20-F 1 d833131d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F
Table of Contents

AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 29, 2020


 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20–F

(Mark One)

[   ]              Registration Statement pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or

[X]              Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 or

[   ]              Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or

[   ]              Shell Company Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Commission File Number 000-30852

 

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

GALICIA FINANCIAL GROUP

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.

Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, 25th floor

C1038 AAJ-Buenos Aires, Argentina

(Address of principal executive offices)

Pedro A. Richards, Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 54 11 4 343 7528 / Fax: 54 11 4 331 9183, prichards@gfgsa.com

Perón 430, 25° Piso C1038AAJ Buenos Aires ARGENTINA

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

American Depositary Shares, each representing ten Class B ordinary Shares

Name of each exchange on which registered

Nasdaq Capital Market

Title of each class

Class B Ordinary Shares, Ps.1.00 par value, (not for trading but only in connection with the listing of the American Depositary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing the

right to receive ten ordinary shares, par value

Ps.1.00 per share New York Stock Exchange

 

GGAL

 

NASDAQ

Ordinary shares, par value Ps.1.00 per share*

 

GGAL

 

NASDAQ

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares representing such ordinary shares on the NASDAQ.

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

 

Class A Ordinary Shares, Ps.1.00 par value             

 

281.221.650

Class B Ordinary Shares, Ps.1.00 par value             

 

1.145.542.947

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [X]   No ]

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Yes [  ]   No [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X]   No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes [X]   No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer [X]

 

Accelerated filer [  ]

 

Non-accelerated filer [  ]             

 

 

 

 

Emerging growth company [  ]

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards † provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  [  ]

 

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP  [  ]

International Financial Reporting Standards

As issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  [X]

Other  [ ]

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

Item 17 [  ]                                                                                     Item 18 [  ]

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes [  ]   No [X]   





 ​

CONTENIDO

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION 2


FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS 3


PART I 5


Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
5
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
5
Item 3. Key Information
5
A. Selected Financial Data
5
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
9
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
10
D. Risk Factors
10
Item 4. Information on the Company
26
A. History and Development of the Company
26
B. Business Overview
34
C. Organizational Structure
98
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
99
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
99
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
99
A. Operating Results
99
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
136
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
143
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
161
A. Major Shareholders
161
B. Related Party Transactions
162
Item 8. Financial Information
163
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
164
B. Significant Changes
167
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
169
Item 10. Additional Information
171
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
171
C. Material Contracts
178
D. Exchange Controls
179
E. Taxation
179
H. Documents on Display
187
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
187
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities
195
D. American Depositary Shares
195
PART II 197


Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
197
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
197
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
197
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
198
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
198
Item 16C. Principal Accountants’ Fees and Services
198
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
199
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
199
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.
199
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
199
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure
199
Item 17. Financial Statements
200
Item 18. Financial Statements
200
Item 19. Exhibits
201


PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. (“Grupo Financiero Galicia”, “Grupo Galicia”, “GFG” or the “Company”) is a financial services holding company incorporated in Argentina and is one of Argentina’s largest financial services groups. In this annual report, references to “we”, “our”, and “us” are to Grupo Financiero Galicia and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where otherwise noted. Our consolidated financial statements consolidate the accounts of the following companies:

 

  • Grupo Financiero Galicia;
  • Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. (“Banco Galicia” or the Bank”), our largest subsidiary, consolidated with (i) Tarjetas Regionales S.A. and its operating subsidiaries, until December 31, 2017 (effective January 1, 2018, Tarjetas Regionales S.A. was transferred to be an operating subsidiary of Grupo Financiero Galicia), (ii) Tarjetas del Mar S.A. (“Tarjetas del Mar”) until March 31, 2017 (effective April 1, 2017 Tarjetas del Mar was sold), (iii) Galicia Valores S.A.U. (“Galicia Valores”) until August 31, 2019 (effective September 1, 2019, Galicia Valores was sold to Grupo Financiero Galicia and transferred to IGAM LLC), (iv) Fideicomiso Financiero Galtrust I until December 31, 2017 and (v) Fideicomiso Saturno Créditos until December 31, 2018;
  • Tarjetas Regionales S.A. (“Tarjetas Regionales”) and its subsidiaries (which has been reported on a consolidated basis with Grupo Financiero Galicia since January 1, 2018);
  • Sudamericana Holding S.A. (“Sudamericana”) and its subsidiaries;
  • Galicia Warrants S.A. (“Galicia Warrants”);
  • Net Investment S.A. (“Net Investment”) (liquidated as of December 31, 2017);
  • Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A. (“Galicia Administradora de Fondos”); and
  • IGAM LLC (“IGAM”) and its subsidiaries.

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance and in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) issued by the International Financial Reporting Standards Board (“IASB”) and the interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee. IFRS in force as of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 have been applied. We maintain our financial books and records in Argentine Pesos and prepare our financial statements in conformity with IFRS, as issued by the IASB, effective as of the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2018. Grupo Galicia has also adjusted its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 in accordance with IFRS to serve as a comparative basis for the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

As of July 1, 2018, Argentina qualified as a hyperinflationary economy for accounting purposes. Grupo Galicia’s functional currency is the Argentine peso and its financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies as if the Argentine economy had always been hyperinflationary. The financial position and results of operations as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are reflected in terms of current purchasing power using the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) as of December 31, 2019.

 

In this annual report, references to “US$” and “Dollars” are to United States Dollars and references to “Ps.” or “Pesos” are to Argentine Pesos. The exchange rate used in translating Pesos into Dollars and used in calculating the convenience translations included in the following tables is the “Reference Exchange Rate” that is published by


 

the Argentine Central Bank and that was Ps.59.8950, Ps.37.8083 and Ps.18.7742 per US$1.00 as of December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The exchange rate translations contained in this annual report should not be construed as representations that the stated Peso amounts actually represent or have been or could be converted into Dollars at the rates indicated or at any other rate.

 

Our fiscal year ends on December 31, and references in this annual report to any specific fiscal year are to the twelve-month period ended December 31 of such year.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all information regarding deposit and loan market shares and other financial industry information has been derived from information published by the Argentine Central Bank, which is not adjusted according to the IAS 29.

 

We have expressed all amounts in millions of Pesos, except percentages, ratios, multiples and per-share data.

 

Certain figures included in this annual report have been rounded for purposes of presentation. Percentage figures included in this annual report have been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures. Certain numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that preceded them due to rounding.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This annual report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the captions Item 4. “Information on the Company”-A.”History and Development of the Company”-“Capital Investments and Divestitures,” Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”-A.“Operating Results-Principal Trends” and B.“Liquidity and Capital Resources.” All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this annual report (including statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs and management’s plans and objectives for future operations) are forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of such words as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue” or other similar terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be provided with respect to these statements. Because these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to:

  • changes in general political, legal, social or other conditions in Argentina, Latin America or other countries or regions;
  • changes in the macroeconomic situation at the regional, national or international levels, and the influence of these changes on the microeconomic conditions of the financial markets in Argentina;
  • changes in capital markets in general that may affect policies or attitudes toward lending to Argentina or Argentine companies, including expected or unexpected turbulence or volatility in domestic or international financial markets;
  • financial difficulties of the Argentine government and its ability (or inability) to reach to an agreement to restructure its outstanding debt that is held by international credit entities and private sector bondholders;
  • changes in Argentine government regulations applicable to financial institutions, including tax regulations and changes in or failures to comply with banking or other regulations;
  • volatility of the Peso and the exchange rates between the Peso and foreign currencies;

  

  • fluctuations in the Argentine rate of inflation, including hyperinflation;
  • increased competition in the banking, financial services, credit card services, insurance, asset management, mutual funds and related industries;
  • Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries’ inability to sustain or improve their performance;
  • a loss of market share by any of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s main businesses;
  • a change in the credit cycle, increased borrower defaults and/or a decrease in the fees charged to clients;
  • changes in the saving and consumption habits of its customers and other structural changes in the general demand for financial products, such as those offered by Banco Galicia;
  • changes in interest rates which may, among other things, adversely affect margins;
  • Banco Galicia’s inability to obtain additional debt or equity financing on attractive conditions or at all, which may limit its ability to fund existing operations and to finance new activities;
  • technological changes and changes in Banco Galicia’s ability to implement new technologies;
  • impact of COVID-19 (or other future outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics) on the global, regional and national economy, on financial activity on global trade -both in terms of volumes and prices-, and on the Company’s ability to recover from the negative effects of the pandemic (or other future outbreak);
  • other factors discussed under Item 3. “Key Information” - D.“Risk Factors” in this annual report.

 

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. Moreover, you should consider these cautionary statements in connection with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue in the future. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements after completion of this annual report to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this annual report might not occur and are not guarantees of future performance.


PART I

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Key Information

 

A. Selected Financial Data

 

The following table presents summary historical financial and other information about us as of the dates and for the periods indicated.

 

The selected consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

 

You should read this data in conjunction with Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

 

The tables included below have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.






Year Ended December  31,



2019


2018


2017


(in millions of Pesos, except as noted)

Consolidated Statement of Income in Accordance with IFRS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income from Interest

 

 

34,830

 

 

 

51,324

 

 

 

45,956

 

Net Fee Income

 

 

28,083

 

 

 

32,875

 

 

 

32,563

 

Net Income from Financial Instruments

 

 

72,830

 

 

 

26,694

 

 

 

13,016

 

Loan and Other Receivables Loss Provisions

 

 

(22,203

)

 

 

(25,074

)

 

 

(11,220

)

Net Operating Income

 

 

147,256

 

 

 

112,443

 

 

 

106,110

 

Loss on Net Monetary Position

 

 

(30,798

)

 

 

(27,788

)

 

 

(10,496

)

Operating Income

 

 

36,858

 

 

 

5,191

 

 

 

22,456

 

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

 

 

(13,038

)

 

 

(10,634

)

 

 

(11,259

)

Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to GFG

 

 

23,708

 

 

 

(5,332

)

 

 

10,451

 

Other Comprehensive Income

 

 

403

 

 

 

(135

)

 

 

(669

)

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to GFG

 

 

24,111

 

 

 

(5,467

)

 

 

9,782

 

Ordinary Shares Outstanding for the year

 

 

1,427

 

 

 

1,427

 

 

 

1,427

 

Basic Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

 

 

16.62

 

 

 

(3.74

)

 

 

7.32

 

Diluted Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

 

 

16.62

 

 

 

(3.74

)

 

 

7.32

 

Cash Dividends per Share (in Pesos)

 

(1)

 

 

 

1.86

 

 

 

1.74

 

Book Value per Share (*) (in Pesos)

 

 

79.85

 

 

 

64.82

 

 

 

69.56

 

(1) The cash dividend distribution for the fiscal year ended at December 31, 2019, is pending approval. For more information see Item 8. “Financial Information”-A.“Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information”-“Dividend Policy and Dividends”-“Dividends” -“Grupo Financiero Galicia”.

(2 ) Total Shreholders´ Equity attributable to GFG divided Ordinary Shares Outstanding for the year.

 

 

 


For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except as noted)

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in Accordance with IFRS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Due from Banks

 

 

130,649

 

 

 

220,456

 

 

 

133,903

 

Debt Securities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

 

 

65,690

 

 

 

116,813

 

 

 

65,760

 

Loans and Other Financing

 

 

358,559

 

 

 

434,900

 

 

 

437,430

 

Total Assets

 

 

685,519

 

 

 

876,371

 

 

 

753,227

 

Deposits

 

 

393,735

 

 

 

553,946

 

 

 

455,909

 

Other Liabilities

 

 

174,949

 

 

 

227,283

 

 

 

193,514

 

Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG

 

 

113,942

 

 

 

92,492

 

 

 

99,260

 

Percentage of Period-end Balance Sheet Items Denominated in Dollars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans and Other Financing

 

 

39

%

 

 

35

%

 

 

21

%

Total Assets

 

 

45

%

 

 

39

%

 

 

26

%

Deposits

 

 

52

%

 

 

45

%

 

 

35

%

Total Liabilities

 

 

49

%

 

 

34

%

 

 

30

%



 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 


 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

Selected Ratios (*)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profitability and Efficiency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Yield on Interest Earning Assets (1)

 

 

19.93

 

%

 

 

13.99

 

%

 

10.71

 

%

Financial Margin (2)

 

 

21.07

 

%

 

 

12.49

 

%

 

13.11

 

%

Return on Assets (3)

 

 

3.46

 

%

 

 

(0.61

)

%

 

1.39

 

%

Return on Shareholders’ Equity (4)

 

 

20.81

 

%

 

 

(5.76

)

%

 

10.53

 

%

Efficiency ratio (5)

 

 

50.72

 

%

 

 

64.13

 

%

 

58.24

 

%

Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity as a Percentage of Total Assets

 

 

16.62

 

%

 

 

10.55

 

%

 

13.18

 

%

Total Liabilities as a Multiple of Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

4.99

 

x

 

 

8.45

 

x

 

6.54

 

x

Total Capital Ratio

 

 

17.53

 

%

 

 

15.11

 

%

 

10.69

 

%

Liquidity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Due from Banks as a Percentage of Total Deposits

 

 

33.18

 

%

 

 

39.80

 

%

 

29.37

 

%

Loans and other financing, Net as a Percentage of Total Assets

 

 

52.30

 

%

 

 

49.63

 

%

 

58.07

 

%

Credit Quality

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Accrual Instruments (6) as a Percentage of Total Financial Instruments Portfolio

 

 

4.63

 

%

 

 

3.51

 

%

 

2.20

 

%

Allowance for Financial Instruments as a Percentage of Non-accrual Financial Instruments (6)

 

 

130.34

 

%

 

 

137.40

 

%

 

129.75

 

%

Net Charge-Offs as a Percentage of Financial Instruments Portfolio

 

 

5.12

 

%

 

 

4.98

 

%

 

2.24

 

%

Inflation and Exchange Rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale Price Index

 

58.49

 

%

 

73.50

 

%

18.80

 

%

Consumer Price Index

 

53.83

 

%

 

47.65

 

%

24.80

 

%

Exchange Rate Variation (7)

 

 

58.42

 

%

 

 

101.44

 

%

 

18.42

 

%

CER (8)

 

 

18.70

 

 

 

 

12.34

 

 

 

8.38

 

 

UVA (9)

 

 

47.16

 

 

 

 

31.06

 

 

21.15

 

 

(*) All of the ratios disclosed above are included because they are considered significant by the management of Grupo Financiero Galicia.

(1) Net interest earned divided by interest-earning assets. For a description of net interest earned, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”-A.“Business Overview”-Selected Statistical Information-“Average Balance Sheet and Income from Interest-Earning Assets and Expenses from Interest-Bearing Liabilities”.

(2) Financial margin represents net interest income plus net result from financial instruments plus foreign currency quotation differences plus insurance premiums earned plus certain items included in other operating income and expenses, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets.

(3) Net income attributable to GFG as a percentage of total assets.

(4) Net income attributable to GFG as a percentage of shareholders’ equity.

(5) Personnel expenses plus administrative expenses plus depreciation and devaluations of assets, divided by net interest income plus net fee income plus net result from financial instruments plus foreign currency quotation differences plus insurance premiums earned plus certain items included in other operating income and expenses plus loss on net monetary position.

(6) Non-Accrual Financial Instruments are defined as those Financial Instruments in Stage 3. Assets categorized in Stage 3 are impaired financial assets and/or assets subject to a serious risk of impairment.

(7) Annual change in the end-of-period exchange rate expressed in Pesos per Dollar.

(8) The “CER” is the “Coeficiente de Estabilización de Referencia”, an adjustment coefficient based on changes in CPI.

(9) The “UVA” is the “Unidad de Valor Adquisitivo”, an adjustment coefficient based on changes in the CER.



The tables below reflecting Grupo Galicia’s financial results for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, are not adjusted for inflation, and were prepared in accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP (“Previous GAAP”). The information based on Previous GAAP included below and elsewhere is this annual report is not comparable to information prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

 

 


Fiscal Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except as noted)

 

Consolidated Income Statement in Accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Income

 

 

36,608

 

 

 

25,844

 

Financial Expenses

 

 

20,239

 

 

 

13,402

 

Gross Brokerage Margin (1)

 

 

16,369

 

 

 

12,442

 

Provision for Losses on Loans and Other Receivables

 

 

3,533

 

 

 

2,214

 

Income before Taxes

 

 

9,371

 

 

 

7,139

 

Income Tax

 

 

(3,353

)

 

 

(2,801

)

Net Income

 

 

6,018

 

 

 

4,338

 

Basic Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

 

4.63

 

 

3.34

 

Diluted Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

 

4.63

 

 

3.34

 

Cash Dividends per Share (in Pesos)

 

0.18

 

 

0.12

 

Book Value per Share (in Pesos)

 

15.66

 

 

11.14

 

Amounts in Accordance with U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

6,037

 

 

 

4,336

 

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

 

4.64

 

 

3.33

 

Book Value per Share (in Pesos)

 

15.45

 

 

11.06

 

Financial Income

 

 

34,549

 

 

 

24,252

 

Financial Expenses

 

 

19,410

 

 

 

12,826

 

Gross Brokerage Margin

 

 

15,139

 

 

 

11,426

 

Provision for Losses on Loans and Other Receivables

 

 

3,192

 

 

 

1,985

 

Income Tax

 

 

3,195

 

 

 

2,644

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet in Accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Due from Banks

 

 

61,166

 

 

 

30,835

 

Government Securities, Net

 

 

13,701

 

 

 

15,525

 

Loans, Net

 

 

137,452

 

 

 

98,345

 

Total Assets

 

 

242,251

 

 

 

161,748

 

Deposits

 

 

151,688

 

 

 

100,039

 

Other Funds (2)

 

 

70,210

 

 

 

47,224

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

20,353

 

 

 

14,485

 

Average Total Assets (3)

 

 

184,395

 

 

 

122,684

 

Percentage of Period-end Balance Sheet Items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominated in Dollars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans, Net of Allowances

 

12.77

 

 

3.26

 

Total Assets

 

27.56

 

 

16.88

 

Deposits

 

33.63

 

 

14.37

 

Total Liabilities

 

30.82

 

 

18.86

 

Amounts in Accordance with U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading Securities

 

 

17,196

 

 

 

16,148

 

Available-for-Sale Securities

 

 

5,423

 

 

 

4,385

 

Total Assets

 

 

260,403

 

 

 

180,142

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

240,316

 

 

 

165,759

 

Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

20,087

 

 

 

14,383

 

(1) Gross Brokerage Margin primarily represents income from interest on loans and other receivables resulting from financial brokerage plus net income earned from government and corporate debt securities holdings, minus interest on deposits and other liabilities from financial intermediation. It also includes the CER/UVA adjustment.

(2) Primarily includes debt securities, loans with other banks and international entities and amounts payable for spot and forward purchases to be settled.

(3) Average Total Assets, including the related interest that is due thereon is calculated on a daily basis for Banco Galicia and for Galicia Uruguay, as well as for Tarjetas Regionales consolidated with its operating subsidiaries, and on a monthly basis for Grupo Financiero Galicia and its non-banking subsidiaries.



 

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 31,

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Selected Ratios in Accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profitability and Efficiency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Yield on Interest Earning Assets (1)

 

 

13.26

%

 

 

14.18

%

Financial Margin (2)

 

 

12.10

 

 

13.12

 

Return on Average Assets (3)

 

3.48

 

 

3.83

 

Return on Average Shareholders’ Equity (4)

 

35.03

 

 

35.54

 

Net Income from Services as a Percentage of Operating Income (5)

 

39.63

 

 

38.65

 

Efficiency ratio (6)

 

64.98

 

 

63.64

 

Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity as a Percentage of Total Assets

 

 

8.40

%

 

 

8.96

%

Total Liabilities as a Multiple of Shareholders’ Equity

 

10.9x

 

 

10.17x

 

Total Capital Ratio

 

 

15.04

%

 

 

13.38

%

Liquidity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Due from Banks(7) as a Percentage of Total Deposits

 

 

47.18

%

 

 

42.93

%

Loans, Net as a Percentage of Total Assets

 

56.74

 

 

 

60.80

 

Credit Quality

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past Due Loans (8) as a Percentage of Total Loans

 

 

2.43

%

 

 

2.46

%

Non-Accrual Loans (9) as a Percentage of Total Loans

 

3.31

 

 

3.11

 

Allowance for Loan Losses as a Percentage of Non-accrual Loans(9)

 

100.06

 

 

112.41

 

Net Charge-Offs (10) as a Percentage of Average Loans

 

1.67

 

 

1.26

 

Ratios in Accordance with U.S. GAAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity as a Percentage of Total Assets

 

7.71

 

 

7.98

 

Total Liabilities as a Multiple of Total Shareholders’ Equity

 

11.96x

 

 

11.52x

 

Liquidity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans, Net as a Percentage of Total Assets

 

 

52.76

%

 

 

54.55

%

Credit Quality

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for Loan Losses as a Percentage of Non-Accrual Loans

 

128.53

 

 

135.35

 

Inflation and Exchange Rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale Inflation (11)

 

 

34.59

%

 

 

12.65

%

Consumer Inflation (12)

 

 

41.05

%

 

 

26.90

%

Exchange Rate Variation (13) (%)

 

21.88

 

 

52.07

 

CER (14)

 

6.84

 

 

5.04

 

UVA (15)

 

17.26

 

 

-

 

(1) Net interest earned divided by interest-earning assets.

(2) Financial margin represents gross brokerage margin divided by average interest-earning assets.

(3) Net income excluding non-controlling interest as a percentage of average total assets.

(4) Net income as a percentage of average shareholders’ equity.

(5) Operating income is defined as gross brokerage margin plus net income from services.

(6) Administrative expenses as a percentage of operating income as defined above.

(7) Liquid assets of Banco Galicia include cash and receivables, Lebacs, net call money, short-term loans to other Argentine financial institutions, special guarantee accounts at the Argentine Central Bank, and repurchase and reverse repurchase transactions in the Argentine financial market.

(8) Past-due loans are defined as the aggregate principal amount of a loan plus any accrued interest that is due and payable for which either the principal or any interest payment is 91 days or more past due.

(9) Non-Accrual loans are defined as those loans in the categories of: (a) Consumer portfolio: “Medium Risk”, “High Risk”, “Uncollectible”, and “Uncollectible Due to Technical Reasons”, and (b) Commercial portfolio: “With problems”, “High Risk of Insolvency”, “Uncollectible”, and “Uncollectible Due to Technical Reasons”.

(10) Direct charge-offs minus amounts recovered.

(11) As of December 31, 2015, as measured by the interannual change between the October 2014 and the October 2015 Wholesale Price Index (“WPI”), published by INDEC (as defined herein), because the measurement of this index was discontinued for the remainder of 2015. In 2016 the measure was reinstated.

(12) In 2015, annual variation of the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) was calculated using the Consumer Price Index of the City of Buenos Aires, an alternative measure of inflation proposed by INDEC after it discontinued its index.

(13) Annual change in the end-of-period exchange rate expressed in Pesos per Dollar.

(14) The “CER” is the “Coeficiente de Estabilización de Referencia”, an adjustment coefficient based on changes in the CPI.

(15) The “UVA” is the “Unidad de Valor Adquisitivo”, an adjustment coefficient based on changes in the CER.

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not applicable.



C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

D. Risk Factors

 

You should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the other information contained in this annual report. In addition, most, if not all, of the risks described below must be evaluated bearing in mind that our most important asset is our equity interest in Banco Galicia. Thus, a material change in Banco Galicia’s shareholders’ equity or income statement would also adversely affect our businesses and results of operations. We may also face risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, which may impair our business. Our operations, property and customers are located in Argentina. Accordingly, the quality of our customer portfolio, loan portfolio, financial condition and results of operations depend, to a significant extent, on the macroeconomic and political conditions prevailing in Argentina. In general, the risk assumed when investing in the securities of issuers from countries such as Argentina is higher than when investing in the securities of issuers from developed countries.

 

Risk Factors Relating to Argentina

 

The current state of the Argentine economy, together with uncertainty regarding the government, may adversely affect our business and prospects.

 

Grupo Galicia’s results of operations may be affected by inflation, fluctuations in the exchange rate, modifications in interest rates, changes in the Argentine government’s policies and other political or economic developments either internationally or in Argentina that affect the country.

 

During the course of the last few decades, Argentina’s economy has been marked by a high degree of instability and volatility, periods of low or negative economic growth and high, fluctuating levels of inflation and devaluation. Grupo Galicia’s results of operations, the rights of holders of securities issued by Grupo Galicia and the value of such securities could be materially and adversely affected by a number of possible factors, some of which include Argentina’s inability to resume a sustainable economic growth path, the effects of inflation, Argentina’s ability to obtain financing, a decline in the international prices for Argentina’s main commodity exports, fluctuations in the exchange rates of other countries against which Argentina competes and the vulnerability of the Argentine economy to external shocks.

 

Since 2012, Argentina has experienced a period of stagflation. Figures of economic activity reflect a slowdown in domestic production, together with an increasing inflation rate at a higher pace than that noted in previous years. In the past decade, the economy has been characterized by a lack of institutional transparency, the absence of long-term economic policies and a systematically expansive fiscal policy, which resulted in a lack of investment and a lax monetary policy. This has, in turn, led to low economic growth and high inflation. At the end of 2015, when the former government took office, it implemented monetary policies that maintained a certain laxity in their fiscal policy while strongly restricting its monetary policy, resulting in high interest rates, a marked growth in public debt and an overvaluation of the Peso. However, at the beginning of 2018, international investors began withdrawing from emerging markets, including Argentina. The country’s loss of access to the international debts markets resulted in a considerable devaluation of the Argentine Peso. This resulted in an acceleration of inflation and a new contraction in economic activity during the second half of 2018 and most of 2019. During 2019, the political uncertainty stemming from the presidential election race worsened the economic outlook. The impact of the measures implemented by the previous Administration in order to cope with the situation -such as a devaluation of the Peso with respect to the Dollar- as well as the impact of any measures that the current Government may implement in the future, is unknown and could have a material and adverse impact on the results of Grupo Galicia’s operations.

 

No assurance can be given that additional events in the future, such as the enactment of new regulations by the Argentine government or authorities, will not occur. As a result of the foregoing, the financial position and results of operations of private sector companies in Argentina, including Grupo Galicia, the rights of the holders of securities issued by such institutions and the value thereof may be negatively and adversely impacted.



Economic conditions in Argentina may deteriorate, which may adversely impact Grupo Galicia’s business and financial condition.

 

A less favorable international context, a decrease in the competitiveness of the Peso as compared to foreign currencies, the low consumer confidence and low confidence from both local and foreign investors and a higher inflation rate, among other factors, may affect the development and growth of the Argentine economy and cause volatility in the local capital markets. Such events may adversely impact Grupo Galicia’s business and financial condition.

 

In particular, the Argentine economy continues to be vulnerable to several factors, including:

 

  • volatility in the growth rate of the economy;
  • a high rate of government expenditures;
  • high inflation rates;
  • regulatory uncertainty for certain economic activities and sectors;
  • decreases in the prices for commodities as the economic recovery has depended on high prices for commodities, which prices are volatile and beyond the control of the government;
  • the effects of a restrictive U.S. monetary policy, which could generate an increase in financial costs for Argentina;
  • fluctuations in the Argentine Central Bank’s international reserves; and
  • uncertainty with respect to exchange and capital controls.

 

No assurance can be provided that a decline in economic growth or certain economic instability will not occur. In particular, the Argentine economy contracted in 2018 and 2019 and may continue to decrease in the future due to international and domestic conditions. Any such stagnation, slowdown or increased economic and political instability could have a significant adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s business, financial position and results of operations, and the trading price for its ADSs.

 

The ability of the current administration to implement economic policy reforms, and the impact that these measures and any future measures taken by a new administration will have on the Argentine economy, remains uncertain.

 

As the date of this annual report, the impact that the reforms adopted by the Fernández administration will have on the Argentine economy as a whole, and the financial sector in particular, cannot be predicted. In addition, it is currently unclear what additional measures the Fernández administration may implement in the future and what the effects of the same may be on the Argentine economy.

 

Since taking office, the Fernández administration has announced and implemented several significant economic measures. In particular, on December 20, 2019, the Argentine National Congress passed Law No. 27,541 aimed at Social Solidarity and Productive Reactivation. Such law declared a public emergency in economic, financial, fiscal, administrative, pension, energy, health and social matters. It also delegated to the National Executive Branch, broad authority and power to take actions designed to, among other things, ensure the sustainability of the level of public debt, restructure the rate the energy system through a renegotiation of the current comprehensive tariff regime and restructure the regulatory entities for the energy system. In addition, the Fernández administration is beginning a debt restructuring process. The FX market restrictions imposed by the Fernández administration, in combination with a relatively moderate monetary and fiscal policy, additional restrictions on foreign trade and the impacts of changes to the social security policy could result in lower economic growth rates in Argentina for the coming years. An adverse result in the debt restructuring that the Government is carrying out could affect access to the capital market, and may affect the growth of the country, provinces and private companies. It is impossible to predict the impact of these measures, as well as any future measures that may be adopted, on the Argentine economy overall and the financial sector in particular.


 

In particular, economic intervention by current measures or future measures may be disruptive to the economy and may fail to benefit, or may harm, our business. In particular, Grupo Galicia has no control over the implementation of the reforms to the regulatory framework that governs its operations and cannot guarantee that these reforms will be implemented or that they will be implemented in a manner that will benefit its business. The failure of these measures to achieve their intended goals could adversely affect the Argentine economy and Grupo Galicia’s business, financial position and results of operations and the trading price for its ADSs.

 

If the high levels of inflation continue, the Argentine economy and Grupo Galicia’s financial position and business could be adversely affected.

 

Since 2007, the Argentine economy has experienced high levels of inflation. According to private estimates, since 2007: inflation in Argentina has been systematically above 20% and reached a maximum of 53.8 % in 2019. Moreover, between 2007 and 2015 official figures became unreliable and private estimates of inflation had to be used (as further described below). Combined with such high inflation rates. Argentina has also displayed high volatility in its prices during the same period, as a consequence of alternating periods in which inflation was controlled by pegging the Peso to other currencies in combination with expansive monetary and fiscal policies—which lead to an over appreciation of the peso—and periods in which the Peso appreciation was adjusted, leading to the consequent acceleration of inflation.

 

As noted above, between 2007 and 2015, official inflation figures became unreliable. Specifically, INDEC (Índice Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos “INDEC” for its acronym in Spanish), is the only institution in Argentina with legal power to produce official national statistics. During such time period, INDEC, went through a process of major institutional and methodological reforms that led to controversies related to the reliability of the information it produces. In the month of January 2016, the Government of Mauricio Macri declared an administrative emergency regarding the national statistical system and INDEC that lasted, until December 31, 2016. During such emergency time, period INDEC stopped publishing certain statistical data until it had completed a reorganization of its technical and administrative structure to recover its ability to produce relevant and sufficient information.

 

Despite the fact that, due to the reforms implemented in recent years, the inflation rates calculated by INDEC are generally accepted, the possibility that they may be manipulated in the future cannot be ruled out. Any such future manipulation could affect the Argentine economy in general and the financial sector in particular.

.

In the past, inflation has materially undermined the Argentine economy and the Argentine government’s ability to generate conditions that fostered economic growth. In addition, high inflation or a high level of volatility with respect to the same may materially and adversely affect the business volume of the financial system and prevent the growth of financial intermediation activity. This, in turn, could adversely affect economic activity and employment.

 

A high inflation rate also affects Argentina’s competitiveness abroad, as well as real salaries, employment rates, consumption rates and interest rates. A high level of uncertainty with regard to these economic variables, and lack of stability in terms of inflation, could lead to shortened contractual terms and affect the ability to plan and make decisions. This may have a negative impact on economic activity and on the income of consumers and their purchasing power, all of which could materially and adversely affect Grupo Galicia’s financial position, results of operations and business, and the trading price for its ADSs.

 

Argentina’s and Argentine companies’ ability to obtain financing and to attract direct foreign investment is limited and may adversely affect Grupo Galicia’s financial position, results of operations and business.

