular year. Options may not be transferred or assigned. A participant may not be granted options over new shares to the extent that the aggregate subscription price would exceed four times his compensation. Options granted under the executive scheme are issued on a UK Inland Revenue approved or unapproved basis. Options are exercisable between the third and tenth anniversaries of the grant date, only if performance criteria are met. For options granted from 1996 to 1998, the criterion is the average growth in adjusted earnings per ordinary share to exceed the average increase in the UK Retail Prices Index by 2% per annum over a three year period. For options granted since 1999, the relevant percentage has been increased to 3% per annum.
Savings schemeUnder the Inland Revenue rules, a participant in a savings scheme is permitted to make a maximum monthly saving of £250 under approved savings schemes. Employees of Group companies in the UK and Ireland and certain offshore jurisdictions are offered participation in the savings scheme. Participants can make monthly savings for a period of three, five or seven years. Options may be granted at not less than 80% of the average market value of ordinary shares of the company by reference to dealings in the ordinary shares over the last three trading days of the week immediately preceding the date of an invitation to participate, or, if higher, at par. Options comprise, as nearly as possible, such number of ordinary shares as may be purchased at the option price with the proceeds on maturity after either three, five or seven years of the savings contract, and options may normally be exercised only within six months after the third, fifth or seventh anniversary of the savings contract. Options may not be transferred or assigned.
Option 2000 schemeOn 9 August 2000 and again on 4 April 2001, every qualifying permanent member of staff in the Group received an option over 150 shares in the company. The executive directors of the company waived their entitlement to the option granted on 4 April 2001. On 21 March 2002, options over 150 shares were granted to all employees of Mellon who transferred to Citizens Financial Group, and 1 September 2003 further options over 150 shares were granted to all employees of Churchill Insurance Group, as a result of the acquisition by the Group.
Under the scheme, options are granted at the market value of ordinary shares at the date of grant and may normally be exercised only between the third and sixth anniversary of the date of grant.
Limitations of the option schemes:
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The following is a summary of outstanding options under the various schemes:
In 2003, awards totalling 341,269 options (2002 – 59,869; 2001 – 91,742) with negligible exercise prices and 59,525 shares (2002 and 2001 – nil) were made under the Group’s medium-term performance plan. Under the plan, the amount of shares or options that vest ranges from nil to 200% of the award depending on the annual growth in the Group’s earnings per share and its performance relative to that of a comparator group of companies principally from the UK financial services sector.
The following table shows options outstanding by normal exercise date. An option life of 5 years, being the midpoint on the 10 year option, has been assumed for options granted under Group and former NatWest executive plans.
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If the compensation cost for the schemes had been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates consistent with the fair value method of SFAS 123, net income and earnings per share as adjusted to include stock compensation would have been as shown below:
The fair value of each option has been estimated as at the grant date using a Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:
The following table summarises fair values of options issued in each year:
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GoodwillThe Group has fully implemented SFAS 142 ‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets’, with effect from 1 January 2002. Under this standard, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortised and are subject to annual impairment tests. Other intangible assets continue to be amortised over their useful lives. The Group has completed the impairment tests required under SFAS 142 and no impairment has been recognised as a result.
The table below sets out reported net income reconciled to net income adjusted to comply with SFAS 142.
Intangible assets other than goodwill
A summary of the carrying value of intangible assets other than goodwill is as follows:
The weighted average amortisation period of intangible assets other than goodwill are:
Amortisation charge on intangibles during 2003 was £62 million (2002 – £50 million; 2001 – £699 million). The Group estimates amortisation expense for the next five years will be :
SecuritisationsThe Group engages in securitisation activities pertaining to certain of its assets including US commercial and residential mortgage loans, commercial and residential mortgage related securities, US Government agency collateralised mortgage obligations, and other types of financial assets. Additionally, the Group acts as an underwriter and depositor in securitisation transactions involving both client and proprietary transactions. The Group has classified these activities into three broad securitisation categories, US Agency based, consumer based, and commercial based securitisations.
During 2003, the Group received proceeds of approximately £37.5 billion (2002 – £26.2 billion) from securitisation trusts in connection with new securitisations.
The Group recognised net pre-tax gains of approximately £58.8 million (2002 – £83.0 million) relating to these securitisations. Net pre-tax gains are based on the difference between the sales prices and previous carrying values of assets prior to date of sale, are net of transaction specific expenses, and exclude any results attributable to hedging activities, interest income, funding costs, changes in asset values prior to securitisation date, and retained interest values subsequent to securitisation date.
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In some instances, the Group retained certain interests. The Group typically does not retain a significant portion of the loans or securities that it securitises. This reduces the impact that changes to fair values of retained interests might have on the Group’s financial results.
The Group’s retained interests may be subordinated to other investors’ interests. The investors and securitisation trusts have no recourse to the Group’s other assets for failure of debtors to perform on the securitised loans. The value of the retained interests varies and is subject to prepayment, credit and interest rate risks on the transferred assets.
At 31 December 2003, the fair value of the Group’s retained interests was approximately £1.5 billion (2002 – £1.7 billion). Cash flows received in 2003 from retained interests held at 31 December 2003 in connection with securitisations that took place in current and prior years amounted to approximately £368 million (2002 – £157 million).
These retained interests comprises approximately £907 million in US Agency based retained interests, £540 million in consumer based retained interests and £47 million in commercial based retained interests. These retained interests primarily relate to mortgage loans and securities and arose from securitisations that have taken place in current and prior years.
Key economic assumptions used in measuring the value of retained interests at the date of securitisation resulting from securitisations completed during the year were as follows:
Key economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the current fair value of retained interests at 31 December 2003 to immediate adverse changes, as indicated below, in those assumptions are as follows:
The sensitivities depicted in the preceding table are hypothetical and should be used with caution. The likelihood of those percent variations selected for sensitivity testing is not necessarily indicative of expected market movements because the relationship of the change in the assumptions to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of a retained interest is calculated without changing any other assumptions. This might not be the case in actual market conditions since changes in one factor might result in changes to other factors. Further, the sensitivities depicted above do not consider any corrective actions that the Group might take to mitigate the effect of any adverse changes in one or more key assumptions.
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Variable interest entitiesSpecial purpose entities (“SPEs”)The Group has elected to apply the provisions of FIN 46R in its 2003 accounts. The Group reviewed its SPEs in light of FIN 46R and has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of a number of commercial paper conduits and other asset securitisation vehicles that meet FIN 46R’s definition of a variable interest entity. These entities, with total assets of £6.9 billion at 31 December 2003, acquire financial assets from third parties or from the Group funded by the issue of commercial paper or other debt instruments. The Group supplies certain administrative services and provides credit enhancement, liquidity facilities and derivative transactions to some or all of these entities on an arm’s length basis. In the case of commercial paper conduits, the Group provides programme-wide credit enhancement by letters of credit or loan facilities across all tranches of assets funded by conduits.
Trust preferred securitiesThe trust preferred securities referred to in Note 32 (3) and (4) on page 117, represent undivided beneficial interests in the assets of trusts, which consist of partnership preferred securities representing non-cumulative perpetual preferred limited partnership interests issued by Delaware limited partnerships. The Group has provided subordinated guarantees for the benefit of the holders of the trust preferred securities and the partnership preferred securities. Under the terms of the guarantees, the Group has fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated basis, payments on such trust preferred securities and partnership preferred securities, to the extent they are due to be paid and have not been paid by, or on behalf of the trusts and the partnerships, as the case may be:
The application of FIN 46 (and FIN 46R) has resulted in the deconsolidation of trust preferred securities and partnership preferred securities issued by the Group’s subsidiaries. The deconsolidation of these securities has resulted in a balance sheet reclassification from minority interests to subordinated liabilities. The effect on US GAAP net income and equity is negligible.
54 Post balance sheet eventsThere have been no significant events between the year end and the date of approval of these accounts which would require a change to our disclosures in the accounts.
148
Additional information
149
Five year financial summaryIn 2000, the Group changed its financial year end from 30 September to 31 December. As a result, the financial information set out below is presented for each of the four years ended 31 December 2003, the three months ended 31 December 1999 and the year ended 30 September 1999.
The Group’s accounts are prepared in accordance with UK GAAP, which differs in certain material respects from US GAAP.
