Accounting Policies and Basis for Preparation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Text block [abstract]

Accounting Policies and Basis for Preparation

NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS FOR PREPARATION

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. (hereinafter, “the Company”, and jointly with its subsidiaries, “the Group”) is a financial services holding company incorporated in September 14, 1999 under the laws of Argentina. The Company’s main asset is its interest in Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. (hereinafter, “Banco Galicia” or “the Bank”) which is a private bank offering a wide range of financial services, both to individuals and companies. Likewise, the Company has a controlling interest in Tarjetas Regionales S.A. which maintains investments related to the issuance of credit cards and supplementary services; Sudamericana Holding S.A., a company engaged in the insurance business; Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A., a mutual fund management company; Galicia Warrants S.A., a warrant issuing company; and IGAM LLC, a company engaged in assets management.

These consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for publication through Minutes of Board of Directors’ Meeting No. 608 dated April 28, 2020. 

1.1. BASIS FOR PREPARATION

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance and in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee (IFRIC). All the IFRSs in force as of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements have been applied.

In Argentina, the Group is subject to the provisions of Article 2, Section I, Chapter I of Title IV: Periodic Information Regime of the National Securities Commission (CNV) regulations and it is required to present its financial statements in accordance with the valuation and disclosure criteria set forth by the Argentine Central Bank.

The Argentine Central Bank, through Communications “A” 5541 and its amendments, established a convergence plan towards the adoption of IFRS as issued by the IASB, and the interpretations issued by the IFRIC, for the entities under its supervision, effective for fiscal years commencing January 1, 2018 with the exception of the application of item 5.5 (impairment) of IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” and IAS 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies”, both temporarily waived until January 1, 2020.

Additionally, the Superintendence of Financial Institutions has established that the shareholding in Prisma Medios de Pago SA, which is recognized at fair value under IFRS cannot exceed the proportion received in cash at the time of its sale. The Group has presented its local financial statements under these rules on February 20, 2020. Shareholders’ equity under the rules of the Argentine Central Bank is presented in Note 53.

It has been concluded that these consolidated financial statements fairly present the Group’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows, in accordance with IFRS.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Groups´ accounting policies.

The areas involving a greater degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant for the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 2.

(a) Going Concern

As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, there are no uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt upon the Group´s ability to continue as a going concern.

(b) Measurement Unit

IAS 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies” requires that the financial statements of an entity whose functional currency is that of a hyperinflationary economy be restated in terms of the current measurement unit as of the reporting period-end, irrespective of whether they are based on the historical cost or the current cost method. Accordingly, in general terms, non-monetary items should be adjusted for inflation occurring since the acquisition date or since the revaluation date, as the case may be. These requirements are also applicable to the comparative information reported in the financial statements. According to IAS 29, monetary assets and liabilities are not required to be restated, for they are stated in the measurement unit as of the end of the reporting period. Assets and liabilities subject to adjustments based on specific agreements will be adjusted on the basis of such agreements. Non-monetary items measured at their fair values at the end of the reporting period, such as net realizable value or otherwise, will not be restated. The other non-monetary assets and liabilities will be restated by applying a general price index. The income (loss) from the net monetary position will be charged to net income for the reporting period in a separate item.

In order to conclude whether a given economy qualifies as hyperinflationary pursuant to the terms of IAS 29, the standard sets forth certain factors that should be considered, including a three-year cumulative inflation rate reaching or exceeding 100%.

In this regard, the Argentine Federation of Professional Councils in Economic Sciences (FACPCE) through Resolution J.G.539/18 and the Professional Council in Economic Sciences of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CPCECABA) through Resolution C.D. 107/2018 have pointed out that, effective for fiscal years ending on July 1, 2018 and thereafter, entities reporting under IFRS will be required to apply IAS 29 since the conditions for such application have been satisfied. In addition, Law No. 27468 enacted in November 2018 abrogated the prohibition to present the financial statements adjusted for inflation, as established by Decree 664/2003, entrusting each regulatory agency with its application. In this regard, on December 26, 2018, the CNV issued General Resolution No. 777/2018 authorizing the issuing entities to present accounting information in constant currency for annual financial statements for interim and special periods ending on December 31, 2018 and thereafter, except for financial institutions and insurance companies.

On February 22, 2019, through Communiqué “A” 6651, the Argentine Central Bank established that entities subject to its control shall restate the financial statements into constant currency for the fiscal years commencing January 1, 2020. However, the Group has applied IAS 29 in these consolidated financial statements in order for them to comply with IFRS.

(c) New Accounting Standards

IFRS 16 “Leases”: In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 “Leases” that establishes the new principles for recognizing, measuring, presenting and disclosing information on leases. Under IFRS 16, a contract is, or contains, a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time, in exchange for a consideration. In that case, it requires the lessee to recognize a liability for the present value of the agreed future payments, discounted at the implicit interest rate of the contract or if that rate cannot be readily determined, at the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate and an asset for the right of use of the underlying asset. This criterion must be applied to all lease contracts, and its application is optional for agreements whose terms do not exceed 12 months and do not contain a bargain purchase option, and where the leased assets are considered of low value. For the accounting of the lessors, the classification established in IAS 17 in Operating and Finance leases is maintained. This standard is effective for annual periods commencing on or after January 1, 2019.