 

Argentina and Argentine companies have had limited access to foreign financing in recent years, primarily as a result of a default in December 2001 by Argentina on its debt to foreign bondholders, multilateral financial institutions and other financial institutions. Argentina settled all of its outstanding debt with the IMF in 2006, carried out a variety of debt swaps with certain bondholders between 2004 and 2010, and reached an agreement with the Paris Club in 2014. After several years of litigation, on March 1, 2016, an agreement was reached between the Argentine government and certain creditors to which the Argentine government was previously in default.



On April 18, 2016, in order to make the payment to bondholders in similar conditions, Argentina issued bonds in an amount of US$16.5 billion, with interest rates between 6.25% and 8% and maturities of three, five, ten and thirty years. The payment of approximately US$9.3 billion to the bondholders was made on April 22, 2016, thus reaching a final solution to the Argentine debt in default.

 

During the remainder of 2016, 2017 and the first four months of 2018, the Argentine government continued to seek financing from international markets. Following the exchange rate crisis beginning in April 2018, however, Argentina has not been able to access the international capital markets, resulting in the Argentine government requesting a loan from the IMF (pursuant to a Stand-By Agreement for a total of US$57 billion).

 

In the short term, Argentina must restructure its debt with its current bondholders and the IMF, which may require a commitment to implement restrictive monetary and fiscal policies, which could have a significant adverse effect on Argentina’s economy and on Argentine companies or Grupo Galicia’s ability to obtain international financing, and could also adversely affect local credit conditions. If Argentina is not be able to reach an agreement with its bondholders or the IMF Argentina may default on such debt and would likely again lose access to the international financial markets. This would also have an adverse effect on the Argentine economy, including Grupo Galicia., and would likely negative impact the ability of companies, including Grupo Galicia, to obtain foreign financing.

 

A decline in the international prices of Argentina’s main commodities exports and a real appreciation of the Peso against the Dollar could affect the Argentine economy and create new pressures on the foreign exchange market and have a material adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s financial condition, prospects and operating results.

 

The reliance on the export of certain commodities, (particularly soybeans and its by products, corn and wheat), has made the country more vulnerable to fluctuations in their prices. A decrease in commodity prices may adversely affect the Argentine government’s fiscal revenues and the Argentine economy as a whole. Given its reliance on such agricultural commodities, the country is also vulnerable to weather events—such as 2018’s drought—that may negatively affect the production of such commodities, reducing fiscal revenues and the inflow of US dollars.

 

In order to counterbalance and diversify its reliance on the above noted agricultural commodities as well as to add an additional source of revenue, Argentina has been focused on increasing its oil and gas exports. A long-term decrease in the international price of oil would negatively impact such oil and gas prospects and result in a decrease in foreign investment in such sectors.

 

A significant increase in the real appreciation of the Peso could affect Argentina’s competitiveness, substantially affecting exports, and this in turn could prompt new recessionary pressures on Argentina’s economy and a new imbalance in the foreign exchange market, which could exacerbate exchange rate volatility. Given the strong reliance on revenues from taxes on exports, a significant appreciation of the real exchange rate could substantially reduce Argentine public sector’s tax revenues in real terms. The occurrence of the foregoing could exacerbate the existing inflationary environment and potentially materially and adversely affect the Argentine economy, as well as Grupo Galicia’s financial condition and operating results and, thus, the trading prices for its ADSs.

 

Volatility in the regulatory framework could have a material and adverse effect on Argentina’s economy in general, and on Grupo Galicia’s financial position, specifically.

 

From time to time the Argentine government has enacted several laws amending the regulatory framework governing a number of different activities as a measure to stimulate the economy, some of which have had adverse effects on Grupo Galicia’s business. Although former administration has eliminated some of these regulations, political and social pressures could inhibit the Argentine government’s implementation of policies designed to generate growth and enhance consumer and investor confidence.

 

No assurance can be provided that future regulations, and especially those related to the financial system, will not materially and adversely affect the assets, revenues and operating income of private sector companies, including Grupo Galicia, the rights of holders of securities issued by those entities, or the value of those securities.



The lack of regulatory foresight could impose significant limitations on activities of the financial system and Grupo Galicia’s business, and would generate uncertainty regarding its future financial position and result of operations and trading price for its ADSs.

 

The Argentine economy and its goods, financial services and securities markets remain vulnerable to external factors, which could affect Argentina’s economic growth and Grupo Galicia’s prospects.

 

The financial and securities markets in Argentina are influenced, to varying degrees, by economic and market conditions in other countries. Although such conditions may vary from country to country, investor reactions to events occurring in one country may affect capital flows to issuers in other countries, and consequently affect the trading prices of their securities. Decreased capital inflows and lower prices in the stock market of a country may have a material adverse effect on the real economy of those countries in the form of higher interest rates and foreign exchange volatility.

 

During periods of uncertainty in international markets, investors generally choose to invest in high-quality assets (“flight to quality”) over emerging market assets. This has caused and could continue to cause an adverse impact on the Argentine economy and could continue to adversely affect the country’s economy in the near future.

 

The problems faced by the European Union’s countries, resulting from a combination of factors such as low growth, fiscal woes and financial pressures, were particularly acute. Reestablishing financial and fiscal stability to offset such low or zero growth continues to pose a challenge. As a result, the leading economies of the European Union imposed emergency economic plans in such countries, which plans are still in place. During 2018, the U.S. Federal Reserve increased the Federal Funds rate by 100 basis points and continued to cut its asset purchase and its monetary easing programs. Such changes continued to strengthen the Dollar globally, affecting commodity prices and reducing the inflow of capital to emerging market countries, including Argentina. However, during 2019 the U.S. Federal Reserve implemented several haircuts on the Federal Funds rate (1.75%-1.50% range), a preemptive measure amidst a trade war with China and the European Union, even though the U.S. economy displayed strong fundamentals—record-high employment levels, a strong economy and low inflation rates. During March 2020, the U.S. Federal Reserve decide to implement two aggressive interest-rate cuts during two unscheduled meetings: a 0.5 percentage point cut on March 3rd and a 1 percentage point cut on March 15th. This decision was made in order to help mitigate the economic consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Brazil, Argentina’s main trade partner, has experienced a slight increase in GDP in recent years, increasing 1.3% in 2017 and 2018 and 1.1% in 2019. Although Brazil’s economic outlook may be improving, a further deterioration of activity, a delay in Brazil’s expected economic recovery or a slower pace of economic improvement in Brazil may have a negative impact on Argentine exports and on the overall level of economic and industrial activity in Argentina, particularly with respect to the automotive industry. In addition, the inauguration of Jair Bolsonaro as the president of Brazil has contributed to geopolitical volatility in this region as a result of his polarizing ideologies.

 

China, which is the main importer of Argentine raw materials, experienced an economic slowdown in 2018 and 2019 when compared to recent years. The prices for Argentine commodities, in particular oilseeds, have displayed a falling trend in recent years. If this trend continues, it could affect the inflow of foreign currency into Argentina from exports. The slowdown of the Chinese economy and increased volatility of its financial markets could impact financial markets worldwide, which, in turn, could increase the cost and availability of financing both domestically and internationally for Argentine companies.

 

The international financial environment may also result in a devaluation of regional currencies and exchange rates, including the Peso, which would likely also cause volatility in Argentina. A new global economic and/or financial crisis or the effects of deterioration in the current international context, could affect the Argentine economy and, consequently, Grupo Galicia’s results of operations, financial condition and the trading price for its ADSs.

 

A potential additional devaluation of the Peso may hinder or potentially prevent Grupo Galicia from being able to honor its foreign currency denominated obligations.



The Argentine Peso depreciated 15.6% as compared to the U.S. Dollar in 2017, 50.3% in 2018 and 36.9% in 2019 according to the official quotation of the Central Bank. If the Peso further depreciates against the U.S. Dollar, as has recently occurred and which could occur again in the future, this could have an adverse effect on the ability of Argentine companies to make timely payments on their debts denominated in or indexed or otherwise connected to a foreign currency, generate very high inflation rates, reduce real salaries significantly, and have an adverse effect on companies focused on the domestic market, such as public utilities and the financial industry. Such a potential devaluation could also adversely affect the Argentine government’s capacity to honor its foreign debt, with adverse consequences for Grupo Galicia’s and Banco Galicia’s businesses, which could affect Grupo Galicia’s capacity to meet obligations denominated in a foreign currency which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the trading prices for Grupo Galicia’s ADSs.

 

Additionally, the Central Bank may intervene in the foreign exchange market to influence exchange rates. Purchases of Pesos by the Central Bank could result in a decrease of its international reserves. A significant decrease in the Central Bank’s international reserves may have an adverse impact on Argentina’s ability to withstand external shocks to the economy, and any adverse effects to the Argentine economy could, in turn, adversely affect the financial position and business of Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries.

 

In order to control the depreciation of the Peso, on September 1, 2019 the Executive Branch introduced capital controls through decree No. 609/2019, whose validity was extended indefinitely by the government of Fernández through Decree No. 91/2019 and Communication "A" 6854 and 6856 of the Central Bank. These controls include the need to obtain authorization from the Central Bank to purchase foreign currency in excess of US$200 per month per person, and the mandatory liquidation of exporters’ foreign exchange earnings in the local market within five days, among other measures. This allows the Central Bank to exercise control over the Peso and therefore to prevent the Argentine currency from depreciating.

 

A depreciation of the Peso could adversely affect the Argentine economy and Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition, its business and its ability to service its existing debt obligations. Moreover, an acceleration of inflation caused by an exchange rate crisis would raise the costs associated with Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries servicing their foreign currency-denominated, which could increase Grupo Galicia’s costs and therefore have a material adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

Changes or new regulations in the Argentine foreign exchange market may adversely affect the ability and the manner in which Grupo Galicia repays its obligations denominated in, indexed to or otherwise connected to a foreign currency.

 

Since December 2001, different government administrations have established and implemented various restrictions on foreign currency transfers (both in respect of transfer into and out of Argentina). Such is the case of the current measures that limit the ability of residents to purchase foreign currency for saving purposes and by capping the amount that can be purchased by the general public at US$200 per month and imposing a 30% tax on all such foreign currency purchases, as well as on any purchases in foreign currency made with debit or credit cards and on the purchase of international flights, hotels or tourism packages.

 

The impact that these measures or potential future measures will have on the Argentine economy and Grupo Galicia is uncertain. No assurance can be provided that the regulations will not be amended, or that no new regulations will be enacted in the future imposing greater limitations on funds flowing into and out of the Argentine foreign exchange market. Any such new measures, as well as any additional controls and/or restrictions, could materially affect Grupo Galicia’s ability to access the international capital markets and may undermine its ability to make payments of principal and/or interest on its obligations denominated in a foreign currency or transfer funds abroad (in total or in part) to make payments on its obligations (which could affect Grupo Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations). Therefore, Argentine resident or non-resident investors should take special notice of these regulations (and their amendments) that limit access to the foreign exchange market. In the future Grupo Galicia may be prevented from making payments in U.S. Dollars and/or making payments outside of Argentina due to the restrictions in place at that time in the foreign exchange market and/or due to the restrictions on the ability of companies to transfer funds abroad.



It may be difficult to effect service of process against Grupo Galicia’s executive officers and directors, and foreign judgments may be difficult to enforce or may be unenforceable.

 

Service of process upon individuals or entities which are not resident in the United States may be difficult to obtain in the United States. Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries are companies incorporated under the laws of Argentina. Most of their shareholders, directors, members of the Supervisory Syndics’ Committee, officers, and some specialists named herein are domiciled in Argentina and the most significant part of their assets is located in Argentina. Although Grupo Galicia has an agent to receive service of process in any action against it in the United States with respect to its ADSs, none of its executive officers or directors has consented to service of process in the United States or to the jurisdiction of any United States court. As a result, it may be difficult to effect service of process against Grupo Galicia’s executive officers and directors. Additionally, under Argentine law, the enforcement of foreign judgments will only be allowed if the requirements in sections 517 to 519 of the National Code of Civil and Commercial Procedures or the applicable local code of procedures are met, and provided that the foreign judgment does not infringe on concepts of public policy in Argentine law, as determined by the competent courts of Argentina. As such, an Argentine court may find that the enforcement in Argentina of a foreign judgment (including a U.S. court) that requires payment be made by an Argentine individual to holders of its foreign currency-denominated securities outside of Argentina is contrary to the public policy if, for instance, there are legal restrictions in place prohibiting Argentine debtors from transferring foreign currency abroad to pay off debts.

 

The intervention of the Argentine government in the electric power sector could have a material adverse impact on the Argentine economy, which may have a material adverse impact on Grupo Galicia’s results of operations.

 

Historically, the Argentine government has played an active role in the electric power sector through the ownership and management of state-owned companies engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. To address the Argentine economic crisis of 2001 and 2002, the Argentine government adopted Law No.25,561 and other regulations, which made a number of material changes to the regulatory framework applicable to the electric power sector and have significantly distorted supply and demand in the sector. These changes included the freezing of distribution margins, the revocation of adjustment and inflation indexation mechanisms for tariffs, a limitation on the ability of electric power distribution companies to pass on to the consumer increases in costs due to regulatory charges and the introduction of a new price-setting mechanism in the wholesale electricity market, all of which had a significant impact on electric power generators and caused substantial price differences within the market.

 

The former administration initiated significant reforms in the electric power sector. As part of such reforms, such administration took actions designed to guarantee the supply of electric power in Argentina, such as instructing the Ministry of Energy and Mining to develop and implement a coordinated program to guarantee the quality of the electric power system and ration individuals’ and public entities’ consumption of energy by increasing tariffs. In the past, the Argentine government and certain provincial governments have approved significant price adjustments and tariff increases applicable to certain generation and distribution companies, resulting in an increase in cost of energy prices for consumers.

 

On March 31, 2017, the Ministry of Energy and Mining released a new tariff schedule that increased the price consumers pay for electricity and natural gas by 36% with the goal of reducing government subsidies for energy consumption as part of efforts to reduce the Argentine government’s fiscal deficit. Following a public hearing, the Minister of Energy and Mining released a revised tariff schedule in December 2017, which further increased rates between 34% and 57% (depending on the province) for natural gas and approximately 34% for other electricity. On December 28, 2018, the government further increased gas and electricity tariffs to 40% and 55%, respectively, which were implemented during 2019.

 

As a result, there has been a significant increase in the cost of energy in Argentina, which could have a material adverse effect on consumers’ disposable income, and therefore, Grupo Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations and the trading price of our ADSs.

 

The measures adopted by the Argentine government and the claims filed by workers on an individual basis or as part of a labor union action may lead to pressures to increase salaries or additional benefits, which would increase companies’, including Grupo Galicia’s, operating costs. Additionally, labor union activity could lead to strikes or work stoppages, which may materially and adversely affect Grupo Galicia’s results of operations.



In the past, the Argentine government has passed laws and regulations requiring private sector companies to maintain certain salary levels and provide their employees with additional work-related benefits. Furthermore, employers, both in the public sector and in the private sector, have been experiencing intense pressure from their personnel, or from the labor unions representing such personnel, demanding salary increases and certain benefits for the workers, given the prevailing high inflation rates. Specifically, during the early months of 2019 the Argentine union that represents employees in the banking sector declared general strikes. These strikes did not have a direct effect on banks but did impact the clients of banks who were not able to access to banks’ branches. Strikes similar to the one that took place in 2019, however, can deteriorate the perception the public has of banks, which could have a reputational cost for us. Labor pressure is active in Argentina and can potentially lead to further strikes or work stoppages if demands are not satisfied, which could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s operations.

 

There can be no assurance that the Argentine government will not adopt measures in the future mandating salary increases or the provision of additional employee benefits, or that employees or their unions will not exert pressure on companies, such as Grupo Galicia, in demanding the implementation of such measures. The implementation of any such measures could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s expenses and business, results of operations and financial condition and, thus, on the trading prices for its ADSs.

 

High levels of government expenditures in Argentina could generate long lasting adverse consequences for the Argentine economy.

 

Since 2007, Argentina increased its spending to GDP to reach a maximum of 24% in 2015, quite above the ratio of the rest of the countries in the region. Since then, a decreasing trend in expenditures was observed until the year 2019.

 

Despite the trend of recent years, if government expenditures increases to an extent that outpaces Argentina’s revenues, the country’s fiscal deficit is likely to increase, and the Argentine government may be forced to seek assistance from the Central Bank and/or the National Administrator of Pensions.

 

Any such increase in Argentina’s deficit could have a negative effect on the government’s ability to access to the long term financial markets, and in turn, could limit the access to such markets for Argentine companies, such as Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries. The same may have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

The novel coronavirus could have an adverse effect on our business operations.

 

In late December 2019 a notice of pneumonia originating from Wuhan, Hubei province (COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus) was reported to the World Health Organization, with cases soon confirmed in multiple provinces in China, as well as in other countries. Several measures were undertaken by the Chinese government and other countries to control the coronavirus, including the use of quarantine (with approximately 60 million people affected in China), travel restrictions to and from China by certain air carriers and foreign governments. Since such initial outbreak, COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic and the virus spread and continues to spread globally, as of the date of this annual report, affecting more than 148 countries and territories around the world, including Argentina. To date, COVID-19s has caused significant social and market disruption.

 

The long-term effects to the global economy and to Grupo Galicia of epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises, such as COVID-19, are difficult to assess or predict, and may include risks to employee’s health and safety, and reduce our business operations. Any prolonged restrictive measures put in place to control an outbreak of a contagious disease or virus or other adverse public health development in any of our targeted markets may have a material and adverse effect on our business operations. We may also be affected by a decline in the demand of our services, or the need to implement policies limiting the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations, including the implementation of work from home policies. The impact epidemics, pandemics and other health crises, such as COVID-19 may have on the methods we use to sell and distribute our products and services, on our human capital resources productivity, and on the ability of our suppliers and consultants to provide goods and services and other resources in a timely manner to support our business, are also impossible to assess or predict at this moment.



Furthermore, certain measures imposed by the local administration, such as travel restrictions, border closures and lock-down measures which have forced us to set in place work from home arrangements for our employees, may also have a material impact on our ability to operate and achieve our business goals.

 

Considering the current health crisis, and the related halt in economy the world is facing, we may also experience higher default rates on the financings granted to our clients, liquidity deficiencies, difficulties in our ability to service our debts and other financial obligations. We may also face difficulties in trying to access to debt and capital markets and be forced to refinance preexisting financing arrangements. Although the actual impact is impossible to assess, the occurrence of any of such events could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

 

Finally, it is unclear whether these challenges and uncertainties will be contained or resolved, and what effects they may have on the global political and economic conditions in the long term. Neither can we predict how the disease will evolve (and potentially, spread) in Argentina, nor anticipate future restrictions the Argentine government may impose.

 

The Argentine economy could be negatively affected by external factors that have an impact in the whole world, such as COVID-19’s spread and the consequent implementation of measures destined to deal with the mentioned pandemic, and its economic impact both on a local and an international level.

 

The Argentine economy is vulnerable to external factors. In this sense, most economies in the world (including Argentina and its main trade partners) are being affected by the spread of COVID-19. The virus’ progression, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, has led to the application of measures that have a severe economic impact.

 

In Argentina, these measures include the implementation of a generalized quarantine with the intention of hindering the virus’ advancement and to avoid the collapse of the local health system. This entails a halt in most economic activities (excluding essential ones, such as healthcare services, manufacturing of food products, medical equipment or pharmaceuticals, supermarkets and pharmacies, security forces) and the suspension of road and air travels, among others. These measures, and any others the Argentine government might implement in the future, have a negative and direct impact on the country’s economy, by reducing both aggregate supply and demand.

 

Additionally, the progression of the virus and the consequent measures destined to fight the virus could entail a reduction in the economic growth in any of Argentina’s trade partners (such as Brazil, the European Union, China and the United States). The contraction of the economies of our trade partners could have a sizeable and adverse impact on Argentina’s trade balance and economy through a fall in the demand for Argentine exports or a decline in the prices of agricultural commodities.

 

On the other hand, higher uncertainty levels associated with the progress of a global pandemic implies the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar and the devaluation of the currencies of emerging countries, Argentina’s trade partners included. This could increase the financial pressure on the Argentine peso and lead to a devaluation of the local exchange rate, or cause the loss of competitiveness against our trade partners.

 

Any of these potential risks to the Argentine economy could have a significant and negative effect on the business, financial situation and operational results of the Company.

 

Failure to adequately address actual and perceived risks arising from institutional deterioration and corruption could adversely affect Argentina’s economy and financial position and the ability of Argentine companies to attract foreign investment.

 

The lack of a solid institutional framework and corruption have been identified as serious problems for Argentina and may continue to be. In the Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2019, which measures corruption in 180 countries, Argentina ranked No.66. In the World Bank’s “Doing Business” report in 2019, Argentina Ranked No.119 out of 190 countries. The failure to address these issues could increase the risk of political instability, distort the decision-making process, adversely affect Argentina’s international reputation and its ability and the ability of its companies to attract foreign investment.



A deterioration in the Argentine reputation could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s financial condition and results of operations.


Risk Factors Relating to the Argentine Financial System

 

The stability of the Argentine financial system is dependent upon the ability of financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, the main subsidiary of Grupo Galicia, to maintain and increase the confidence of depositors.

 

The measures implemented by the Argentine government in late 2001 and early 2002, in particular the restrictions imposed on depositors to withdraw money freely from banks and the pesification and restructuring of their deposits, were strongly opposed by depositors due to the losses on their savings and undermined their confidence in the Argentine financial system and in all financial institutions operating in Argentina.

 

If depositors once again withdraw their money from banks in the future, there may be a substantial negative impact on the manner in which financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, conduct their business, and on their ability to operate as financial intermediaries. Loss of confidence in the international financial markets may also adversely affect the confidence of Argentine depositors in local banks.

 

An adverse economic situation, even if it is not related to the financial system, could trigger a massive withdrawal of capital from local banks by depositors, as an alternative to protect their assets from potential crises. Any massive withdrawal of deposits could cause liquidity issues in the financial sector and, consequently, a contraction in credit supply.

 

The occurrence of any of the above could have a material and adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s expenses and business, results of operations and financial condition and, thus, on the trading prices for its ADSs.

 

If financial intermediation activity volumes relative to GDP are not restored to significant levels, the capacity of financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, the main subsidiary of Grupo Galicia, to generate profits may be negatively affected.

 

As a result of the 1999-2002 financial crisis (in which the Argentine economy fell 18.4%), the volume of financial intermediation activity dropped dramatically: private sector credit plummeted from 24% of GDP in December 2000 to 7.7% in June 2004 and total deposits as a percentage of GDP fell from 31% to 23.2% during the same period. The depth of the crisis and the effect it had on depositors’ confidence in the financial system created uncertainty regarding its ability to act as an intermediary between savings and credit. Furthermore, the ratio of the total financial system’s private-sector deposits and loans to GDP remains low when compared to international levels and continues to be lower than the periods prior to the crisis, especially in the case of private-sector deposits and loans, which amounted to 12.8% and 8.6% of GDP, respectively, as of December 31, 2019.

 

There is no assurance that financial intermediation activities will continue in a manner sufficient to reach the necessary volumes to provide financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, with sufficient capacity to generate income, or that those actions will be sufficient to prevent Argentine financial institutions, such as Banco Galicia, from having to assume excessive risks in terms of maturity mismatches. Under these circumstances, for an undetermined period of time, the scale of operations of Argentine-based financial institutions, including Banco Galicia, their business volume, the size of their assets and liabilities or their income-generation capacity could be much lower than before the 1999-2002 crisis which may, in turn, impact the results of operations of Banco Galicia and, potentially, the trading price for Grupo Galicia’s ADSs.

 

The Argentine financial system’s growth and income, including that of Banco Galicia, the main subsidiary of Grupo Galicia, depend in part on the development of medium- and long-term funding sources.

 

In spite of the fact that the financial system’s and Banco Galicia’s deposits continue to grow, they are mostly demand or short-term time deposits and the sources of medium- and long-term funding for financial


 

institutions are currently limited. If Argentine financial institutions, such as Banco Galicia, are unable to access adequate sources of medium and long-term funding or if they are required to pay high costs in order to obtain the same and/or if they cannot generate profits and/or maintain their current volume and/or scale of their business, this may adversely affect Grupo Galicia’s ability to honor its debts.

 

Argentine financial institutions (including Banco Galicia) continue to have exposure to public sector debt (including securities issued by the Argentine Central Bank) and its repayment capacity, which in periods of economic recession, may negatively affect their results of operations.

 

Argentine financial institutions continue to be exposed, to some extent, to the public sector debt and its repayment capacity. The Argentine government’s ability to honor its financial obligations is dependent on, among other things, its ability to establish economic policies that succeed in fostering sustainable growth and development in the long term, generating tax revenues and controlling public expenditures, which could, either partially or totally, fail to take place.

 

Banco Galicia’s exposure to the public sector as of December 31, 2019 was Ps.110,957 million, representing approximately 19% of its total assets and 142% of its shareholders’ equity. Of this total, Ps.58,141 million were Argentine Central Bank debt instruments, Ps.22,759 million corresponded to Argentine government securities, while the remaining Ps.30,057 million corresponded to other receivables resulting from financial brokerage. As a result, Grupo Galicia’s income-generating capacity may be materially impacted or may be particularly affected by the Argentine public sector’s repayment capacity and the performance of public sector bonds, which, in turn, is dependent on the factors referred to above. Banco Galicia’s ability to honor its financial obligations may be adversely affected by the Argentine government’s repayment capacity or its failure to meet its obligations in respect of Argentine government obligations owed to Banco Galicia.

 

The Consumer Protection Law may limit some of the rights afforded to Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries.

 

Argentine Law No.24,240 (as amended by Law No. 26,361, Law No. 27,250, Law No. 27,265 and Law No. 27,266, the “Consumer Protection Law”) sets forth a series of rules and principles designed to protect consumers, which include Banco Galicia’s customers. Additionally, Law No.25,065 (as amended by Law No.26,010 and Law No.26,361, the “Credit Card Law”) also sets forth public policy regulations designed to protect credit card holders. On October 1, 2014, a new Civil and Commercial Code was sanctioned, which captured the principles of Consumer Protection Law and established their application to banking agreements.

 

On September 17, 2014, Law No.26,993 was enacted, which created a “System to Solve Disputes in Consumer Relationships”, introducing new administrative and legal procedures within the framework of the Consumer Protection Law; namely, an administrative and a judicial regime for such matters.

 

The application of both the Consumer Protection Law and the Credit Card Law by administrative authorities and courts at the federal, provincial and municipal levels has increased. This trend has led to an increase in general consumer protection levels. In the event that Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries are found to be liable for violations of any of the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law or the Credit Card Law, the potential penalties could limit some of Grupo Galicia and its subsidiaries’ rights, for example, with respect to their ability to collect payments due from services and financing provided by Grupo Galicia or its subsidiaries, and adversely affect their financial results of operations. There can be no assurance that court and administrative rulings based on the newly enacted regulation or measures adopted. by the enforcement authorities will not increase the degree of protection given to its debtors and other customers in the future, or that they will not favor the claims brought by consumer groups or associations.

 

This may prevent or hinder the collection of payments resulting from services rendered and financing granted by Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries, which may have an adverse effect on their results and operations.

 

Class actions against financial institutions for an indeterminate amount may adversely affect the profitability of the financial system and of Banco Galicia, specifically.

 

 

Certain public and private organizations have initiated class actions against financial institutions in Argentina, including Banco Galicia. Class actions are contemplated in the Argentine National Constitution and the Consumer Protection Law, but their use is not regulated. The courts, however, have admitted class actions in spite of lacking specific regulations, providing some guidance with respect to the procedures for the same. These courts have admitted several complaints filed against financial institutions to defend collective interests, based on arguments that object to charges applied to certain products, applicable interest rates and the advisory services rendered in the sale of government securities, among others.

 

Final judgments entered against financial institutions under these class actions may affect the profitability of financial institutions in general and of Banco Galicia specifically in relation to class actions filed against Banco Galicia. For further information regarding class actions brought against Banco Galicia, please refer to the Item 8. “Financial Information”─A. “Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information”—“Legal Proceedings”— “Banco Galicia”.

 

Administrative procedures filed by the tax authorities of certain provinces against financial institutions, such as Banco Galicia (the primary subsidiary of Grupo Galicia) and amendments to tax laws applicable to Grupo Galicia could generate losses for Grupo Galicia.

 

City of Buenos Aires tax authorities, as well as certain provincial tax authorities, have initiated administrative proceedings against financial institutions in order to collect higher gross income taxes from such financial institutions beginning in 2002 and onward.

 

Although Banco Galicia believes it has met its tax obligations regarding current regulations and has properly recorded provisions for those risks based on the opinions and advice of its external legal advisors and pursuant to the applicable accounting standards, certain risks may render those provisions inadequate. Tax authorities may not agree with Grupo Galicia’s tax treatment, possibly leading to an increase in its tax liabilities.

 

Moreover, amendments to existing regulations may increase Grupo Galicia’s tax rate and a material increase in the tax burden could adversely affect its financial results.

 

Risk Factors Relating to Us

 

Grupo Galicia may be unable to repay its financial obligations or dividends due to a lack of liquidity it may suffer because of being a holding company.

 

Grupo Galicia, as a holding company, conducts its operations through its subsidiaries. Consequently, it does not operate or hold substantial assets, except for equity investments in its subsidiaries. Except for such assets, Grupo Galicia’s ability to invest in its business development and/or to repay obligations is subject to the funds generated by its subsidiaries and their ability to pay cash dividends. In the absence of such funds, Grupo Galicia may be forced to resort to financing options at unappealing prices, rates and conditions. Additionally, such financing could be unavailable when Grupo Galicia may need it.

 

Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries are under no obligation to pay any amount to enable Grupo Galicia to carry out investment activities and/or to cancel its liabilities or to give Grupo Galicia funds for such purposes. Each of the subsidiaries is a legal entity separate from Grupo Galicia, and due to certain circumstances, legal or contractual restrictions, as well as to the subsidiaries’ financial condition and operating requirements, Grupo Galicia’s ability to receive dividends and its ability to develop its business and/or to comply with payment obligations could be limited. Under certain Central Bank regulations, Banco Galicia has restrictions relating to dividend distributions.

 

Notwithstanding the fact that the repayment of such obligations could be afforded by Grupo Galicia through other means, such as bank loans or new issues in the capital market, investors should take notice of the above, prior to deciding on their investment in equity in Grupo Galicia. For further information on dividend distribution restrictions, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”─B. “Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

 

21


Notwithstanding the foregoing, due to the regulations recently passed by the Argentine Central Bank within the framework of the measures taken by the government to respond to the COVID-19, the capacity of the Argentine financial system to pay cash dividends has been suspended until June 30, 2020.

 

In the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Argentine Central Bank restricted the ability of Argentine financial institutions to distribute dividends

 

In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Argentine Central Bank issued on March 19, 2020, Communication “A” 6939, which suspended the ability of Argentine financial institutions to distribute dividends until June 30, 2020, in order to maintain the lending capacity of the financial institutions.

 

As the measures taken by the administration to control the fallout from COVID-19 are recent, uncertain and changing rapidly, it is difficult to predict the full impact of full measures on Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries, nor can we predict whether Grupo Financiero Galicia would be able to make contributions to its subsidiaries as a consequence of this measure. The ongoing evolution of this pandemic could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Corporate governance standards and disclosure policies that govern companies listing their shares pursuant to the public offering system in Argentina may differ from those regulating highly developed capital markets, such as the U.S. As a foreign private issuer, Grupo Galicia applies disclosure policies and requirements that differ from those governing U.S. domestic registrants.

 

Argentine disclosure requirements are more limited than those in the United States and differ in important respects. As a foreign private issuer, Grupo Galicia is subject to different disclosure policies and other requirements than a domestic U.S. registrant. For example, as a foreign private issuer in the U.S., Grupo Galicia is not subject to the same requirements and disclosure policies as a domestic U.S. registrant under the Exchange Act, including the requirements to prepare and issue financial statements, report on significant events and the standards applicable to domestic U.S. registrants under Section 14 of the Exchange Act or the insider reporting and short-swing profit rules applicable to domestic U.S. registrants.