For a discussion of such differences and a reconciliation between UK GAAP and US GAAP, see Note 53 on the accounts. The dollar financial information included below has been translated for convenience at the rate of £1.00 to US$1.7842, the Noon Buying Rate on 31 December 2003.
Summary consolidated profit and loss account
150
Preference and other non-equity dividends
Ordinary dividends
For further information, see Notes 6 and 7 on the accounts.
151
Additional information continued
Summary consolidated balance sheet
152
Other financial data
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preference share dividends (6)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges only (5)
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges, preference share dividends and perpetual regulatory securities interest (5)
153
Analysis of loans and advances to customersThe following table analyses loans and advances to customers before provisions by remaining maturity, geographical area and type of customer. Overdrafts are included in the ‘Within 1 year’ category.
154
Provisions for bad and doubtful debtsFor a discussion of the factors considered in determining the amount of the provisions, see ‘Provisions’ on page 48 and ‘Critical accounting polices – Provisions for bad and doubtful debts’ on page 7.
The following table shows the elements of provisions for bad and doubtful debts.
155
Provisions for bad and doubtful debts (continued)The following table presents additional information with respect to the provisions for bad and doubtful debts.
Analysis of closing provisions for bad and doubtful debtsThe following table analyses customer provisions for bad and doubtful debts by geographical area and type of domestic customer.
156
Analysis of write-offsThe following table analyses amounts written-off by geographical area and type of domestic customer.
Analysis of recoveriesThe following table analyses recoveries of amounts written-off by geographical area and type of domestic customer.
157
Risk elements in lending and potential problem loansThe Group’s loan control and review procedures do not include the classification of loans as non-accrual, accruing past due, restructured and potential problem loans, as defined by the SEC in the US. The following table shows the estimated amount of loans that would be reported using the SEC’s classifications. The figures incorporate estimates and are stated before deducting the value of security held or related provisions.
158
Analysis of deposits – product analysisThe following table shows the distribution of the Group’s deposits by type and geographical area:
159
Short term borrowings
Average interest rates during the year are computed by dividing total interest expense by the average amount borrowed. Average interest rates at year end are average rates for a single day and as such may reflect one-day market distortions which may not be indicative of generally prevailingrates. Original maturities of commercial paper are not in excess of one year. ‘Other short-term borrowings’ consist principally of borrowings in the money markets included within ‘Deposits by banks’ and ‘Customer accounts’ in the accounts, and generally have original maturities of one year or less.
Certificates of deposit and other time depositsThe following table shows details of the Group’s certificates of deposit and other time deposits over $100,000 or equivalent by remaining maturity.
Analysis of deposits – currency analysis The following table shows the distribution of deposits by banks and customer accounts by sterling and other currencies.
160
Exchange ratesExcept as stated, the following tables show, for the dates or periods indicated, the Noon Buying Rate in New York for cable transfers in sterling as certified for customs’ purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Noon Buying Rate”):
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Additional information(continued)
Off balance sheet arrangements
The Group is involved with several types of off-balance sheet arrangements, including special purpose vehicles, lending commitments and financial guarantees.
Special purpose vehicles (“SPVs”)
SPVs are vehicles set up for a specific, limited purpose, do not carry out a business or trade and typically have no employees. They take a variety of legal forms – trusts, partnerships and companies – and fulfil many different functions. They constitute a key element of securitisation transactions in which an SPV acquires financial assets funded by the issue of securities.
In the normal course of business, the Group arranges securitisations to facilitate client transactions and undertakes securitisations to sell financial assets or to obtain funding. It has established a number of SPVs to act as commercial paper conduits for customers. SPVs are also utilised in its fund management activities to structure investment funds to which the Group provides investment management services.
Under UK GAAP, the Group accounts for securitisations of assets originated by the Group in accordance with FRS 5 ‘Reporting the Substance of Transactions’. Assets are derecognised and a gain or loss on disposal recognised if all significant rights or access to benefits relating to those assets and all significant risks in those benefits are transferred to others. In cases where there is a significant change in the entity’s rights to benefit and exposure to risk, the description or monetary amount relating to an asset should be changed and a liability recognised for any obligation to transfer benefits that is assumed. Where a transaction in previously recognised assets results in no significant change in the entity’s rights to benefits in the assets or its exposure to risks inherent in those benefits, the assets should continue to be recognised and no gain or loss recognised. FRS 5 requires a linked presentation where a transaction is in substance the financing of an asset or pool of assets but where the item is financed in such a way that the Group can suffer a loss which is limited to a fixed monetary amount. The linked presentation involves showing the gross amount of assets securitised less the related finance on the face of the balance sheet – the net amount is included in total assets. Profit is recognised on entering into the arrangement only to the extent that non-returnable proceeds exceed the previous carrying value of the assets securitised. The Group securitises mortgage loans and other assets.
Under US GAAP, transfers of financial assets are accounted for and reported based on the application of a financial-components approach that focuses on control. Under this approach, after a transfer of financial assets, the Group recognises the assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred, derecognises financial assets when control has been surrendered, and derecognises liabilities when extinguished.
Transfers of financial assets where the Group has surrendered control over the transferred assets are accounted for as sales and any gain or loss recognised in earnings. Otherwise, transfers are accounted for as collateralised borrowings.
As financial intermediary, the Group arranges securitisations of client assets. These include multi-seller commercial paper conduits and client intermediation transactions. The Group has established a number of SPVs to act as commercial paper conduits. These allow customers to access liquidity in the commercial paper market by selling assets to the conduit that funds the purchase by issuing commercial paper to third parties. The Group supplies certain services and contingent liquidity support to some or all of these vehicles on an arm’s length basis as well as programme credit enhancement. Other client securitisations arranged by the Group involve individual SPVs established to purchase customer assets financed by the issue of debt obligations to third parties. The Group may act as advisor to the manager of the SPV and provide liquidity facilities to it.
Under UK GAAP the Group accounts for fees received from client securitisations in line with its usual policy for similar fees from other banking activities. Undrawn liquidity lines are included within undrawn commitments in Note 41 on page 129; any drawn amounts will be included in loans and advances. The assets and liabilities of the SPVs are not recognised on the Group’s balance sheet unless the SPV is a quasi-subsidiary of the Group. A quasi-subsidiary is defined in FRS 5 as ‘a company, trust, partnership or other vehicle, that, though not fulfilling the definition of a subsidiary, is directly or indirectly controlled by the reporting entity and gives rise to benefits for that entity that are in substance no different from those that would arise were the vehicle a subsidiary’.
Following the issue of FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46 (revised), the Group has consolidated SPVs acting as commercial paper conduits and involved in other asset-backed transactions in its US GAAP disclosures. Applying FIN 46R has resulted in total assets on a US GAAP basis increasing by £6.9 billion. Further information on FIN 46R can be found in Note 53 on page 148.
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Lending commitments and other commitments
Under a loan commitment, the Group agrees to make funds available to a customer in the future. Loan commitments, which are usually for a specified term, may be unconditionally cancellable or may persist, provided all conditions in the loan facility are satisfied or waived. Commitments to lend include commercial standby facilities and credit lines, liquidity facilities to commercial paper conduits and unutilised overdraft facilities. Other commitments include documentary credits, which are commercial letters of credit providing for payment by the Group to a named beneficiary against presentation of specified documents, forward asset purchases, forward deposits placed and undrawn note issuance and revolving underwriting facilities.
Guarantees and other contingent liabilities
The Group gives guarantees on behalf of customers. A financial guarantee represents an irrevocable undertaking that the Group will meet a customer’s obligations to third parties ifthe customer fails to do so. The maximum amount that the Group could be required to pay under a guarantee is its principal amount. The Group expects most guarantees it provides to expire unused. Other contingent liabilities include contingent liabilities arising out of acceptances, endorsements, standby letters of credit, performance and customs bonds, warranties and indemnities. In accepting a bill of exchange drawn on it by a customer a bank undertakes to pay the holder of the bill at maturity. Most acceptances are presented for payment and reimbursement by the customer is usually immediate. In the UK, bills accepted by certain banks designated by the Bank of England are eligible for rediscount at the Bank of England. In endorsing a bill of exchange, a bank accepts liability for payment of any shortfall on the bill at maturity. Unlike acceptances, the endorsing bank receives value for the bill, which is then rediscounted.