The Group had to change its accounting policies as a consequence of adopting IFRS 16. The Group decided to adopt the new standards retrospectively from 1 January 2019 but has not restated comparatives for the 2018 reporting period, as permitted under the specific transition provisions in the standard. The cumulative effect of the initial application of the new standard are therefore recognized as of January 1, 2019 (See Note 16).

IFRIC 23 “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments”: this interpretation clarifies how to recognize, and measure deferred and current income tax assets and liabilities where there is uncertainty over the tax treatment. This standard was published in June 2017 and applies to financial reporting periods commencing as of January 1, 2019. Its application did not have any significant impact on the Group.

Prepayments features with negative compensation – Amendments to IFRS 9: this amendment to IFRS 9 enable entities to measure certain prepayable financial assets with negative compensation at amortized cost. These assets, which include some loans and debt securities, would otherwise have to be measured at fair value through profit or loss. To qualify for amortized cost measurement, the negative compensation must be a “reasonable compensation for early termination of the contract” and the asset must be held within “held to collect”. This standard is effective for annual periods commencing on or after January 1, 2019. Its application did not have any significant impact on the Group.

Long-term interests in Associates and Joint Ventures – Amendments to IAS 28: The amendments clarify accounting for long-term interests in associates and joint ventures for which the equity accounting does not apply. The entities must account for such interests under IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” before applying the loss allocation and impairment requirements in IAS 28 “Investments in associates and joint ventures”. This standard is effective for financial reporting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2019. Its application did not have any significant impact on the Group.

Annual Improvements to IFRS 2015–2017 Cycle: The following improvements were finalized in December 2017, being effective for financial reporting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2019.

• IFRS 3: It was clarified that obtaining control of a business that is a joint operation is a business combination achieved in stages.

• IFRS 11: It was clarified that the party obtaining joint control of a business that is a joint operation should not remeasure its previously held interest in the joint operation.

• IAS 12: It was clarified that income tax consequences of dividends on financial instruments classified as equity should be recognized according to where the past transactions or events that generated distributable profits were recognized.

• IAS 23: It was clarified that, if a specific borrowing remains outstanding after the related qualifying asset is ready for its intended use or sale, it becomes part of general borrowings.

The application of this standard did not have any significant impact.

(d) Changes in Accounting Policies

As indicated in Note 1.1. (c), the Group has adopted IFRS 16 “Leases” retrospectively from January 1, 2019. The new accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1.12.

Following the adoption of IFRS 16, the Group recognized lease liabilities related to leases that had previously been classified as operating leases under the principles of IAS 17. These liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate as of January 1, 2019. The weighted average lessee’s incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities on January 1, 2019 was 37.94% for contracts in Argentine pesos and 8.60% for contracts in foreign currency.

(i) Practical expedients applied

In applying IFRS 16 for the first time, the Group has used the following practical expedients permitted by the standard:

• the use of a single discount rate, in a lease portfolio with reasonably similar characteristics;

• relying on previous assessments on whether leases are onerous as an alternative to performing, an impairment test: the Group did not have any onerous contracts as of January 1, 2019;

• accounting for operating leases with a remaining lease term of less than 12 months and that do not include a bargain purchase option as of January 1, 2019, as short-term leases;

• excluding initial direct costs for the measurement of the right-of-use asset as of the date of initial application; and

• using hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease.

The Group has also elected not to reassess whether a contract is or contains a lease at the date of initial application. Instead, for contracts entered into before the transition date, the Group relied on its the assessment made under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 “Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease”.

(ii) Measurement of Lease Liabilities as of the date of initial application:

	01.01.19
Operating leases commitments disclosed as of December 31, 2018		6,781,048
Discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate as of the date of initial application		4,461,031
Lease Liabilities recognized as of January 1, 2019		4,461,031

(iii) Measurement of right-of-use assets

Right-of-use assets were measured for an amount equal to lease liabilities.

(iv) Adjustments recognized in the Statement of Financial Position as of January 1, 2019

The change in the accounting policy affected the following items in the Statement of Financial Position as of January 1, 2019:

• Right-of-use Assets (include under Property, Plant & Equipment)—Increase of Ps.4,461,031.

• Deferred Tax Assets – Increase of Ps.1,338,310.

• Lease Liabilities – Increase of Ps.4,461,031.

(e) New accounting standards and amendments issued by IASB that have not been adopted by the Group

The new standards, amendments and interpretations published are detailed below; however, they have not yet come into force for financial reporting periods commenced January 1, 2019 and have not been early adopted.

IFRS 17 “Insurance Contracts”: On May 18, 2017, the IASB issued IFRS 17 “Insurance Contracts,” establishing a comprehensive accounting framework based on measurement and disclosure principles for insurance contracts. The new standard supersedes IFRS 4 “Insurance Contracts,” and requires entities to measure an insurance contract at initial recognition at the total of the fulfilment cash flows (comprising the estimated future cash flows, an adjustment to reflect the time value of money and an explicit risk adjustment for non-financial risk) and the contractual service margin. The fulfilment cash flows are remeasured on a current basis each reporting period. The unearned profit (contractual service margin) is recognized over the coverage period. Entities are required to apply IFRS 17 for fiscal years commencing on or after January 1, 2021. The Group is evaluating the impact of adopting this new standard.

Definition of “Material”—Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: The IASB has amended IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements” and IAS 8 “Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates, and Errors” clarifying when information is material.