 

In addition, although Argentine laws provide for certain requirements that are similar to those prevailing in the U.S. in relation to publicly listed companies (including, for example, those related to price manipulation), in general, applicable Argentine laws are different to those in the U.S. and in certain aspects may provide different or fewer protections or remedies as compared to U.S. laws. Further, Grupo Galicia relies on exemptions from certain Nasdaq rules that are applicable to domestic companies.

 

Accordingly, the corporate information available about Grupo Galicia is not the same as, and may be more limited than, the information available to shareholders of a U.S. company.

 

The price of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly, and your investment may decline in value.

 

The price of Grupo Financiero Galicia´s ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly in response to several factors, many of which are beyond our control, including those described in this annual report under “Risk Factors Relating to Argentina” and “Risk Factors Relating to the Argentine Financial System”.

 

The stock markets in general, and the shares of emerging market in particular, have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the companies involved. Grupo Financiero cannot assure that any trading price or valuation will be sustained. These factors may materially and adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares, which may limit or prevent investors from readily selling Grupo Financiero’s ordinary shares and may otherwise affect liquidity, regardless of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s operating performance.

 

 

Market fluctuations, as well as general political and economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, such as recessions or currency exchange rate fluctuations, may also adversely affect the market price of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s ordinary shares.

 

Adverse conditions in the credit, capital and foreign exchange markets may have a material adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s business, financial position and results of operations and adversely impact it by limiting its ability to access funding sources.

 

Grupo Galicia may sustain losses relating to its investments in fixed- or variable-income securities on the exchange market and its monetary position due to, among other reasons, changes in market prices, defaults and fluctuations in interest rates and in exchange rates. A deterioration in the capital markets may cause Grupo Galicia to record net losses due to a decrease in the value of its investment portfolios, in addition to losses caused by the volatility in financial market prices, even if the economy overall is not affected. Any of these losses could have an adverse effect on Grupo Galicia’s results of operations.

 

The occurrence of an operational risk impacting any of Grupo Galicia’s businesses, could disrupt its business functions and have a negative impact on its results of operations.

 

As with other financial institutions, operational risks could arise in any of Grupo Galicia’s businesses. These risks may include losses resulting from inadequate or failed internal and external processes, systems or human error, fraud, the effects of natural or man-made catastrophic events (such as natural disasters or pandemics) or from other external events. Exposure to such events could disrupt Grupo Galicia’s systems and operations significantly, which may result in financial losses and reputational damage.

 

Pandemics and other material public health problems could result in social, economic or labor instability in the world and domestically and disrupt the operations of our business. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in travel restrictions and extended shutdowns of certain businesses in many regions.

 

Mass employee absences and/or absences of certain key personnel could strain our ability to continue to operate seamlessly.

 

The main risk factors identified in the last risk assessment undertaken by our Risk Management Division were system failures, adverse legal decisions and economic losses generated by fraud. Although we have implemented numerous controls to avoid the occurrence of inefficient or fraudulent operations, errors can occur and compound even before being detected and corrected. In addition, some of our transactions are not fully automatic, which may increase the risk of human error or manipulation, and it may be difficult to detect losses quickly. The occurrence of any one or more of the above events could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

An increase in cybersecurity breaches or fraudulent and other illegal activity involving Grupo Galicia or its subsidiaries could lead to reputational damage to Grupo Galicia’s (or its subsidiaries’) brands and could reduce the use and acceptance of its and its subsidiaries’ products, therefore adversely affecting its business and results of operations.

 

The business of many of Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of its data processing systems, its platforms for the exchange of information and its digital networks. Many of Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries have access to a large amount of confidential information about their respective clients. Therefore, cybersecurity breaches represent a potential risk for Grupo Galicia.

 

Cybersecurity breaches can result in, for example, identity fraud, phishing, ransomware, information leaks, APT (Advanced Persistent Threat), DDoS Attacks (Distributed Denial of Service) or the theft of sensitive and confidential information, and may affect negatively the security of information that is stored and transmitted through the information systems and network infrastructure of Grupo Galicia and negatively affect the reputation of Grupo Galicia’s brands, thereby causing existing and potential clients to refrain from conducting business with Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries.


 

In spite of all existing security measures, Grupo Galicia cannot provide any assurance that the systems are invulnerable to cybersecurity breaches or that the mentioned measures will be successful in protecting against any such breach. In addition, any of the aforementioned events could lead to an increase in compliance costs for Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries. If any of the above described events were to occur, it could lead to monetary losses and reputational damage to Grupo Galicia’s brands, which could reduce the use and acceptance of its products, greater regulation, and increased compliance costs, therefore adversely affect its business and results of operation and the trading price for its ADSs.

 

Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries estimate and establish reserves for potential credit risk or future credit losses, which may be inadequate or insufficient, and which may, in turn, materially and adversely affect its financial position and results of operations.

 

Pursuant to the implementation of IFRS 9, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries establish reserves for potential credit risk and losses related to changes in the levels of income of debtors/borrowers, increased rates of inflation, increased levels of non-performing loans or an increase in interest rates. This process requires a complex methodology mixing probability of default (“PD”), loss given default (“LGD”) and exposure at default (“EAD”), including economic projections and assumptions regarding the ability of debtors to repay their loans.

 

Therefore, if in the future Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries are unable to effectively control the level of quality of their loan portfolio, if loan loss reserves are inadequate to cover future losses, or if they are required to increase their loan loss reserves due to an increase in the amount of their non-performing loans, the financial position and the results of operations of Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries may be materially and adversely affected.

 

If Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries should fail to meet regulatory standards or expectations or detect money laundering and other illegal or inappropriate activities in a comprehensive or timely manner. Grupo Financiero Galicia´s subsidiaries may incur fines, penalties, reputational harm and other negative consequences.

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s subsidiaries must be in compliance with all applicable laws against money laundering, funding of terrorist activities and other regulations. These laws and regulations require, among other things, that Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries adopt and implement control policies and procedures which involve “know your customer” principles that comply with the applicable regulations and reporting suspicious or unusual transactions to the applicable regulatory authorities. As such, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries maintain systems and procedures designed to ensure that they comply with applicable laws and regulations. However, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries are subject to heightened compliance and regulatory oversight and expectations, particularly due to the evolving and increasing regulatory landscape that they operate in. Further, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries could become subject to future regulatory requirements beyond those currently proposed, adopted or contemplated. The cumulative effect of all of the legislation and regulations on their business, operations and profitability remains uncertain. This uncertainty necessitates that Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries make certain assumptions with respect to the scope and requirements of the proposed rules in their business planning. If these assumptions prove incorrect, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries could be subject to increased regulatory and compliance risks and costs as well as potential reputational harm.

 

In addition, a single event or issue may give rise to numerous and overlapping investigations and proceedings in different jurisdictions. Also, the laws and regulations in jurisdictions in which Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries operate may be different or even conflict with each other as to the products and services offered by Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries or other business activities Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries may engage in, which can lead to compliance difficulties or issues. Furthermore, many legal and regulatory regimes require Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries to report transactions and other information to regulators and other governmental authorities’ self-regulatory organizations, exchanges, clearing houses and customers. Grupo Financiero Galicia´s subsidiaries may be subject to fines, penalties, restrictions on our business, or other negative consequences if they do not timely, completely, or accurately provide regulatory reports, customer notices or disclosures, or make tax-related withholdings or payments, on behalf of themselves or their customers.

 

While Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries have adopted policies and procedures intended to detect and prevent the use of their networks for money laundering activities and by terrorists, terrorist organizations and other types of organizations, those policies and procedures may fail to fully eliminate the risk that Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries


 

have been or are currently being used by other parties, without their knowledge, to engage in activities related to money laundering or other illegal activities. Moreover, some legal/regulatory frameworks provide for the imposition of fines or penalties for noncompliance even though the noncompliance was inadvertent or unintentional and even though there was in place at the time, systems and procedures designed to ensure compliance. For example, Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries are subject to regulations issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) that prohibit financial institutions from participating in the transfer of property belonging to the governments of certain foreign countries and designated nationals of those countries. OFAC may impose penalties or restrictions on certain activities for inadvertent or unintentional violations even if reasonable processes are in place to prevent the violations. Any violation of the applicable laws or regulatory requirements, even if inadvertent or unintentional, or any failure to meet regulatory standards or expectations, including any failure to satisfy the conditions of any consent orders, could result in fees, penalties, restrictions on Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries. ability to engage in certain business activities, reputational harm, loss of customers or other negative consequences.

 

A disruption or failure in Grupo Galicia’s information technology system could adversely affect its operations and financial position.

 

The success of Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries is dependent upon the efficient and uninterrupted operation of their communications and computer hardware systems, including those systems related to the operation of their ATM networks and digital channels. Grupo Galicia’s communications, systems or transactions could be harmed or disrupted by power failures, data breach, cyber-attacks, acts of terrorism, physical theft, reputation incidents and similar events or disruptions. Any of the foregoing events may cause disruptions in Grupo Galicia’s systems, delays and the loss of critical data, and could prevent it from operating at optimal levels. In addition, the contingency plans in place may not be sufficient to cover all those events and, therefore, this may mean that the applicable insurance coverage is limited or inadequate, preventing Banco Galicia from receiving full compensation for the losses sustained as a result of such a global disruption. If any of these events occur, it could damage the reputation, entail serious costs and affect Grupo Galicia’s transactions, as well as its results of operations and financial position.

 

As of July 1, 2018, the Peso qualifies as a currency of a hyperinflationary economy, and Grupo Galicia is required to apply inflationary adjustments to its financial statements, which adjustments could adversely affect its financial statements, results of operations and financial condition.

Pursuant to IAS 29 (Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies), the financial statements of entities whose functional currency is that of a hyperinflationary economy must be restated in a suitable general price index to control for the effects of changes. IAS 29 does not prescribe when hyperinflation arises, but rather provides for several characteristics indicating hyperinflation in an economy. In addition, the IASB does not identify specific hyperinflationary jurisdictions. In June 2018, the International Practices Task Force of the Centre for Quality, which monitors “highly inflationary countries”, categorized Argentina as a country with a projected three-year cumulative inflation rate greater than 100%. Additionally, some of the other qualitative factors of IAS 29 were present. Argentine companies applying IFRS are required to apply IAS 29 to their financial statements for periods ending on and after July 1, 2018. In addition, certain regulatory authorities, such as the Argentine Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores) (“CNV”), have required that financial statements submitted to the CNV for the periods ended on and after December 31, 2018 to be restated for inflation in accordance with IAS 29.

For purposes of the determination of the indexation for tax purposes, Law No.27,468, enacted on December 4, 2018, substituted the Wholesale Price Index for CPI and modified the standards triggering tax indexation procedures. For the three fiscal years beginning January 1, 2018, such tax indexation will be applicable if the variation of the CPI exceeds 55% in 2018, 30% in 2019 and 15% in 2020. The tax indexation determined during any such year will be allocated as follows: 1/6 in that same year, and the remaining 5/6 in equal parts in the following five years. From January 1, 2021, the tax indexation procedure will be triggered under similar standards as those set forth by IAS 29.

Grupo Galicia cannot predict the full impact of the application of such tax indexation procedures and the related adjustments on its financial statements or the effects of such tax indexation procedures on its business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

25


Small spreads in interest rates between loans and deposits, could harm our financial position and results of operations.

 

We carry out our operations in a country that is subject to frequent regulatory changes, high inflation and frequent currency devaluations. As a result, interest rates fluctuate frequently with direct impacts on the main source of income for the business of our subsidiaries.

 

These fluctuations may generate losses based on the type of financing granted, the value of the interest rate for the financing and the other terms of the loans extended. For example, in such a volatile country, the granting of long-term loans with fixed rates can result in severe monetary losses if the interest rate earned on the loans extended does not exceed the interest that we (or our subsidiaries) pay on deposits we or they hold.

 

In addition to this, the increasing competition we face from digital banks has forced us to offer lower interest rates than we otherwise would in order to remain competitive in the market. If we are not able to maintain profitable spreads between interest that we earn on the loans that we and our subsidiaries grant and the interest that we pay on the deposits that we and our subsidiaries hold, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely impacted.

 

Problems in operations due to failures in services contracted from external suppliers.

 

Due to the nature of the business and the size of our business, many of our computer systems and operations depend on services contracted from external suppliers. This prevents us from controlling, in depth, the operation and provision of such services. Performance or operational failures of outsourced services may result in operational losses or system failures, with subsequent negative impacts on our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Item 4. Information on the Company

A. History and Development of the Company

 

Our legal name is Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. We are a financial services holding company that was incorporated on September 14, 1999, as a sociedad anónima (which is a stock corporation) under the laws of Argentina. As a holding company we do not have operations of our own and conduct our business through our subsidiaries. Banco Galicia is our main subsidiary and one of Argentina’s largest full-service banks.

 

Through the operating subsidiaries of Tarjetas Regionales in which Grupo Financiero Galicia owns 83% ownership interest, we provide proprietary brand credit cards throughout the “Interior” of the country and consumer finance services throughout Argentina. Argentines refer to the Interior as all of Argentina except for the city of Buenos Aires and the areas surrounding the city of Buenos Aires (“Greater Buenos Aires”), i.e., the provinces, including the Buenos Aires Province but excluding the city of Buenos Aires and its surroundings.

 

Through Sudamericana Holdings and its subsidiaries, we provide insurance products in Argentina. We directly or indirectly own other companies providing financial related products as explained herein.

 

We are one of Argentina’s largest financial services groups with consolidated assets of Ps.685,519 million as of December 31, 2019. For more information regarding Prisma Medios de Pago divestiture, the corporate reorganization of the broker services and mutual funds companies, the corporate reorganization of Tarjetas Regionales and the sale of Compañia Financiera Argentina S.A. (“CFA”), please see “History”.

 

Our goal is to consolidate our position as one of Argentina’s leading comprehensive financial services providers while continuing to strengthen Banco Galicia’s position as one of Argentina’s leading banks. We seek to broaden and complement the operations and businesses of Banco Galicia, through holdings in companies and undertakings whose objectives are related to and/or can produce synergies with financial activities. Our non-banking subsidiaries operate in financial and related activities in which Banco Galicia either cannot participate or in which it can participate only on a limited basis due to restrictive banking regulations.

 

 

We are domiciled in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Under our bylaws, our corporate duration is until June 30, 2100. Our duration may be extended by a resolution passed at the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting. Our principal executive offices are located at Teniente General Juan D. Perón 430, Twenty-Fifth floor, (C1038AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our telephone number is (54-11) 4343-7528 and our website is www.gfgsa.com.

 

Our agent for service of process in the United States is CT Corporation System, presently located at 111 8th Avenue, New York, New York 10011.

 

History

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia was formed on September 14, 1999 as a financial services holding company to hold all the shares of the capital stock of Banco Galicia held by members of the Escasany, Ayerza and Braun families. Its initial nominal capital amounted to 24,000 common shares, 12,516 of which were designated as class A ordinary (common) shares (the “class A shares”) and 11,484 of which were designated as class B ordinary (common) shares (the “class B shares”).

 

Following Grupo Financiero Galicia’s formation, the holding companies that held the shares in Banco Galicia on behalf of the Escasany, Ayerza and Braun families were merged into Grupo Financiero Galicia. Following the merger, Grupo Financiero Galicia held 46.34% of the outstanding shares of Banco Galicia. In addition, and due to the merger, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s capital increased from 24,000 to 543,000,000 common shares, 281,221,650 of which were designated as class A shares and 261,778,350 of which were designated as class B shares. Following this capital increase, all of our class A shares were held by EBA Holding S.A., an Argentine corporation that is 100% owned by our controlling shareholders, and our class B shares were held directly by our controlling shareholders in an amount equal to their ownership interests in the holding companies that were merged into Grupo Financiero Galicia.

 

On May 16, 2000, our shareholders held an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting during which they unanimously approved a capital increase of up to Ps.628,704,540 and the public offering and listings of our class B shares. All of the new common shares issued as a result of such capital increase were designated as class B shares, with a par value of Ps.1. During this extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, all of our existing shareholders waived their preemptive rights. In addition, the shareholders determined that the exchange ratio for the exchange offer would be one class B share of Banco Galicia for 2.5 of our class B shares and one ADS of Banco Galicia for one of our ADSs. The exchange offer was completed in July 2000 and the resulting capital increase was of Ps.549,407,017. Upon the completion of the exchange offer, our only significant asset was our 93.23% interest in Banco Galicia.

 

On January 2, 2004, our shareholders held an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting during which they approved a capital increase of up to 149,000,000 preferred shares, each of them mandatorily convertible into one of our class B shares on the first anniversary of the date of issuance. Such shares were to be subscribed for in up to US$100 million of face value of subordinated notes to be issued by Banco Galicia to its creditors in the restructuring of the foreign debt of its head office in Argentina (the “Head Office”) and its Cayman Branch, or in cash. This capital increase was carried out in connection with the restructuring of Banco Galicia’s foreign debt. On May 13, 2004, we issued 149,000,000 preferred non-voting shares, with preference over the ordinary shares in the event of liquidation, each with a face value of Ps.1. The preferred shares were converted into class B shares on May 13, 2005. With this capital increase, our capital increased to Ps.1,241,407,017.

 

In August 2007, Grupo Financiero Galicia exercised its preemptive rights in Banco Galicia’s issuance of shares and subscribed for 93.6 million shares of Banco Galicia. The consideration paid for such shares consisted of: (i) US$102.2 million face value of notes due 2014 issued by Banco Galicia in May 2004, and (ii) cash. After the capital increase, Grupo Financiero Galicia increased Banco Galicia’s shares from 93.60% to 94.66%.

 

In September 2013, Grupo Financiero Galicia announced that it had reached an agreement to absorb Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. (entities that were shareholders of Banco Galicia at the moment of the merger). The consolidated financial statements prepared specifically for this merger were issued as of June 30, 2013 and the effective date of such merger was September 1, 2013.

 

 

This merger resulted in an increase of the ownership interest Grupo Financiero Galicia had in its principal subsidiary Banco Galicia in the amount of 25,454,193 class B shares, which also represented all of the total capital stock (4.526585%) Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. had in Banco Galicia.

 

Consequently, Grupo Financiero Galicia agreed to increase its capital stock by issuing 58,857,580 new class B shares representing 4.526585% of the outstanding capital stock of Grupo Financiero Galicia to be delivered to the shareholders of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A.

 

Additionally, Grupo Financiero Galicia, together with Banco Galicia and the shareholders of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A., signed a supplemental agreement governing operational issues of and providing for the settlement and mutual withdrawal of any pending claims.

 

All documentation related to the merger by absorption of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. by Grupo Financiero Galicia was approved at the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting of Grupo Financiero Galicia held on November 21, 2013, including the exchange ratio and the above mentioned capital increase of Ps.58,857,580 through the issuance of 58,857,580 class B shares, with a face value of Ps.1, one vote per share, entitling its owners to participate in the profits of the financial year beginning on January 1, 2013.

 

On December 18, 2013, the definitive merger agreement contemplating the absorption of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A. was registered in a public deed pursuant to the terms of paragraph 4 of article 83 of the Ley General de Sociedades (Law No. 19,550, as amended, the General Corporations Law or “Corporations Law”), and effective as of September 1, 2013. Therefore, 25,454,193 class B shares of Banco Galicia, representing 4.526585 % of its capital stock previously owned by Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus and S.A. were transferred to Grupo Financiero Galicia. As a result, Grupo Financiero Galicia owns 560,199,603 shares of Banco Galicia, representing 99.621742% of its capital stock and voting rights.

 

On February 27, 2014, by Resolution No. 17,300, the Board of the Comisión Nacional de Valores (the “National Securities Commission”, or the “CNV”) consented to the absorption of Lagarcué S.A. and Theseus S.A and to the above mentioned increase in capital of Grupo Financiero Galicia.

 

On February 25, 2014, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia resolved to offer to acquire all of the remaining shares of Banco Galicia owned by third parties, amounting to 2,123,962 shares, at an amount of Ps.23.22 per share, which was approved by the CNV on April 24, 2014.

 

In compliance with Argentine regulations, Grupo Financiero Galicia made all required communications and paid the amounts corresponding to the remaining shares of Banco Galicia held by third parties. On August 4, 2014, Grupo Financiero Galicia became the owner of 100% of the outstanding capital stock of Banco Galicia when the relevant unilateral declaration to acquire the remaining shares of Banco Galicia held by third parties was recorded as a public deed pursuant to Article 95 of the Law No. 26,831 (the “Capital Markets Law”, in Spanish “Ley de Mercado de Capitales”).

 

On January 12, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia together with its main subsidiary, Banco Galicia, decided to accept an offer made by Mr. Julio A. Fraomeni and Galeno Capital S.A.U. to purchase 100% of Banco Galicia’s subsidiary, Compañía Financiera Argentina S.A. On December 4, 2017, through Resolution No. 414, the Argentine Central Bank authorized the sale of Compañía Financiera Argentina S.A. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, payments were completed, so Grupo Financiero Galicia received a total amount of Ps.30,771,146 (which, as adjusted for inflation, was equal to Ps.65,831,636 as of December 31, 2019) for its 3% of participation in Compañia Financiera Argentina S.A.

 

On May 16, 2017, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia accepted an offer to acquire 10,000 book-entry shares with a nominal value of Ps.1 per share, representing 1% of the share capital of Galicia Valores owned by Compañía Financiera Argentina S.A. for Ps.906,524.15 (which, as adjusted for inflation, was equal to Ps.2,324,697 as of December 31, 2019).

 

 

During August 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia accepted a series of irrevocable sales offers for the acquisition of a 6% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the subsidiary Tarjetas Regionales S.A. On January 5, 2018, a total price of US$49,000,000 was paid and the transaction was completed on January 8, 2018, with the transfer of 22,633,260 Class A common shares, book-entry, with a par value of Ps.1 per share and 5 votes per share, and 42,033,196 Class B common shares, book-entry, with a par value of Ps.1 per share and 1 vote per share.

 

On October 12, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the corporate reorganization of Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia. Such reorganization consisted of the divestiture of Banco Galicia’s shares in Tarjetas Regionales (77% of its share capital), and the incorporation of such shares into the assets of Grupo Financiero Galicia effective January 1, 2018. On January 19, 2018, the Argentine Central Bank, through Note No. 312/04/2018, confirmed that it did not object the corporate reorganization. Consecuently, Grupo Financiero Galicia holds an 83% ownership interest in Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

 

On August 15, 2017, the shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved an increase of its share capital by issuing up to a maximum of 150,000,000 of new Class B shares, book-entry, with a right to one vote and a face value of Ps.1 per share.

 

On September 26, 2017, the global primary follow-on offering period ended and 109,999,996 class B shares were subscribed for a price of US$5 per share. Such shares were issued on September 29, 2017. The Company granted the underwriters the option to purchase additional class B ordinary shares at the offering price, and on October 2, 2017, the underwriters exercised such option and 16,500,004 additional class B shares at US$5 per share were issued on October 4, 2017.

 

As a result of the foregoing offering, a total of 126,500,000 ordinary class B shares, book-entry, with a right to one vote and a face value of Ps.1 per share were issued. Issued and outstanding capital of Grupo Financiero Galicia was therefore Ps.1,426,764,597, represented by 281,221,650 ordinary class A shares, book-entry, entitled to five votes per share and a face value of Ps.1 per share and 1,145,542,947 ordinary class B shares, book-entry, entitled to one vote and a face value of Ps.1 per share.

 

On December 27, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia made a capital contribution to Banco Galicia of Ps.10,000,000,000, (which, as adjusted for inflation, was equal to Ps.22,712,675,768 as of December 31, 2019).

 

On May 28, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved a capital contribution to Tarjetas Regionales S.A. for Ps.500,000,000 (which, as adjusted for inflation, was equal to Ps.645,455,576 as of December 31, 2019) to fund the creation of a new digital financial company, denominated “Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.” meant to reach the unbanked population of Argentina. Said capital contribution was effective in two payments of Ps.250,000,000 each, the first one made in June 2019 and the second one made in December 2019. The formation of said company was approved on September 16, 2019, by resolution number 205 of the Argentine Central Bank. The commencement of activities of Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U. are subject to prior compliance with the provisions required by the Argentine Central Bank within the first year anniversary of the aforementioned resolution number 205

 

On July 2, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia accepted an offer made by Galicia Valores, to acquire 5% of the stock of Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A. for US$920,000. Such acquisition made Grupo Financiero Galicia the sole shareholder of Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A. Likewise, on the same date, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved the creation of a new company denominated IGAM LLC, to be registered in the state of Delaware, United States of America, to provide brokerage, investing and other financial services in Argentina and in other countries. The registration of IGAM LLC took place on July 3, 2019.

 

On August 15, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia accepted a purchase offer made by Banco Galicia to sell 10,000 shares, representing 1% of the capital stock of Galicia Valores, for Ps.695,308.54 (which, as adjusted for inflation, was equal to Ps.822,516.02 as of December 31, 2019). With this share purchase, Galicia Valores is 100% owned by our subsidiary Banco Galicia.

 

 

On September 20, 2019, the Board of Directors of Grupo Financiero Galicia approved a capital contribution to IGAM LLC for Ps.71,000,000, (which, as adjusted for inflation, was equal to Ps.79,320,966 as of December 31, 2019), to be applied to the purchase of the total stake in Galicia Valores owned by Banco Galicia. Said operation was closed at a total price of Ps.69,530,854 (which, as adjusted for inflation, was equal to Ps.77,679,641 as of December 31, 2019).

 

Banco Galicia

 

Banco Galicia is a banking corporation organized as a stock corporation under Argentine law and supervised and licensed to operate as a commercial bank by the Superintendencia de Entidades Financieras y Cambiarias (Superintendency of Financial Institutions and Exchange Bureaus or, the “Superintendency”).

 

Banco Galicia was founded in September 1905 by a group of businessmen in Argentina and began operations in November 1905. Banco Galicia’s business and branch network increased significantly by the late 1950s and continued expanding in the following decades, after regulatory changes allowed Banco Galicia to exercise its potential and gain a reputation for innovation, thereby achieving a leading role within the domestic banking industry.

 

In the late 1950s, Banco Galicia launched the equity mutual fund FIMA Acciones and founded the predecessor of the asset manager Galicia Administradora de Fondos.

 

During the 1990s, Banco Galicia implemented a growth and modernization strategy directed at achieving economies of scale and increasing productivity and, therefore, heavily invested in developing new businesses, acquiring new customers, widening its product offering, developing its IT and human resources capabilities, and expanding its distribution capacity. This was comprised of traditional channels (branches) and, especially, alternative channels, including new types of branches (e.g., in-store), ATMs, banking centers, phone banking and online banking.

 

As part of its growth strategy, Banco Galicia began expanding into rural areas in the Interior, where there was believed to be a high potential for growth. Historically, the Interior was underserved relative to Buenos Aires and its surroundings with respect to access to financial services, and its population tends to use fewer banking services. Between 1995 and 1999, Banco Galicia acquired equity interests in entities and formed several non-banking companies providing financial services to individuals in the Interior through the issuance of proprietary brand credit cards. See “Tarjetas Regionales” below.

 

On January 12, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia accepted an offer made by Mr. Julio A. Fraomeni and Galeno Capital S.A.U. to purchase 100% of CFA, a subsidiary of Banco Galicia. On December 4, 2017, pursuant to Resolution No.414, the Argentine Central Bank authorized such transaction, which was completed on February 2, 2018.

 

On March 31, 2017, Banco Galicia’s Board of Directors approved the sale of its stake (58.8% of the issued and oustanding shares) in its subsidiary Tarjetas del Mar to Sociedad Anónima Importadora y Exportadora de la Patagonia (which already owned 40% of the total shares of Tarjetas del Mar). CFA also sold its stake (1.2% of the issued and outstanding shares) in Tarjetas del Mar to Federico Braun. Banco Galicia received approximately US$5,000,000 in respect of such sale.

 

On December 27, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia, in its capacity as sole shareholder and holder of 100% of the capital of Banco Galicia, integrated a capital contribution of Ps.10,000 million (which, as adjusted for inflation, was equal to Ps.14,765 million as of December 31, 2018). The Argentine Central Bank, through its Resolution No.35 dated January 11, 2018, approved the capital contribution and its consideration as computable capital.

 

On January 21, 2019 Banco Galicia, sold to AI Zenith (Netherlands) B.V. 3,182,444 book-entry common shares, with face value of Ps.1 each and one vote per share, representing 7.7007% of Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. (“Prisma”) capital stock. Banco Galicia continues to hold 3,057,642 shares in Prisma, which represents 7.3988% of its capital stock.

 

 

In August 2019, the Bank accepted an offer to acquire 100% of the shareholding in Galicia Valores made by IGAM. The price of the operation amounted to Ps.70 million. See “Grupo Financiero Galicia”.

 

Tarjetas Regionales

 

In the mid-1990s, Banco Galicia made the strategic decision to target the “non-account holding” individuals market, which, in Argentina, typically includes the low and medium-low income segments of the population who live in the Interior of the country, in addition to certain parts of Greater Buenos Aires. To implement this strategic decision, in 1995 Banco Galicia began investing in non-bank companies (the “Regional Credit Card Companies”) operating in certain regions of the Interior. These companies provided financial services to individuals through the issuance of credit cards with proprietary brands and extended credit to its customers through such cards.

 

In 1995, Banco Galicia made the first investment in this business by acquiring a minority stake in Tarjeta Naranja S.A. (“Tarjeta Naranja”) and in 1997 increased its ownership to 80%. This company had begun operations in 1985 in the city of Córdoba, where it marketed “Tarjeta Naranja”, its proprietary brand credit card, and had enjoyed local growth.

 

In 1996, Banco Galicia formed Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A. (“Tarjetas Cuyanas”), to operate in the Cuyo Region (the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis) in partnership with local businessmen. This company launched the “Nevada Card” in May 1996 in the city of Mendoza. Also, in 1996, Banco Galicia formed a new company, Tarjetas del Mar, to operate in the city of Mar del Plata and its area of influence. Tarjetas del Mar began marketing the “Mira Card” in March 1997.

 

In early 1997, Banco Galicia purchased an interest in Comfiar S.A., a consumer finance company operating in the provinces of Santa Fe and Entre Ríos, which was merged into Tarjeta Naranja in January 2004.

 

In 1999, Banco Galicia reorganized its participation in this business by forming Tarjetas Regionales S.A (“Tarjetas Regionales”). Tarjetas Regionales became the holding company, of Tarjeta Naranja, Comfiar S.A., Tarjetas Cuyanas, and Tarjetas del Mar. In addition, between 1999 and 2000, Tarjetas Regionales acquired Tarjetas del Sur S.A., a credit card company operating in southern Argentina. In March 2001, Tarjetas del Sur S.A. merged into Tarjeta Naranja.

 

During 2012, the ownership interests in Tarjetas Regionales and its operating subsidiaries were modified due to the following events:

 

  • Tarjeta Naranja’s board of directors approved the merger of Tarjeta Mira S.A. (merged company) into Tarjeta Naranja (merging company).

 

  • Tarjetas Regionales carried out a capital increase that was mainly paid by the contribution of the minority shareholders’ holdings in its subsidiaries Tarjeta Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas. Therefore, Banco Galicia’s direct and indirect interest decreased to 77% of the capital stock and the remaining 23% is held by the shareholders who, by means of the above-mentioned contribution, became Tarjetas Regionales’ minority shareholders.

 

As of December 31, 2016, Banco Galicia held a 77% ownership interest in Tarjetas Regionales. Tarjetas Regionales directly and indirectly held 100% of Tarjeta Naranja and 100% of Tarjetas Cuyanas.

 

On March 31, 2017, Banco Galicia’s Board of Directors approved the sale of its stake (58.8% of the issued and outstanding shares) in its subsidiary Tarjetas del Mar to Sociedad Anónima Importadora y Exportadora de la Patagonia (which already owned 40% of the total shares of Tarjetas del Mar). CFA also sold its stake (1.2% of the issued and outstanding shares) in Tarjetas del Mar to Federico Braun. Banco Galicia received approximately US$5,000,000 in respect of such sale.