The Group’s contingent liabilities and commitments are set out below.
Contractual obligations
The table below summarises the Group’s contractual cash obligations by remaining maturity.
The tables above do not include undated loan capital. The maturity of deposits by banks is given in Note 23 on the accounts, of customer accounts in Note 24, and of debt securities in issue in Note 25.
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Additional information (continued)
Economic and monetary environment
Monetary policy
The Group’s earnings are affected by domestic and global economic conditions. The policies of the UK government, and of governments in other countries in which the Group operates, also have an impact.
The UK government sets an inflation target, which changed in December 2003 from a 2.5% target based on the retail prices index excluding mortgage interest payments to a 2% target based on the consumer prices index, in line with other European countries.
The Bank of England has operational independence in setting the repo rate to achieve the inflation target. The Bank was given independence by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1997, with the aim of making monetary policy free from political influence, and therefore more stable and credible. The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee ("MPC") meets each month to agree any change to interest rates, and the minutes of these meetings are published two weeks later. One-off meetings can also be held in exceptional circumstances – for example, when UK interest rates were cut by a quarter point following the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001. In response to the downturn in the global economy and the terrorist attacks, the Bank of England, along with other major central banks around the world, cut rates sharply in 2001. Rates remained at exceptionally low levels throughout 2002, and were reduced again in the first half of 2003, reflecting the uncertain nature of the global and domestic economic circumstances. However, signs of recovery in the global economy led the Bank of England to increase rates by a quarter point in both November 2003 and February 2004, to 4%.
The value of sterling is also important for UK monetary conditions. The monetary authorities do not have an exchange rate target, but the sharp depreciation of the US dollar against the euro, and consequent volatility of sterling, has played a role in the MPC’s recent monthly debates.
European Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”)
The new European single currency, the euro, came into being on 1 January 1999. The third stage of EMU started on schedule on 1 January 1999. During the course of 1998, it was determined that eleven countries (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain) would participate. The UK, along with Denmark, exercised its right to opt out at that stage, and Sweden also determined not to be part of this first wave.
On 31 December 1998, the European Currency Unit (the "ECU") was replaced by the euro on the international currency markets, on a one-for-one basis. The rates for the euro against other international currencies were based upon the official closing rates for the ECU. The bilateral rates for the legacy currencies of the participating states were derived from their rates within the Exchange Rate Mechanism and the closing value of the ECU. These rates, between the legacy currencies and between these currencies and the euro, were fixed as of 1 January 1999. The euro became the formal currency for all eleven then-participating states.
Euro notes and coins were introduced into circulation on 1 January 2002 in accordance with the Maastricht Treaty, which required that legacy currency notes and coins be withdrawn by 30 June 2002. Also on 1 January 1999, the European Central Bank ("ECB") assumed responsibility for the operation of monetary policy throughout the euro zone. The ECB sets one short-term interest rate to cover all twelve countries.
The UK government continues to support EMU entry in principle, but has decided the UK will not adopt the single currency until it is in the UK’s economic interests, with a positive referendum vote. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has laid down five key economic conditions for UK participation. An assessment of these five tests took place in June 2003, resulting in the publication of HM Treasury’s assessment, the 18 supporting EMU studies, and a third outline National Changeover Plan. While indicating that these five economic tests have yet to be fully met, the government has set out a programme of economic reforms and structural assessments necessary to achieve readiness for entry.
The Group continues to co-operate with the UK government, and to work within the financial services sector, to develop thinking and plans regarding a range of practical issues that would arise if the UK were to decide to enter EMU. In particular, the Group continues its involvement in discussions as to how a phased transition could be achieved, in order to minimise cost and risk. In addition, due attention is being paid to the implications, for elements of the Group and for customers, of the introduction of euro notes and coins and the withdrawal of sterling.
Uncertainty continues on the likelihood and timing of the euro being introduced in the UK. It is not possible to estimate with any degree of certainty the ultimate cost of making systems and operations fully compliant. Expenditure in the year ended 31 December 2003 in preparation for the possible introduction of the euro in the UK was minimal.
Supervision and regulation
1 United Kingdom
1.1 The regulatory regime applying to the UK financial services industry
The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“FSMA 2000”), containing an integrated legislative framework for regulating most of the UK financial services industry, came into force at the end of 2001. This established the Financial Services Authority (the “FSA”) as the single statutory regulator responsible for regulating deposit taking, insurance and investment business in the UK.
Under the FSMA 2000, businesses require the FSA’s permission to undertake specified types of activities including entering into and carrying out contracts of insurance; managing, dealing in or advising on, investments; accepting deposits; and issuing electronic money (“regulated activities”). The FSA has published detailed regulatory requirements contained in a Handbook of Rules and Guidance.
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The FSA’s statutory objectives are to maintain confidence in, and to promote public understanding of, the UK financial system; to secure an appropriate degree of consumer protection; and to reduce the scope for financial crime. In achieving these objectives, the FSA must take account of certain “principles of good regulation” which include recognising the responsibilities of authorised firms’ own management, facilitating innovation and competition and acting proportionately in imposing burdens on the industry.
1.2 Authorised firms in the Group
Currently, around 30 companies in the Group, spanning a range of financial services sectors (banking, insurance and investment business), are authorised and regulated to conduct regulated activities by the FSA. These companies are referred to as ‘authorised firms.’
The FSA supervises the banking business of the UK-based banks in the Group, including The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, National Westminster Bank Plc, Coutts & Co, Ulster Bank Limited and Tesco Personal Finance Limited.
General insurance business is principally undertaken by companies in the Direct Line and Churchill Insurance Groups, which form part of the RBS Insurance division, whilst life insurance business is undertaken by Royal Scottish Assurance plc and National Westminster Life Assurance Limited (with the Group’s joint venture partner, the AVIVA Group) and Direct Line Life Insurance Company Limited. Investment management business is principally undertaken by companies in the Wealth Management Division, including Adam & Co Investment Management Limited and Coutts & Co Investment Management Limited.
1.3 The FSA’s regulatory approach and supervisory standards
The regulatory regime focuses on the risks to the FSA of not meeting its statutory objectives and uses the full range of regulatory tools (including the authorisation of firms, rule-making, supervision, investigation and enforcement) available to the FSA. It is founded on a risk based, integrated approach to regulation.
The FSA can request information from and give directions to, authorised firms. It may also require authorised firms to provide independent reports prepared by professionals. The FSA can exercise indirect control over the holding companies of authorised firms via its statutory powers to object to persons who are, or will become, “controllers” of these firms.
Given the number of authorised firms in the Group and the range and complexity of business undertaken by them, the FSA has carried out a comprehensive risk assessment of these firms and generally, they are subject to direct and on-going FSA supervision.
Setting standards for firms
The FSA carries out the prudential supervision and conduct of business regulation of all authorised firms and also regulates the conduct of their business in the UK.
Currently, the application of its conduct of business rules to banking business and general insurance business is limited but the FSA will be assuming powers to regulate general insurance intermediation activities from January 2005 (as noted below) and this will have a significant impact on that sector.
Prudential supervision includes monitoring the adequacy of a firm’s management, its financial resources and internal systems and controls. Firms are required to submit regular returns to the FSA which provide material for supervisory assessment. Different prudential requirements have applied to different sectors of the financial services industry. However, the FSA has prepared an Integrated Prudential Sourcebook (aimed at applying a more harmonised and consistent approach to prudential regulation across the whole industry) and this is expected to be implemented in stages, from the end 2004 until the end of 2006.
The EU Financial Groups Directive comes into force on 1 January 2005 and is to be implemented as part of the Integrated Prudential Sourcebook. This will create an additional set of regulatory requirements recognising the insurance, investment and banking business of the Group as a financial conglomerate with banking, investment and insurance businesses.
Many of the standards relating to the capital which firms must hold to absorb losses arising from risks to its business are determined by EC legislation or are negotiated internationally. The current capital adequacy regime requires firms to maintain certain levels of capital, of certain specified types (or tiers), against particular business risks.