In particular, the amendments clarify:

• The reference to obscuring information addresses situations where the effect is similar to omitting or misstating such information, and that an entity assesses materiality in the context of the financial statements as a whole; and

• the meaning of “primary users of general-purpose Financial Statements” to whom those Financial Statements are addressed, by defining them as “existing and potential investors, lenders and other creditors”, that must rely on general purpose Financial Statements for much of the financial information they need.

This amendment is effective as of January 1, 2020 and is not expected to have any significant impact.

Definition of “Business”—Amendment to IFRS 3: The new definition of Business includes a comprehensive set of activities and assets that can be directed and managed for the purpose of providing goods or services to customers, generating investment income (such as dividends or interest) or generating other income from ordinary activities. Yields such as lower costs and other economic benefits are excluded from the above definition.

This amendment is effective as of January 1, 2020 and is not expected to have any significant impact.

Reform to the interest rate benchmark—Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7: These amendments provide some reliefs regarding the reform to the interest rate benchmark such as LIBOR and other rates offered in the interbank market. Reliefs are related to hedge accounting and to the fact that the mentioned reform should not cause the end of hedge accounting, considering the IFRS currently in force. However, hedge ineffectiveness must continue to be recorded in the Statement of Income. These amendments are effective as of January 1, 2020. These amendments are not expected to have any significant impact.

There are no other IFRS or IFRIC interpretations that are not effective and that are expected to have a significant impact on the Group.

1.2. CONSOLIDATION

Subsidiaries are those entities, including structured entities, where the Group is in control because (i) it has the power to direct relevant activities of the investee, which significantly affect its returns; (ii) it has exposure, or rights, to variable returns for its interest in the investee; and (iii) it has the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns. The existence and effect of the substantive rights, including potential voting rights, are considered when evaluating whether the Group has control over another entity. For a right to be substantive, the holder must have the practical ability to exercise it whenever necessary to make decisions on the direction of the relevant activities of the entity. The Group may be in control of an entity even when possessing less than the majority of the voting rights.

Likewise, the protective rights of other investors, such as those related to substantive changes in the activities of the investee or applied only in exceptional circumstances, do not prevent the Group from having control over an investee. The subsidiaries are consolidated from the date the control is transferred to the Group, and they cease to be consolidated as of the date on which the control ceases.

The subsidiaries which have been consolidated in these Consolidated Financial Statements are detailed in Note 15.

For the purpose of consolidating its financial statements, the Group used the subsidiaries’ financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019. The accounting policies applied by Sudamericana Holding S.A. are established by the National Insurance Superintendency and have been adjusted to those applied by the Group in preparing its consolidated financial statements.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between Group’s companies were eliminated.

Non-controlling interest in the results and equity of consolidated subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated statement of income, consolidated statement of other comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in shareholder’s equity and consolidated statement of financial position, respectively.

In accordance with the provisions of IFRS 3 “Business combinations”, the acquisition method is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries. The identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured at their fair values on the acquisition date.

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and, in a business combination achieved in stages, the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree; over the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

The consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at the fair value of the assets transferred by the acquirer, the liabilities assumed by the acquirer with the previous owners of the investee, and the equity instruments issued by the acquirer. The transaction costs are recognized as expenses in the periods in which the costs have been incurred and the services have been received, except for the transaction costs incurred to issue equity instruments that are deducted from equity, and the transaction costs incurred to issue debt that are deducted from their carrying amount.

1.3. TRANSACTIONS WITH NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

The Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control as transactions with equity owners of the Group. A change in ownership interest results in an adjustment between the carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling interests to reflect their relative interests in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount of the adjustment to non-controlling interests and any consideration paid or received is recognized within equity attributable to owners of the Group.

1.4. ASSOCIATES

Associates are entities over which the Group has significant direct or indirect influence, but not control; generally, this implies holding between 20 and 50 percent of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognized at cost. The carrying amount of the associates includes the goodwill identified in the acquisition less the accumulated impairment losses, if any. Dividends received from associates reduce the carrying amount of the investment. Other changes subsequent to the acquisition of the Group’s interest in the net assets of an associate are recognized as follows: (i) the Group’s interest in the profits or losses of the associates is accounted under Share of Profit from Associates and Joint Ventures in the consolidated statement of income and (ii) the Group’s interest in other comprehensive income is recognized in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income and presented separately. However, when the Group’s share in losses in an associate equal or exceeds its interest in it, the Group does not recognize further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

Unrealized profits on transactions between the Group and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of impairment in the transferred asset

1.5. SEGMENT REPORTING

An operating segment is a component of an entity (a) that conducts business activities from which it can earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses related to transactions with other components of the same entity); (b) whose operating income is regularly reviewed by the Group´s CODM (chief operating decision maker) to make decisions about the resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance; and (c) for which confidential financial information is available.

Segment reporting is presented consistently with the internal reports submitted to the Board of Directors (CODM of the Group), which is responsible for making the Group’s strategic decisions, allocating resources and assessing the performance of the operating segments.

1.6. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

(a) Functional Currency and Presentation Currency

The figures included in the consolidated financial statements for of the Group´s entities are stated in their functional currency, that is, the currency used in the primary economic environment where it operates. The consolidated financial statements are stated in Argentine pesos (Ps.), which is the Group’s functional and presentation currency. (See Note 1.1).