 

On August 10, 2017, the Board of Directors of each of Tarjeta Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas approved the merger of such subsidiaries, by which Tarjetas Cuyanas would merge into Tarjeta Naranja. On September 5, 2017,

 

 

Tarjetas Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas executed a supplemental merger agreement pursuant to which Tarjeta Naranja acquired the assets and liabilities of Tarjetas Cuyanas effective as of October 1, 2017. Such merger was approved by the shareholders of each subsidiary at Extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meetings in October 2017.

 

Additionally, in October 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia publicly announced its plan to undertake a corporate reorganization between Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia as discussed above in “History and Development of the Company”.

 

Tarjeta Naranja has experienced a significant expansion of its customer base, in absolute terms and with respect to the range of customers served, number of cards issued, distribution networks and size of operations, as well as a technological upgrade and general modernization. As of December 31, 2019, Tarjeta Naranja, had approximately 8.5 million issued cards and was the largest proprietary brand credit card operation in Argentina.

 

In terms of funding, Tarjeta Naranja, has historically used one or more of the following third-party sources of financing: merchants, bond issuances, bank loans and other credit lines, financial leases and securitizations using financial trust vehicles. This diversification has allowed Tarjeta Naranja to maintain and expand their business without depending excessively on one single source or provider.

 

The business operation of Tarjeta Naranja is exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate fluctuations; however, Tarjeta Naranja mitigates the foreign exchange rate risk in respect of its business and operations through hedging transactions and tries to offset its interest rate exposure with assets that bear interest at similar floating rates. In addition, Tarjeta Naranja has an overall liquidity policy requiring it to maintain sufficient liquidity to cover at least three months of future operations and to formulate a cash flow projection for each upcoming year. These internal policies and practices ensure adequate working capital through which Tarjeta Naranja protects its operations against short-term cash shortages, allowing Tarjeta Naranja to focus on expanding its business and continuously better serving their clients.

 

Finally, in February 2019 and December 2019, Cobranzas Regionales S.A. received capital contributions from its shareholders, Tarjeta Naranja and Tarjetas Regionales, with the main purpose of maximize the growth of the "NPOS"(a new service of Tarjeta Naranja mainly used by merchants to accept payments made from clients with any debit or credit card through a wireless device) business and the subsequent launch of the virtual wallet "NaranjaX". As a result of such capital contributions, Cobranzas Regionales S.A. capital stock increased from Ps.1 million to Ps.391 million, represented by 391,000,000 shares of face value of Ps.1 each.

 

Sudamericana Holding

 

In 1996, Banco Galicia entered the bank insurance business, through the establishment of a joint venture with Hartford Life International to sell life insurance and annuities, in which it had a 12.5% interest. In December 2000, Banco Galicia sold its interest in this company and purchased 12.5% of Sudamericana, a subsidiary of Hartford Life International. As a result of various acquisitions, Grupo Financiero Galicia owns 87.5% of Sudamericana (with the remaining 12.5% being held by Banco Galicia) which offers life, retirement, property and casualty insurance products in Argentina through its subsidiaries Galicia Seguros S.A. (“Galicia Seguros”), which provides property, casualty and life insurance, Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A., which provides retirement insurance and Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A., an insurance broker.

 

In addition, during fiscal year 2012 Galicia Seguros, together with three other insurance companies, created Nova Re Compañía Argentina de Reaseguros S.A., the goal of which is to increase the scope of offerings of reinsurance products in Argentina. In September 2017, Galicia Seguros sold its ownership interest in such entity.

 

Galicia Administradora de Fondos

 

Incorporated in 1958, Galicia Administradora de Fondos manages the FIMA family mutual funds that are distributed by Banco Galicia through its multiple channels (network of branches and home banking and investment centers, among others). Galicia Administradora de Fondos’ team is comprised of asset management professionals whose goal is to manage the FIMA family funds in order to meet the demand of individuals, companies and institutions. The assets of each fund are distributed across a variety of assets, such as bonds, negotiable obligations, trusts, shares and deposits, among others, in line with the fund’s investment objective.

 

On April 15, 2014, Banco Galicia sold its 95% interest in Galicia Administradora de Fondos to Grupo Financiero Galicia.

 

On July 2, 2019, Banco Galicia sold its 5% interest in Galicia Administración de Fondos to Grupo Financiero Galicia.

 

Net Investment (Liquidated)

 

Net Investment was established in February 2000 as a holding company (87.5% owned by Grupo Financiero Galicia and 12.5% owned by Banco Galicia).

 

On May 16, 2017, the General Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of Net Investment unanimously approved the early dissolution and subsequent liquidation of Net Investment. At such meeting, the shareholders appointed a liquidating committee that took all required actions leading to such entity’s actual liquidation, with the financial statements as of December 31, 2017 corresponding to its final liquidation. The final distribution of capital was made on January 9, 2018.

 

Galicia Warrants

 

Incorporated in 1993, Galicia Warrants provides financing services, secured by property in its custody, to the agricultural, industrial and agri-industrial sectors, as well as exporters and retailers. Its main objective is to provide access to credit to such sectors and customers. Its shareholders are Grupo Financiero Galicia, which holds 87.5% of the outstanding equity interests of Galicia Warrants, and Banco Galicia, which holds the remaining 12.5% outstanding equity interests.

 

While the corporate headquarters of Galicia Warrants is located in Buenos Aires, its office in San Miguel de Tucumán carries out transactions in the warrants market, as well as other financing services related to its main sectors and customers it services as described above, throughout Argentina.

 

IGAM / Galicia Valores

 

Incorporated in 2019, IGAM is the holding company of Galicia Valores and Nargelon S.A. IGAM is registered in Delaware, USA.

 

Galicia Valores operates in the investment management industry. Its purpose is to provide broker and financial advisory services while working to build trustworthy and long-term relationships with its clients and prospects. Galicia Valores scope of business is mostly local.

 

As of 2019, Galicia Valores became a Mercado Abierto Electrónico (MAE) Agent. MAE is one of Argentina’s electronic markets and its main trading parties are institutional investors such as banks, insurance companies, investment brokers and mutual funds. As a MAE Agent, Galicia Valores can trade bonds, currency, futures and other derivatives within MAE. MAE’s.



Capital Investments and Divestitures

 

During 2019, our capital expenditures amounted to Ps.7,897 million, allocated as follows:

 

  • Ps.3,546 million in fixed assets (real estate, machinery and equipment, vehicles, furniture and fittings); and

 

  • Ps.4,351 million in licenses and other intangible assets.

 

During 2018, our capital expenditures amounted to Ps.5,673 million, allocated as follows:

 

  • Ps.3,595 million in fixed assets (real estate, machinery and equipment, vehicles, furniture and fittings); and
  • Ps.2,078 million in licenses and other intangible assets.

During 2017, our capital expenditures amounted to Ps.5,015 million, allocated as follows:

 

  • Ps.4,187 million in fixed assets (real estate, machinery and equipment, vehicles, furniture and fittings); and
  • Ps.828 million in licenses and other intangible assets.

These capital expenditures were primarily made in Argentina.

 

For a description of our divestitures in 2019, 2018 and 2017, please see “─History” ─ “Grupo Financiero Galicia”, “Banco Galicia” and “Tarjetas Regionales”.

 

Investment Planning

 

We have budgeted capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020, for the following purposes and amounts:

 

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

Infrastructure of Corporate Buildings, Tower and Branches (construction, furniture, equipment, phones and other fixed assets)

 

 

1,539

 

Organizational and IT System Development

 

 

5,219

 

Total Investment Planning

 

 

6,758

 

 

These capital expenditures will primarily be made in Argentina. Management considers that internal funds will be sufficient to finance capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2020.

 

B. Business Overview

 

Business

 

Banking

 

Banco Galicia, our largest subsidiary, operates in Argentina and substantially all of its customers, operations and assets are located in Argentina. Banco Galicia is a bank that provides, directly or through Grupo Financiero Galicia subsidiaries, a wide variety of financial products and services to large corporations, SMEs, and individuals.



Banco Galicia is one of Argentina’s largest full-service banks and is a leading provider of financial services in Argentina. According to information published by the Argentine Central Bank, as of December 31, 2019, Banco Galicia ranked first in terms of loan portfolio and second in terms of assets and deposits within private-sector banks in Argentina. As of the same date, Banco Galicia also ranked first among private-sector domestic banks in terms of assets, loans and deposits. Its market share of private sector deposits and of loans to the private sector was 9.92% and 11.57%, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, Banco Galicia had total assets of Ps.616,356 million, total loans and other financing of Ps.309,329 million, total deposits of Ps.397,840 million, and its shareholders’ equity amounted to Ps.96,297 million.

 

Banco Galicia provides a full range of financial services through one of the most extensive and diversified distribution platforms amongst private-sector financial institutions in Argentina. This distribution platform, as of December 31, 2019, was comprised of 326 full service banking branches, located throughout the country, 2,054 ATMs and self-service terminals owned by Banco Galicia, phone banking and e-banking facilities. Banco Galicia’s customer base, on an unconsolidated basis, was comprised of approximately 2.7 million customers, who were comprised of mostly individuals but who also included 104,010 companies. Banco Galicia has a strong competitive position in retail banking, both with respect to individuals and SMEs. Specifically, based on internal studies undertaken by Banco Galicia, it is estimated that Banco Galicia is one of the primary providers of financial services to individuals, one of the largest providers of credit cards, one of the primary private-sector institutions serving SMEs, and has traditionally maintained a leading position in the agriculture and livestock sectors. Banco Galicia’s primary clients are classified into three categories, Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, and Financial Banking.

 

Wholesale Banking

 

Banco Galicia’s Wholesale Banking division is organized into the following three departments based on their client’ segment: (i) Corporate, Investment Banking and Capital Markets; (ii) Middle-Market Banking and (iii) Agricultural Sector.

 

Corporate, Investment Banking and Capital Markets

 

This department provides services to clients whose annual invoices start at Ps.3,000 million or which due to complexity of their businesses and / or their profile as a multinational corporation, require special treatment in terms of financial advice and structuring. The active portfolio of this segment showed an annual growth of 20% and 73% in deposits as compared to December 2018, and as of December 2019, this segment serviced over 950 companies from 300 different economic groups.

 

Corporate, Investment Banking and Capital Marketsservice model is based on developing long-term, strategic and commercial relationships with customers. Considering the needs of each business, the economic activity involved and the markets where its customers operate, the Bank has designed suitable solutions in terms of requirements and response times, leveraged in digital transaction banking.

 

The Corporate, Investment Banking and Capital Markets division focuses on providing advice to wholesale banking clients on the issuance of new public and private debt as well as refinancing their existing debt. In 2019, Banco Galicia consolidated its leadership as one of the main banks operating in the local capital market and in structuring tailored financings for corporate, SME and agribusiness companies. The Bank was involved in more than 50 transactions, including 16 syndicated and structured loans, 6 restructurings and 28 public issuances in the capital market, offering a wide variety of products which included, among others, debt securities, short-term securities, sovereign and sub sovereign notes and financial trusts.

 

Among the transactions denominated in Argentine pesos, noteworthy issuances included (i) government securities issued by the City of Buenos Aires and of the Province of Buenos Aires, for Ps.7,044 million, (ii) securities issued by affiliates, such as Tarjeta Naranja S.A., for Ps.1,584 million, and (iii) securities issued by banks, financial and automotive entities for more than Ps.6,405 million in the aggregate.

 

Among the transactions denominated in US dollars, we can highlight (i) Banco Galicia's own issuance of bonds for US$82.7 million, (ii) securities issued by local financial institutions for US$488 million, and (ii) the participation of Banco Galicia as local placement agent for Pampa Energía’s international bond issuance for US$300 million.


 

The Bank participated in syndicated loans amounting to more than Ps.850 million and US$560 million, governed by both local and international law, covering different sectors but mainly focused in the energy, oil & gas and agriculture areas. In terms of liability management, this department managed to restructure transactions for over Ps.2,000 million and US$6 million.

 

In line with Banco Galicia's initiative to finance sustainable investment projects, the Bank granted financing for approximately US$50 million, among which it would highlight the bilateral loan granted to Grupo Insud to generate energy from forest biomass, awarded under the RenovAR 2.0 Program.

 

Middle-Market Banking

 

This segment services all business sectors and companies, except for those that are serviced by the agricultural sector described below, whose annual revenues range from Ps.400 million to Ps.3,000 million. As compared to 2018, the volume of active portfolio for this segment in 2019 stagnated, but still managed to achieve with a 10% growth in the average cash balance.

 

Agricultural Sector

 

The Agricultural Sector is the only segment defined by its customers’ industry, regardless of its profile and size. Banco Galicia tailors its product and service offerings to serve its customers in this segment, understanding that the development of digital solutions that more closely connect and communicate with customers in this segment are key to the growth of the business.

 

In 2019, Galicia Rural Card remained one of the most valued products for covering the financial needs of customers in this segment, with such card being the leading credit card offered by private banks to clients in this sector in Argentina, with a 63% market share. Our inter-annual growth in loan volume was approximately 70%, making Banco Galicia the leading bank for providing financing in this sector.

 

Retail Banking

 

In 2019, Retail Banking continued to focus on implementing its commercial strategy, focusing on offering products tailored to the unique needs of each of the following segments: Business and Small and Medium Enterprises (“SMEs”), Galicia ÉMINENT, Private Banking and Individuals Segment. The following are the major challenges that the Bank believes this division will face in implementing this strategy for the period from 2017-2020:

 

  • To build, along with all the Bank’s sectors, a customer-oriented culture.
  • To lead the digital transformation in the financial market, keeping ahead of new competitors.
  • To further elaborate the Bank’s multichannel product platforms in order to deliver the best customer experience.
  • To reinforce strategies by segment in order to maintain the leadership position.
  • To develop innovative products and services.

Regarding transactions, Banco Galicia offers its customers checking and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, and payroll direct deposit, among other services. Banco Galicia’s customers have access to its services through its branch network as well as through its electronic distribution channels. The Bank’s Retail Banking Division offers various types of loans (i.e., personal loans and mortgages) and time deposits (in Pesos or foreign currencies). See “—Sales and Marketing.”



Business, professionals and SMEs

 

The Business, professionals and SMEs segment is focused on providing financing and other financial products and services to businesses not serviced by the wholesale banking division and small- to medium-sized companies. Through the products offered by this segment, Banco Galicia aimed to encourage the growth of the 255,900 businesses, professionals and companies it serviced in 2019 by offering differentiated products and services designed to assist the day-to-day management of these businesses and companies. The Bank provides such clients with knowledge, services, products and tools that expedite their operations and promote the exchange of experiences among businesses served by this segment.

 

This year, the Bank discontinued the delivery of physical statements to companies, generating savings of 1.4 million sheets of paper, and enabled the use of electronic checks, where its customers 48% of such clients being SMEs issued 4,800 e-checks. The Bank became the main platform to undertake transactions using electronic checks in the country, with a market share of 75% of electronic checks issued.

 

Additionally, during 2019, Banco Galicia launched the first Minimum Viable Product (“MVP”) for this segment, to facilitate, and expedite customers’ registration as clients of the Bank. The registration process for clients of this segment was drastically simplified, going from 59-page long bank forms to none, from 14 signatures to a token, and by reducing the customer’s time to obtain its client number from 7 days to 10 minutes.

 

Likewise, the Bank eliminated charges for overdraft, streamline and clarified charges for SMEs, and added an automatic rating for SMEs based on their prior transaction behavior (with no need to submit additional documentation).

 

In terms of loans, together with Garantizar, a Reciprocal Guarantee Company (Sociedad de Garantía Recíproca or “SGR), the Bank implemented the credit engine named “Garantizar para Galicia”. Thus, it has simplified application submittals by handling them at only one place and 100% immediately, and started to pre-qualify prospects, which enables it to improve its credit offer to potential customers.

 

Galicia ÉMINENT

 

Galicia Éminent is the premium service of Banco Galicia that provides services targeted towards its high net worth customers. Its mission is that its clients always receive differential and exclusive attention, through 3 pillars of service: personalized relationship, exclusive benefits and experiences, and agile and simple processes.

 

With the objective of establishing long-term trust relationships with customers, the Bank has a face-to-face, customized service system carried out by Éminent officers, and digitally with “Éminent Conecta Advisors” that customers may consult via WhatsApp, email or video conference. This differentiating service enabled the Bank to maintain its leadership in the Net Promoter Score (“NPS”) at a 30% and to continue to grow in terms of number of new customers by 4%. NPS is a private, online survey conducted by the Bank that gauges overall customer satisfaction and loyalty based on customers’ willingness to recommend a brand to others.

 

Additionally, the services provided by Galicia Éminent aim to continue positioning the Bank as a leading investment bank and to improve key processes, such as the implementation of FCR to address certain claims.

 

Private Banking

 

Private Banking offers distinctive and professional financial services to high net worth individuals, through the management of their investments and the provision of financial advisory services by trained officers. Private Banking offers its customers a wide range of domestic financial investment alternatives, such as deposits, FIMA mutual funds, government and corporate securities, shares and trusts where the Bank acts as a dealer.

 

Individuals Segment


 

Banco Galicia serves more than 2,700,000 customers, 77% of which are individuals –ranging from low income to high income– who make personal use of the products and services offered by the Bank based on their needs.

 

Financial Banking

 

The Financial Banking Division includes the commercial department, financial institutions, public sector, trading and global markets, and investment products and global custody divisions. Additionally, it is also responsible for the mutual funds business, as the Bank is the main distribution channel for mutual funds.

 

Commercial Department

 

The Commercial Department is responsible for consolidating the Bank’s position in the Institutional Customers segment (funds, ANSES’ sustainability escrow fund (known as “FGS”), and insurance companies), and to channel investments from other segments serviced by the Bank (Corporate, Companies, Public Sector and Financial Institutions).

 

The Department seeks to deepen the cross-selling of financial products and to promote the use of transactional products (collections and payment) and custody of assets, promoting the integral development of the entire range of products.

 

During 2019, the behavior of institutional customers was characterized by what the Bank viewed as sound judgment in asset management, generally prioritizing liquidity and short-term investments.

 

2019 was marked by a high level of volatility in the volume of assets traded by customers, with significant trading in the first part of the year, followed by a sharp decrease later in 2019 as a result of the restructuring (known locally as “reperfilamiento”) of public debt, the lack of private issuances and restrictions on the ability of Argentine investors to access the foreign exchange market.


In terms of deposits by entities serviced by this department, the Bank saw an increase in the first quarter of 2019 in the volume of deposits made, followed by a decrease resulting from the replacement of deposits with 1-day Repo transactions directly made by the Mutual Funds in the Argentine Central Bank (during the fourth quarter, Repo transactions became the most important asset in the mutual fund industry portfolio).

 

However, the income generated by this segment continue to increase, increasing by approximately 60% as compared to 2018.

 

In qualitative measurements, the Bank continued to lead this segment in 2019. Market penetration, measured by the presence indicator (which measures the number of clients in the market that have chosen the Bank as its principal bank or alternative bank), was 88%, and the Bank's leading position indicator (which measures the number of operations performed by clients who have chosen the Bank as its principal bank) was 51%.

 

Financial Institutions

 

The Financial Institutions Department is responsible, at the international level, for managing the Bank’s business relationships with partner banks, international credit agencies, official credit banks, and export credit insurance companies, and, at the local level, with banks, financial companies, exchange bureaus, and other entities that carry out related activities.

 

As in previous years, during 2019 bilateral meetings were held with the most active foreign partner banks in the foreign trade business, through which the Bank channeled the different products and services offered to its customers. Despite Argentina’s unfavorable macroeconomic situation, the number of credit lines given to customers did not decrease and represented a stable source for providing foreign trade financing to its clients. The Bank also continued to provide letters of credit and confirm stand-by letters of credit for its customers.


 

As a core aspect of Banco Galicias strategy in terms of sustainable financing, it continued to strengthen ties and analyze additional business opportunities with multilateral organizations and official credit banks, such as the IFC, IDB Invest, Proparco, FMO, BNDES, Andean Development Corporation (Corporación Andina de Fomento), DEG, KFW OFID and OPIC, among others, with the purpose of expanding its offer of credit lines in the medium and long -term to finance investment projects mainly oriented to the agro-industrial sector, and in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

 

Likewise, the Bank continued to develop commercial relationships with the main export credit insurance companies, such as Hermes, COFACE, SACE, Cesce, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (or “EXIM”), among others, in order to offer medium- and long-term financing to its customers for the import of capital goods.

 

At the local level, the analysis and detection of business opportunities with financial institutions continued, with an emphasis on improving customer experience and consolidating the Bank’s leading position, in an environment of reciprocity and creating stable and long-term relationships.

 

Public Sector

 

The Public Sector Department is responsible for commercially interacting with the various state agencies at three main levels: National, Provincial and Municipal, providing financial solutions. Throughout 2019, this department continued to strengthen its presence throughout the country.

 

In 2019, the Bank participated in different Corporate Social Responsibility programs, whose common objective was to encourage cooperation between the public and private sectors. In this regard, we worked on two essential issues: financial inclusion and health.

 

Despite having gone through an electoral year mainly characterized by great volatility and uncertainty, this Department achieved significant positive results based on the proximity and trust it has with its customers. In the last quarter of 2019, the Bank started to dialogue with the new elected authorities in the different agencies.

 

Finally, as a result of the Bank’s commercial management, the customer portfolio of this segment reached 690 agencies, which allowed, as compared to 2018, an approximately 85% increase in deposit balances, and an approximately 150% increase in income earned.

 

Investment Products and Global Custody Department

 

During 2019, the Investment Products and Global Custody Department continued with the development of new investment products and the re-launching of the Bank’s Global Custody service, by which it holds funds in custody for clients and invests such funds on behalf of its clients.


As regards the Global Custody service, during 2019 the Bank continued increasing the product, positioning it, mainly with a focus on offering such service to insurance companies and other corporate entities.

 

In 2019, this department experienced a growth of 123% as measured by assets under custody (AUC) as compared to the previous year, and a 65% increase in the number of insurance companies served (measured in number of customers), as compared to 2018.

 

In addition to the above projects, the Investment Products and Global Custody Department is also responsible for defining, prioritizing and managing different technological projects for the Financial Banking and Investment Products department of the Bank. Within the framework of the Bank’s digital transformation, in 2019 the investment process continued to go ahead with the replacement of the core system of Investment and Custody Products.

 

During 2019, the FIMA Funds Subscription and Redemptions module was implemented, which enabled the implementation of new functionalities for our customers, such as enabling the placement of FIMA Funds through new underwriting agents. A new solution was also designed for brokerage and custody of securities, which will allow incorporating new self-management tools and providing a better experience for customers in 2020.


 

Trading and Global Markets Department

 

One of the main responsibilities of the Trading and Global Markets Department is the management and operation of foreign currency positions, financial derivatives and private securities, either for the Bank’s own portfolio or for brokerage with counterparts, institutional and international customers, companies or individuals. Likewise, this department is also responsible for developing and implementing the Bank’s investment strategies based on the risk parameters defined by the Board of Directors. By providing comprehensive financial advice, Banco Galicia was able to maintain, even in a year of few issuances, a leading position in the Argentine capital markets based on debt origination and structuring for local issuers.

 

In the international segment, following a favorable context during the first quarter of the year, a strong outflow of funds from Argentine assets was observed with the consequent impact on prices and the currency value. Despite high volatility and risk perception prevailing in the market, the Bank’s commercial management of this division resulted in an increase in the number of non-resident investors, mainly from the United States, England, Brazil and Chile). After the implementation of the new Central Bank monetary policy from October 1 onward, the Bank started to position its investment in local currency assets, which allowed the Bank to take advantage of the exchange rate stability and the high interest rates.

 

In the foreign exchange market, Banco Galicia maintained its first position in the Mercado Abierto Eletrónico S.A. (MAE) rankings, having traded US$ 27,832 million out of the total US$223,324 traded in the MAE in 2019, increasing its participation in the trading market from 11.85%. in 2018 to 12.46% in 2019. As regards the futures market, Banco Galicia achieved the first-place ranking in the MAE in 2019, with a total volume of US$1,301 million, increasing its participation from 23.6% in 2018 to 32.14% in 2019. In ROFEX’s ranking, Galicia ranked fourth again (third among financial institutions). The foreign trade volume transactions amounted to US$13,435 million, a 47% increase as compared to 2018. In addition, the number of trading transactions in banknotes expressed in US dollars increased slightly, from US$6,521 million in 2018 to US$6,657 million in 2019.

 

From January 2019 to December 2019, Banco Galicia went from the third position to the second position in the fixed income ranking prepared by Bolsas y Mercados Argentina in 2019 with a total of Ps.292,210 million traded in the Argentine market, representing 5.82% of the Argentine market share and making it the market leader in terms of market share. In turn, from January 2019 to December 2019, Banco Galicia went from second to third place in the total fixed income ranking prepared by the MAE with a total of US$ 25,683 million representing 10.83% of the Argentine market share

 

Digital transformation

 

On the road to transformation

 

The Bank’s customers and new competitors challenge the Bank to continuously evolve and offer experience enhancing services that are straightforward and agile. For this reason, during 2019 Banco Galicia accelerated its digital transformation, understanding it as an essential means to achieve efficiency and growth, while maintaining its culture, and its values of trust and transparency.

 

With the purpose of developing these new technologies, the Bank organized open courses for employees on Introduction to Agility, UX (User Experience), Design, Design Thinking and Digital Mindset, and implemented training activities for employees who are part of the teams where an initial and general vision of the agile methodology was addressed.

 

First Tribes

 

Banco Galicia is taking steps to develop a new organizational design based on agile methodologies to enhance its customer experience. Offering the best customer experience in Argentina continues to be the Bank’s main challenge and goal, while focusing on achieving efficiency that enhances growth.



After a year of positive results in its digital transformation, in 2019 Banco Galicia decided to modernize its operating structure with the aim of becoming a fully agile organization, that is flexible, and efficient in adapting to its clients’ changing needs and more sophisticated requirements.

 

Thus, the Bank reorganized its current teams and encouraged the internal mobility of its employees. In 2019, multidisciplinary teams, named Squads”, were created. Squads are formed by employees of different backgrounds (coming from technical and commercial areas). The Squads take on smaller challenges, which allows them to deliver faster and continues solutions to our customers.

 

Each Squad works as a specialized, autonomy body part of a larger group, named “Tribe”. The Tribes are in charge of assigning tasks to the Squads and give them autonomy to develop new ideas of services and products (or to improve or adapt the existing ones to the current needs of our clients) to achieve greater customer satisfaction, from a commercial and digital standpoints.

 

During 2019, the Bank created the following Tribes:

 

Collections and Payments: Created to transform the Bank’s collections and payments area and revolutionize the market with products and services that enable the Bank to digitalize the entire flow of collections and payments of the different aspects of customers lifes. The goals of this Tribe are to; (i) transform the Bank´s services for collections and payments, and be chosen as the customer’s first option for both current and new collection and payment products, (ii) develop new products that revolutionize the collection and payment market; and (iii) offer customers digital management tools and paperless interactions.

 

Everyday Banking: Created to revolutionize customers' daily life, by providing a simple, but differentiated experiences for checking and savings accounts related products, and related services. The goals of this Tribe are: (i) provide the best market experience for everyday bank products for individual customers, with the goal of obtaining NPS of 33 in 2020; (ii) become the customers’ first choice for checking and savings accounts and related services, with the goal of reaching a 6.7% market share in transaction deposits by 2020; and (iii) improve checking and savings accounts and related services.

 

Lending: Created to enhance business development and growth for Corporate, Companies, Agricultural, SMEs and Public Sector customers, offering simpler and timely financing to maximize their profitability and ensure a differentiated experience in the market.

 

Segments: Created with the challenge of accompanying each customer in their daily activities, generating the best value and relationship proposal in the market, ensuring sustained growth of retail business and retail SMEs.

 

Customer Trips: Created to increase the efficiency of the customers critical travels.

 

Omni-channel: Created to develop and maintain an enabling omni-channel platform, providing autonomy and to reduce the Banks time-to-market through the granting of autonomy for channel squads and the building of accelerators.

 

Consumption

 

Through Tarjeta Naranja, Grupo Financiero Galicia offers financing to low- and medium-income customer segments.

 

Tarjeta Naranja continued consolidating its leading position in the regional credit cards market in 2019. According to official data and private market studies, the Bank is the primary issuer of credit cards domestically and is ranked as the leading credit card brand in rural areas of Argentina.

 

In December 2019, Tarjeta Naranja issued 3.0 million account statements, 6% less than in 2018. Authorized cards totaled 8.6 million, including Naranja Clásica, Naranja Visa, Naranja MasterCard and Naranja American Express. In addition, purchase transactions at stores decreased 5% as compared to 2018.


 

Tarjeta Naranja, Tarjetas Regionales’ main subsidiary, will continue to rely on its strategic pillar of “Organizational Culture and Customer Experience” to grow its customer base and business.

 

In connection with the Bank’s Digital Transformation, Tarjeta Naranja created two Tribes the:(i) Assisted Channels Tribe and (ii) Credit Cards Tribe.

 

Tarjeta Naranja also adapted to a more agile way of operating by creating multidisciplinary and autonomous business intelligence teams. These teams operate under the guidelines of collaborative work and agility and focus on creating and testing the MVPs (products and services in an initial stage of development). Technological improvements were also incorporated into a new app offered by Tarjeta Naranja and a redesign of Naranja Online (“NOL”).

 

Another highlight during 2019 in terms of consumption was the launching of Naranja X, the virtual wallet from Tarjeta Naranja, which focused on technology and digital channels. For more information see “Sales and Marketing”-“Service Channels”-“Digital Channels”-“Naraja X”.

 

Galicia Seguros

 

Galicia Seguros provides life, property and casualty insurance to customers. With respect to property and casualty insurance products, Galicia Seguros primarily underwrites home and ATM theft insurance. With respect to life insurance, group life and personal accident insurance are its most significant source of revenues. Galicia Retiro offers annuity products and Galicia Broker is an insurance broker.

 

Galicia Seguros, Galicia Retiro and Galicia Broker are subsidiaries that operate exclusively in Argentina and their total insurance underwriting was equal to Ps.4,857 million in 2019.

 

Galicia Retiro was the first company in launching a retirement insurance with 100% digital procurement during 2019.

 

In line with the Bank’s digital transformation, during 2019, Galicia Seguros and Naranja X worked together by adding specific products to the Naranja X app such as offering a digitally managed free insurance to users for the protection of their mobile phone screens. While the amount of screen damage covered by this insurance increases as the user performs more operations through the App, the insurance continues to be free. Also, in line with the Digital Transformation, Galicia Seguros launched the first retirement insurance in Argentina that could be fully subscribed for online (the Futuro Mutual Fund).

 

Other Businesses

 

Galicia Administradora de Fondos

 

Since 1960, Galicia Administradora de Fondos has been dedicated to the administration of the FIMA Common Investment Funds that are distributed through the different commercial channels of Banco Galicia. It has a wide range of investment funds designed for each investor profile, which allows all types of investors to easily access the capital market through the various Fima funds.

 

During 2019, the following initiatives stood out:

 

  • Hacete Cliente Landing: We allowed any user who enters our website fondosfima.com.ar, to become, by using digital tools, a customer of Banco Galicia and Fima. With a few easy steps, individuals can become customers without having to physically go to one of the Bank’s branches.

 

  • Start of Transactions Expansion from 4 a.m.: We provided digital tools so that subscription and redemption operations can be carried out during all hours that the market is open, from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., through any of our digital channels: Galicia Online Banking, Office Banking and the Galicia App.

 

 

  • Customer Account and Scheduled Transactions Registration in the App from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Since 2019, the Galicia App allows customers to schedule transactions up to 60 days in advance and manage their account registration.

 

  • New Fima Mix I portfolio composition: We relaunched the Fima Mix I with the goal of adapting to market requirements and providing a new alternative that operates in Argentine pesos but in a mixed portfolio of Latin American bonds and ETFs of shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange. With this fund, a new category is inaugurated in FIMA for year 2019: international mixed income funds that enable operations in Argentine pesos in foreign markets.

 

  • Composition Change of Fima Capital Plus: This fund was originally aimed at mitigating the impacts of inflation. During 2019, its asset manager changed the fund asset allocation to dollar-denominated assets, allowing local currency investors to partially hedge their foreign exchange exposure.