A parallel process of reviewing and revising the current EU Capital Adequacy requirements is also underway. This will impact on all European banks and investment firms. The EU Risk Based Capital Directive is expected to be finalised in 2004 so that it can be implemented by Member States in parallel with Basel II, at the end of 2006. In the UK, the relevant changes will be implemented via changes to the FSA’s Integrated Prudential Sourcebook.
In its supervisory role, the FSA sets requirements relating to matters such as consolidated supervision, capital adequacy, liquidity, large exposures, and the adequacy of accounting procedures and controls. Banks are required to set out their policy on “large exposures” and to inform the FSA of this. The policy must be reviewed annually and any significant departures from policies must be discussed with the FSA. Large exposures must be monitored and controlled.
As regards the insurance industry, the FSA’s primary objective is to regulate and supervise the industry so that policyholders may have confidence that they have bought appropriate products, that UK insurers are able to meet
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Supervision and regulation (continued)
their liabilities and that they treat customers fairly. The FSA sets requirements relating to “margins of solvency” (i.e. the excess of the value of assets over the amount of liabilities). Companies carrying out insurance business are required to submit regular statistical returns covering reserves and solvency, to the FSA. Recently, the FSA has decided that fundamental changes need to be made to the way in which this sector is regulated. Certain changes have already been introduced to the prudential regulation of insurers but the FSA is considering further improvements to increase the capital requirements of both life and non-life insurers.
From the beginning of 2005, FSA’s remit will also be extended to cover regulation of the sale and administration of general insurance and certain other types of insurance contracts.
Firms must also meet standards relating to their senior management arrangements and internal systems and controls and must comply with rules designed to reduce the scope for firms to be used for money laundering. The FSA continues to supervise compliance with anti-money laundering obligations closely and new legislation and amended rules are scheduled to come into force in 2004.
Conduct of business standards essentially govern key aspects of firms’ relationships with customers, and require the provision of clear and adequate information, the managing of conflicts of interest and the recommending of products suitable to the needs of customers. The marketing of financial products (particularly investment products) is subject to detailed requirements.
The FSA’s Conduct of Business Rules currently require authorised firms in the Group such as the Royal Bank and NatWest to determine whether to market the “packaged products” (i.e. personal pensions, life assurance, collective investment schemes and investment trust savings schemes) of only one company or group, or to become an independent intermediary, providing customers with advice across a broader range of products (this is called the “polarisation regime” and was introduced as a consumer protection mechanism). A group of persons allied together for purposes of marketing packaged products is referred to as a “marketing group”.
Currently, Group companies are members of one of two marketing groups – The RBS Marketing Group or the NatWest Marketing Group. The Royal Bank markets the packaged products of the RBS Marketing Group through its branches and NatWest (and its subsidiary, Ulster Bank Limited) markets the NatWest Marketing Group packaged products through its branches and, at present, under the FSA’s rules, neither The Royal Bank nor NatWest (or Ulster Bank Limited) are permitted to advise on packaged products more generally. Independent advice is available to customers through the Royal Bank of Scotland Group Independent Financial Services Limited.
Recognising both the substantial anti–competitive effects of the polarisation regime and the fact that it generates little consumer benefits, the FSA has decided to abolish this regime and these changes are expected to be implemented in 2004.
Focus on customers
An important element of securing an appropriate degree of consumer protection is ensuring that suitable arrangements are made for dealing with customer complaints. Firms are required to establish appropriate internal complaint handling procedures and to report complaints statistics to the FSA. Where an issue cannot be resolved by the parties it may be referred for independent assessment to a complaints scheme run by the Financial Ombudsman Service.
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (financed by levies on authorised firms) is available to provide compensation up to certain limits if a firm collapses owing money to investors, depositors or policyholders.
1.4 Enforcement
Where appropriate, the FSA may discipline and/or prosecute for breaches of the legislative or regulatory requirements. It works closely with the criminal authorities and uses both civil and criminal powers. It can withdraw a firm’s authorisation, discipline firms and individuals, prosecute for various offences and require funds to be returned to customers.
The FSA also has powers under certain consumer legislation to take action against authorised firms to address unfair terms in financial services consumer contracts.
1.5 Extension of the FSA’s responsibilities
From 31 October 2004, the scope of the FSA’s responsibilities will be widened to cover the regulation and supervision of mortgage lending and administration and the provision of mortgage advice. Arrangements relating to the sale and administration of general insurance (and certain other insurance) contracts will become regulated from January 2005. All of these types of activities are undertaken by companies in the Group and this extension of the scope of statutory regulation is likely to have a significant impact on how the relevant businesses operate in the future.
1.6.Other relevant UK agencies and Government departments
Consumer credit issues are covered by the Department of Trade and Industry (”DTI“) and the Office of Fair Trading (“OFT”) and competition issues are dealt with by the OFT.
The business of granting consumer credit is heavily regulated. Aspects of the consumer credit business are currently being reviewed, at both national and EU levels. Changes to UK legislation are expected to be implemented in late 2004. The DTI also has responsibility for company law matters. Various aspects of company law are currently being reviewed, at both national and EU levels. Some proposals have already been adopted and further changes are expected.
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1.7 The European dimension
A considerable amount of the recent UK financial services regulation emanates via the European Union as part of its Financial Services Action Plan (“FSAP”). The primary objective of the FSAP is the completion of a single European market in financial services and specifically the establishment of a single wholesale market, an open and secure retail market and state-of-the-art prudential rules and supervision within the EU Member States. Work under the FSAP is expected to be completed by 2005. This initiative has generated (and will continue generating, for the foreseeable future) a number of EU Directives all requiring to be implemented in EC Member States (including the UK).
2 United States
As the indirect parent of Citizens’ subsidiary banks, the company is a bank holding company within the meaning of, and subject to regulation under, the US Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”), by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Board”). Under current Board policy, the company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to its US bank subsidiaries. The BHCA generally prohibits the company from acquiring, directly or indirectly, the ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged in non-banking activities in the United States unless the Board has determined, by order or regulation, that such activities are so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. In addition, the BHCA requires the company to obtain the prior approval of the Board before acquiring, directly or indirectly, the ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any US bank or bank holding company. However, the US Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (the "GLBA") permits bank holding companies that have met certain eligibility criteria and elected to become 'financial holding companies' to engage in a significantly broader range of non-banking activities than those described above. Under the GLBA and related Board regulations, the company has elected to become a financial holding company effective as of 11 February 2004.
The company’s US bank and non-bank subsidiaries, and the Royal Bank and NatWest’s US offices, are subject todirect supervision and regulation by various other federal and state authorities. Citizens’ bank subsidiaries are subject to regulation by state banking authorities and the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Royal Bank and NatWest’s New York branches are supervised by the New York Banking Department. The company’s US securities affiliates are subject to regulation and supervision by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
3 Regulatory developments for capital and risk management
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, which meets at the Bank of International Settlements in Switzerland, sets the standards for firm’s weighted risk asset calculations and associated regulatory capital triggers. This Committee is updating the existing regulatory capital rules and has targeted the middle of 2004 to agree the new framework, called Basel II. Full adoption of these new rules is expected from the end of December 2006.
Application of Basel II differs between jurisdictions. In the EU, the Accord becomes law through the Risk Based Capital Directive (or CAD3) and associated changes to national laws or regulatory guidelines (for example the FSAs Integrated Prudential Sourcebook). Within the US, regulators have the flexibility to implement the Accord directly, after a Final Notice of Prudential Rulemaking. The EU is applying the Accord to all banks and investment firms. The US is taking a different approach, mandating that their largest internationally active banks use the ‘Advanced’ approaches for credit and operational risk calculations; other banks can either remain on Basel l or ‘opt-into’ Basel ll. Our US subsidiary, Citizens, currently falls outside the group of mandated Basel ll banks for purposes of US regulation.
The Accord, based around three Pillars of Minimum Capital Requirements (Pillar 1), Supervisory Review (Pillar 2) and Market Discipline (Pillar 3), presents a fundamental change to the current capital adequacy regime and will have wide ranging consequences for the banking industry as a whole. The Group is actively involved in dialogue with various regulatory groups and is taking the necessary steps to prepare for the new Accord.