(b) Transactions and Balances

The transactions in foreign currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate at the dates of the transactions. Profits and losses in foreign currency resulting from the settlement of these transactions and the translation of monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currency at closing exchange rate, are recognized under “Exchange rate differences on gold and foreign currency” in the statement of income, except when they are deferred in equity by transactions which qualify as cash flows hedges, if appropriate.

Assets and liabilities in foreign currency are measured at the reference exchange rate of the US dollar defined by the Argentine Central Bank at the closing of operations on the last business day of each month.

As of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, balances in U.S. Dollars were translated at the reference exchange rate (Ps.59.895 and Ps.37.8083, respectively) established by the Argentine Central Bank. Foreign currencies other than the US dollar have been translated into this currency using exchange rates reported by the Argentine Central Bank.

1.7. CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

The item Cash and Due from Banks includes the available cash and bank deposits freely available, which are liquid short-term instruments with maturity less than three months from the origination date.

The assets disclosed under cash and due from banks are accounted for at their amortized cost which approximates its fair value.

1.8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Initial Recognition

The Group recognizes a financial asset or liability in its consolidated financial statements, as appropriate, when it becomes part of the contractual clauses of the financial instrument. Purchases and sales are recognized at the trading date when the Group buys or sells the instruments.

Upon initial recognition, the Group measures financial assets or liabilities at fair value, plus or less, for instruments not recognized at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, such as fees and commissions.

Financial Assets

a. Debt Securities

The Group considers as debt securities those instruments considered financial liabilities for the issuer, such as loans, government and private securities, bonds and customer accounts receivable.

Classification

As established by IFRS 9, the Group classifies financial assets according to how they are subsequently measured: at amortized cost, at fair value through other comprehensive income, or at fair value through profit or loss, based on:

• the Group’s business model to manage financial assets; and

• the characteristics of contractual cash flows of the financial asset.

Business Model

The Business Model refers to the way in which the Group manages a set of financial assets to reach a specific business objective. It represents the way the Group manages its financial instruments to generate cash flows.

Business models that the Group can follow are listed below:

• Hold the instruments to collect its contractual cash flows;

• Hold the instruments in the portfolio to collect contractual cash flows and, in turn, sell them when deemed convenient; or;

• Hold the instruments for trading.

The Group’s Business Model does not depend on the intentions that it may have for an individual instrument. Therefore, this condition is not an instrument-by-instrument classification approach, but it is determined from a higher level of aggregation.

The Group only reclassifies an instrument when, and only when, the business model for managing financial assets is modified. The reclassification is performed from the commencement of the period where the change takes place. Such change is not expected to be frequent, and changes have not been recorded during this fiscal year.

Characteristics of Contractual Cash Flows

The Group assesses whether the cash flow of grouped instruments is not significantly different from the flow that would receive solely for interest; otherwise, they shall be measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Based on the foregoing, there are three categories of Financial Assets:

(i) Financial assets measured at amortized cost:

Financial assets are measured at amortized cost when:

(a) the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets to collect contractual cash flows; and

(b) the contractual conditions of the financial asset give rise, on specified dates, to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the outstanding principal amount.

These financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value plus the incremental and directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortized cost.

The amortized cost of a financial asset is equal to its acquisition cost less its accumulated amortization plus accrued interest (calculated according to the effective interest method), net of any impairment loss.

(ii) Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income:

Financial assets are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income when:

(a) the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and

(b) the contractual conditions of the financial asset give rise, on specified dates, to cash flows which are solely payments of principal and interest on the outstanding principal amount.

These instruments are initially recognized at their fair value plus the incremental and directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. Profits and losses arising from the changes in fair value are included in other comprehensive income within a separate equity component. Impairment losses or reversals, income for interest and exchange profits and losses are recognized through profit or loss. Upon its sale or disposal, the accumulated profit or loss previously recognized through other comprehensive income is reclassified to the statement of income.

(iii) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss:

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are the following:

• Instruments held for trading;

• Instruments specifically designated at fair value through profit or loss; and

• Instruments whose contractual terms do not represent cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the outstanding principal amount.

These financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value and any fair value measurement is recognized in the statement of income.

The Group classifies a financial instrument as held for trading if it is acquired or incurred for the main purpose of selling or repurchasing it in the short term, or if it is part of a portfolio of financial instruments that are jointly managed and for which there is evidence of short-term earnings, or is a derivative financial instrument not designated as a hedging instrument. Derivative instruments and held-for-trading securities are classified as held for trading and measured at fair value.

Additionally, financial assets can be valued at fair value through profit or loss when, by doing so, the Group eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency.

b. Equity Instruments

Equity instruments are so considered by its issuer; this means that they are instruments which do not contemplate a contractual obligation to pay cash, and which evidence a residual interest on the issuer’s asset after deducting its entire liabilities.

Such instruments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except when, at the time of the initial recognition, the irrevocable option had been exercised to measure them at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income. This method is only applicable when the instruments are not held for trading and income shall be accounted in other comprehensive income with no reclassification to profit or loss, even when they are realized. Dividends receivable arising from such instruments shall be recognized through profit or loss solely when the Group is entitled to collect the payment.

Financial Liabilities

Classification

The Group classifies their financial liabilities at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method, except for:

• Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss, including derivative financial instruments.

• Liabilities arising from the transfer of financial assets not complying with the derecognition criteria.

• Financial guarantee contracts.

• Loan commitments at a lower than market rate.

Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss: the Group may choose to use, at the beginning, the irrevocable option to designate a liability at fair value through profit or loss, if, and only if, in doing so, it reflects a better measurement of financial information because:

• the Group eliminates or significantly reduces measurement or recognition inconsistency which would otherwise be exposed in the valuation;

• if financial assets and liabilities or a group of financial assets or liabilities, are managed and their performance is assessed on a fair value basis, according to a documented investment or risk management strategy; or

• a host contract contains one or more embedded derivative instruments, and the Group has opted for designating the entire contract at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial guarantee contracts: Financial guarantee contracts are those contracts requiring the issuer to make specific payments to reimburse the holder for the loss incurred when a specific debtor does not comply with its payment obligation on maturity, in accordance with the original or amended terms of a debt instrument.

Financial guarantee contracts are initially measured at fair value, and subsequently measured at the higher of the amount of the loss allowance and the amount initially recognized less, when appropriate, the cumulative amount of income recognized.

Derecognition of Financial Instruments

Financial Assets

A financial asset or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or a part of a group of similar financial assets, is derecognized when: (i) the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or (ii) the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset, or has assumed an obligation to pay all of the cash flows received immediately to a third party under a pass-through agreement; and all the risks and rewards of the asset have also been substantially transferred, or, in case all the risks and rewards of the asset had not been substantially transferred or retained, the control of the asset has been transferred.

When the contractual rights of receiving the cash flows generated by the asset have been transferred, or a transfer agreement has been executed, the entity assesses if it has retained, and to what extent, the risks and awards inherent in asset ownership. When substantially all the risks and rewards inherent in asset ownership have not been transferred or retained, nor has control of the asset been transferred, the asset continues to be recognized in accounting to the extent of its continued involvement over it.

In this case, the related liability is also recognized. The transferred asset and the related liability are measured in such a way so as to reflect the rights and obligations that the Group had retained.

A continuing involvement that takes the form of a collateral on the transferred asset is measured as the smallest amount between (i) the original carrying amount of the asset, and (ii) the maximum amount of consideration received that would be required to be returned.

Financial Liabilities:

A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation, has been cancelled, or has expired. When an existing financial liability is exchanged by another of the same borrower under significantly different conditions, or the conditions are significantly modified, such exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and a new liability is recognized, the difference between the value in books of the initial financial liability and the consideration paid is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income. When the renegotiation conditions are not significantly different, or the conditions are not significantly modified, the flows of the modified financial liabilities are discounted at the rate of the original contract.

1.9. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Derivative Financial instruments, including foreign currency contracts, futures, forward contracts, interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps, interest rate options and foreign currency options are recorder at their fair value.

All derivative financial instruments are recorder as assets when the fair value is positive and as liabilities when the fair value is negative, against the agreed price. The changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized in profit or loss.

In these consolidated financial statements, the Group has not applied hedge accounting.

1.10.    REPURCHASE TRANSACTIONS

Reverse Repurchase Transactions

According to the derecognition principles in IFRS 9, these transactions are considered as secured borrowings, since the risk has not been transferred to the counterpart.

Financing granted through reverse repurchase transactions are recorded under “Repurchase Transactions” accounts, classified by counterparty and considering the asset received as collateral.

At the closing of each month, accrued interest receivable is imputed to the “Repurchase Transactions” account with offsetting entry in “Interest Income”.

The underlying assets received for the reverse repurchase transactions will be recorded in Off-Balance Sheet Items. The assets received that have been sold by the Group are not deducted, but derecognized only when the repo transaction finishes, recording a liability in kind for the obligation to deliver the security sold.

Repurchase Transactions

Financing received through repurchase transactions are recorded under “Repurchase Transactions” accounts, classified by counterparty and considering the asset pledged as collateral.

In these transactions, when the receiver of the underlying asset obtains the right to sell it or pledge it as collateral, this is reclassified to the “Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral” accounts.

At the closing of each month, accrued interest payable is imputed to the “Repurchase Transactions” account with offsetting entry in “Interest Expenses”.

1.11.    ALLOWANCES FOR FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses (“ECL”) associated with its debt instruments assets carried at amortized cost and FVOCI, together with the exposure arising from loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. The Group recognizes a loss allowance for such losses at each reporting date. The measurement of ECL reflects:

• An unbiased and probability-weighted amount is determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes,

• The time value of money, and

• Reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort at the reporting date about past events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions.

Note 45 provides more detail of how the expected credit loss allowance is measured.

1.12.    LEASES

1.12.1.    Lease activities of the Group

The Group is the lessee of various properties to be used in its ordinary course of business. Lease contracts are generally made for fixed periods, from 1 to 20 years, but in some cases, there may be price agreements for shorter periods with extension options. Lease terms are individually negotiated and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions.

Until the 2018 fiscal year, Property, Plant and Equipment leases were classified as either finance leases or operating leases.

Finance leases were capitalized, at the lease’s inception at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments.

Each lease payment was allocated between the liability and finance cost. The finance cost was charged to profit or loss over the lease period to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. Assets acquired under finance leases were depreciated over the asset´s useful life, or over the shorter of the asset´s useful life and the lease term if there is no reasonable certainty that the Group will obtain ownership at the end of the lease term.

Leases where the lessor retained a substantial portion of the risks and rewards of ownership were classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) were charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

From January 1, 2019, leases are recognized as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability, on the date at which the leased asset is available for use by the Group.