 

  • Fima Placement Agents: This distribution channel that began in 2018 ends 2019 with eight placement agents, that market the Bank´s Fima Funds throughout the country.

 

Competition

 

Due to our financial holding structure, competition is experienced at the level of our operating subsidiaries. We face strong competition in most of the areas in which our subsidiaries are active. For a breakdown of our total revenues, for each of the past two fiscal years, for the activities discussed below (i.e., banking, Tarjetas Regionales and insurance), see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”-A. “Operating Results”.

 

Banking

Banco Galicia faces significant competition in all of its principal areas of operation from foreign banks operating in Argentina (mainly large retail banks which are subsidiaries or branches of banks with global operations), Argentine national and provincial government-owned banks, private-sector domestic banks and cooperative banks, as well as non-bank financial institutions.

Regarding private-sector customers, Banco Galicia’s main competitors are large foreign banks and certain domestically owned private-sector banks. Banco Galicia also faces competition from government-owned banks.

Banco Galicia’s estimated market share of private-sector deposits in the Argentine financial system was 9.92% as of December 31, 2019, as compared to 11.09% as of December 31, 2018 and 10.20% as of December 31, 2017.

With respect to loans extended to the private sector, Banco Galicia’s Argentine market share was 11.57% as of December 31, 2019, as compared to 10.51% and 9.65% as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, according to the information published by the Argentine Central Bank.


According to the information published by the Argentine Central Bank, as of November 30, 2019, Banco Galicia was the largest private-sector bank as measured by its loan portfolio and second as measured by its net worth and deposits.

 

Banco Galicia believes that it has a strong competitive position in retail banking, both with respect to individuals and SMEs. Specifically, Banco Galicia believes it is one of the primary providers of financial services to individuals, the primary private-sector institution serving SMEs, and has traditionally maintained a leading position in the agriculture and livestock sector.

 

Argentine Banking System

As of December 31, 2019, the Argentine financial system consisted of 78 financial institutions, of which 63 were banks and 15 were financial non-bank institutions (i.e., finance companies). Of the 62 banks, 13 were Argentine national and provincial government-owned or related banks. Of the 50 private-sector banks, 34 were private-sector domestically owned banks and 16 were foreign-owned banks (i.e., local branches or subsidiaries of foreign banks).

As of December 31, 2019, the top 10 banks, in terms of total deposits (excluding Argentine national and provincial government-owned banks), were: Banco Santander Río, Banco Galicia, Banco BBVA Argentina, Banco Macro, HSBC, Credicoop Bank and ICBC. Banco Galicia, Banco Macro and Credicoop are domestically owned banks and the others are foreign-owned banks. According to information published by the Argentine Central Bank as of December 31, 2019, private-sector banks accounted for 57.1% of total deposits and 60.5% of total net loans in the Argentine financial system. As of the same date, financial institutions (other than banks) accounted for approximately 0.3% of deposits and 3.1% of net loans in the Argentine financial system.

As of December 31, 2019, the largest Argentine national and provincial government-owned or related banks, in terms of total deposits, were Banco Nación, Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires and Banco Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Under the provisions of the Financial Institutions’ Law, public-sector banks have comparable rights and obligations to private banks, except that public-sector banks are usually chosen as depositaries for public-sector revenues and promote regional development and certain public-sector banks have preferential tax treatment. The bylaws of some public-sector banks provide that the governments that own them (both national and provincial governments) must guarantee their commitments. According to information published by the Argentine Central Bank, as of December 31, 2019, government-owned banks and banks in which the national, provincial and municipal governments had an ownership interest accounted for 42.6% of deposits and 36.4% of loans in the Argentine financial system.

Consolidation has been a dominant theme in the Argentine banking sector since the 1990s, with the total number of financial institutions declining from 214 in 1991 to 78 as of December 31, 2019, with the ten largest banks holding 77.8% of the system’s deposits from the private sector and 75.4% of the system’s loans to the private sector as of December 31, 2019.

Foreign banks continue to have a significant presence in Argentina, despite the fact that the number of these financial institutions decreased from 39 at the end of 2001 to 16 as of December 2019, and the fact that their share of total deposits has decreased since the 2001-2002 financial crisis while the share of domestic private-sector banks has increased.

 

The Argentine banking sector focuses on transactional business and lacks a robust supply of medium and long-term lending. Local financial system deposits and loans are equivalent to 17.1% and 11.3% of the GDP respectively, well below those same ratios for other countries in the region.



Credit Cards

In the consumer loan market, Tarjeta Naranja competes with Argentine banks and other financial institutions that target similar economic segments. The main players in this segment include Banco Supervielle, Banco Columbia, Banco Comafi, Banco Credicoop, Banco Macro, Banco MasVentas, Banco Municipal de Rosario, Banco Nación (Nativa card), Banco de Córdoba (Cordobesa card), Cabal card, Tarjeta Shopping card and CFA (Efectivo Si). Historically, certain international banks with a presence in Argentina have attempted to target consumers in these economic segments and have been, to date and for the most part, unsuccessful.

In order to compete effectively at a national and regional level, Tarjeta Naranja targets low- to middle-income clients by offering personalized services in each region, focusing their commercial efforts mainly on such segments. While other Argentine credit card issuers and consumer loan providers focus on earning interest on outstanding personal loans and credit card balances, Tarjeta Naranja also focus on and has access to additional sources of revenues including merchant fees and commissions, which allows it to offer competitive pricing and financing terms. Furthermore, unlike other credit card issuers in Argentina, approximately 26% of Tarjetas Regionales’ clients pay their credit card bill through their branch network. The broad geographical reach of their distribution network, which is the second largest in Argentina, has allowed Tarjetas Regionales to establish a local presence in all the provinces of Argentina.

Tarjeta Naranja believes that their diversified and consistent funding sources, significant network of branches, robust information technology infrastructure, relationships with 273,000 merchants and the brand recognition they enjoy provide them with a competitive edge to consolidate and expand their market share in their target market segment, making it difficult for new players to effectively compete in this market segment on a national scale.

Insurance

Sudamericana’s subsidiaries face significant competition since, as of December 31, 2019, the Argentine insurance industry was comprised of approximately 190 insurance companies, 13 of which were dedicated exclusively to annuities. Subsidiaries of foreign insurance companies and the world’s largest insurance companies with global operations are among these companies.

During 2019, the insurance industry continue to grow. Production amounted to Ps.534.6 million, 36% higher than the level recorded for the prior year. Out of the total insurance production in 2019, 83% related to property insurance, 15% related to life and personal insurance, and 2% related to retirement insurance.

Within the 83% corresponding to property insurance, the automotive insurance segment continues to be the most significant segment, representing 45%, followed by the workers’ compensation segment, representing 30%. Within the life insurance segment, the group life insurance segment was the most significant, representing 52%, followed by individual life insurance, representing 23%, and personal accident insurance, representing 17%.

 

As of December 31, 2019, based on internal studies undertaken by Galicia Seguros, it is estimated that Galicia Seguros ranked fourth in terms of net premiums for personal accident insurance underwritten and first in terms of net premiums for home and theft insurance underwritten.

 

Sales and Marketing



Service Channels

 

Grupo Galicia’s subsidiaries interact with their customers through a variety of marketing channels, which include digital tools and physical branches, tailored to meet specific customer needs.

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

Branches (number)

 

 

 

 

Bank Branches

 

 

326

 

Tarjeta Naranja Branches

 

 

202

 

Electronic banking terminals (number)

 

 

 

 

ATMs

 

 

1,034

 

Self-Service Terminals

 

 

1,020

 

Digital banking transactions

 

 

 

 

Mobile APP

 

 

26,991,340

 

Online Banking

 

 

42,347,847

 

Office Banking

 

 

14,440,338

 

Phone Banking

 

 

73,133

 

 

Digital Channels

 

Grupo Galicia undertook the strategic commitment to transform into a comprehensive financial platform, that provides agile and efficient services to make life easier for its customers. Thus, during 2019 Grupo Galicia continued to work to innovate and provide digital channels that were tailored to the different needs of its customers.

 

Banco Galicia, Tarjeta Naranja and Galicia Seguros have websites that have been updated and that and allow customers to operate and use the various services and benefits offered by Grupo Galicia. Grupo Galicia offers cutting-edge apps for its customers, and phone assistance, as well as personalized support by WhatsApp and virtual assistants to solve inquiries presented by customers.

 

Banco Galicia

 

During 2019, Banco Galicia provided solutions and responded to inquiries from more than 1,400,000 customers who communicated with the Bank through digital channels designed for different ages and customer profiles. In 2019, Banco Galicia’s digital channels included the (i) “Éminent Conecta Advisors for high-income individuals, (ii) “Galicia Rural Conecta for companies in the agricultural sector, (iii) Galicia App for other individuals and companies, (iv) the online banking platform and (v) customized telephone service provided by WhatsApp, for which it conducts customers' training and awareness so that customers are able to use such phone service in an agile and efficient manner.

 

Additionally, Banco Galicia promotes the customers’ self-management in branches so that they can use the digital channels therein. Branches have posters with GALA’s (Banco Galicia's Virtual Assistant) QR code, to assist customers to solve inquiries about passwords or other procedures. Once the client scans the QR code with its phone, it can access GALA’s platform and solve their password problems by themselves.

 

During 2019, Banco Galicia continued to expand its business strategy and presence through social media, joining Instagram with different accounts for each of Banco Galicia, Galicia MOVE, Talentos Galicia and Galicia Éminent. Galicia MOVE shows Galicia's digital proposal in a more unstructured way, communicates promotions and provides customer service. Talentos Galicia is an account devoted to generating an internal facing company brand, which seeks to spread the Bank's culture and working methodologies within the organization in order to attract individuals interested in working in the Bank.

 

Tarjeta Naranja

 

Tarjeta Naranja’s website is the starting point for accessing all of its products and services. Tarjeta Naranja is a company characterized by its strong culture. Through Naranja.com, it is constantly working to be able to position itself and convey the brand identity hand in hand with institutional information, as well as advancing its entire cultural agenda.


 

Thus, Naranja redesigned its sales-oriented Naranja.com website agile, dynamic and useful content - by using cutting-edge tools for the financial industry, which, in 2019, contributed to improved performance and management response times. At the closing of the 2019 fiscal year, Naranja Online recorded an average of 4 million visits per month, which represented a 23% increase in visits per month as compared to fiscal year 2018. Tarjeta Naranja also launched the new Naranja APP with enhanced technology, enabling to grow by 221% in the number of active users, as compared to 2018.

 

Through its corporate page, Tarjeta Naranja aims to offer its customers accessible web content that can be accessed from their mobile phones, with better loading speed, as well as agile, dynamic and useful content. Users of Naranja.com can now obtain their cards online, in less than 5 minutes.

 

In order to fulfill the aforementioned objectives, the following technologies are Tarjeta Naranja allies to provide the best experience:

  • Progressive Web App (PWA): To optimize loading speed, mobile performance and offline navigation. Naranja is the first site of the Argentine financial sector to use this technology.
  • Angular 6: This front-end technology positions Tarjeta Naranja at the forefront, as it makes it easy to create advanced and easy-to-maintain web applications.

 

In 2019 Tarjeta Naranja redesigned its digital platform to obtain greater performance, availability and solid foundations to be able to scale up to the demand of current and future customers, considering NOL (Naranja Online) an essential part of Tarjeta Naranja’s products and services ecosystem. The new NOL was fully implemented in the Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) cloud, using a micro-services architecture enabling us to access customers' information, thus ensuring consistency with all the information accessed coming from the same data source. In terms of customer experience, the new design and the information architecture of NOL are based on the technology of Angular + PWA, front-end systems, which provides a better customer experience, and offers the possibility to adapt the site to the devices through which customers access the platform, enhancing the experience of information use and access.

.

Finally, Tarjeta Naranja provides customers with different channels for accessing products and services wherever the customer is located, 24/7. Such digital channels include:

  • Naranja Services in your Mobile Phone: It allows receiving text messages with information related to transactions, purchases, due dates, payments made, withdrawals, transfer notices and balance inquiries. It also provide the opportunity to recharge mobile credit via SMS.
  • Mobile Phone Recharge: Through NOL, Naranja APP and the self-inquiries terminals (terminales de autoconsulta or“TAC) of Casas Naranja, customers can recharge credit on their own or any other mobile phone, without need for cash, to be paid in the statement of account of the following month.
  • Tienda Naranja, Naranja Marketplace: 2019 was focused on building a platform centered on customer experience, which was launched by the end of the year. The objective was to be able to offer customers a greater variety of products and services through this channel.

 

Naranja X

 

In the framework of the strategy and synergies proposed for the companies controlled by Tarjetas Regionales S.A. for the development and evolution of the technology-based ecosystem of products and services, during the first quarter of 2019, the digital wallet called “Naranja Cuenta” or “NCuenta” launched a pilot app in Córdoba, which later was rolled out nationwide, for Android and iOS users. Through an online registration and a validation process, this app enables the use of the mobile phone to pay for services, send or receive money between accounts, pay with a QR code in shops, and recharge the local transport card.

 

Subsequently, in order to address the need to contain the digital services ecosystem in one a specialized company, Cobranzas Regionales S.A. became involved in the development and use of this product. In this regard, Tarjeta Naranja entered into license contracts for the use of brands and their respective logos with Cobranzas Regionales  S.A., with the purpose of linking its trademark with new products that incorporate technology and participate in the digital universe.



Galicia Seguros

 

During 2019, Galicia Seguros updated its website in order to allow customers to access to their insurance information from their mobile phones. Additionally, it developed an exclusive service channel for Integral SMEs customers, which includes customized advising, prevention tips, and greater agility. Galicia Seguros digital channels include:

.

  • Corporate Web (www.galiciaseguros.com.ar): in 2019, Galicia Seguros re-launched its website with a more user friendly and updated design for customers.
  • E-mailing: Communications are sent to customers through automatic processes, informing them of the status of their inquiries, claims or requests. A digital welcome pack, which is received after the insurance is subscribed for, was designed, with simple and user-friendly information on the insurance coverage. The package includes a summary of the coverage and services contracted for, risk prevention tips and information on how to report a claim.
  • Email Marketing: Galicia Seguros uses this tool to conduct promotional campaigns on new products, new coverages, product enhancement, etc. In turn, it also emails relevant information to customers, strengthening the bond with the brand.
  • Sales Call Center: Customers can receive advice on the different products by contacting a 1-800 line.
  • Customer Service Center: Galicia Seguros has an exclusive 1-800 line for individuals and companies, and an email box (infogalicia@galiciaseguros.com.ar) through which customers can receive information about their coverage and manage their need.

 

Finally, during 2019 Galicia Seguros implemented the following measures through digital channels:

 

  • Availability of policy applications for automated calls and channels such as Banco Galicia Online Banking, with an impact on efficiency, channels and customer experience.
  • Internal exclusive telephone hotline and WhatsApp for Grupo Financiero Galicia's employees to assist them on how to manage claims or process another type of inquiries.
  • Streamlined processing of claims related to homeowner policies.
  • Extension of service hours in Social Media from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m (which are the same as the phone service hours), aiming at omni-channel homogeneity.

 

Physical Channels

 

Banco Galicia and Tarjeta Naranja have a network of branches throughout Argentina, providing face-to-face services, and bringing services close to customers. Galicia Seguros also promotes personalized attention through Banco Galicia branches.

 

With the focus on improving customers’ experience, Banco Galicia has transformed face-to-face services and has migrated to automatic or digital channels, with self-service terminals located in branches with extended hours and providing exclusive money withdrawal channels for customers in a simpler way, without using a debit card. In all branches, 100% of market transactions can be made through automatic banking.

 

Tarjeta Naranja designed a new service model in its branches, called Casas del Futuro”. These are spaces that allow Tarjeta Naranja to provide face-to-face services, resolution of problems at the first contact and personalized training on how to use the available digital tools. The strategy of this model is to use cutting-edge technology that is simple and intuitive. In 2019, the Casas del Futuro were opened in strategic locations of the City of Buenos Aires, and the provinces of Buenos Aires and Cordoba.



Products and Services

 

With a strategic vision to become a financial platform, we provide products and services tailored for each customer, individual or company, including personal and mortgage loans, insurance, credit cards, foreign trade operations, business financing, investment, and the Fondos Fima.

 

Personal Loans

 

During the first semester of 2019, Banco Galicia‘s interest rates were stable, which allowed loans to be placed at levels of, on average, Ps. 1,300 million per month. Beginning in August 2019, the average monthly value of loans granted was affected due to a significant increase in interest rates, falling to Ps.850 million per month, and, in turn, the acquisition of the UVA modality stopped. Subsequently in November, interest rates decreased again and the average monthly value of loans granted was similar to those seen at the beginning of 2018 (period dominated by low interest rates), with the average monthly value of loans granted being Ps.1,450 million per month.

 

Banco Galicia created a loan product exclusively designed for salaried customers, aimed at enabling them to better manage their finances. The type of loan is tailored to each person's salary and can be obtained in an immediate manner through Online Banking. The repayment term for the loan is between 2 to 45 days, with the customer selecting the term, and no commission is charged for prepayments.

 

Mortgage Loans

 

The Bank’s UVA denominated mortgage-backed loans were directly affected by the economic context of the country.

 

In the first months of 2019, prior to the escalation of the value of the U.S. Dollar as compared to the Peso, the monthly average placement of UVA denominated mortgage-backed loans was of Ps.17 million. By August, however, the average placement had fell to an average monthly placement of Ps.11 million. Nonetheless, the biggest impact on the placement values occurred following the enactment of the new foreign exchange restriction in November, which led to a decrease of average monthly placements to Ps.2 million in December.

 

During 2019, Ps. 246 million were granted in UVA denominated mortgage-backed loans, of which approximately 80% corresponds to UVA modality, while 20% were provided through Procrear, a subsidized governmental program.

 

E-Checks

 

Banco Galicia implemented transactions using electronic checks, which resulted in a saving of 1.4 million sheets of paper by customers (48% SMEs). In 2019, Banco Galicia issued 4,800 E-Checks, making the Bank the largest provider of electronic checks in Argentina for such year, with a market share of 75% of electronic checks issued.

 

Individual and Corporate Insurance

 

Galicia Seguros has a wide range of products that, in turn, provide a large number of different insurance coverages, fully covering the different needs of customers, based on their occupation, age or income level.

 

Insurance is sold to customers of Banco Galicia as well as of Tarjeta Naranja, so that Galicia Seguros scope of business includes the entire country and every economic segment. Galicia Seguros offers specific coverage through its broker, so that each customer feels protected and has support in everything it needs.

 

In 2019, Galicia Seguros launched Fondo Futuro, a new 100% online retirement insurance product. Fondo Futuro is the first retirement insurance with 100% digital procurement. It is a low-risk medium or long term savings and individual pension system. It works as a retirement supplement, to carry out an individual’s desired retirement plan. The individual insured may partially or totally withdraw the funds, as well as increase, decrease or suspend the contributions made, without generating any debt with Galicia Seguros. The launching of Fondo Futuro made Galicia Seguros the first Argentine  entity to be able to issue a 100% online policy with this type of insurance.


 

Along with the launch of Fondo Futuro, Galicia Seguros updated the coverage of Family Protection (life) insurance in order to adapt it to the current needs of customers. If a customer procures both the Fondo Future and the Family Protection insurances, they were entitled to deduct up to Ps.24,000 from the income tax base (Ps.12,000 are deducted for each insurance) for 2019.  This amount increases to Ps.38,000 for year 2020. Finally, Galicia Seguros retained the leadership in the combined family and robbery coverage sector

 

Credit Cards

 

The companies of Grupo Financiero Galicia respond to the needs of their customers with an outstanding offer of services and benefits of credit and debit cards.

 

For six years, Tarjeta Naranja has been the main issuer of credit cards nationwide, and the leading brand in the interior of the country. The new technologies implemented by Tarjeta Naranja allow for contactless payment operations, which are faster and safer for customers.

 

Banco Galicia responds to its customers' needs with a specialized and feature offering for services and benefits provided through its Galicia credit and debit cards. The Bank also offers Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards, covering all segments. The product range includes International, Gold, Platinum, Black/Signature cards, and they have different consumer financing options and exclusive promotions for all customers.

 

In 2019, Banco Galicia implemented the additional debit card, positioning itself as the first bank to launch it in our country. This product allows the account holder to request a physical card for any individual above the age of 14, without having to be a co-account holder but still being able to access the same features the account holder has. The account holder has the option of setting withdrawal and purchase limits. The aim of this product is to reduce the use of cash and increase financial education and inclusion.

 

Investments

 

The Bank offers fixed term deposits denominated in Argentine pesos or U.S. dollars, with the possibility of periodic interest payments, and adjustable by UVA with an additional interest rate. It provides preferential rates in digital channels for all different segments, and campaigns are periodically carried out to attract new investors. In 2019, the Bank extended the service hours of its digital channels from 6:00 a. m. to 10:00 p. m.

 

Banco Galicia provides tailored product offerings to its customers based on such customers needs and profile. Before making an investment, a survey is provided to its customers to better understand their risk aversion and understand the products that best suit their objectives. This survey is annually refreshed.

 

Additionally, Banco Galicia provides advice on a face-to-face basis, throughout its entire branch network, through the investments and private banking center for customers of each segment. Within the Campus Galicia framework, the Bank has created the “Investments Academy” to provide training to the Bank’s officials. Likewise, it provides information on each product on the Bank's websites, information that is constantly updated on the websites so that customers can self-manage.

 

Foreign Trade

 

Through the office banking electronic platform, customers can make payments and manage their collections abroad. Likewise, the Galicia Comex department offers product and service options that are tailored to export and import operations, in addition to keeping customers continuously informed of the developments in this area.

 

In 2019, the volume of foreign trade transactions undertaken by Banco Galicia was equal to US$11,125 million, representing 12.0% of the Argentine foreign trade market share. Of such amount, US$3,043 million was attributable to exports and imports of goods, representing 12.8% of the market share for such transaction. In terms of


 

volume, in 2019, based on the above statistics, the Bank ranked third in Argentine for volume of foreign trade transactions. Through office banking, the Bank’s customers have access to special lines of financing: leasing of imported products, financing of imports and exports, guarantees (“avales”) and Stand By.

 

In addition, Galicia Seguros offers surety policies for different customer needs related to foreign trade, including: temporary import or export policies, related to claims from differences in law, value or lack of documentation and policies covering damage during land transit.

 

Financing Granted to Companies

 

Banco Galicia offers short-, mid- and long-term financing to companies, provides transactional services, and undertakes foreign trade operations for their clients. The Bank supports companies covering a broad spectrum of economic activities and sectors, such as industrial, agriculture, services, and marketing. Products and services in 2019 included the following:

 

  • Loans with SGR (mutual guarantee associations): The Bank provided financing to micro and small business across economic sectors by providing loans with SRG warranties. In 2019, Ps. 3,500 million of loans were granted to this sector providing financing for more than 1,000 companies.

 

  • Green bond: During 2019, we supported renewable energy projects by financing green bonds worth more than US$44.09 million.

 

Promotions and Benefits

 

Banco Galicia

 

Éminent Benefits

 

The Éminent segment, aimed at high-income customers, offers different kinds of benefits to its customers, including discounts and promotions to go to restaurants, sports and arts events, house décor and fashion, among others.

 

Quiero! Program

 

Banco Galicia’s Quiero! Program continued to offer more than 1,500 options in different categories and 362 brands that allow customers to benefit from discounts and redemptions.

 

New Frequent-Flyer Program

 

As of 2020, all customers registered with Quiero! can redeem the points accrued in Quiero! and use them to purchase flight tickets through the Smiles miles program. The alliance with Smiles Argentina, enables the Bank to continue strengthening its loyalty program, generating new options and benefits for its customers.

 

Tarjeta Naranja

 

Financing of Single Purchases

 

Tarjetas Naranja offers financing in three and six month fixed installments denominated in Argentine pesos for single purchases made with any Tarjeta Naranja card.

 

Advance Funds Transfer

 

Any person can send funds to the primary or additional cardholders who can then use such funds from anywhere in Argentina (such amounts appear as a credit to the recipient’s card).

 


HBO GO

 

On Demand content for Tarjeta Naranja customers, who can subscribe digitally or from Casas Naranja, and enjoy more than 3,000 high-quality movies and series.

 

Movieclub

 

Tarjeta Naranja customers can enjoy the Village Cinemas Program with significant benefits and discount.

 

QUIERO! Launching in Naranja

 

On July 2019, Tarjeta Naranja announced it would add Quiero! as its customers’ loyalty program. As of August 31, 2019, over 230,000 customers had started to accrue points in Quiero! to redeem them for products or other benefits.

 

Selected Statistical Information

 

You should read this information in conjunction with the other information provided in this annual report, including our audited consolidated financial statements and Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. We prepared this information from our financial records in conformity with IFRS.

 

Average Balance Sheet and Income from Interest-Earning Assets and Expenses from Interest-Bearing Liabilities

 

The average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, including the related interest that is receivable and payable, are calculated on a monthly basis for Banco Galicia and Tarjetas Regionales on a consolidated basis. The average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are calculated on a quarterly basis for Grupo Financiero Galicia and its other non-banking subsidiaries.

 

The following table shows our consolidated average balances, accrued interest and average yield for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.


 

 

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017

 

 

 

Total

 

 

Total

 

 

Total

 




Average Balance


Accrued Interest


Average Yield / Rate


Average Balance


Accrued Interest


Average Yield / Rate


Average Balance


Accrued Interest


Average Yield / Rate

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government Securities

 

 

130,598

 

 

 

66,324

 

 

 

50.78

 

 

 

81,012

 

 

 

23,533

 

 

 

29.05

 

 

 

63,438

 

 

 

10,596

 

 

 

16.70

 

Loans

 

 

375,272

 

 

 

117,084

 

 

 

31.20

 

 

 

464,013

 

 

 

114,258

 

 

 

24.62

 

 

 

406,404

 

 

 

71,623

 

 

 

17.62

 

Other

 

 

24,567

 

 

 

18,756

 

 

 

76.35

 

 

 

25,292

 

 

 

5,161

 

 

 

20.41

 

 

 

27,230

 

 

 

4,939

 

 

 

18.14

 

Total Interest-Earning Assets

 

 

530,437

 

 

 

202,164

 

 

 

38.11

 

 

 

570,317

 

 

 

142,952

 

 

 

25.07

 

 

 

497,072

 

 

 

87,158

 

 

 

17.53

 

Liabilities and Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Accounts

 

 

171,701

 

 

 

504

 

 

 

0.29

 

 

 

178,696

 

 

 

346

 

 

 

0.19

 

 

 

152,318

 

 

 

110

 

 

 

0.07

 

Time Deposits

 

 

196,846

 

 

 

76,386

 

 

 

38.80

 

 

 

196,269

 

 

 

43,149

 

 

 

21.98

 

 

 

155,546

 

 

 

24,739

 

 

 

15.90

 

Total Interest-Bearing Deposits

 

 

368,547

 

 

 

76,890

 

 

 

20.86

 

 

 

374,965

 

 

 

43,495

 

 

 

11.60

 

 

 

307,864

 

 

 

24,849

 

 

 

8.07

 

Debt Securities

 

 

52,092

 

 

 

14,874

 

 

 

28.55

 

 

 

53,144

 

 

 

13,307

 

 

 

25.04

 

 

 

43,040

 

 

 

6,457

 

 

 

15.00

 

Other

 

 

29,481

 

 

 

4,668

 

 

 

15.83

 

 

 

34,277

 

 

 

6,390

 

 

 

18.64

 

 

 

16,973

 

 

 

2,609

 

 

 

15.37

 

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities

 

 

450,120

 

 

 

96,432

 

 

 

21.42

 

 

 

462,386

 

 

 

63,192

 

 

 

13.67

 

 

 

367,877

 

 

 

33,915

 

 

 

9.22

 

Spread and Net Yield

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Rate Spread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.69

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.32

 

Cost of Funds Supporting Interest-Earning Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.82

 

Net Yield on Interest-Earning Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.93

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.71

 

(*) Rates include the CER/UVA adjustment.

(1) Non-accruing loans have been included in average loans.

 

Changes in Net Interest Income-Volume and Rate Analysis

 

The following table allocates, by currency of the underlying asset or liability, changes in our consolidated interest income and interest expenses between changes in the average volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and changes in their respective average yield/rate for (i) the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 compared with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and (ii) the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, compared with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. Differences related to both rate and volume are allocated proportionally to the rate variance and the volume variance, respectively.

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019 / Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018 / Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) due to changes in

 

 

Increase (Decrease) due to changes in

 




Volume


Rate


Net Change


Volume



Rate



Net Change


(in millions of Pesos)

(in millions of Pesos)

Interest Earning Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government Securities

 

 

22,111

 

 

 

20,680

 

 

 

42,791

 

 

 

2,569

 

 

 

10,368

 

 

 

12,936

 

Loans(1)

 

 

(312

)

 

 

3,138

 

 

 

2,826

 

 

 

3,574

 

 

 

39,061

 

 

 

42,635

 

Other

 

 

5

 

 

 

13,590

 

 

 

13,595

 

 

 

(175

)

 

 

397

 

 

 

223

 

Total Interest-Earning Assets

 

 

21,804

 

 

 

37,408

 

 

 

59,212

 

 

 

5,968

 

 

 

49,826

 

 

 

55,794

 

Interest Bearing Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Account

 

 

(58

)

 

 

216

 

 

 

158

 

 

 

(13

)

 

 

249

 

 

 

236

 

Time Deposits

 

 

2,899

 

 

 

30,338

 

 

 

33,237

 

 

 

3,454

 

 

 

14,956

 

 

 

18,410

 

Debt Securities

 

 

(753

)

 

 

2,320

 

 

 

1,567

 

 

 

1,626

 

 

 

5,224

 

 

 

6,850

 

Other Liabilities

 

 

(2,025

)

 

 

303

 

 

 

(1,722

)

 

 

1,117

 

 

 

2,664

 

 

 

3,781

 

Total Interest-Earning Assets

 

 

63

 

 

 

33,177

 

 

 

33,240

 

 

 

6,184

 

 

 

23,093

 

 

 

29,277

 

(1) Non-accruing loans have been included in average loans.

 

The increase of Ps.59,212 million in interest income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the previous year, is primarily attributable to a Ps.21,804 million increase in the volume of interest-earning assets, together with an increase of Ps.37,558 million in interest income due to an increase in interest rates.

 

 

In particular, Ps.42,791 million of the increase was due to an increase in interest income from debt securities. The average volume of debt securities amounted to Ps.130,598 million for fiscal year 2019, as compared to Ps.81,012 million for the previous fiscal year. This increase was due to Ps.42,791 million increase in interest income from debt securities, which resulted from an increase in interest rates earned from debt securities due to a 2,173 basis point (“bps”) increase in the average interest rate for loans, from 29.05% in 2018 to 50.78% in 2019.

 

The Ps.13,595 million increase in interest from other assets was due to an increase in volume equal to Ps.5 million, and an increase in interest rates (accounting for Ps.13,590 million), mainly as a result of an increase in the average rate earned on other assets. This increase was mainly as consequence of (i) an increase in the average volume and rate on repurchase transaction with the Central Bank, and (ii) a higher result from change in valuation criteria of the Bank’s interest in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A.

Interest income from loans increased Ps.2,826 million from Ps.114,258 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 to Ps.117,084 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. This increase was due to a decrease in volume equal to Ps.312 million, and an increase in interest rates equal to Ps.3,138 million.

 

In terms of interest expenses, the Ps.32,240 million increase for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, is primarily a result of an increase in the interest rate payable on time deposits of Ps.30,338 million (which increased from 21.98% in 2018 to 38.80% in 2019).

 

Debt and Equity Securities

 

The following table shows our holdings of debt and equity securities at the balance sheet dates stated below. Our holdings of government securities represent mainly holdings of Banco Galicia.