Description of property and equipment
The Group operates from a number of locations worldwide, principally in the UK. At 31 December 2003, The Royal Bank and NatWest (including their subsidiaries) had 636 and 1,634 retail branches, respectively, in the UK. Citizens had 866 retail banking offices (including in-store branches) covering Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. A substantial majority of the UK branches are owned by the Royal Bank, NatWest and their subsidiaries or are held under leases with unexpired terms of over 50 years. The Group’s principal properties include its headquarters at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, its principal offices in London at 135 and 280 Bishopsgate and the Drummond House administration centre located at South Gyle, Edinburgh. A new corporate headquarters is being developed at Gogarburn, Edinburgh.
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Description of property and equipment (continued)
Freehold and long leasehold properties are revalued on a rolling basis, each property being valued at least once every five years. Interim valuations outwith the five year cycle are carried out on properties where there is an indication that its value has changed significantly, given market conditions. Any increase or deficit on revaluation is reflected in the carrying value of premises at that time. Any impairment in the value of premises where there is a clear consumption of economic benefits is charged in full to the profit and loss account. Other impairments of premises are charged to the profit and loss account after eliminating any previous revaluation surplus on the premises. Any profit from the sale of revalued premises is calculated by deducting the revalued amount from the net proceeds. The revaluation of premises at 31 December 2003 resulted in a £69 million decrease in property revaluation reserves.
Total capital expenditure on premises, computers and other equipment for the year ended 31 December 2003 was £2,613 million (2002 – £872 million; 2001 – £515 million).
Major shareholders
Details of major shareholders in the company’s ordinary and preference shares are given on page 65.
With the exception of Santander Central Hispano S.A. which sold 86.7 million ordinary shares shares representing 2.9% of the company’s ordinary share capital on 25 November 2002, there have been no significant changes in the percentage ownership of major shareholders of the company’s ordinary and preference shares during the three years ended 31 December 2003. All shareholders within a class of the company’s shares have the same voting rights. The company is not directly or indirectly owned or controlled by another corporation or any foreign government.
At 18 February 2004, the directors of the company had options to purchase a total of 1,686,815 ordinary shares of the company.
Santander Central Hispano, S.A. has agreed to vote its holding of the company’s ordinary shares in accordance with the recommendation or directions of the Board of directors of the company.
As at 31 December 2003, 94% of the company’s US$ denominated preference shares were held by shareholders registered in the US. All other shares were predominantly held by shareholders registered outside the US.
Material contracts
The company and its subsidiaries are party to various contracts in the ordinary course of business. For the year ended 31 December 2003, there have been no material contracts entered into outside the ordinary course of business.
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Shareholder information
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Shareholder enquiriesShareholdings in the company may be checked by visiting our website (www.rbs.co.uk/shareholder). You will need the shareholder reference number printed on your share certificate or tax voucher to gain access to this information.
Braille and audio Annual Review and Summary Financial StatementShareholders requiring a Braille or audio version of the Annual Review and Summary Financial Statement should contact the Registrar on 0870 702 0135.
ShareGiftThe company is aware that shareholders who hold a small number of shares may be retaining these shares because dealing costs make it uneconomical to dispose of them. ShareGift, the charity share donation scheme is a free service operated by The Orr Mackintosh Foundation (registered charity 1052686) to enable shareholders to donate unwanted shares to charity.
Should you wish to donate your shares to charity in this way you should contact ShareGift for further information:
ShareGift, The Orr Mackintosh Foundation, 46 Grosvenor Street, London W1K 3HN Tel: 020 7337 0501 www.ShareGift.org
Donating your shares in this way will not give rise to either a gain or a loss for UK capital gains tax purposes and you may be able to reclaim UK income tax on gifted shares. Further information can be obtained from the UK Inland Revenue or your local tax office.
Capital gains taxFor shareholders who held RBS ordinary shares at 31 March 1982, the market value of one ordinary share held was 103p. After adjusting for the 1 March 1985 rights issue, the 1 September 1989 capitalisation issue and the bonus issue of Additional Value Shares on 12 July 2000, the adjusted 31 March 1982 base value of one ordinary share held currently is 46.1p.
For shareholders who held NatWest ordinary shares at 31 March 1982, the market value of one ordinary share held was 85.16p for shareholders who accepted the basic terms of the RBS offer. This takes account of the August 1984 and June 1986 rights issues and the June 1989 bonus issue of NatWest ordinary shares as well as the subsequent issue of Additional Value Shares.
When disposing of shares, shareholders are also entitled to indexation allowance (to April 1998 only in the case of individuals and non-corporate holders), which is calculated on the 31 March 1982 value, on the cost of subsequent purchases from the date of purchase and on the subscription for rights from the date of that payment. Further adjustments must be made where a shareholder has chosen to receive shares instead of cash for dividends. Individuals and non-corporate shareholders may also be entitled to some taper relief to reduce the amount of any chargeable gain on disposal of shares.
The information set out above is intended as a general guide only and is based on current United Kingdom legislation and Inland Revenue practice as at this date. This information deals only with the position of individual shareholders who are resident in the United Kingdom for tax purposes, who are the beneficial owners of their shares and who hold their shares as an investment. It does not deal with the position of shareholders other than individual shareholders, shareholders who are resident outside the United Kingdom for tax purposes or certain types of shareholders, such as dealers in securities.
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Analyses of ordinary shareholders at 31 December 2003
Trading market On 22 August 1991, 26 August 1992, 13 September 1995, 16 October 1996, 26 March 1997, 12 February 1998, 8 February 1999, 30 July 1999, 30 September 1999 and 12 June 2001, the company issued the following American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each in connection with a public offering in the United States:
8,000,000 Series B (“Series B ADSs”) representing 8,000,000 non-cumulative dollar preference shares, Series B;16,000,000 Series C (“Series C ADSs”) representing 16,000,000 non-cumulative dollar preference shares, Series C;7,000,000 Series D (“Series D ADSs”) representing 7,000,000 non-cumulative dollar preference shares, Series D;8,000,000 Series E (“Series E ADSs”) representing 8,000,000 non-cumulative dollar preference shares, Series E;8,000,000 Series F (“Series F ADSs”) representing 8,000,000 non-cumulative dollar preference shares, Series F;10,000,000 Series G (“Series G ADSs”) representing 10,000,000 non-cumulative dollar preference shares, Series G;12,000,000 Series H (“Series H ADSs”) representing 12,000,000 non-cumulative dollar preference shares, Series H;12,000,000 Series I (“Series I ADSs”) representing 12,000,000 non-cumulative dollar preference shares, Series I;9,000,000 Series J (“Series J ADSs”) representing 9,000,000 non-cumulative dollar preference shares, Series J; and16,000,000 Series K (“Series K ADSs”) representing 16,000,000 non-cumulative dollar preference shares, Series K.
Each of the respective ADSs represents the right to receive one corresponding preference share, is evidenced by an American Depositary Receipt (“ADR”) and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).
The ADRs evidencing the ADSs above were issued pursuant to Deposit Agreements, among the company, The Bank of New York as depository, and all holders from time to time of ADRs issued thereunder. Currently, there is no non-United States trading market for any of the non-cumulative dollar preference shares. All of the non-cumulative dollar preference shares are held by the depository, as custodian, in bearer form.
On 30 January 2003, the company redeemed the 8 million Series B and 16 million Series C, non-cumulative dollar preference shares of US$0.01 each.
At 31 December 2003, there were 264 registered shareholders of Series D ADSs, 147 registered shareholders of Series E ADSs, 160 registered shareholders of Series F ADSs, 103registered shareholders of Series G ADSs, 96 registered shareholders of Series H ADSs, 123 registered shareholders of Series I ADSs, 74 registered shareholders of Series J ADSs and 65 registered shareholders of Series K ADSs.
On 29 March 1994 and 23 June 2003, respectively, the company issued 8,000,000 Exchangeable Capital Securities, Series A and 34,000,000 Exchangeable Capital Securities, Series B (together, the “X-CAPs”), each in connection with a public offering in the United States. The X-CAPs are listed on the NYSE and trade under the symbol ‘RBSPRX’ and ’RBSPRY‘. Currently, there is no non-US market for the X-CAPs.
The ADSs, the X-CAPs and the perpetual regulatory tier one securities (“PRO’s”) are listed on the NYSE.