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present value of the following lease payments:

• fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable;

• variable lease payments based on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate on the initial date;

• amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees;

• the exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and

• payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option.

Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement of the liability.

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, if it can be determined; or otherwise, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate will be applied, which is the rate that the lessee would have to pay to borrow the necessary funds to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of- use asset, in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions.

Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period, to produce a constant, periodic interest rate on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.

Right-of-use assets are measured at their cost, comprising the following:

• the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability;

• any lease payment made on or before the initial date, less any lease incentives received;

• any initial direct cost; and

• restoration and dismantling costs.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset useful life and the lease term on a straight-line method.

Payments related to short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less that do not contain a bargain purchase option. Low-value assets are small physical spaces to place equipment which are owned by the Group.

1.12.2.    Extension and Termination Options

The extension and termination options are included in several Property, Plant and Equipment leases. These options are used to maximize the operational flexibility in terms of managing the assets used in our operations. Most of the extension and termination options held are exercisable only by the Group and not by the respective lessor.

1.13.    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Assets are measured at their acquisition or construction cost, net of accumulated depreciations and/or accumulated impairment losses, if any. The cost includes the expenses directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of the items.

Property, Plant and Equipment acquired through business combinations were initially valued at the estimated fair value at the acquisition date.

Subsequent costs are included in the value of the asset or are recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, if and only if they are likely to generate future economic benefits for the Group, and its cost can be reasonably measured. When improvements are made to the asset, the carrying amount of the replaced asset is derecognized, the new asset being amortized for the remaining useful life.

Repair and maintenance costs are recognized in the consolidated statement of income for the year in which they are incurred.

The depreciation of these assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost over, their estimated useful lives. If an asset includes significant components with different useful lives, they are recognized and depreciated as separate items.

The residual values of Property, Plant and Equipment, the useful lives and the depreciation methods are reviewed and adjusted if necessary, at the closing date of each fiscal year, or when there is evidence of impairment.

The book value of the Property, Plant and Equipment is immediately reduced to its recoverable amount when it is greater than the estimated recoverable value.

Profits and losses from the sale of Property, Plant and Equipment items are determined by comparing the proceeds from the disposal to the carrying amount of the respective asset and are charged to income.

1.14.    INTANGIBLE ASSETS

1.14.1. Licenses

Licenses acquired individually are initially valued at cost, while those acquired through business combinations are recognized at their estimated fair value at the acquisition date.

At the closing date of these consolidated financial statements, intangible assets with a finite useful life are presented net of accumulated depreciation and/or accumulated impairment losses, if any. These assets are subject to impairment tests annually, or when there is evidence of impairment.

The licenses acquired by the Group have been classified as intangible assets with a finite useful life, being amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of the license.

Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are the assets arising from contracts or other legal rights, that can be renewed without significant cost, and for which, based on an analysis of all relevant factors, there is no foreseeable limit of the period along which the asset is expected to generate net cash flows for the Group. These intangible assets are not amortized, but are subject to impairment tests, annually or when there is evidence of impairment, either individually or at the level of the cash generating unit. The determination of the indefinite useful life is annually reviewed to confirm if it continues being applicable.

1.14.2.    Software

The costs related to software maintenance are recognized as expense when incurred. The development, acquisition and implementation costs that are directly attributable to software design and testing, identifiable and monitored by the Group, are recognized as assets.

The costs incurred in software development, acquisition or implementation, recognized as intangible assets, are amortized by applying the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

1.15.    ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

1.15.1.    Assets Held for Sale

The assets, or group of assets, classified as available for sale in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations,” will be disclosed separately from the rest of the assets.

Non-current assets or disposal groups (including the loss of control over a subsidiary) are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use and a sale is considered highly probable. In order for an asset to be classified as held for sale, it must meet the following conditions:

• it must be available for immediate sale in its current condition;

• Management must be committed to a plan to sell the asset and must have initiated an active program to locate a buyer and complete the plan;

• the asset must be actively marketed for sale at a reasonable price in relation to its current fair value;

• the sale is expected to be completed within 12 months from its reclassification date; and

• it is unlikely that the plan will be significantly changed or withdrawn.

The assets, or groups of assets, classified as held for sale in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations”, are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell and are restated in accordance with Note 22.

Non-current assets (including those that are part of a disposal group) are not depreciated or amortized while they are classified as held for sale

1.15.2.    Discontinued Operations

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group that has been disposed of, or that has been classified as held for sale, and complies with any of the following conditions:

• it represents line of business or a geographical area, which is significant and can be considered as separated from the rest;

• it is part of a single coordinated plan to have a business line, or geographical area of the operations which is significant and can be considered as separated from the rest; or

• it is an independent entity exclusively acquired to resell it.

Any profit or loss arising from re-measuring an asset (or group of assets for its disposal) classified as Held for Sale, which does not meet the definition of discontinued operation, will be included in the Income from continuing operations.

1.16.    IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

Assets with indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable or, at least, on an annual basis.

Depreciation and impairment losses are recognized when the carrying amount exceeds their recoverable value. The recoverable value of assets is the greater of the net amount that it would obtain from its sale, or its value in use. For the impairment tests, the assets are grouped at the lowest level where they generate identifiable cash flows (cash generating units). The carrying amount of non-financial assets other than goodwill over which depreciation and impairment have been recorded, are reviewed at each reporting date for verifying possible depreciation and impairment reversals.