 

 

 


As of December 31,

 




2019


2018


2017


(in  millions of Pesos)

Debt Securities at FV through profit or loss

 

 

65,690

 

 

 

116,813

 

 

 

65,760

 

Argentine Government Securities

 

 

6,700

 

 

 

7,230

 

 

 

21,418

 

Government Bonds

 

 

347

 

 

 

2,285

 

 

 

1,927

 

Provincial Bonds

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,514

 

 

 

5,676

 

City of Buenos Aires Bonds

 

 

120

 

 

 

65

 

 

 

1,741

 

Treasury Bills

 

 

6,233

 

 

 

3,366

 

 

 

12,074

 

Argentine Central Bank´s Bill

 

 

58,141

 

 

 

107,833

 

 

 

40,562

 

Lebacs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40,562

 

Leliq

 

 

58,141

 

 

 

107,833

 

 

 

 

Corporate Securities

 

 

849

 

 

 

1,750

 

 

 

3,780

 

Debt Securities

 

 

755

 

 

 

1,060

 

 

 

2,899

 

Debt Securities of Financial Trust

 

 

94

 

 

 

157

 

 

 

555

 

Participation Certificates in Financial Trust

 

 

-

 

 

 

533

 

 

 

326

 

Other Debt Securities

 

 

19,020

 

 

 

22,189

 

 

 

6,434

 

Measured at FV through OCI

 

 

15,917

 

 

 

14,017

 

 

 

219

 

Government Securities

 

 

15,917

 

 

 

14,017

 

 

 

219

 

Measured at Amortized Cost

 

 

3,103

 

 

 

8,172

 

 

 

6,215

 

Argentine Government Securities

 

 

2

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

53

 

Treasury Bills

 

 

-

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

116

 

Argentine Central Bank's Bill and Bonds

 

 

2,335

 

 

 

337

 

 

 

256

 

Corporate Securities

 

 

795

 

 

 

7,827

 

 

 

5,790

 

Allowance

 

 

(29

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in Equity Instruments

 

 

4,554

 

 

 

248

 

 

 

172

 

Domestic

 

 

4,512

 

 

 

205

 

 

 

125

 

Internacional

 

 

42

 

 

 

43

 

 

 

47

 

Total Debt and Equity Securities

 

 

89,264

 

 

 

139,250

 

 

 

72,366

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, the decrease in our debt and equity securities was mainly a result of a decrease in the volume of Government Bonds issued by the Argentine Central Bank and the corresponding purchase of the same. Our government securities issued by the Argentine Central Bank decreased Ps.49,692 million from Ps.107,833 million as of December 31, 2018 to Ps.58,141 million as of December 31, 2019.

 


The amount of Argentine government securities recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2019 for Ps.6,700 million corresponded to securities issued by the City of Buenos Aires (for Ps.120 million) Argentine bonds (for Ps.347 million); and Treasury Bills (for Ps.6,233 million).

 

As of December 31, 2019, the holding of public securities denominated in Dollars was composed mainly of Government Bonds (for Ps.4,982 million), recorded at fair value, and of Government Bonds (for Ps.11 million) and U.S. Treasury Bonds (for Ps.3 million) recorded at cost plus yield.

 

As of December 31, 2018, the amount of Argentine government securities, recorded at fair value for Ps.7,230 million, corresponded to our holdings of debt securities mainly issued by the provinces of Buenos Aires (for Ps.822 million), Neuquén (for Ps.410 million), Río Negro (for Ps.268 million), Mendoza (for Ps.14 million) and City of Buenos Aires (for Ps.65 million); and Government Bonds (for Ps.2,285 million) and treasury bills (for Ps.3,366 million).

As of December 31, 2018, the holding of public securities denominated in Dollars was composed mainly of Argentine Treasury Bills (Letes) (for Ps.283 million) and Government Bonds (for Ps.26 million), recorded at fair value and Argentine Treasury Bills (Letes) (for Ps.5 million) U.S. Treasury Bonds due in 2022 (for Ps.2 million), recorded at cost plus yield.

 

All local government securities, except for the Lebac and Leliq, which are issued by the Argentine Central Bank, were issued by the Argentine government.

 

Remaining Maturity and Weighted-Average Yield

 

The following table analyzes the remaining maturity and weighted-average yield of our holdings of debt securities at fair value through profit or loss as of December 31, 2019. Our government securities portfolio yields do not contain any tax equivalency adjustments.

 


 

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maturing within 1 year

 

 

Maturing after 1 year but within 5 years

 

 

Maturing after 5 years but within 10 years

 

 

Maturing after 10 years

 

 




Total Book Value


Book Value


Yield  (1)


Book Value

Yield 



Book Value


Yield  (1)


Book Value


Yield  (1)



(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

Debt Securities at FV through Profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argentine Government Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pesos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government Bonds

 

 

108

 

 

 

38

 

 

 

277.27

 

%

 

62

 

 

 

49.64

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

11.70

 

%

Provincial Bonds

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

%

City of Buenos Aires Bonds

 

 

120

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

%

 

116

 

 

 

66.85

 

%

 

4

 

 

 

64.69

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

Treasury Bills

 

 

1,049

 

 

 

1,049

 

 

 

50.00

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

  Foreign Currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government Bonds

 

 

239

 

 

 

116

 

 

 

175.63

 

%

 

123

 

 

 

65.56

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

Treasury Bills

 

 

5,184

 

 

 

5,184

 

 

 

4.25

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

Argentine Central Bank´s Bill and Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pesos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leliq

 

 

58,141

 

 

 

58,141

 

 

 

52.30

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

Corporate Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pesos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt Securities

 

 

657

 

 

 

653

 

 

 

45.63

 

%

 

4

 

 

 

51.71

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

Debt Securities of Financial Trust

 

 

52

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

47.95

 

%

 

52

 

 

 

51.00

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

Participation Certificates in Financial Trust

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

  Foreign Currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt Securities

 

 

98

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

8.08

 

%

 

79

 

 

 

6.52

 

%

 

5

 

 

 

6.75

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

Debt Securities of Financial Trust

 

 

42

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

-

 

%

 

28

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

Participation Certificates in Financial Trust

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

%

 

-

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

%

Debt Securities at FV through Profit or loss

 

 

65,690

 

 

 

65,209

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Effective yield based on December 31, 2019 quoted market values.

 

Loan and Other Financing Portfolio

 

Our total loans and other financing reflect Banco Galicia’s and Tarjetas Regionales’ loan and other financing portfolios including past due principal amounts. Personal loans and credit-card loans are typically loans to individuals granted by Banco Galicia or Tarjetas Regionales. Most of the Tarjetas Regionales’ loans are included under “credit card loans”. Also, certain amounts related to advances, promissory notes, mortgage loans and pledge loans are extended to individuals. However, advances and promissory notes mostly represent loans to companies. The following table analyzes our consolidated loan and other financing activities portfolio.

 


 

 

As of December 31,

 

 




2019


2018



2017


 

(in  millions of Pesos)

 

 

Principal and Interest











Non- Financial Public Sector

 


7

 

 

18

 

 

13

 

 

Financial Institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans

 

 

10,796

 

 

 

12,218

 

 

 

10,674

 

 

Other financing

 

 

22

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

6

 

 

Total Financial Institutions

 

 

10,818

 

 

 

12,219

 

 

 

10,680

 

 

Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans

 

 

362,076

 

 

 

436,182

 

 

 

432,070

 

 

Advances

 

 

15,892

 

 

 

22,199

 

 

 

25,661

 

 

Overdrafts

 

 

75,080

 

 

 

55,411

 

 

 

80,693

 

 

Mortgage Loans

 

 

15,053

 

 

 

18,141

 

 

 

12,976

 

 

Pledge Loans

 

 

3,209

 

 

 

1,535

 

 

 

2,448

 

 

Personal Loans

 

 

27,646

 

 

 

44,834

 

 

 

53,276

 

 

Credit Card Loans

 

 

149,460

 

 

 

174,439

 

 

 

192,561

 

 

Placements in Banks Abroad

 

 

7,875

 

 

 

8,155

 

 

 

656

 

 

Other Loans

 

 

53,908

 

 

 

106,902

 

 

 

68,511

 

 

Accrued Interest, Adjustment and Quotation Differences Receivable

 

 

15,245

 

 

 

8,289

 

 

 

516

 

 

Documented Interest

 

 

(1,292

)

 

 

(3,723

)

 

 

(5,228

)

 

Financial Leases

 

 

2,225

 

 

 

3,381

 

 

 

3,809

 

 

Other Financing

 

 

9,277

 

 

 

7,186

 

 

 

5,065

 

 

Total Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

 

 

373,578

 

 

 

446,749

 

 

 

440,944

 

 

Total Gross Loans and Other Financing

 

 

384,403

 

 

 

458,986

 

 

 

451,637

 

 

Allowance for Loan and Other Financing Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans

 

 

(25,629

)

 

 

(23,921

)

 

 

(14,043

)

 

Financial Leases

 

 

(44

)

 

 

(45

)

 

 

(51

)

 

Others Financing

 

 

(171

)

 

 

(120

)

 

 

(113

)

 

Total Allowance

 

 

(25,844

)

 

 

(24,086

)

 

 

(14,207

)

 

Total Loans and Other Financing

 

 

358,559

 

 

 

434,900

 

 

 

437,430

 

 

(1) Categories of loans include:

  • Advances: short-term obligations drawn on by customers through overdrafts.
  • Overdrafts: endorsed promissory notes, notes and other promises to pay signed by one borrower or group of borrowers and factored loans.
  • Mortgage Loans: loans granted to purchase or improve real estate and collateralized by such real estate and commercial loans secured by a real estate mortgage.
  • Pledge Loans: loans secured by collateral (such as cars or machinery) other than real estate, where such collateral is an integral part of the loan documents.
  • Personal Loans: loans to individuals.
  • Credit-Card Loans: loans granted through credit cards to credit card holders.
  • Placements in Banks Abroad: short-term loans to banks abroad.
  • Other Loans: loans not included in other categories.
  • Documented Interest: discount on notes and bills.

 

As of December 31, 2019, Grupo Galicia’s loan and other financing portfolio before allowances for loan and other financing losses amounted to Ps.384,403 million, a 16% decrease as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Grupo Galicia’s loan and other financing portfolio before allowances for loan and other financing losses amounted to Ps.458,986 million, a 2% increase year-over-year.

 

The table below showing such information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is not adjusted for inflation, and was prepared in accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP.

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

Principal and Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Financial Public Sector

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Local Financial Sector

 

 

 

2,098

 

 

 

762

 

Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advances

 

 

 

10,063

 

 

 

8,549

 

Promissory Notes

 

 

 

25,298

 

 

 

22,752

 

Mortgage Loans

 

 

 

2,178

 

 

 

2,099

 

Pledge Loans

 

 

 

678

 

 

 

487

 

Personal Loans

 

 

 

15,312

 

 

 

9,259

 

Credit Card Loans

 

 

 

72,766

 

 

56,260

 

Placements in Banks Abroad

 

 

 

1,227

 

 

 

232

 

Other Loans

 

 

 

11,405

 

 

 

692

 

Accrued Interest, Adjustment and Quotation Differences

 

 

 

1,775

 

 

 

1,407

 

Receivable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Documented Interest

 

 

 

(642

)

 

 

(597

)

Total Non-Financial Private-Sector and Residents Abroad

 

 

 

140,060

 

 

101,140

 

Total Gross Loans

 

 

 

142,158

 

 

 

101,902

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

 

 

(4,707

)

 

 

(3,560

)

Total Loans

 

 

 

137,451

 

 

 

98,342

 

Loans with Guarantees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees (2)

 

 

 

3,322

 

 

 

2,988

 

Other Guarantees

 

 

 

18,984

 

 

 

13,508

 

Total Loans with Guarantees

 

 

 

22,306

 

 

 

16,496

 

(1) Includes local and international financial sectors.

(2) Before the allowance for loan losses.

 

Maturity Composition of the Loan Portfolio

 

The following table sets forth an analysis by type of loan and time remaining to maturity of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2019.

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019

 




Within 1 Year


After 1 Year but within 5 Years


After 5 Years


Total at December 31, 2019


(in millions of Pesos)

Non-Financial Public Sector (1)

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

Financial Sector (1)

 

 

8,027

 

 

 

2,769

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,796

 

Private Sector and Residents Abroad

 

 

288,669

 

 

 

69,712

 

 

 

10,216

 

 

 

368,597

 

Advances

 

 

14,363

 

 

 

1,529

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,892

 

Overdrafts

 

 

51,885

 

 

 

22,603

 

 

 

592

 

 

 

75,080

 

Mortgage Loans

 

 

3,619

 

 

 

8,981

 

 

 

2,453

 

 

 

15,053

 

Pledge Loans

 

 

1,057

 

 

 

1,934

 

 

 

218

 

 

 

3,209

 

Personal Loans

 

 

14,703

 

 

 

12,569

 

 

 

376

 

 

 

27,648

 

Credit-Card Loans

 

 

146,825

 

 

 

2,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

149,460

 

Other Loans

 

 

35,804

 

 

 

19,461

 

 

 

6,577

 

 

 

61,842

 

Accrued Interest and Quotation

 

 

20,471

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,471

 

Documented Interest

 

 

(59

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(59

)

Total Loans

 

 

296,703

 

 

 

72,481

 

 

 

10,216

 

 

 

379,400

 

(1) Interest and the UVA/CER adjustment were assigned to the first month.

 

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity of Outstanding Loans

 

The following table presents the interest rate sensitivity of our outstanding loans due after one year by denomination as of December 31, 2019.

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

 

 

In millions of Pesos

 

 

As a % of Total Loans

 

Variable Rate (1)(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pesos

 

 

3,558

 

 

 

4.30

 

Foreign Currency

 

 

4,727

 

 

 

5.72

 

Total

 

 

8,285

 

 

 

10.02

 

Fixed Rate (2)(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pesos

 

 

44,480

 

 

 

53.79

 

Foreign Currency

 

 

29,932

 

 

 

36.19

 

Total

 

 

74,412

 

 

 

89.98

 

(1) Includes overdraft loans.

(2) Includes past due loans and excludes interest receivable, differences in quotations and the UVA/CER adjustment.

(3) Includes short-term and long-term loans whose rates are determined at the beginning of the loans’ life.

 

Credit Review Process

 

Credit risk is the potential for financial loss resulting from the failure of a borrower to honor its financial contractual obligations. Our credit risk arises mainly from Banco Galicia’s and Tarjeta Naranja’s lending activities, and from the fact that, in the normal course of business, these subsidiaries are parties to certain transactions with off-balance sheet treatment and associated risk, mainly commitments to extend credit and guarantees granted. See also Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”─A. “Operating Results”─ “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements”.

 

Our credit approval and credit risk analysis is a centralized process based balancing a variety of factors. In undertaking credit approval and credit risk analyses, the Bank’s risk management, credit and origination divisions, both with respect to retail and wholesale businesses, efficiently work together to management asset quality, proactively management problem loans, aggressive charge-offs for uncollectible loans, and adequate loan loss provisioning. These processes also include the update of financial models to measure portfolio risk at operational and customer levels, facilitating the detection of defaulting, or potentially defaulting, loans and losses associated therewith, which allows for the proactive management of the same in order to prevent portfolio deterioration, enabling appropriate protection of our assets.

 

Banco Galicia

 

The Risk Division is responsible for the overall risk management of the Bank in accordance with international best practices and handles solvency, financial, operational, credit, technological, reputational and strategic risks. The Risk Division is independent from the business areas of the Bank and its subsidiaries and it reports directly to the Bank’s General Division. The Risk Division works with the functional support of the Compliance and Money Laundering Prevention Division, a division that also reports to the Board of Directors, and whose purpose is to prevent the execution of financial operations with funds derived from illegal activities, and the use of the Bank as a vehicle for laundering money and funding terrorist activities. In addition, the Risk Division monitors compliance with the laws, regulations and internal policies in order to prevent financial and/or criminal penalties and to minimize any reputational impact. It is an independent role that coordinates and assists in identifying, providing advice on, monitoring, reporting and warning management regarding compliance risks.

Moreover, in order to have timely information and a flexible structure in place to efficiently respond and adjust to macro and microeconomic variables, the Risk Division is responsible for credit extension and recovery functions for companies and individuals.

The mission of the Risk Division is comprised of the following activities:

 

  • actively and comprehensively managing and monitoring the risks taken by Banco Galicia and its subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulations in force;
  • keeping the Board of Directors informed of the risks faced by the Bank, proposing how to deal with such risks;
  • helping to strengthen a risk management culture;
  • establishing the risks, the Bank is willing to take and designing policies and procedures to monitor, control and mitigate the same;
  • escalating deviations from internal policies to the Bank’s General Division; and
  • managing the evaluation process of available financing capabilities and required capital resources to maintain an appropriate risk profile.

The Risk Division’s responsibilities include:

  • ensuring action and contingency plans are in place to address any deviations from acceptable thresholds for risks posing a threat to business continuity;
  • recommending the most suitable methodologies for the Bank to measure identified risks;
  • guaranteeing that the launching of any new product includes a previous assessment of potential risks involved;
  • providing technical support and assisting the Management Division regarding risk management;
  • developing and proposing the strategies for credit and credit-granting policies; and
  • managing and monitoring the credit origination processes, follow-up and control thereof, and the recovery of past-due loans.

Banco Galicia complies with all regulatory requirements set forth by Law No.25,246, as amended, Resolution No.30/2017, as amended, issued by the Financial Information Unit (the “UIF”) and Argentine Central Bank’s Communication “A” 6399, as supplemented and/or amended.

The Bank has policies, procedures and control structures in place related to the features of the various products offered, which help monitor transactions in order to identify unusual or suspicious transactions and report them to the UIF. The Compliance and Money Laundering Prevention Division is responsible for managing this risk, through the implementation of control and prevention procedures as well as the communication thereof to the rest of the organization through the drafting of the corresponding handbooks and the training of all employees.

Banco Galicia has appointed a Director responsible for the management of this risk, and has created a Committee in charge of planning, coordinating and enforcing the compliance with the policies set by the Board of Directors. The basic principle on which the regulations regarding prevention and control of money laundering are based is in line with the “know your customer” policy in force worldwide. Such risks are regularly reviewed through internal and external audits.

The following subdivisions depend on support from the Risk Division: Wholesale Credit, Retail Credit and Credit Recovery. They are responsible for developing and proposing strategies for credit and credit-granting policies, as well as managing and monitoring credit origination processes, follow-up and control thereof, and the recovery of past-due loans. The goal of these divisions is to ensure the quality of the loan portfolio, minimize costs

 

 

while maximizing efficiency, and recovery optimization, thus minimizing loan losses and optimizing efficiency in the credit extension process.

The Retail Credit Division is responsible for ensuring that the fraud screening and prevention process is effective, thereby assuring the quality of the retail portfolio. This Division designs and manages complex credit decision-taking models and tools, directs the alignment efforts to implement retail business strategies, and works together with the business team to suggest business opportunities.

The Wholesale Credit Division is responsible for the corporate rating process, thus assuring the quality of the wholesale portfolio. This Division directs alignment efforts to implement business strategies based on the customer service model, working together with the business team to suggest business opportunities. This Division deals specifically with complex businesses such as banks, public companies, capital markets transactions and investment projects.

Before approving a loan, Banco Galicia performs an assessment of the potential borrower and his/her financial condition. Approvals of loans exceeding certain amounts are analyzed based on the credit line and the customer.

Banco Galicia performs its risk assessment based on the following factors:

 

 

Qualitative Analysis

Assessment of the corporate borrower’s creditworthiness performed by the officer in charge of the account based on personal knowledge.

Economic and Financial Risk

Quantitative analysis of the borrower’s balance sheet amounts.

Economic Risk of the Sector

Measurement of the general risk of the financial sector where the borrower operates (based on statistical information, internal and external).

Environmental Risk

Environmental impact analysis (required for all investment projects of significant amounts).

Loans are generally approved pursuant to pre-set authorization levels, except loans exceeding certain amounts, which are approved by the Credit Committee.

 

The Recovery Management Division is responsible for administering and managing both the Bank’s performing and under-performing credit portfolio, seeking to minimize the deterioration thereof and establishing recovery of such credit portfolios. Management models and specific strategies are applied to each type of portfolio, segments and tranches in arrears, from early defaults to out-of-court and judicial proceedings.

 


Tarjeta Naranja

 

Credit Risk

Credit risk for Tarjeta Naranja arises from a variety of factors, including credit risk related to failures to pay by entities that Tarjeta Naranja lends money to and failures to pay outstanding credit card balances by individual clients that hold credit cards with Tarjeta Naranja.

With respect to investments, Tarjeta Naranja evaluates its credit risk or exposure pursuant to an investment and credit evaluation policy. In accordance with this policy, the Company (i) has certain internal credit risk rating requirements that any company in which it invests must meet, (ii) requires certain debt to equity ratios be maintained by any company to which it lends money and (iii) has upper limits on the amount that it will invest in any given company.

The Company actively monitors the creditworthiness of its clients to minimize its overall exposure to their credit risk. The Company uses the following tools to evaluate and manage the creditworthiness of its clients:

  • statistical models that determine the amount of credit that Tarjeta Naranja is comfortable extending to a client based on the client’s specific financial situation;
  • guidelines for providing credit cards and loans based on the client’s specific financial situation (i.e., verification of the applicant’s identity, monthly income, number of family members, geographic location and occupation);
  • case-by-case evaluation of appropriate credit limits for each applicant; and
  • ongoing monitoring of each client’s credit position and payment history.

Procedure for Credit Card Application

The credit risk associated with a credit card applicant is evaluated by reviewing the information with respect to each applicant set forth above. The Risk Committee establishes the guidelines and requirements for credit card applicants. Such guidelines are based on statistical models and objective criteria in order for internal credit analysts to efficiently approve or reject each credit card application.

In addition to reviewing each applicant’s credit record, the Company also verifies the credit score and payment history of each applicant. Once the information has been verified and, to the extent the customer meets all applicable requirements, the credit card is issued and delivered at the applicant’s address, or the applicant may arrange to pick it up at any of the Company’s branches.

Determination of Credit Limits

Customer’s credit limits are determined on the basis of an assessment of each customer’s specific financial situation. Based on such assessment, customers are assigned one of five risk levels: A, B, C, D or E, with A being the lowest risk segment and E being the highest risk segment. In making such assignment, certain factors are considered, including, but not limited to, monthly income, number of family members, geographic location and occupation. The customer is then assigned a credit limit based on his or her risk level, which is shared among all credit cards associated with such customer, whether as a primary or additional cardholder. The credit limit assigned to each customer includes: (i) the monthly balance limit; (ii) the long-term purchase limit (the maximum amount for a customer to purchase in six or more installments using the credit card); (iii) the total credit limit (the maximum amount that may be owed to the Company); (iv) the maximum balance limit for cash advances, which is determined based on risk segmentation, monthly income, and internal indebtedness as well as in the financial system, not being able to exceed the LCPL (long-term purchase limit plan).

 

Below is a detail of the percentage limits and nominal caps assigned to each risk segment.


 

 

 

Monthly Balance Limit

 

 

Long-term Purchase Limit

 

 

Total Credit Limit

 

Risk Segment

 

Income %

 

 

Floor in Ps.

 

 

Top

 

 

Income %

 

 

Floor in Ps.

 

 

Top

 

 

Income %

 

 

Floor in Ps.

 

 

Top

 

A (Lowest)

 

 

100

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

160

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

120,000

 

 

 

200

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

140,000

 

B

 

 

90

 

 

 

4,500

 

 

 

35,000

 

 

 

150

 

 

 

4,500

 

 

 

80,000

 

 

 

180

 

 

 

4,500

 

 

 

100,000

 

C

 

 

80

 

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

22,000

 

 

 

140

 

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

170

 

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

60,000

 

D

 

 

70

 

 

 

3,500

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

120

 

 

 

3,500

 

 

 

35,000

 

 

 

150

 

 

 

3,500

 

 

 

40,000

 

E (Highest)

 

 

60

 

 

 

3,000

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

3,000

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

120

 

 

 

3,000

 

 

 

30,000

 

 

Tarjeta Naranja reviews such credit limits on a daily basis and a credit limit may be automatically increased for eligible cardholders meeting certain requirements, including payment history. In addition, Tarjeta Naranja reviews cardholders’ applications for increases in the monthly limit and may, in its sole discretion, increase such limits based on the individual customer’s payment history and total income level.

 

Credit cards are extended to clients active in a wide range of business sectors. As such, the Company maintains a diversified portfolio of risk exposure based on economic fluctuations.

 

Financial Instruments Classification and Loss Provisions

 

General

 

The “Expected Credit Loss” (“ECL”) model applies to financial assets which are valued at both amortized cost and fair value through other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The standard establishes three categories to classify financial instruments, primarily taking into account the credit risk evolution over time. Stage 1 includes financial assets with normal or no significant risk associated; Stage 2 includes financial assets for which a significant increase in credit risk has been identified but they are not yet deemed to be credit-impaired and Stage 3 comprises financial assets which are impaired and/or subject to serious risk of impairment. To calculate the provisions for credit impairment risk, IFRS 9 differentiates among these three stages by applying the following concepts:

 

  • 12- Month Expected Credit Losses: Possible events of default within the 12 months following the date of the presentation of financial statements. Assets included in Stage 1 have their ECL measured at 12-month ECL.
  • Lifetime Expected Credit Losses: ECL during the active period of the financial asset, which results of calculating the probability of impairment of an asset throughout its duration, up until its maturity. Instruments in Stage 2 or 3 have their ECL measured based on lifetime ECL.

The measurement of ECL in accordance with IFRS 9 should consider forward looking information. To estimate ECL, Grupo Galicia has applied the following definitions and parameters, in accordance with IFRS 9.

 

Financial Instruments Classification

 

Grupo Galicia classifies its financial instruments into the following groups: (i) retail loans, (ii) retail-like loans, (iii) wholesale loans and (iv) Tarjeta Naranja.

 

Each subsidiary of Grupo Galicia classifies financial instruments subject to impairment under IFRS 9 in stages, as follows:

 

  • Stage 1: With respect to retail portfolios, Stage 1 includes every financial instrument up to 31 days past due. With respect to wholesale portfolios, Stage 1 includes every client whose Argentine Central Bank situation indicates a normal status (rating A) (i.e. low risk of bankruptcy).

 

  • Stage 2: This stage includes financial assets for which a significant increase in credit risk has been identified. This stage considers two groups:

 


  • For retail and retail like Portfolios between 31 and 90 days past due. For wholesale it considers credit ratings for which the risk of default has increased significantly.
  • Probability of Default or Score with impairment risk.

 

  • Stage 3: For all portfolios, Stage 3 includes every client whose Argentine Central Bank situation indicates a serious risk of bankruptcy (ratings C, D, E, F). With respect to retail portfolios, Stage 3 also includes financial instruments that are 90 or more days past due.

 

See the Argentina Central Bank Classification, on ─Argentine Banking Regulation”─Loan Classification System”.

 

Definition of Default

 

A financial instrument is considered to be in default whenever payment is more than 90 days past due, or if Grupo Galicia believes that the amount due will not be repaid in full. The credit analysis for wholesale loans is not the same as for retail loans and Grupo Galicia’s definition of default with respect to wholesale portfolios is based on a credit analysis of the individual borrower. The definition of default is applied consistently to produce models for the Probability of Default, Exposure at Default and Loss Given Default in Grupo Galicia’s expected loss calculations:

 

  • Probability of Default: This is the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on its financial obligation, either over the next 12 months or during the remaining term of the obligation.
  • Exposure at Default: This is based on the amounts Grupo Galicia expects to be owed at the time of default, either over the next 12 months or over the remaining term. For example, for a revolving commitment, Grupo Galicia includes the current draw down balance plus any further amount that it is expected to be drawn up to the current contractual limit by the time of default, should it occur.
  • Loss Given Default: This represents Grupo Galicia’s expectation of the total loss it will incur in respect of an obligation in default and varies according to the counterparty, seniority of the claim and availability of collateral or other credit support. Loss Given Default is expressed as a percentage loss per Peso of exposure at the time of default and is calculated over the term of the relevant obligation or on a 12-month basis.

A financial instrument is no longer considered to be in default when it does not meet any of the above-mentioned default criteria.

 

Methodology for Expected Credit Loss Estimation

 

ECL impairment allowances recognized in the financial statements reflect the effect of a variety of possible economic outcomes (as described below) and calculated on a probability-weighted basis. ECL measurement involves the application of judgment and estimates. It is necessary to formulate multiple forward-looking economic forecasts and incorporate them into the ECL estimates. Grupo Galicia uses a standard framework to form economic scenarios to reflect assumptions about future economic conditions, supplemented with the use of management judgment, which may result in using alternative or additional economic scenarios and/or management adjustments.

 

IFRS 9 establishes the following standards regarding ECL:

 

  • An unbiased weighted probability index, determined by the evaluation of different outcomes.
  • Time value of money.
  • Reasonable and sustainable information available at no additional cost or effort that provides evidence to support forecasts, as well as present conditions and past events.


Grupo Galicia developed a forward-looking methodology to evaluate the impact of different future macroeconomic scenarios on the credit risk of the financial assets. Grupo Galicia prepared three outcomes with varying probabilities in accordance with IFRS: (i) a median scenario with a 70% probability of occurrence, (ii) a downside scenario with a 15% probability of occurrence and (iii) an upside scenario with a 15% probability of occurrence

 

In order to account for time value of money, Grupo Galicia assumes expected losses will take place proportionally over time. The ECL is determined by determining the Probability of Default, Exposure at Default and the Loss Given Default for each future month for each collective segment. These three components are multiplied and adjusted, as applicable, to take into account any forward-looking information, thus calculating ECL for each month on a forward-looking basis, which is then discounted back to the reporting date and summed. The discount rate used in the ECL calculation is the original effective interest rate (or an estimate thereof).

 

Credit Risk Exposure of Financial Instruments

 

The following table sets forth the credit risk exposure of financial instruments for which an ECL allowance is recognized.