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Shareholder information continued
The following table shows the high and low sales prices for each of the outstanding ADSs, X-CAPs and PROs for the periods indicated, as reported on the NYSE composite tape:
Year ended 31 December.
15 months ended 31 December.
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Memorandum and articles of associationA summary of certain terms of the company’s Memorandum of Association (the “Memorandum”) and Articles of Association (the “Articles”) as in effect at the date of this annual report and certain relevant provisions of the Companies Act 1985, as amended (the “Act”) as relevant to the holders of any class of share is contained in the company’s Report and Accounts 2002 incorporating the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2002, which summary is incorporated by reference into this annual report. The summary description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms and provisions of the Memorandum and Articles. The Memorandum and Articles are registered with the Registrar of Companies of Scotland. Holders of any class of share are encouraged to read the full Memorandum and Articles, which have been filed with the SEC.
Taxation for US HoldersThe following discussion summarises certain US federal and UK tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ADSs, X-CAPs or PROs by a beneficial owner that is a citizen or resident of the United States or that otherwise will be subject to US federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of the non-cumulative dollar preference shares, X-CAPs, ADSs or PROs (a “US Holder”). This summary assumes that a US Holder is holding non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ADSs evidenced by ADRs, X-CAPs or PROs, as applicable, as capital assets. This summary does not address the tax consequences to a US Holder (i) that is resident (or, in the case of an individual, ordinarily resident) in the UK for UK tax purposes or, generally, (ii) that is a corporation which alone or together with one or more associated companies, controls, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting stock of the company.
The statements and practices set forth below regarding US and UK tax laws (including the US/UK double taxation convention relating to income and capital gains) which entered into force on 31 March 2003 (the “New Treaty”), the prior US/UK double tax convention relating to income and capital gains (the “Prior Treaty”) and the US/UK double taxation convention relating to estate and gift taxes (the “Estate Tax Treaty”) are based (i) on those laws and practices as in force and as applied in practice on the date of this Report and (ii) in part, on representations of the depository, and the assumption that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. The US Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom ADRs are pre-released may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming, by US Holders of ADRs, of foreign tax credits for US federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of UK taxes described below could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the US Treasury. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations and holders are advised to satisfy themselves as to the overall tax consequences, including specifically the consequences under US federal, state, local and other laws, and possible changes in taxation law, of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of non-cumulative dollar preference shares, ADSs evidenced by ADRs, X-CAPs or PROs by consulting their own tax advisers.
References below to “the Treaty” are references to either the Prior Treaty or the New Treaty as applicable.
For the purposes of the New Treaty and the Estate Tax Treaty and for purposes of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), US Holders of ADRs will be treated as owners of the non-cumulative dollar preference shares underlying such ADRs.
Preference shares or ADSs evidenced by ADRs Taxation of dividendsThe company is not required to withhold tax at source from dividend payments it makes or from any amount (including any amounts in respect of accrued dividends) distributed by the company.
Subject to applicable limitations that may vary depending upon a holder’s individual circumstances, dividends to noncorporate US Holders in taxable years beginning before 1 January 2009 will be taxable at a maximum tax rate of 15%. Noncorporate US Holders should consult their own tax advisers to determine whether they are subject to any special rules that limit their ability to be taxed at this favourable rate.
The New Treaty applies to dividend payments after 1 May 2003. If a US Holder would have been entitled to greater benefits under the Prior Treaty, that US Holder may elect to continue to apply the Prior Treaty until 1 May 2004.
New TreatyBecause payments of dividends by the company to non-UK investors are not subject to UK withholding tax, it is not necessary to apply the New Treaty in order to receive a reduced rate of withholding. Since there is no UK withholding tax on payments of dividends to US Holders, US Holders will not be entitled to a foreign tax credit for foreign taxes paid as a result of the payment of dividends by the company.
Prior Treaty – effect of UK tax creditAn individual shareholder who is resident in the UK for UK tax purposes and who receives a dividend from the company is entitled to claim a tax credit in the UK against its income tax liability attributable to the dividend. Although a US Holder that receives a dividend from the company will not be entitled to this UK tax credit, under the Prior Treaty, certain US Holders may treat an amount equal to this credit (the “Tax Credit Amount”) as a tax paid to the UK taxing authorities, for which such US Holder may claim a US foreign tax credit. A US Holder that makes that election described above must include the Tax Credit Amount in its income and will generally be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to a credit against its US federal income tax liability equal to the Tax Credit Amount.
For foreign tax credit purposes, dividends paid by the company with respect to the non-cumulative dollar preference shares (and any Tax Credit Amount Included) will generally constitute ‘passive income’ or, in the case of certain US Holders, ‘financial services income’.
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Taxation for US Holders (continued)Taxation of capital gainsA US Holder that is not resident (or, in the case of an individual, ordinarily resident) in the UK will not normally be liable for UK tax on capital gains realised on the disposition of such holder’s non-cumulative dollar preference share or ADR unless at the time of the disposal, in the case of a corporate US Holder, such US Holder carries on a trade, in the UK through a permanent establishment or, in the case of any other US Holder, such US Holder carries on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a UK branch or agency and such non-cumulative dollar preference share or ADR is or has been used, held or acquired by or for the purposes of such trade (or profession or vocation), permanent establishment, branch or agency. Special rules apply to individuals who are temporarily not resident or ordinarily resident in the UK.
An exchange by a US Holder of non-cumulative dollar preference shares or ADRs for other shares in the company will not give rise to a charge to UK tax on capital gains even if such US Holder would be subject to tax on a disposal of such holder’s non-cumulative dollar preference shares or ADRs.
A US Holder will, upon the sale, exchange or redemption of a non-cumulative dollar preference share or ADS representing preference shares, generally recognise capital gains or losses for US federal income tax purposes (assuming in the case of a redemption, that such US Holder does not own, and is not deemed to own, any ordinary shares of the company) in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realised (excluding in the case of a redemption any amount treated as a dividend for US federal income tax purposes) and the US Holder’s tax basis in the non-cumulative dollar preference share or ADS.
A US Holder who is liable for both UK and US tax on a gain recognised on the disposal of the non-cumulative dollar preference share or ADR will generally be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to credit the UK tax against its US federal income tax liability in respect of such gain.
Estate and gift taxA non-cumulative dollar preference share or ADR held by an individual, whose domicile is determined to be the United States for purposes of the Estate Tax Treaty and who is not a national of the UK, will not be subject to UK inheritance tax on the individual’s death or on a lifetime transfer of the non-cumulative dollar preference share or ADR, except in certain cases where the non-cumulative dollar preference share or ADR (i) is comprised in a settlement (unless, at the time of the settlement, the settlor was domiciled in the United States and was not a national of the UK); (ii) is part of the business property of a UK permanent establishment of an enterprise; or (iii) pertains to a UK fixed base of an individual used for the performance of independent personal services. The Estate Tax Treaty generally provides a credit against US federal tax liability for the amount of any tax paid in the UK in a case where the non-cumulative dollar preference share or ADR is subject both to UK inheritance tax and to US federal estate or gift tax.
UK stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax (“SDRT”)The following is a summary of the UK stamp duty and SDRT consequences of transferring an ADR in registered form (otherwise than to the custodian on cancellation of the ADS) or of transferring a non-cumulative dollar preference share.
A transfer of a registered ADR executed and retained in the US will not give rise to stamp duty and an agreement to transfer a registered ADR will not give rise to SDRT.
Stamp duty or SDRT will normally be payable on or in respect of transfers of non-cumulative dollar preference shares and accordingly any holder who acquires or intends to acquire non-cumulative dollar preference shares is advised to consult his own tax advisers in relation to stamp duty and SDRT.
X-CAPsUnited States Because the X-CAPs have no stated maturity, can be exchanged for preference shares or ADSs at the option of the company and would be treated as if they were preference shares in a winding-up of the company, and because the company may elect not to make payments on the X-CAPs, the X-CAPs will be treated as equity for US federal income tax purposes.
Payments (including any UK tax withheld there from, as to which see below) will constitute foreign source dividend income for US federal income tax purposes to the extent paid out of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of the company, as determined for US federal income tax purposes. Payments will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations. For foreign tax credit limitation purposes, payments will generally constitute ‘passive income’, or in the case of certain US Holders, ‘financial services income’.