1.17.    TRUST ASSETS

The assets held by the Group in its trustee role are not reported in the consolidated statement of financial position, because the Group is not in control of the trust or the risks and rewards of the underlying assets. Fees received from trust activities are recorded in Fee Income

1.18.    OFFSETTING

Financial assets and liabilities are offset by reporting the net amount in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position only when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

1.19.    FINANCING RECEIVED FROM THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

The amounts owed to other Financial Institutions are recorded at the time the principal is disbursed to the Group. Non-derivative financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost. If the Group repurchases its own debt, this is eliminated from the consolidated financial statements, and the difference between the residual value of the financial liability and the amount paid is recognized as a financial income or expense.

1.20.    PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENCIES

In accordance with IFRS a provision will be recognized when:

a. an Entity has a current obligation (either legal or implicit) as a consequence of a past event;

b. it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying future economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and

c. the amount can be reliably estimated.

It will be understood that the Group has an implicit obligation if (a) as a result of previous practices or public policies, the Group has assumed certain liabilities; and (b) as a result, it has created expectations that it will comply with those obligations.

The Group recognizes the following provisions:

• For labor, civil and commercial lawsuits: provisions are determined based on the lawyers’ reports on the status of the lawsuits and the estimate made on the bankruptcy possibilities to be faced by the Group, as well as on past experience regarding this type of lawsuits.

• For miscellaneous risks: provisions are set up to face contingent situations that may give rise to obligations for the Group. When estimating the amounts, the probability of their materializing is taken into account, considering the opinion of the Group’s legal advisors and professionals.

The amount recognized as provision must be the best estimate of the disbursement needed to cancel such obligation, at the end of the year being reported.

When the financial effect produced by the discount becomes important, the amount of the provision must be the present value of the disbursements that are expected to be required to cancel the obligation by using a pre-tax interest rate that reflects the current market conditions on the value of money and the specific risks for such obligation. The increase in the provision for the lapsing of time is recognized in the Net Financial Income item of the Statement of Income.

The Group will not record the positive contingencies, except those arising from deferred taxes and those which materialization is virtually certain.

At the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, the Group Directors understand that there have been no elements that allow determining the existence of other contingencies that may be materialized and generate a negative impact on these consolidated financial statements, as detailed in Note 29.

1.21.    OTHER NON-FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

Non-financial accounts payable are accrued when the counterparty has complied its contractual obligations under the contract, and they are valuated at amortized cost.

1.22.    DEBT SECURITIES

The Group’s Debt Securities are measured at amortized cost. If the Group purchases debt securities of their own, the obligation in Liabilities related to such debt securities is considered extinguished, and, therefore, it is derecognized. If the Group repurchases its own debt, this is eliminated from the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the difference between the residual value of the financial liability and the amount paid is recognized as a financial income or expense.

1.23.    ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ARISING FROM INSURANCE CONTRACTS

The valuation and recording of assets and liabilities arising from the Group’s insurance contracts is performed pursuant to the IFRS 4 “Insurance Contracts” criteria.

Assets for Insurance Contracts

Insurance contracts are contracts where the Group (the insurer) has accepted an insurance risk from another party (the insured) by agreeing to compensate the insured if a specified uncertain future event (the insured event) adversely affects the insured.

Once a contract has been classified as an insurance contract, it remains an insurance contract for the rest of its useful life, even if the insurance risk is significantly reduced during this period, unless all rights and obligations are extinguished or expire.

The insurance contracts offered by the Group include property insurance that covers fire, combined family insurance, theft and similar risks, property damage, personal accidents, among other risks. Life insurance and Retirement insurance contracts are also included.

Total premiums are recognized as of the policy issuance date as an account receivable. At the same time, a reserve is recorded in Liabilities for unearned premiums representing premiums for risks that have not yet expired. The unearned premiums are recognized as Income for the contract period, which is also the coverage and risk period. The book value of insurance accounts receivable is reviewed for impairment if events or circumstances indicate that the book value may not be recoverable. Impairment loss is recorded in the Statement of Income.

Liabilities Recognized for the Insurance Business

Debts with Insured Persons

Reserves for Insurance claims represent debts with insured persons for claims reported to the company, and an estimate of the claims that have already been incurred but have not yet been reported to the company. Reported claims are adjusted based on technical reports received from independent appraisers.

Debts with Reinsurers and Co-insurers

The Group mitigates the risk for some of its insurance business through coinsurance or reinsurance contracts in other companies. For coinsurance, the Company associates with another company to cover a risk, by assuming only a percentage of it and, therefore, also of the premium. For reinsurance, the risk is transferred to another insurance company both in proportional (as a risk percentage) and non-proportional form (the excess of loss above a certain limit is covered). The transferred reinsurance agreements do not exempt the Group from its obligations with the insured persons.

Coinsurance and reinsurance liabilities represent balances owed under the same conditions, and the amounts payable are estimated in a manner consistent with the contract that gave rise to them.

Debts with Producers

They represent liabilities with insurance producers and independent agents arising from the commissions for the insurance transactions they bring for the Group’s companies. The checking account balances with such entities are also included.

Technical Commitments

Technical reserves include reserves for future benefit obligations under life, annuity and accident insurance policies, and reserves for retirement insurance contracts.