 

 

Retail Portfolio

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 


12-month

ECL

 

 

Lifetime

ECL

 

 

Lifetime

ECL

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

78,567

 

 

 

28,798

 

 

 

912

 

 

 

108,277

 

1-30

 

1,696

 

 

 

1,520

 

 

 

185

 

 

 

3,401

 

31-60

 

(134

)

 

 

1,262

 

 

 

163

 

 

 

1,291

 

61-90

 

-

 

 

 

528

 

 

 

275

 

 

 

803

 

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

4,282

 

 

 

4,282

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

80,129

 

 

 

32,108

 

 

 

5,817

 

 

 

118,054

 

Loss allowance

 

4,050

 

 

 

1,877

 

 

 

4,576

 

 

 

10,503

 

Carrying amount

 

76,079

 

 

 

30,231

 

 

 

1,241

 

 

 

107,551

 

 

 

Retail like Portfolio

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

ECL

 

 

Lifetime

ECL

 

 

Lifetime

ECL

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

33,043

 

 

 

4,298

 

 

 

497

 

 

 

37,838

 

1-30

 

1,307

 

 

 

533

 

 

 

165

 

 

 

2,005

 

31-60

 

-

 

 

 

160

 

 

 

64

 

 

 

224

 

61-90

 

-

 

 

 

172

 

 

 

148

 

 

 

320

 

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,437

 

 

 

2,437

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

34,350

 

 

 

5,163

 

 

 

3,311

 

 

 

42,824

 

Loss allowance

 

353

 

 

 

147

 

 

 

2,514

 

 

 

3,014

 

Carrying amount

 

33,997

 

 

 

5,016

 

 

 

797

 

 

 

39,810

 

 


 

Wholesale Portfolio

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

ECL

 

 

Lifetime

ECL

 

 

Lifetime

ECL

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

206,109

 

 

 

5,687

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

211,796

 

B1

 

-

 

 

 

378

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

378

 

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

4,876

 

 

 

4,876

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

206,109

 

 

 

6,065

 

 

 

4,876

 

 

 

217,050

 

Loss allowance

 

540

 

 

 

180

 

 

 

4,493

 

 

 

5,213

 

Carrying amount

 

205,569

 

 

 

5,885

 

 

 

383

 

 

 

211,837

 

 

 

Tarjeta Naranja

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

ECL

 

 

Lifetime

ECL

 

 

Lifetime

ECL

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

44,633

 

 

 

532

 

 

 

261

 

 

 

45,426

 

1-30

 

2,434

 

 

 

159

 

 

 

90

 

 

 

2,683

 

31-60

 

-

 

 

 

1,217

 

 

 

76

 

 

 

1,293

 

61-90

 

-

 

 

 

629

 

 

 

46

 

 

 

675

 

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5,581

 

 

 

5,581

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

47,067

 

 

 

2,537

 

 

 

6,054

 

 

 

55,658

 

Loss allowance

 

2,023

 

 

 

704

 

 

 

4,686

 

 

 

7,413

 

Carrying amount

 

45,044

 

 

 

1,833

 

 

 

1,368

 

 

 

48,245

 

 

 

Retail Portfolio

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

123,255

 

 

 

15,978

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

139,233

 

1-30

 

3,416

 

 

 

1,847

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5,263

 

31-60

 

-

 

 

 

2,343

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,343

 

61-90

 

-

 

 

 

1,214

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,214

 

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5,201

 

 

 

5,201

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

126,671

 

 

 

21,382

 

 

 

5,201

 

 

 

153,254

 

Loss allowance

 

4,000

 

 

 

3,566

 

 

 

3,937

 

 

 

11,503

 

Carrying amount

 

122,671

 

 

 

17,816

 

 

 

1,264

 

 

 

141,751

 

 

 

Retail like Portfolio

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

45,032

 

 

 

4,773

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

49,805

 

1-30

 

1,334

 

 

 

704

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,038

 

31-60

 

-

 

 

 

517

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

517

 

61-90

 

-

 

 

 

403

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

403

 

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,765

 

 

 

2,765

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

46,366

 

 

 

6,397

 

 

 

2,765

 

 

 

55,528

 

Loss allowance

 

411

 

 

 

431

 

 

 

1,814

 

 

 

2,656

 

Carrying amount

 

45,955

 

 

 

5,966

 

 

 

951

 

 

 

52,872

 



 

Wholesale Portfolio

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

208,463

 

 

 

9,304

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

217,775

 

B1

 

(3,442

)

 

 

60

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(3,382

)

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

3,870

 

 

 

3,870

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

205,021

 

 

 

9,364

 

 

 

3,878

 

 

 

218,263

 

Loss allowance

 

809

 

 

 

119

 

 

 

1,027

 

 

 

1,955

 

Carrying amount

 

204,212

 

 

 

9,245

 

 

 

2,851

 

 

 

216,308

 

 

 

Tarjeta Naranja

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

56,167

 

 

 

4,652

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

60,819

 

1-30

 

3,956

 

 

 

1,457

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5,413

 

31-60

 

-

 

 

 

2,618

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,618

 

61-90

 

-

 

 

 

1,445

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,445

 

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5,826

 

 

 

5,826

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

60,123

 

 

 

10,172

 

 

 

5,826

 

 

 

76,121

 

Loss allowance

 

2,117

 

 

 

2,835

 

 

 

3,212

 

 

 

8,164

 

Carrying amount

 

58,006

 

 

 

7,337

 

 

 

2,614

 

 

 

67,957

 

 

 

Retail Portfolio

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

139,594

 

 

 

17,703

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

157,297

 

1-30

 

3,486

 

 

 

1,793

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5,279

 

31-60

 

-

 

 

 

1,750

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,750

 

61-90

 

-

 

 

 

754

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

754

 

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

4,009

 

 

 

4,009

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

143,080

 

 

 

22,000

 

 

 

4,009

 

 

 

169,089

 

Loss allowance

 

1,682

 

 

 

1,411

 

 

 

2,579

 

 

 

5,672

 

Carrying amount

 

141,398

 

 

 

20,589

 

 

 

1,430

 

 

 

163,417

 

 

 

Retail like Portfolio

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

42,502

 

 

 

4,569

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

47,071

 

1-30

 

606

 

 

 

488

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,094

 

31-60

 

-

 

 

 

210

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

210

 

61-90

 

-

 

 

 

151

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

151

 

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,234

 

 

 

1,234

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

43,108

 

 

 

5,418

 

 

 

1,234

 

 

 

49,760

 

Loss allowance

 

341

 

 

 

195

 

 

 

949

 

 

 

1,485

 

Carrying amount

 

42,767

 

 

 

5,223

 

 

 

285

 

 

 

48,275

 

 


 

Wholesale Portfolio

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

188,139

 

 

 

12,519

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

200,660

 

B1

 

-

 

 

 

119

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

119

 

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,243

 

 

 

1,243

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

188,139

 

 

 

12,638

 

 

 

1,245

 

 

 

202,022

 

Loss allowance

 

326

 

 

 

69

 

 

 

759

 

 

 

1,154

 

Carrying amount

 

187,813

 

 

 

12,569

 

 

 

486

 

 

 

200,868

 

 

 

Tarjeta Naranja

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

ECL Staging

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Total

 

Days past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

60,347

 

 

 

6,408

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

66,755

 

1-30

 

2,786

 

 

 

2,429

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5,215

 

31-60

 

-

 

 

 

1,736

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,736

 

61-90

 

-

 

 

 

811

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

811

 

Default

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

4,515

 

 

 

4,515

 

Gross Carrying amount

 

63,133

 

 

 

11,384

 

 

 

4,515

 

 

 

79,032

 

Loss allowance

 

1,391

 

 

 

1,954

 

 

 

2,620

 

 

 

5,965

 

Carrying amount

 

61,742

 

 

 

9,430

 

 

 

1,895

 

 

 

73,067

 

 

Under Argentine Central Bank rules, we are required to cease the accrual of interest or to establish provisions equal to 100% of the interest earned on all loans pertaining to the non-accrual loan portfolio, meaning, all loans to borrowers in Stage 3.

 

The table below shows the interest income that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans on which the accrual of interest was discontinued and the recoveries of interest on loans classified as non-accrual on which the accrual of interest had been discontinued:

 

 

December 31,

 

 


2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

Interest Income that Would Have Been Recorded on Non-Accrual Loans on which the Accrual of Interest was Discontinued

 

4,036

 

 

 

1,248

 

 

 

411

 

Recoveries of Interest on Loans Classified as Non-Accrual on which the Accrual of Interest had been Discontinued (1)

 

202

 

 

 

63

 

 

20

 

(1) Recorded under “Other operating income”.

 

The table below sets forth such information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, which is not adjusted for inflation and, was prepared in accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP.



 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except ratios)

 

Total Loans (1)

 

142,158

 

 

 

101,902

 

Non-Accrual Loans (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees

 

96

 

 

106

 

With Other Guarantees

 

88

 

 

103

 

Without Guarantees

 

4,520

 

 

 

2,958

 

Total Non-Accrual Loans (2)

 

4,704

 

 

 

3,167

 

Past Due Loan Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Financial Public Sector

 

-

 

 

-

 

Local Financial Sector

 

-

 

 

-

 

Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advances

 

189

 

 

188

 

Promissory Notes

 

144

 

 

192

 

Mortgage Loans

 

79

 

 

45

 

Pledge Loans

 

3

 

 

8

 

Personal Loans

 

274

 

 

304

 

Credit-Card Loans

 

2,673

 

 

 

1,693

 

Other Loans

 

93

 

 

74

 

Total Past Due Loans

 

3,455

 

 

 

2,504

 

Past Due Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees

 

60

 

 

59

 

With Other Guarantees

 

60

 

 

97

 

Without Guarantees

 

3,335

 

 

 

2,348

 

Total Past Due Loans

 

3,455

 

 

 

2,504

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

4,707

 

 

3,560

 

Ratios (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a % of Total Loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Past Due Loans

 

2.43

 

 

2.46

 

Past Due Loans with Preferred Guarantees

 

0.04

 

 

0.06

 

Past Due Loans with Other Guarantees

 

0.04

 

 

0.10

 

Past Due Unsecured Amounts

 

2.35

 

 

2.30

 

Non-Accrual Loans (2)

 

3.31

 

 

3.11

 

Non-Accrual Loans (2) (Excluding Interbank Loans)

 

3.36

 

 

3.12

 

Non-Accrual Loans (2) as a Percentage of Loans to the Private Sector

 

3.31

 

 

3.11

 

Allowance for Loan Losses as a % of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loans

 

3.31

 

 

3.49

 

Total Loans Excluding Interbank Loans

 

3.36

 

 

3.50

 

Total Non-Accrual Loans (2)

 

100.06

 

 

112.41

 

Non-Accrual Loans with Guarantees as a Percentage of Non-Accrual Loans (2)

 

3.91

 

 

 

6.60

 

Non-Accrual Loans as a Percentage of Total Past Due Loans

 

136.15

 

 

126.48

 

(1) Before the allowance for loan losses.

(2) Non-Accrual loans are defined as those loans in the categories of: (a) Consumer portfolio: “Medium Risk”, “High Risk”, “Uncollectible”, and “Uncollectible Due to Technical Reasons”, and (b) Commercial portfolio: “With problems”, “High Risk of Insolvency”, “Uncollectible”, and “Uncollectible Due to Technical Reasons”.

 

 

As of December 31,

 


2016

 

 

2015

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

Interest Income that Would Have Been Recorded on Non-Accrual Loans on which the Accrual of Interest was Discontinued

 

173

 

 

 

159

 

Recoveries of Interest on Loans Classified as Non-Accrual on which the Accrual of Interest had been Discontinued (1)

 

9

 

 

 

8

 

(1) Recorded under “Miscellaneous Income”.


69

Loss Experience

 

The following tables present the changes in the loss allowance between December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019, the changes in the loss allowance between December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, and the changes in the loss allowance between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017.

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Purchased

credit-

impaired

 

 

Total

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

 

7,336

 

 

 

6,952

 

 

 

9,990

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

24,278

 

Inflation effect

 

(2,568

)

 

 

(2,432

)

 

 

(3,496

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(8,496

)

Movements with P&L Impact

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

 

(646

)

 

 

646

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

 

(165

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

165

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

 

1,223

 

 

 

(1,223

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1,045

)

 

 

1,045

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

 

 

-

 

 

 

88

 

 

 

(88

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

 

 

32

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(32

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

 

1,701

 

 

 

1,629

 

 

 

7,624

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

10,954

 

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

 

2,424

 

 

 

552

 

 

 

6,982

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

9,958

 

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

 

(507

)

 

 

151

 

 

 

1,592

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,236

 

Modification of contractual cash flows of financial assets

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Foreign exchange and other movements

 

237

 

 

 

(220

)

 

 

39

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

56

 

Other movements with no P&L impact

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfers:

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Write-offs

 

(2,103

)

 

 

(2,188

)

 

 

(7,552

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(11,843

)

Loss allowance as of December 31, 2019

 

6,964

 

 

 

2,910

 

 

 

16,269

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

26,143

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Purchased

credit-

impaired

 

 

Total

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

 

3,739

 

 

 

3,631

 

 

 

6,906

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

14,276

 

Inflation effect

 

(1,207

)

 

 

(1,171

)

 

 

(2,229

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(4,607

)

Movements with P&L Impact

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

 

(236

)

 

 

236

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

 

(83

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

83

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

 

445

 

 

 

(445

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

 

2,730

 

 

 

3,616

 

 

 

4,619

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

10,965

 

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

 

3,019

 

 

 

3,514

 

 

 

7,422

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

13,955

 

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Modification of contractual cash flows of financial assets

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Foreign exchange and other movements

 

(110

)

 

 

(242

)

 

 

506

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

154

 

Other movements with no P&L impact

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

 

-

 

 

 

(508

)

 

 

508

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

 

-

 

 

 

66

 

 

 

(66

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

 

15

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(15

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Write-offs

 

(976

)

 

 

(1,745

)

 

 

(7,744

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(10,465

)

Loss allowance as of December 31, 2018

 

7,336

 

 

 

6,952

 

 

 

9,990

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

24,278

 

 

 

 

 

Stage 1

 

 

Stage 2

 

 

Stage 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12-month

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Lifetime

 

 

Purchased

credit-

impaired

 

 

Total

 

Loss Allowance as of January 1, 2017

 

3,499

 

 

 

3,937

 

 

 

5,985

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

13,421

 

Inflation effect

 

(695

)

 

 

(782

)

 

 

(1,189

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(2,666

)

Movements with P&L Impact

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

 

(161

)

 

 

161

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

 

(58

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

58

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

 

931

 

 

 

(931

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

 

1,389

 

 

 

1,809

 

 

 

2,214

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5,412

 

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

 

(233

)

 

 

1,613

 

 

 

4,329

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5,709

 

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Modification of contractual cash flows of financial assets

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Foreign exchange and other movements

 

(97

)

 

 

(250

)

 

 

446

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

99

 

Other movements with no P&L impact

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

 

-

 

 

 

(472

)

 

 

472

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

 

-

 

 

 

57

 

 

 

(57

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

 

56

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(56

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Write-offs

 

(892

)

 

 

(1,511

)

 

 

(5,296

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(7,699

)

Loss allowance as of December 31, 2017

 

3,739

 

 

 

3,631

 

 

 

6,906

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

14,276

 

 

The table below sets forth such information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, which is no adjusted for inflation and was prepared in accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP.

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except ratios)

 

Total Loans, Average (1)

 

 

 

111,166

 

 

 

77,832

 

Allowance for Loan Losses at Beginning of Period (2)

 

 

 

3,560

 

 

 

2,615

 

Changes in the Allowance for Loan Losses During the Period (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provisions Charged to Income

 

 

 

3,389

 

 

 

2,128

 

Prior Allowances Reversed

 

 

 

(117

)

 

-

 

Charge-Offs (A)

 

 

 

(2,125

)

 

 

(1,203

)

Inflation and Foreign Exchange Effect and Other Adjustments

 

 

-

 

 

 

20

 

Allowance for Loan Losses at End of Period

 

 

 

4,707

 

 

3,560

 

Charge to the Income Statement during the Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provisions Charged to Income (2)

 

 

 

3,389

 

 

 

2,128

 

Direct Charge-Offs, Net of Recoveries (B)

 

 

 

(272

)

 

 

(226

)

Recoveries of Provisions

 

 

 

(117

)

 

-

 

Net Charge (Benefit) to the Income Statement

 

 

 

3,000

 

 

 

1,902

 

Ratios (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charge-Offs Net of Recoveries (A+B) to Average Loans (3)

 

 

1.67

 

 

1.26

 

Net Charge to the Income Statement to Average Loans(3)

 

 

 

2.70

 

 

2.44

 

(1) Before the allowance for loan losses.

(2) Includes quotation differences for Galicia Uruguay.

(3) Charge-offs plus direct charge-offs minus bad debts recovered.

 

 

Allocation of the Allowance for Financial Instruments

 

The following table presents the allocation of our allowance for financial instruments losses among the various financial instruments’ categories.

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

Item

 

Gross Carrying Amount

 

 

Loss Allowances

 

 

Net Carrying Amount

 

 

Collateral´s Fair Value

 

Advances

 

 

15,892

 

 

 

316

 

 

 

15,576

 

 

 

-

 

Mortgage Loans

 

 

15,053

 

 

 

896

 

 

 

14,157

 

 

 

38,776

 

Pledge Loans

 

 

3,209

 

 

 

55

 

 

 

3,154

 

 

 

1,960

 

Personal Loans

 

 

27,646

 

 

 

3,078

 

 

 

24,568

 

 

 

-

 

Credit Card Loans

 

 

149,460

 

 

 

13,887

 

 

 

135,573

 

 

 

-

 

Financial Leases

 

 

2,225

 

 

 

62

 

 

 

2,163

 

 

 

-

 

Overdrafts

 

 

75,080

 

 

 

5,431

 

 

 

69,649

 

 

 

-

 

Pre-financing export loans

 

 

53,937

 

 

 

241

 

 

 

53,696

 

 

 

-

 

Others

 

 

88,747

 

 

 

2,148

 

 

 

86,599

 

 

 

4,599

 

Public Securities

 

 

2,337

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

2,308

 

 

 

-

 

Total as of December 31, 2019

 

 

433,586

 

 

 

26,143

 

 

 

407,443

 

 

 

45,335

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2018

 

Item

 

Gross Carrying Amount

 

 

Loss Allowances

 

 

Net Carrying Amount

 

 

Collateral´s Fair Value

 

Advances

 

 

22,199

 

 

 

683

 

 

 

21,516

 

 

 

-

 

Mortgage Loans

 

 

18,141

 

 

 

389

 

 

 

17,752

 

 

 

75,010

 

Pledge Loans

 

 

1,535

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

1,519

 

 

 

6,212

 

Personal Loans

 

 

44,834

 

 

 

1,726

 

 

 

43,108

 

 

 

-

 

Credit Card Loans

 

 

174,439

 

 

 

14,470

 

 

 

159,969

 

 

 

-

 

Financial Leases

 

 

3,381

 

 

 

40

 

 

 

3,341

 

 

 

-

 

Overdrafts

 

 

55,411

 

 

 

650

 

 

 

54,761

 

 

 

-

 

Pre-financing export loans

 

 

106,969

 

 

 

2,527

 

 

 

104,442

 

 

 

-

 

Others

 

 

53,875

 

 

 

3,584

 

 

 

50,291

 

 

 

3,736

 

Public Securities

 

 

22,382

 

 

 

193

 

 

 

22,189

 

 

 

-

 

Total as of December 31, 2018

 

 

503,166

 

 

 

24,278

 

 

 

478,888

 

 

 

84,958

 

 

The table below sets forth such information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, which is not adjusted for inflation, and was prepared in accordance with Argentine Banking GAAP.

 

 

 


As of December 31,


 

 


2016

 

2015


 

 


Amount

 


% of Loans 


Loan Category %


Amount

 


% of Loans 


Loan Category %








(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)







Non-Financial Public Sector

 


-

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

-


Local Financial Sector

 


-

 

 

-

 

1.5

 

-

 

 

-

 

0.8


Non-Financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Advances

 


161

 

 

0.1

 

7.1

 

157

 

 

0.2

 

8.4


Promissory Notes

 


103

 

 

0.1

 

17.8

 

150

 

 

0.2

 

22.3


Mortgage Loans

 


43

 

 

-

 

1.5

 

33

 

 

-

 

2.1


Pledge Loans

 


3

 

 

-

 

0.5

 

7

 

 

-

 

0.4


Personal Loans

 


324

 

 

0.2

 

10.8

 

311

 

 

0.3

 

9.1


Credit-Card Loans

 


1,808

 

 

1.3

 

51.2

 

1,295

 

 

1.3

 

55.2


Placements in Correspondent Banks

 


-

 

 

-

 

0.9

 

-

 

 

-

 

0.2


Other

 


51

 

 

-

 

8.7

 

49

 

 

-

 

1.5


Unallocated(1)

 


2,214

 

 

1.6

 

-

 

1,558

 

 

1.5

 

-


Total

 


4,707

 

 

3.3

 

100.0

 

3,560

 

 

3.5

 

100.0


(1) The unallocated reserve consists of the allowances established on the portfolio classified in the “normal situation” category and includes additional reserves in excess of Argentine Central Bank minimum requirements.

Deposits

 

 

The following table sets out the composition of our deposits as of December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 




2019


2018


2017


(in millions of Pesos)

Deposits in pesos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Checking Accounts

 

 

67,566

 

 

 

61,309

 

 

 

75,223

 

Savings Accounts

 

 

59,494

 

 

 

94,036

 

 

 

93,944

 

Time Deposits

 

 

116,003

 

 

 

137,226

 

 

 

120,204

 

Time Deposits UVA

 

 

750

 

 

 

3,053

 

 

 

1,368

 

Other Deposits (1)

 

 

1,697

 

 

 

1,959

 

 

 

2,012

 

Plus: Accrued Interest, Quotation Differences Adjustment

 

 

5,028

 

 

 

6,128

 

 

 

3,242

 

Total Deposits in pesos

 

 

250,538

 

 

 

303,711

 

 

 

295,993

 

Deposits in foreign currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Accounts

 

 

117,866

 

 

 

211,923

 

 

 

134,113

 

Time Deposits

 

 

24,330

 

 

 

37,018

 

 

 

24,863

 

Other Deposits (1)

 

 

938

 

 

 

1,220

 

 

 

904

 

Plus: Accrued Interest, Quotation Differences Adjustment

 

 

63

 

 

 

74

 

 

 

36

 

Total Deposits in foreign currency

 

 

143,197

 

 

 

250,235

 

 

 

159,916

 

Total Deposits

 

 

393,735

 

 

 

553,946

 

 

 

455,909

 

(1) Includes other deposits originated by Decree No.616/05, reprogrammed deposits under judicial proceedings and other demand deposits.

 

In 2019, our consolidated deposits decreased 29% mainly as a result of a Ps.94,057 million decrease in foreign currency savings accounts and a Ps.34,542 million decrease in savings accounts in pesos. These decreases were mainly due to deposits received by Banco Galicia.

 

In 2018, our consolidated deposits increased 22% mainly as a result of a Ps.77,810 million increase in foreign currency savings accounts and a Ps.17,022 million increase in time deposits in pesos. These increases were mainly due to deposits received by Banco Galicia.

 

For more information, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” – A.“Operating Results”- “Funding”.

 

The following table provides a breakdown of our consolidated deposits by contractual term and currency of denomination as of December 31, 2019.

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

Within 3 Months

 

 

After 3 Months but Within 3 Months

 

 

After 6 Months but Within 12 Months

 

 

1 year

 

 

After 1 but Within 5 years

 

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Deposits in pesos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Accounts

 

 

59,204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

59,204

 

 

 

 

 

 

59,204

 

Checking Accounts

 

 

68,629

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

68,629

 

 

 

 

 

 

68,629

 

Time Deposits

 

 

113,425

 

 

 

1,892

 

 

 

674

 

 

 

115,991

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

116,002

 

Total deposits in pesos

 

 

241,258

 

 

 

1,892

 

 

 

674

 

 

 

243,824

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

243,835

 

Deposits in pesos + UVA adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Accounts

 

 

1,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,175

 

Time Deposits

 

 

658

 

 

 

75

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

749

 

 

 

 

 

 

749

 

Total deposits in pesos + UVA adjustment

 

 

1,833

 

 

 

75

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

1,924

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,924

 

Deposits in foreign currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Accounts

 

 

118,037

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

118,037

 

 

 

 

 

 

118,037

 

Checking Accounts

 

 

939

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

939

 

 

 

 

 

 

939

 

Time Deposits

 

 

20,589

 

 

 

2,583

 

 

 

1,115

 

 

 

24,287

 

 

 

42

 

 

 

24,329

 

Total deposits in foreign currency

 

 

139,565

 

 

 

2,583

 

 

 

1,115

 

 

 

143,263

 

 

 

42

 

 

 

143,305

 

Total deposits

 

 

382,656

 

 

 

4,550

 

 

 

1,805

 

 

 

389,011

 

 

 

53

 

 

 

389,064

 

Savings Accounts

 

 

178,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

178,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

178,416

 

Checking Accounts

 

 

69,568

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

69,568

 

 

 

 

 

 

69,568

 

Time Deposits

 

 

134,672

 

 

 

4,550

 

 

 

1,805

 

 

 

141,027

 

 

 

53

 

 

 

141,080

 

(1) Only principal. Includes the UVA adjustment.

 

The chart above shows that the highest concentration of maturities for time deposits was in the period of up to 89 days, representing 95.5% of total time deposits. As of December 31, 2019, the average term for the raising of non-adjusted Peso-denominated time deposits was 41 days, for UVA-adjusted deposits the average term was 195 days and for those in foreign currency the term was about 54 days. Foreign currency-denominated deposits, equal to Ps.146,248 million, represented 37.2% of total deposits.

 

The following table provides information about the maturity of our outstanding time deposits exceeding US$100,000, as of December 31, 2019.

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

Deposits over US$100,000

 

 

 

 

Time Deposits

 

 

 

 

Within 30 Days

 

 

19,991

 

After 31 Days but Within 59 Days

 

 

64,428

 

After 60 Days but Within 89 Days

 

 

17,210

 

After 90 Days but Within 179 Days

 

 

14,141

 

After 180 Days but Within 365 Days

 

 

20,255

 

After 365 Days

 

 

1,552

 

Total Outstanding Time Deposits Exceeding US$100.000 (1)

 

 

137,577

 

(1) Only principal.

 

 

Return on Equity and Assets

 

The following table presents certain selected financial information and ratios for the periods indicated.

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 




2019


2018



2017


(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

(Loss) / Income for the Year Attributable to GFG

 

 

23,708

 

 

 

(5,332

)

 

 

10,451

 

Total Assets

 

 

685,519

 

 

 

876,371

 

 

 

753,227

 

Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to GFG

 

 

113,942

 

 

 

92,492

 

 

 

99,260

 

Net Income as a Percentage of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

 

3.46

 

 

 

(0.61

)

 

 

1.39

 

Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to GFG

 

 

20.81

 

 

 

(5.76

)

 

 

10.53

 

Declared Cash Dividends

 

(1)

 

 

 

2,661

 

 

 

2,487

 

Dividend Payout Ratio

 

(1)

 

 

 

(49.91

)

 

 

23.80

 

Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to GFG as a Percentage of Total Assets

 

 

16.62

 

 

 

10.55

 

 

 

13.18

 

(1) The cash dividend distribution for the fiscal year ended at December 31, 2019, is pending approval. For more information see Item 8. “Financial Information”-A.“Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information”-“Dividend Policy and Dividends”-“Dividends” -“Grupo Financiero Galicia”.

 

Short-Term Borrowings

 

Our short-term borrowings include all of our borrowings (including repurchase agreement transactions, debt securities) with a contractual maturity of less than one year, owed to foreign or domestic financial institutions or holders of notes.

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 




2019


2018



2017


(in millions of Pesos)

Short-Term Borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argentine Central Bank

 

 

23

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

35

 

Other Domestic Financial Institutions and International Banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit Lines from Domestic Financial Institutions

 

 

2,498

 

 

 

4,221

 

 

 

452

 

International Banks and Credit Agencies

 

 

11,168

 

 

 

11,573

 

 

 

9,465

 

Repurchase Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,571

 

Debt Securities

 

 

1,411

 

 

 

2,745

 

 

 

 

Total short-term borrowings

 

 

15,100

 

 

 

18,583

 

 

 

12,523

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, our short-term borrowings consisted of (i) credit lines from the Argentine Central Bank, (ii) credit lines from domestic financial institutions (other than the Argentine Central Bank) and international banks, which represented 91% of our short term borrowings and (iii) debt securities, which represented 9% of our short-term borrowings.

 

We also borrow funds under various credit arrangements with domestic and foreign banks and /or lending agencies, which is reflected in the following table:

 

 

 


As of December 31,

 




2019


2018



2017


(in millions of Pesos)

International Banks and Credit Agencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prefinancing of exportations

 

 

1,456

 

 

 

8,113

 

 

 

8,772

 

Export and Import Operations

 

 

9,712

 

 

 

3,460

 

 

 

693

 

Total Banks and Credit Agencies

 

 

11,168

 

 

 

11,573

 

 

 

9,465

 

Domestic Financial Institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call

 

 

504

 

 

 

1,237

 

 

 

143

 

Tarjetas Regionales Credit Line

 

 

1,994

 

 

 

2,984

 

 

 

309

 

Total Domestic Financial Institutions

 

 

2,498

 

 

 

4,221

 

 

 

452

 

Total Domestic Financial Institutions and International Banks

 

 

13,666

 

 

 

15,794

 

 

 

9,917

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the items listed below for our significant short-term borrowings for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

  • the weighted-average interest rate at year-end,
  • the maximum balance recorded at the monthly closing dates of the periods,
  • the average balances for each period calculated on a daily basis, and
  • the weighted-average interest rate for each period.

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 


2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

 

Argentine Central Bank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average Interest Rate at End of Period

 

 

 

%

 

 

%

 

 

%

Maximum Balance Recorded at the Monthly Closing Dates

 

 

55

 

 

 

49

 

 

 

25

 

 

Average Balances for Each Period

 

 

32

 

 

 

37

 

 

 

15

 

 

Weighted-average Interest Rate for the Period

 

 

 

%

 

 

%

 

 

%

Credit Lines from Domestic Banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average Interest Rate at End of Period

 

 

62.7

 

%

 

36.1

 

%

 

27

 

%

Maximum Balance Recorded at the Monthly Closing Dates

 

 

3,231

 

 

 

4,971

 

 

 

1,680

 

 

Average Balances for Each Period

 

 

2,273

 

 

 

3,068

 

 

 

676

 

 

Weighted-average Interest Rate for the Period

 

 

45.6

 

%

 

44.9

 

%

 

26

 

%

Credit Lines from Foreign Banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average Interest Rate at End of Period

 

 

6.0

 

%

 

2.9

 

%

 

3

 

%

Maximum Balance Recorded at the Monthly Closing Dates

 

 

20,469

 

 

 

25,811

 

 

 

4,132

 

 

Average Balances for Each Period

 

 

10,792

 

 

 

15,449

 

 

 

2,584

 

 

Weighted-average Interest Rate for the Period

 

 

6

 

%

 

3

 

%

 

3

 

%

Repurchases with Domestic Banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average Interest Rate at End of Period

 

 

 

%

 

50

 

%

 

27

 

%

Maximum Balance Recorded at the Monthly Closing Dates

 

 

2,235

 

 

 

1,466

 

 

 

4,519

 

 

Average Balances for Each Period

 

 

997

 

 

 

620

 

 

 

868

 

 

Weighted-average Interest Rate for the Period

 

 

49

 

%

 

27

 

%

 

25.7

 

%

Repurchases with Foreign Banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

%

Weighted-average Interest Rate at End of Period

 

 

 

%

 

4

 

%

 

 

%

Maximum Balance Recorded at the Monthly Closing Dates

 

 

 

%

 

5,767

 

%

 

 

%

Average Balances for Each Period

 

 

 

%

 

2,827

 

%

 

 

%

Weighted-average Interest Rate for the Period

 

 

 

%

 

3

 

%

 

 

%

Debt securities in pesos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average interest rate at end of year

 

 

49

 

%

 

56

 

%

 

 

%

Maximum balance recorded at the monthly closing dates

 

 

9,936

 

 

 

3,239

 

 

 

 

 

Average balances for each fiscal year

 

 

5,957

 

 

 

249

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average interest rate for the year

 

 

34

 

%

 

55

 

%

 

 

%

Debt securities in foreign currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average interest rate at end of year

 

 

 

%

 

 

%

 

 

%

Maximum balance recorded at the monthly closing dates

 

 

4,929

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average balances for each fiscal year

 

 

2,629

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average interest rate for the year

 

 

5

 

%

 

 

%

 

 

%

 

Regulatory Capital

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries are regulated by the Argentine General Corporations Law. Section 186 of the General Corporations Law establishes the minimum capital amount of a corporation at Ps.100,000.

 

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s capital adequacy is not regulated by the Argentine Central Bank, however Grupo Financiero Galicia is required to comply with the minimum capital requirement established by the General Corporations Law. On October 8, 2012, through Decree No.1331/12, such amount was established as Ps.100,000.

 

Banco Galicia

 

With respect to regulatory capital, Banco Galicia must comply with the regulations set forth by the Argentine Central Bank. These regulations are based on the Basel Committee methodology, which provides the minimum capital requirements for financial institutions to cover the different risks inherent to its business activity and assets, such as credit risk, generated both by exposure to the private sector and to the public sector; operational risk (generated by the losses resulting from the non-adjustment or failures of internal processes) and market risk (generated by positions in securities and in foreign currency).

 

Computable capital is divided as follows:

 

  • Computable regulatory capital is divided into Basic Shareholders’ Equity (Tier I Capital) and Supplementary Shareholders’ Equity (Tier II Capital). Deductible Items start to be mainly part of the Basic Shareholders’ Equity.
  • Intangible assets and deferred tax asset credit balances should be deducted from the calculation of computable capital.
  • Results for the period are part of the Basic ShareholdersEquity (Income: 100% of audited results, 50% of unaudited results; Losses: 100%).
  • Supplementary Shareholders’ Equity includes 100% of the allowance for the portfolio in normal situation (up to the limit of 1.25%) and for subordinated notes, with respect to which, as from each of the last five years of each issuance term, the computable amount shall be reduced by 20% of the face value issued.