A US Holder will, upon the sale, exchange or redemption of X-CAPs, generally recognise a capital gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realised and the US Holder’s tax basis in the X-CAPs (assuming, in the case of a redemption, that such US Holder does not own, and is not deemed to own, any ordinary shares of the company). A US Holder who is liable for both UK and US tax on a gain recognised on the disposal of the X-CAPs will generally be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to credit the UK tax against its US federal income tax liability in respect of such gain.
Gain or loss will not be recognised by a US Holder upon the exchange of X-CAPs for preference shares or ADSs pursuant to the company’s exercise of its exchange right. A US Holder’s basis in the preference shares or ADSs received in exchange
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for its X-CAPs will be the same as the US Holder’s basis in the X-CAPs at the time of the exchange and the US Holder’s holding period for the preference shares or ADSs received in the exchange will include the holding period of the X-CAPs exchanged.
United KingdomTaxation of payments of interestPayments on the X-CAPs will constitute interest rather than dividends for UK withholding tax purposes. However, the X-CAPs will constitute “quoted eurobonds within the meaning of section 349 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 and therefore payments of interest will not be subject to withholding or deduction for or on account of UK taxation as long as X-CAPs are and remain at all times listed on the New York Stock Exchange or some other ‘recognised stock exchange’ within the meaning of section 841 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. So long as the X-CAPs are so listed, withholding will not be required whether the X-CAPs are in bearer or registered form. In all other cases an amount must be withheld on account of UK income tax at the lower rate (currently 20%) subject to any direction to the contrary by the Inland Revenue under the Treaty and except that the withholding obligation is disapplied in respect of payments to persons who the company reasonably believes are within the charge to corporation tax or fall within various categories enjoying a special tax status (including charities and pension funds), or are partnerships consisting of such persons (unless the Inland Revenue directs otherwise).
If interest were paid under deduction of UK income tax (e.g. if the X-CAPs lost their listing), US Holders may be able to claim a refund of the tax deducted under the Treaty.
Any paying agent or other person through whom interest is paid to, or by whom interest is received on behalf of, an individual, may be required to provide information in relation to the payment and the individual concerned to the UK Inland Revenue. The Inland Revenue may communicate this information to the tax authorities of other jurisdictions.
The UK Inland Revenue confirmed at around the time of issue of the X-CAPs that interest payments should not be treated as distributions for UK tax purposes (i) by reason of the fact that interest may be deferred under the terms of issue or (ii) by reason of the undated nature of the X-CAPs, provided that at the time an interest payment is made, the X-CAPs are not held by a company which is ‘associated’ with the company or by a ‘funded company’. A company will be associated with the company if, broadly speaking, it is in the same group as the company. A company will be a ‘funded company’ for these purposes if there are arrangements involving that company being put in funds (directly or indirectly) by the company, or an entity associated with the company. In this respect, the Inland Revenue has confirmed that a company holding an interest in X-CAPs which incidentally has banking facilities with any company associated with the company will not be a ‘funded company’ by virtue of such facilities.
Interest on the X-CAPs constitutes UK source income for tax purposes and, as such, may be subject to income tax by direct assessment even where paid without withholding.
However, interest with a UK source received without deduction or withholding on account of UK tax will not be chargeable to UK tax in the hands of a US Holder unless, in the case of a corporate US Holder, such US Holder carries on a trade in the UK through a UK permanent establishment or in the case of other US Holders, such persons carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a UK branch or agency in connection with which the interest is received or to which the X-CAPs are attributable. There are exemptions for interest received by certain categories of agent (such as some brokers and investment managers).
EU Directive on taxation of savings incomeThe European Union has adopted a new directive regarding the taxation of savings income. Subject to a number of important conditions being met, Member States of the European Union will be required from a date not earlier than 1 January 2005 to provide to the tax authorities of another Member State details of payments of interest or other similar income paid by a person within its jurisdiction to an individual resident in that other Member State, except that Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria will instead operate a withholding system for a transitional period in relation to such payments unless during such period they elect otherwise.
Disposal (including redemption)A disposal (including redemption) of X-CAPs by a US Holder, who is an individual or other non corporation tax payer, will not give rise to any liability to UK taxation on capital gains unless the US Holder carries on a trade (which for this purpose includes a profession or vocation) in the UK through a branch or agency and the X-CAPs are, or have been, held or acquired for the purposes of that trade, branch or agency. The exchange by such a US Holder of X-CAPs for ADRs pursuant to the company’s exercise of its exchange right will not give rise to a charge to UK tax on capital gains even if such US Holder would be subject to tax on a disposal of such Holder’s X-CAPs in accordance with the tax treatment referred to in the preceding paragraph.
A transfer of X-CAPs by a US Holder will not give rise to a charge to UK tax on accrued but unpaid interest payments, unless the US Holder is an individual or other non corporation tax payer and at any time in the relevant year of assessment or accounting period carries on a trade in the UK through a branch or agency to which the X-CAPs are attributable.
Annual tax chargesCorporate holders of X-CAPs may be subject to annual UK tax charges (or relief) by reference to fluctuations in exchange rates and in respect of profits, gains and losses arising from the X-CAPs, in place of the tax treatment referred to in the two preceding paragraphs but only if such corporate US Holders carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a UK permanent establishment to which the X-CAPs are attributable.
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Taxation for US Holders (continued)Inheritance taxX-CAPs in bearer form physically held outside the UK should not be subject to UK inheritance tax in respect of a lifetime transfer by, or the death of, a US Holder who is neither domiciled nor deemed to be domiciled in the UK for inheritance tax purposes. However, in relation to X-CAPs held through DTC (or any other clearing system), the position is not free from doubt and the Inland Revenue are known to consider that the situs of securities held in this manner is not necessarily determined by the place in which the securities are physically held. If X-CAPs in bearer form are or become situated in the UK, or if X-CAPs are held in registered form, there may be a charge to UK inheritance tax as a result of a lifetime transfer at less than fair market value by, or on the death of, such a US Holder. However, exemption from, or a reduction of, any such UK tax liability may be available under the Estate Tax Treaty in the same manner as for non-cumulative dollar preference shares. US Holders should consult their professional adviser in relation to such potential liability.
Stamp duty and SDRTNo UK stamp duty is payable on the transfer by delivery or redemption of bearer X-CAPs, whether in definitive form or in the form of one or more global X-CAPs. No SDRT is payable on any agreement to transfer bearer X-CAPs provided that the agreement is not made in contemplation of, or as part of an arrangement for, a takeover of the company.
No UK stamp duty will be payable in respect of any instrument of transfer of depositary interests representing X-CAPs, provided that any instrument relating to such a transfer is not executed in the UK, and remains at all times outside the UK. Depositary interests representing X-CAPs will not be “chargeable securities” for SDRT purposes and consequently a transfer of such depositary interests will not be subject to SDRT. Although the position is not clear, the transfer on the sale of X-CAPs in registered form may attract ad valorem UK stamp duty or (if an unconditional agreement to transfer X-CAPs is not completed by a duly stamped transfer) UK SDRT, generally, at the rate of 0.5% of the consideration paid, which, in the case of stamp duty, will be rounded up to £5 or multiples thereof. The transfer of X-CAPs in registered form (i) to, or to a nominee, or agent for, a person whose business is or includes issuing depositary receipts or (ii) to, or to a nominee for, a person whose business is or includes the provision of clearance services, may give rise to a liability to UK stamp duty or (to the extent that UK stamp duty is not paid on an instrument of transfer) UK SDRT, generally, at the rate of 1.5% of the price of the X-CAPs transferred, which, in the case of stamp duty, will be rounded up to £5 or multiples thereof. Such a transfer of X-CAPs in bearer form may give rise to a charge to UK SDRT, generally, at the rate of 1.5% of the price of the X-CAPs transferred. A charge to UK SDRT may also arise on the issue of X-CAPs whether in registered or bearer form (i) to, or to a nominee or agent for, a person whose business is or includes issuing depositary receipts or (ii) to, or to a nominee for, a person whose business is or includes the provision of clearance services, generally at the rate of 1.5% of the price of the X-CAPs issued.