The Group assesses, at the end of the reporting period, the adequacy of the insurance liabilities it has recognized, using current estimates of future cash flows from its insurance contracts. Should the evaluation show that the carrying amount of its liabilities for insurance contracts (minus deferred acquisition costs and related intangible assets) is not adequate, considering the estimated future cash flows, the total amount of the deficiency will be recognized in Income. In accordance with IFRS 4, the Group must determine the adequacy of the amount in books recorded in accordance with the guidelines established in IAS 37.

1.24.    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Shareholders’ equity accounts are restated in accordance with Note 1.1.b., except for the item “Capital Stock”, which is carried at face value. The restatement adjustment is included in “Equity Adjustments”.

Ordinary shares are classified in Shareholders’ Equity and remain recorded at their nominal value. When any company forming part of the Group buys Company shares (treasury shares in portfolio), the payment made, including any costs directly attributable to the transaction (net of taxes) is deducted from the Shareholders’ Equity until the shares are canceled or sold.

1.25.    PROFIT RESERVES

According to Art. 70 of the General Companies Act, the Company and its subsidiaries, except Banco Galicia, must transfer to Legal Reserve 5% of the profit for the year, until said reserve reaches 20% of the capital stock plus the balance of the Equity Adjustment account.

Regarding Banco Galicia, in accordance with the regulations established by the Argentine Central Bank, it is appropriate to allocate to Legal Reserve 20% of the profits for the year, net of the eventual adjustments of previous fiscal years, if applicable. However, for the allocation of Other Reserves, the Financial Institutions must comply with the Argentine Central Bank provisions of the Amended Text on dividends distribution detailed in Note 53.

1.26.    DIVIDENDS DISTRIBUTION

The dividends distribution to the Group’s shareholders is recognized as a liability in the consolidated financial statements in the year in which the dividends are approved by the Group’s shareholders.

1.27.    REVENUE RECOGNITION

Financial income and expenses are recorded for all debt instruments according to the effective interest rate method, by which all gains and losses that are an integral part of the effective interest rate of the transaction are deferred.

The income included in the effective interest rate includes disbursements or income related to the creation or acquisition of a financial asset or liability, such as, for example, the preparation and processing of the documents necessary to conclude the transaction and the compensation received by the granting of credit agreements. The Group records all its non-derivative financial liabilities at amortized cost, except those included in the item “Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss” which are measured at fair value.

Fees received by the Group for the origination of syndicated loans are not part of the effective interest rate of the product, and are recognized in the statement of income at the time the service is provided, to the extent the Group does not retain part of it, or this is maintained in the same conditions as the rest of the participants. Commissions and fees earned by the Group on negotiations in third parties’ transactions are not part of the effective interest rate either, and are recognized at the time the transactions are executed.

IFRS 15 establishes the principles that an entity shall apply to recognize revenue and cash flows from contracts with customers.

The amount that should be recognized will be the amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for the services delivered to customers.

The Group’s income from services is recognized in the statement of income to the extent the performance obligations are complied with, thus deferring those revenues related to customer loyalty programs, which are provisioned based on the fair value of each point and its redemption rate, until they are exchanged by the customer and can be recognized in the income for the year.

Retail product and service fees related to savings and checking account operations have a monthly charging frequency; safe deposit boxes fees are charged quarterly; renewal of credit cards is charged annually, and bond and shares transactions are charged at the time the transactions are executed.

Additionally, fees for wholesale products corresponding to maintenance of accounts, deposits and withdrawals between entities, are charged on a monthly basis; foreign trade transactions are charged at the time the transactions are executed.

Below is a summary of the main commissions earned by the Bank:

Commissions	Earning Frequency
Retail Products and Services
Savings Accounts	Monthly
Checking Accounts	Monthly
Credit-card Renewal	Annual
Safe Deposit Boxes	Quarterly
Bonds and Shares Transactions	On each transaction
Wholesale Products
Account Maintenance	Monthly
Deposits and Withdrawals among Branches	Monthly
Foreign Trade Transactions	On each transaction

1.28.    INCOME TAX

The Income tax expense for the year comprises the current and the deferred taxes. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of income, except when there are items that must be directly recognized in other comprehensive income. In this case, income tax liability related to such items is also recognized in this Statement.

The current income tax expense is calculated based on the tax laws enacted, or substantially enacted as of the date of the consolidated financial statements in the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income. The Group periodically assesses the position assumed in tax returns as regards the situations in which tax laws are subject to interpretation. Likewise, when applicable, the Group sets up provisions on the amounts that it expects to be paid to tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is determined by the liability method on the temporary differences arising from the carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their tax base. However, the deferred tax that arises from the initial recognition of an asset or a liability in a transaction not corresponding to a business combination, which at the time of the transaction does not affect neither the profit nor the accounting or taxable loss, is not recorded. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and legislation) that have been enacted as of the date of the financial statements and are expected to be applicable when the deferred tax assets are realized, or the deferred tax liabilities are settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent future tax benefits are likely to arise against which the temporary differences might be offset.

The Group recognizes a deferred tax liability for taxable temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries and affiliates, unless the following two conditions are met:

(i) the Group controls the timing on which temporary differences will be reversed; and.

(ii) such temporary differences are not likely to be reversed in the foreseeable future.

The balances of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when a legal right exists to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and to the extent such balances are related to the same tax authority of the Group or its subsidiaries, where tax balances are intended to be, and may be, settled on a net basis.

1.29.    EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the income attributable to parent company’s owners by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.