PROs United StatesPayments of interest on a PRO (including any UK tax withheld there from) will constitute foreign source dividend income for US federal income tax purposes to the extent paid out of the current or accumulated earnings and profits of the company, as determined for US federal income tax purposes. Payments will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations. For foreign tax credit limitation purposes, payments will generally constitute ‘passive income’, or in the case of certain US Holders, ‘financial services income’. A US Holder who is entitled under the Treaty to a refund of UK tax, if any, withheld on a payment will not be entitled to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to such tax. See ‘United Kingdom – Taxation of Payments on the PROs’ below for a discussion of circumstances in which UK withholding may apply.
A US Holder will, upon the sale, exchange or redemption of a PRO, generally recognise a capital gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realised (excluding any amount in respect of mandatory interest and any Missed Payments which are to be satisfied on a Missed Payment Satisfaction Date, which would be treated as ordinary income) and the US Holder’s tax basis in the PRO (assuming, in the case of a redemption, that such US Holder does not own, and is not deemed to own, any ordinary shares of the company). A US Holder who is liable for both UK and US tax on a gain recognised on the disposal of PROs will generally be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to credit the UK tax against its US federal income tax liability in respect of such gain.
United KingdomTaxation of payments on the PROsPayments on the PROs will constitute interest rather than dividends for UK withholding tax purposes. However, the PROs will constitute “quoted eurobonds” within the meaning of section 349 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 and therefore payments of interest will not be subject to withholding or deduction for or on account of UK taxation as long as the PROs are and remain at all times listed on a ‘recognised stock exchange’ within the meaning of section 841 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. So long as the PROs are so listed, withholding will not be required. In all other cases an amount must be withheld on account of UK income tax at the lower rate (currently 20%) subject to any direction to the contrary by the Inland Revenue under the Treaty and except that the withholding obligation is disapplied in respect of payments to persons who the company reasonably believes are within the charge to corporation tax or fall within various categories enjoying a special tax status (including charities and pension funds), or are partnerships consisting of such persons
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(unless the Inland Revenue directs otherwise). Where interest has been paid under deduction of UK withholding tax, US Holders may be able to recover the tax deducted under the Treaty.
If interest were paid under deduction of UK income tax (e.g. if the PROs lost their listing), US Holders may be able to claim a refund of the tax deducted under the Treaty.
Any paying agent or other person by or through whom interest is paid to, or by whom interest is received on behalf of, an individual, may be required to provide information in relation to the payment and the individual concerned to the UK Inland Revenue. The Inland Revenue may communicate this information to the tax authorities of other jurisdictions.
The UK Inland Revenue confirmed at around the time of the issue of the PROs that interest payments would not be treated as distributions for UK tax purposes (i) by reason of the fact that interest may be deferred under the terms of issue or (ii) by reason of the undated nature of the PROs, provided that at the time an interest payment is made, the PROs are not held by a company which is ‘associated’ with the company or by a ‘funded company’. A company will be associated with the company if, broadly speaking, it is part of the same group as the company. A company will be a ‘funded company’ for these purposes if there are arrangements involving that company being put in funds (directly or indirectly) by the company, or an entity associated with the company. In this respect, the Inland Revenue has confirmed that a company holding an interest in the PROs which incidentally has banking facilities with any company associated with the company will not be a ‘funded company’ by virtue of such facilities.
Interest on the PROs constitutes UK source income for tax purposes and, as such, may be subject to income tax by direct assessment even where paid without withholding. However, interest with a UK source received without deduction or withholding on account of UK tax will not be chargeable to UK tax in the hands of a US Holder unless, in the case of a corporate US Holder, such US Holder carries on a trade in the UK through a UK permanent establishment or in the case of other US Holders, such persons carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a UK branch or agency in connection with which the interest is received or to which the PROs are attributable. There are exemptions for interest received by certain categories of agent (such as some brokers and investment managers).
Disposal (including redemption)A disposal (including redemption) of PROs by a US Holder, who is an individual or other non corporation tax payer, will not give rise to any liability to UK taxation on capital gains unless the US Holder carries on a trade (which for this purpose includes a profession or a vocation) in the UK through a branch or agency and the PROs are, or have been, held or acquired for the purposes of that trade, branch or agency.
A transfer of PROs by a US Holder will not give rise to a charge to UK tax on accrued but unpaid interest payments, unless the US Holder is an individual or other non corporation tax payer and at any time in the relevant year of assessment or accounting period carries on a trade in the UK through a branch or agency to which the PROs are attributable.
Annual tax chargesCorporate holders of PROs may be subject to annual UK tax charges (or relief) by reference to fluctuations in exchange rates and in respect of profits, gains and losses arising from the PROs, in place of the tax treatment referred to in the two preceding paragraphs but only if such corporate US Holders carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a UK permanent establishment to which the PROs are attributable.
Inheritance taxIn relation to PROs held through DTC (or any other clearing system), the UK inheritance tax position is not free from doubt in respect of a lifetime transfer, or death of, a US Holder who is not domiciled nor deemed to be domiciled in the UK for inheritance tax purposes; the UK Inland Revenue are known to consider that the situs of securities held in this manner is not necessarily determined by the place where the securities are registered. In appropriate circumstances, there may be a charge to UK inheritance tax as a result of a lifetime transfer at less than fair market value by, or on the death of, such a US Holder. However, exemption from, or a reduction of, any such UK tax liability may be available under the Estate Tax Treaty. US Holders should consult their professional advisers in relation to such potential liability.
Stamp duty and SDRTNo stamp duty, SDRT or similar tax is imposed in the UK on the issue, transfer or redemption of the PROs.
Exchange controlsThe company has been advised that there are currently no UK laws, decrees or regulations which would prevent the remittance of dividends or other payments to non-UK resident holders of the company’s non-cumulative dollar preference shares.
There are no restrictions under the articles of association of the company or under UK law, as currently in effect, which limit the right of non-UK resident owners to hold or, when entitled to vote, freely to vote the company’s non-cumulative dollar preference shares.
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Documents on displayDocuments concerning the company may be inspected at 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2YB (telephone 0131 556 8555).
In addition, we file reports and other information with the SEC. You can read and copy these reports and other information at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room or at the offices of The New York Stock Exchange, on which certain of our securities are listed, at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov which contains in electronic form each of the reports and other information that we have filed electronically with the SEC.
Important addressesShareholder enquiries RegistrarComputershare Investor Services PLC PO Box 82 The Pavilions Bridgwater Road Bristol BS99 7NHTelephone: 0870 702 0135Facsimile: 0870 703 6009
Group SecretariatThe Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc 42 St Andrew Square Edinburgh EH2 2YETelephone: 0131 523 2471 Facsimile: 0131 557 6140
Registered office36 St Andrew Square Edinburgh EH2 2YB Telephone: 0131 556 8555
Website www.rbs.co.uk
Principal officesThe company42 St Andrew Square Edinburgh EH2 2YE
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc42 St Andrew Square Edinburgh EH2 2YE 280 Bishopsgate London EC2M 4RB
National Westminster Bank Plc135 Bishopsgate London EC2M 3UR
CitizensCitizens Financial Group, Inc.One Citizens Plaza Providence Rhode Island 02903 USA
Ulster Bank11-16 Donegall Square East Belfast BT1 5UB George’s Quay Dublin 2
RBS InsuranceDirect Line House 3 Edridge Road Croydon Surrey CR9 1AG Churchill Court West Moreland Road Bromley BR1 1DP
RBS Greenwich Capital600 Steamboat Road Greenwich Connecticut 06830 USA
Coutts Group440 Strand London WC2R 0QS
The Royal Bank of Scotland International LimitedRoyal Bank House 71 Bath Street St Helier Jersey Channel Islands JE4 8PJ
NatWest Offshore23/25 Broad Street St Helier Jersey Channel Islands JE4 8QG
The registered office of the company is 36 St Andrew SquareEdinburgh EH2 2YB (telephone 0131 556 8555).
The principal place of business of the company is42 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YE (telephone 0131 556 8555).
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*Previously filed and incorporated by reference to Exhibits 1.1, 4.1 and 4.3 through 4.5 to the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2000 (File No. 1-10306).
**Previously filed and incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5.1 to the Group's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2002 (File No. 1-10306).
Signature
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plcRegistrant
/s/ Fred Watt Frederick Inglis Watt Group Finance Director
26 April 2004
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