The following percentages apply in determining minimum capital requirements:

 

  • Loans in Pesos to the Non-financial Public Sector: 0%.
  • Property, Plant and Equipment and Miscellaneous Assets: 8%.
  • Family Mortgage Loans: 35% over the 8%, if the amount does not exceed 75% of the asset value.
  • Retail Portfolio: 75% over 8%.

The following table sets forth the capital required in accordance with the Argentine Central Bank regulations in force for each period indicated below.


 

 

 

December 31,

 




2019


2018



2017



(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

Minimum capital required (A)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allocated to Credit Risk

 

 

29,149

 

 

 

22,171

 

 

 

14,414

 

Allocated to Market Risk

 

 

905

 

 

 

969

 

 

 

1,126

 

Allocated to Operational Risk

 

 

7,608

 

 

 

4,023

 

 

 

2,655

 

Total minimum capital required (A)

 

 

37,662

 

 

 

27,163

 

 

 

18,195

 

Computable Capital (B)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier I

 

 

61,393

 

 

 

36,584

 

 

 

16,221

 

Tier II

 

 

19,392

 

 

 

12,745

 

 

 

6,583

 

Total computable capital (B)

 

 

80,785

 

 

 

49,329

 

 

 

22,804

 

Excess over Required Capital (B)-(A)

 

 

43,123

 

 

 

22,166

 

 

 

4,609

 

Risk assets

 

 

459,900

 

 

 

325,853

 

 

 

221,472

 

Ratios (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity / Total assets

 

 

13.07

 

 

 

8.60

 

 

 

13.32

 

Excess / Minimum capital required

 

 

114.50

 

 

 

81.60

 

 

 

25.33

 

Total Capital Ratio(1)

 

 

17.57

 

 

 

15.14

 

 

 

10.30

 

Tier I Capital Ratio

 

 

13.35

 

 

 

11.23

 

 

 

7.32

 

In accordance with Argentine Central Bank rules applicable at each date

(1) Total computable capital / risk weighted assets credit, market and operational risks.

 

As of December 31, 2019, the Banks computable capital exceeded the minimum capital requirement by Ps.43,123 million (or 114.50%). The minimum capital requirement was Ps.37,662 million for 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the Bank’s computable capital exceeded the minimum capital requirement by Ps.22,166 million (or 81.60%).

 

The minimum capital requirement increased by Ps.10,499 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to December 31, 2018, mainly due to an increase related to financing balances in an amount equal to Ps.6,978 million and operational risk in an amount equal to Ps.3,585 million.

 

Computable capital increased by Ps.31,456 million as compared to December 31, 2018, due to an increase of Ps.24,809 million in Tier I Common Capital, primarily as a result of the capital increase consummated by Grupo Galicia, partially offset by deductions of capital.

 

Tier II Common Capital increased by Ps.6,647 million as a result of the impact of the exchange rate increase on the outstanding balance of subordinated notes issued in July 2016 for an aggregate principal amount of US$250 million and the increase in the allowance for loan losses on current loan portfolios.

 

Tarjetas Regionales

 

Since Tarjetas Regionales and its subsidiaries are not financial institutions, their capital adequacy is not regulated by the Argentine Central Bank. Tarjetas Regionales and its subsidiaries have to comply with the minimum capital requirement established by the Corporations Law, which was Ps.100,000.

Minimum Capital Requirements of Insurance Companies

The insurance companies controlled by Sudamericana must meet the minimum capital requirements set by General Resolution No.39,957 of the National Insurance Superintendency. This resolution requires insurance companies to maintain a minimum capital level equivalent to the highest of the amounts calculated as follows:

(a)   By line of insurance: this method establishes a fixed amount by line of insurance. For life insurance companies, it is Ps.22.1 million, increasing to Ps.22.2 million for companies that offer pension-linked life insurance. For providers of retirement insurance that do not offer pension-linked annuities, the requirement is Ps.44.3 million. For companies that offer property insurance that includes damage

 

       coverage (excluding those related to vehicles) the requirement is Ps.22.1 million (increasing to Ps.88.6 million for companies that offer all property and casualty products).

(b)   By premiums and additional fees: to use this method, Sudamericana must calculate the sum of the premiums issued and additional fees earned in the last 12 months. Based on the total, Sudamericana must calculate 16% of such amount. Finally, it must adjust the total by the ratio of net paid claims to gross paid claims for the last 36 months. This ratio must be at least 50%.

(c)   By claims: to use this method, Sudamericana must calculate the sum of gross claims paid during the 36 months prior to the end of the period under analysis. To that amount, it must add the difference between the balance of unpaid claims as of the end of the period under analysis and the balance of unpaid claims as of the 36th month prior to the end of the period under analysis. The resulting figure must be divided by three. Then Sudamericana must calculate 23%. The resulting figure must be adjusted by the ratio of net paid claims to gross paid claims for the last 36 months. This ratio must be at least 50%.

(d)   For life insurance companies that offer policies with an investment component, the figures obtained in b) and c) must be increased by an amount equal to 4% of the technical reserves adjusted by the ratio of net technical reserves to gross technical reserves (at least 85%), plus 0.3% of at-risk capital adjusted by the ratio of retained at-risk capital to total at-risk capital (at least 50%).

The minimum required capital must then be compared to computable capital, defined as shareholders’ equity less non-computable assets. Non-computable assets consist mainly of deferred charges, pending capital contributions, proposed distributions and excess investments in authorized instruments.

As of December 31, 2019, the computable capital of the companies controlled by Sudamericana exceeded the minimum requirement of Ps.815,4 million by Ps.274,9 million.

Sudamericana also owns Galicia Broker, a company dedicated to brokerage in different lines of insurance that is regulated by the guidelines of the Corporations Law, which provided for a minimum capital requirement of Ps.100,000.

 

Government Regulation

 

General

All companies operating in Argentina must be registered with the Argentine Public Registry of Commerce. In addition, any company with publicly issued equity or debt securities is subject to the rules and regulation of the CNV. Further, financial institutions, such as Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia, are subject to Argentine Central Bank regulations. As companies listed in Argentina, Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia must comply with the disclosure, reporting, governance and other rules applicable to such companies in the markets in which they are listed and those of regulators in the countries in which they are listed, including the Capital Markets Law (as amended by the Productive Financing Law No. 27,440 and including Decree No. 471/2018), Law No.20,643, the Decrees No.659/1974 and No.2220/1980 (as amended by Decree No. 572/1996), and CNV’s General Resolution No.622/2013 (as amended and/or supplemented, the “CNV Rules”).

In their capacity as public issuers of securities, Grupo Financiero Galicia and Banco Galicia are subject to the aforementioned rules. Since Grupo Financiero Galicia has publicly listed American Depository Shares (or “ADSs”) in the United States, it is also subject to the reporting requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) for foreign private issuers and to the provisions applicable to foreign private issuers under the Sarbanes Oxley Act. See Item 9. “The Offer and Listing”.

Banco Galicia’s operating subsidiaries are also subject to the following laws: Law No.27,442 (the Competition Defense Law or, in Spanish “Ley de Defensa de la Competencia”), the Emergency Decree No.

 

274/2019 that repeals the Fair Business Practice Law (No. 22,802) and the Consumer Protection Law No. 24,240, as amended (or, in Spanish “Ley de Protección del Consumidor”).

As a financial services holding company, we do not have a specific institution that regulates our activities. Our banking and insurance subsidiaries are regulated by different regulatory entities. The Argentine Central Bank is the main regulatory and supervising entity for Banco Galicia.

The banking industry is highly regulated in Argentina. Banking activities in Argentina are regulated by Law No.21,526, as amended (the “FIL”), which places the supervision and control of the Argentine banking system in the hands of the Argentine Central Bank. The Argentine Central Bank regulates all aspects of financial activity. See “Argentine Banking Regulation” below.

Banco Galicia and our insurance subsidiaries are subject to Law No.25,246 which was passed on April 13, 2000 (as amended, among others, by Laws No.26,087, 26,119, 26,683, 26,734, and 27,446 together to which we refer to as the Anti-Money Laundering Law), which provides for an anti-money laundering framework in Argentina, including Laws No.26,268 and 27,304, which amend Law No.25,246 to include activities associated with terrorism and Law No. 27,401, which provides for the criminal liability of corporate entities upon their direct or indirect execution of prohibited activities. Furthermore, the Anti-Money Laundering Law created the Financial Information Unit (Unidad de Información Financiera), which established an administrative criminal system, compliance monitoring and the ability to impose sanctions.

Sudamericana’s insurance subsidiaries are regulated by the National Insurance Superintendency and Laws No.17,418, as amended and modified by Law No.20,091. Galicia Broker is regulated by the National Insurance Superintendency, through Law No.22,400.

Tarjeta Naranja and the credit card activities of Banco Galicia are regulated by the Credit Card Law. Both the Argentine Central Bank and the Undersecretary of Domestic Trade have issued regulations to, among other things, enforce public disclosure of companies’ pricing (fees, interest rates, and advertising) in order to ensure consumer awareness of such pricing. See “Credit Cards Regulation”.

On January 6, 2002, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No.25,561 (as amended and supplemented, the “Public Emergency Law” or in Spanish “Ley de Emergencia Pública”), which, together with various decrees and Argentine Central Bank rules, provided for the principal measures with which to manage the 2001-2002 financial crisis, including Asymmetric Pesification and eliminating the requirement that the Central Bank’s reserves in gold, foreign currency and foreign currency denominated debt be at all times equivalent to 100% of the monetary base, among others. The Argentine Government did not extend the term of the Public Emergency Law that was previously extended on an annual basis. On December 14, 2016, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No. 27,345, which extended the state of emergency on social matters until December 31, 2019.

On December 23, 2019, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No.27,541 (the “Social Solidarity and Productive Reactivation Law” or, in Spanish “Ley de Solidaridad Social y Reactivación Productiva”), which declared yet again a public emergency in relation to certain economic, financial, fiscal, and social matters, among others. The goal of this law is to manage Argentina’s public debt and public spending in a sustainable manner. Some of the most important aspects of the new regulation are: (i) it declares a continued public emergency across a variety of areas such as economic and financial, among others, until December 31, 2020, (ii) it increases taxes (for example, on exports of commodities or for foreign currency purchases); and (iii) it authorizes the government to use Central Bank reserves in order to make payments on the country’s public debt, among others.

 

Foreign Exchange Market

In January 2002, through the Public Emergency Law, Argentina declared a public emergency situation in respect of its social, economic, administrative, financial and foreign exchange matters and authorized the Argentine Executive Branch to establish a system to determine the foreign exchange rate between the Argentine Peso and foreign currencies and to issue foreign exchange-related rules and regulations.

 

Within this context, on February 8, 2002, through Decree No. 260/2002, as amended by Decree No. 27/2018, the Argentine Executive Branch established (i) a single and free-floating foreign exchange market (a “MULC”, or “Mercado Único y Libre de Cambios”) through which all foreign exchange transactions in a foreign currency must be conducted, and (ii) that foreign exchange transactions in a foreign currency must be conducted at the foreign exchange rate to be freely agreed upon among the contracting parties, subject to the requirements and regulations imposed by the Argentine Central Bank.

On June 9, 2005, through Decree No.616/2005, the Argentine Executive Branch mandated that inflows of funds into the MULC arising from foreign debt incurred by residents (subject to certain exceptions) and all inflows of funds of non-residents channeled through the MULC for certain concepts were required to be credited into a local account and maintained for a “Minimum Stay Period”, requiring a mandatory deposit for 30% of the amount of the transaction for a period of 365 calendar days. Such requirements were eliminated by the former administration.

In February 2017, the former Ministry of Economy and Public Finance issued Resolution No. 1/2017, which reduced the “Minimum Stay Period” described above to zero days. As of July 1, 2017, with the issuance of Communication “A” 6244, the foreign exchange rules and regulations described above were reversed. In the same sense, the Government issued Decree 27/2018 by which it modified the denomination of the “MULC”, or “Mercado Único y Libre de Cambios” to “MLC” or “Mercado Libre de Cambios”.

However, as a result of several economic measures taken in Argentina, on September 1, 2019, the Argentine Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6770, which was later amended and restated by Communication “A” 6844 (currently in force, as amended), through which the controls and restrictions on the acquisition, sale and transfer of foreign currency were (re)introduced. The main provisions which currently govern the MLC are summarized below:

Inflow of Funds:

Funds entering into Argentina from (i) the export of Argentine goods, (ii) the provisions of services to a non-resident by a resident and (iii) payments received from the sale of non-financial, non-local produced assets are required to enter through the MLC, be converted into Pesos, and be deposited into a local bank account, all within specifically prescribed periods.

Regarding offshore financial debts, the Argentine borrower receiving the foreign funds must convert such funds into Argentine Pesos in order to be able to access the MLC in the future for the payment of principal and interest payments when due on the foreign debt.

Outflow of Funds:

Import of Goods. Communication “A” 6844, as amended establishes the possibility for residents to access to the MLC to pay amounts due for the import of goods. This regulation contemplates two different scenarios: (i) payments for imported goods already registered with the customs office; and (ii) payments for imported goods with a customs’ registration still pending. As a general rule, and subject to the compliance with certain requirements, financial institutions may grant access to the MLC for offshore payments for Argentine imports of goods, or other purchases of goods that were imported to Argentina. The cases that are not specifically established in the regulation are subject to prior approval of the Argentine Central Bank.

Offshore Services. Pursuant to Communication “A” 6401, financial entities may grant access to the MLC for the payment of services provided if such provision of services was previously reported, if applicable, in the last presentation of the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”. With certain exceptions, the Argentine Central Bank’s prior authorization is required to make payments for early payments, or to make payments to offshore related companies. Financial entities may also grant access to the MLC for making of interest payments on offshore debt as long as the transaction was reported in the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”. Again, the Argentine Central Bank’s prior authorization is required for early interest payments.

 

Dividends and Earnings. No authorization from the Argentine Central Bank is required to carry out foreign exchange transactions to pay dividends and earnings to “non-residents”, provided that the following requirements are met: (i) the dividends and earnings arise from closed and audited financial statements, (ii) the payment is made in accordance with the relevant corporate documents, (iii) the total amount of transfers for this reason made as of January 17, 2020 and onward, does not exceed 30% of the value of new contributions of foreign direct investment in resident companies, entered and settled through the MLC as of the mentioned date, (iv) access to the MLC for the payment of dividends cannot occur sooner than 30 calendar days following the settlement of the last contribution  (v) the payor submits sufficient documentation that evidences the final capitalization of the contributions, and (vi) the payment obligation is reported to the Argentine Central Bank through the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”.

Offshore Financial Indebtedness. Regarding offshore financial indebtedness, financial entities may only grant access to the MLC when: (i) the funds disbursed as of September 1, 2019 entered Argentina through the MLC, were converted into argentine pesos, and deposited into a local bank account(s); and (ii) the transaction has been reported, if applicable, before the Argentine Central Bank pursuant to the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”. Regarding funds disbursed before the aforementioned date, financial entities may grant access to the MLC for the repayment if the transaction has been reported before the Argentine Central Bank pursuant to the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”.

Investment Instruments. The Argentine Central Bank ‘s prior authorization is required to access the MLC for the making of foreign investments, including the purchase of foreign currency for portfolio investments (“atesoramiento”) and the purchase of securities, by (i) legal entities, and non-Argentine residents (with certain exceptions -such as multilateral agencies, embassies, etc.-), for any amount; and (ii) individual residents, when the monthly sum of US$ 200 is exceeded

 

Argentine Central Bank Reporting Regime

In light of the foregoing, the Argentine Central Bank’s reporting regime has been updated as described below. Communication “A” 6401 introduced reporting requirements with respect to debt securities and external liabilities for the financial and private non-financial sector and direct investments of companies in such sector under the “Foreign assets and liability informative regime”.

The completion and validation of the information corresponding to the foregoing must be done electronically through the Federal Public Revenue Administration’s website. Such information, must be reported as of the first quarter of 2020, as follows: (i) at the end of any calendar quarter, by all individuals and legal entities who have outstanding offshore financial indebtedness (or if cancelled during that period, when filing the Foreign assets and liability informative regime); and (ii) in an annual presentation, by those individuals or legal entities for whom the balance of external assets and liabilities at the end of each year reaches or exceeds the equivalent of US$50 million.

 

 

Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime

Exchange operations can only be carried out through the entities authorized for such purposes by the Argentine Central Bank. As such, any exchange operation that does not comply with the provisions of the applicable regulations will be subject to the Law No. 19,359, as regulated by Decree 480/95, and Argentine Central Bank regulations (“Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime”), pursuant to which the following constitute offenses: (i) any foreign exchange transaction not performed before an authorized institution; (ii) the completion of foreign exchange transactions without the applicable authorization; (iii) any misrepresentation related to foreign exchange transactions; (iv) the failure to make accurate representations or to complete the necessary procedures in cases where the actual transactions are different than those declared; (v) any foreign exchange transaction executed without fulfilling the conditions established by applicable regulations, regarding quantity, foreign currency exchange rate, dates, etc.; and (vi) any other omission or act performed in violation of the Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime.

Violations to the Foreign Exchange Criminal Regime may be subject to fines of up to ten times the amount of the operation in breach and imprisonment in certain instances.

 

Argentine Banking Regulation

The following is a summary of certain matters relating to the Argentine banking system, including provisions of Argentine law and regulations applicable to financial institutions in Argentina. This summary is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all laws and regulations applicable to financial institutions in Argentina.

General

Since 1977, banking activities in Argentina have been regulated by the Argentine Financial Institutions Law No. 21.526 (the “FIL”), which places the supervision and control of the Argentine banking system in the hands of the autonomous Argentine Central Bank, the principal monetary and financial authority in Argentina that operates independently from the Argentine government. The Argentine Central Bank enforces the FIL and grants authorization to banks to operate in Argentina. The FIL confers numerous powers to the Argentine Central Bank, including the ability to grant and revoke bank licenses, authorize the establishment of branches of Argentine banks outside of Argentina, approve bank mergers, capital increases and certain transfers of stock, set minimum capital, liquidity and solvency requirements and lending limits, grant certain credit facilities to financial institutions in cases of temporary liquidity problems and to promulgate other regulations and to enforce the FIL. The Argentine Central Bank has vested the Superintendency with most of the Argentine Central Bank’s supervisory powers. Such entity is responsible for enforcing Argentina’s banking laws, establishing accounting and financial reporting requirements for the banking sector, monitoring and regulating the lending practices of financial institutions and establishing rules for participation of financial institutions in the foreign exchange market and the issuance of bonds and other securities, among other functions. In this section, unless otherwise stated, references to the Argentine Central Bank should be understood to be references to the Argentine Central Bank acting through the Superintendency. FIL grants the Argentine Central Bank broad access to the accounting systems, books, correspondence, and other documents belonging to banking institutions. The Argentine Central Bank regulates the supply of credit and monitors the liquidity, and generally supervises the operation, of the Argentine banking system.

Current regulations equally regulate Argentine and foreign-owned banks.

 

Supervision

As the regulator of the Argentine financial system, the Argentine Central Bank requires financial institutions to submit information on a daily, monthly, quarterly, semiannual and annual basis. These reports, which include balance sheets and income statements, information relating to reserve funds, use of deposits, portfolio quality (including details on debtors and any established loan loss provisions) and other pertinent information, allow the Argentine Central Bank to monitor financial institutions financial condition and business practices.

 

The Argentine Central Bank periodically carries out formal inspections of all banking institutions in order to monitor compliance by banks with legal and regulatory requirements and confirm the accuracy of the information provided to the Argentine Central Bank. If Argentine Central Bank rules are breached, it may impose various sanctions depending on the magnitude of the infringement. These sanctions range from warning calls up to the imposition of fines, or even the revocation of the financial institution’s operating license. Moreover, non-compliance with certain rules may result in the obligatory presentation to the Argentine Central Bank of specific adequacy or regularization plans. The Argentine Central Bank must approve these plans in order for the financial institution to remain operational.

Financial institutions operating in Argentina have been subject to the supervision of the Argentine Central Bank on a consolidated basis since 1994. Information regarding “Limitations on Types of Business”, “Capital Adequacy Requirements”, “Lending Limits”, and “Loan Classification System and Loan Loss Provisions” related to a bank’s loan portfolio is calculated on a consolidated basis. However, regulations relating to a bank’s deposits are not based on consolidated information, but on such bank’s deposits in Argentina (for example, liquidity requirements and contributions to the deposit insurance system).

 

Examination by the Argentine Central Bank

The Argentine Central Bank began to rate financial institutions based on the “CAMEL” quality rating system in 1994. Each letter of the CAMEL system corresponds to an area of the operations of each bank being rated, with: “C” standing for capital, “A” for assets, “M” for management, “E” for earnings, and “L” for liquidity. Each factor is evaluated and rated on a scale from one to five, with one being the highest rating an entity can receive. The Argentine Central Bank modified the supervision system in September of 2000. The objectives and basic methodology of the new system, referred to as “CAMELBIG,” do not differ substantially from the CAMEL system. The components were redefined in order to evaluate business risks separately from management risks. The components used to rate the business risks are capital, assets, market, earnings, liquidity and business. The components to rate management risks are internal control and the quality of management. By combining the individual factors under evaluation, a combined index can be populated that represents the final rating for the financial institution.

After temporarily halting such examinations as a result of the 2001-2002 financial and economic crisis, the Argentine Central Bank resumed the examination process, which remains in effect as of the date of this filing. In Banco Galicia’s case, the first examination after the 2001-2002 financial crisis was on March 2017, and currently there is an ongoing examination as of December 2019.

 

Regulatory Capital (Minimum Capital Requirements)

Financial entities are subject to the capital adequacy rules of the Argentine Central Bank, consequently Banco Galicia, as a commercial bank, must maintain a minimum capital amount measured as of each month’s closing. Argentine Central Bank regulations establish that financial institutions legal capital should be equal to the greater value resulting from the comparison between the applicable basic requirement (corresponding to the type of entity) and the sum of those determined by credit and market risk, as well as operational risk.

The minimum basic capital requirement for a commercial bank located in the City of Buenos Aires, such as Banco Galicia, is a capital reserve of at least Ps.26 million. The minimum capital requirements related to credit risk, which are calculated according to a formula established by the Argentine Central Bank, are designed to establish the minimum capital necessary to offset the risk that the counterparty does not comply with its obligation in a transaction related to the assets that are being reviewed. The minimum capital requirements related to market risks are designed to offset the eventual losses generated by a change of market rates or of credit quality, which would affect the assets and liabilities of the bank. Such market risk includes (among other risks) liquidity risk and interest rate risk. Operational risk includes the possibility of incurring a failure or deficiency in losses as a result of external events or as a result of a failure or deficiency in internal processes, human error or internal systems.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the regulatory capital of commercial banks acting as custodians of securities representing investments of the Fondo de Garantía de Sustentabilidad del Sistema Integrado Previsional Argentino must be equal to or exceed the greater of Ps.400 million or an amount equivalent to 1% of the total book value of the securities in custody.

 

In order to verify compliance with the minimum capital requirements, the Argentine Central Bank considers the computable regulatory capital (“RPC”) of a particular entity (i.e., capital that the entities actually have). Pursuant to the Argentine Central Bank’s regulations, a bank’s RPC is the sum of the minimum core capital (Tier I capital) and supplementary capital (Tier II capital), minus certain deductible concepts. The Argentine Central Bank considered Basel III requirements in order to regulate the RPC (and listed the assets included in each Tier as well the deductible concepts in accordance with such rules).

According to the Argentine Central Bank’s regulations, any financial institution operating with an RPC under the minimum capital requirements must: (i) pay-in the correspondent amount within the following two months from the month in which it fails to comply with the requirement, or (ii) submit to the Superintendency a regularization and reorganization plan within the following 30 calendar days counted as from the last day of the month in which it fails to comply with the requirement. The Superintendency may appoint a supervisor and impose restrictions on distribution of dividends, among other actions, when non-compliance with the RPC requirements occurs or any warning from the Superintendency is received.

In addition, any financial institution operating under the daily integration of the minimum capital requirement related to market risk (when such failure is caused by the requirements established to guard against interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk or equity price risk), must pay-in the corresponding amount necessary to comply with the requirements and/or reduce its asset position until the applicable requirement is complied with, within a term of ten business days counted from the first failure to comply with the requirements. In case the non-compliance situation remains after such term has elapsed, the entity must submit to the Superintendency a regularization and reorganization plan within the following five days.

Legal Reserve

The Argentine Central Bank and FIL rules requires that every year banks allocate to a legal reserve a percentage of their net profits established by the Argentine Central Bank, which currently amounts to 20% of their yearly income. Such reserve may only be used during periods in which such financial institution has incurred losses and has exhausted all other reserves. Distribution of dividends will not be allowed if the legal reserve is not met.

 

Profit Distribution

In accordance with Communications “A” 5827 (as amended), “A” 6464 (as amended) and “A” 6304 (as amended), profit distribution of financial institutions (the concept pursuant to which a payment of dividends is included) must be authorized by the Superintendency. The Superintendency is entitled to intervene to verify the correct application of the procedures and regulations with respect to dividends approved and to be distributed by financial institutions. Nevertheless, as explained above, dividends to be paid in a foreign currency to international investors, may be subject to foreign exchange restrictions.

The Argentine Central Bank sets rules for the conditions under which financial institutions can make distributions of profits. Argentine Central Bank regulations require that 20% of a company’s profits, subject to certain adjustments, be allocated to legal reserves.

 

This requirement applies regardless of the company’s ratio of legal reserves to capital stock.

In addition to the foregoing, Argentine Central Bank regulations regarding profit distributions provide that profits can be distributed so long as a company’s results of operations are positive after deducting for required legal reserves, the difference between the carrying amount and the fair market value of public sector assets and/or debt instruments issued by the Argentine Central Bank not valued at fair market price, and the amounts capitalized for legal proceedings related to deposits and any unrecorded adjustments required by external auditors or the Argentine Central Bank. Furthermore, companies must also comply with capital adequacy rules, which set forth minimum capital requirements and required regulatory capital.

Effective as of January 2016, all Argentine financial institutions are also required to maintain capital in an additional capital reserve equal to 3.5% of risk-weighted assets, which must be comprised of only Tier I Common Capital, net of deductible items. Profit distributions of financial institutions will be not be authorized if failing to meet with the required computable regulatory capital set forth above.

Prior authorization of the Argentine Central Bank is required for profit distribuitons of financial institutions. Notwithstanding the above, note that in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Argentine Central Bank issued on March 19, 2020, Communication “A” 6939 which restricted any dividend distribution of Argentine financial institutions until June 30, 2020.

Profits, if any, resulting from the first-time application of IFRS may not be distributed. Any such profits will be allocated to a special reserve recorded under equity, which may only be released for capitalization purposes, or to otherwise offset potential losses.

 

Legal Reserve Requirements for Liquidity Purposes

The deposit amount minus the minimum cash requirement determines the “lending capacity” of a particular deposit.

The Argentine Central Bank modifies the applicable minimum cash requirement from time to time depending on monetary policy considerations.

The then-applicable minimum cash requirement is determined on the basis of the average daily balances of the obligations: (i) recorded at the end of each day, during the period prior to their integration for Argentine Pesos; and (ii) at the end of each day during each calendar month, for foreign currency and securities.

The averages will be obtained by dividing the sum of the daily balances by the total amount of days of each month. For days in which no movement is recorded, the balance corresponding to the immediately preceding day. Compliance with minimum cash requirements must be made in the same debt currency and/or instrument that corresponds to the requirement (with certain exceptions), and might be completed through (i) checking accounts, denominated in Pesos, opened by financial entities in the Argentine Central Bank; (ii) “Minimum Cash Accounts”, denominated in dollars or other foreign currencies, opened by financial entities in the Argentine Central Bank; (iii) special guarantee accounts in favor of clearing houses and for coverage of credit cards, vouchers and ATM operations and for transfer settlement of immediate funds; (iv) non-bank financial entities checking accounts opened in commercial banks for the requirement of minimum cash integration; (v) special accounts opened in the Argentine Central Bank linked for the provision of social security benefits administered by National Social Security Administration (“Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social” or ANSES) and (vi) “sub-accounts 60” which are accounts that contain a minimum amount of cash received from investments in public securities and debt instruments issued by the Argentine Central Bank, at market value.

According to Communication “A” 6341 (as modified and complemented), the percentages of minimum cash requirements applicable in accordance with Argentine Central Bank rules, are as follows:

  • Demand deposits:
  • Peso-denominated checking accounts and savings accounts: 54%.
  • Savings accounts denominated in foreign currency: 25%.

 

  • Fixed term deposits:
  • Peso-denominated: (i) up to 29 days, 32%; (ii) 30 to 59 days, 22%; (iii) 60 to 89 days, 4%; (iv) 90 days or more, 0%.
  • Foreign currency-denominated: (i) up to 29 days, 23%; (ii) 30 to 59 days, 17%; (iii) 60 to 89 days, 11%; (iv) 90 to 179 days, 5%; (v) 180 to 365 days, 2% and (vi) more than 365 days, 0%.
  • Fixed term deposits adjusted by UVA/UVI (by remaining maturity):
  • (i) up to 29 days, 7%; (ii) from 30 to 59 days, 5%; (iii) from 60 to 89 days, 3%; (iv) 90 days or more, 0%.

As of December 31, 2019, Banco Galicia was in compliance with its legal reserve requirements and continued to be in compliance as of the date of this annual report.

Limitations on Types of Business

In accordance with the provisions of the FIL, commercial banks are authorized to carry out all activities and operations which are not strictly prohibited by law or by the Argentine Central Bank regulations. Permitted activities include the capacity to: grant and receive loans; receive deposits from the general public in local and foreign currency; secure its customers’ debts; acquire, place and trade with shares and debt securities in the Argentine over-the-counter market (subject to prior approval of the CNV, if applicable); carry out operations in foreign currencies; act as trustee in financial trusts; and issue credit cards.

In order to calculate the legal reserves requirements for liquidity purposes described above, it is not necessary to deduct the capital stock allocated to foreign branches from a bank’s shareholders’ equity.

Pursuant to the Argentine Central Bank’s regulations, financial institutions are not allowed to hold more than a 12.5% interest (or more than a specific percentage of the financial institution’s adjusted shareholders’ equity) in the outstanding capital of a company which does not provide services complementary to those offered by financial institutions. The Argentine Central Bank determines which services are complementary to those provided by financial institutions. To date has been determined that such services mainly include those offered in connection with stock brokerage, the issuance of credit, debit or similar cards, financial intermediation in leasing and factoring transactions.

 

Non-banking financial institutions are not allowed to provide certain services and activities, such as opening checking accounts, among other activities.

 

Capitalization of Debt Instruments

Communication “A” 6304 (as amended) of the Argentine Central Bank provides that all regulations related to capital increases must be cash contributions. However, the regulation establishes that subject to the prior authorization of the Superintendency, the following instruments are allowed as capital contributions: (i) securities issued by the Argentine government, (ii) debt instruments issued by the Argentine Central Bank, and (iii) a financial institution’s deposits and other liabilities resulting from its financial brokerage activities, including subordinated obligations. With respect to instruments (i) and (ii), the contributions must be recorded at their market value. It is understood that an instrument has a market value when it is regularly listed on regulated local or foreign stock markets and traded on such markets in such amounts that the liquidation of such instruments does not significantly affect the listing price of such instruments. With respect to clause (iii) above, contributions must be recorded at their market value, as defined in the previous sentence or, in the case of financial institutions that publicly offer their stock, at the price determined by the applicable regulatory authority. If the aforementioned conditions are not met, the instruments in question will not be contributable as capital.

 

Deposits and other liabilities resulting from a given financial institution’s financial brokerage activities, including subordinated obligations that are not permitted to be traded in local or foreign regulated secondary markets, will be allowed to be contributed as capital at their accounting value, pursuant to Argentine Central Bank rules.

 

Lending Limits

 

According to the “large exposures to credit risk” and “minimum capital for financial institutions” rules, the total amount of all credit risk exposure values of a financial entity to a single counterparty or, where appropriate, a group of related counterparties, may not exceed at any time the limits established for level capital one (Tier 1) by the Argentine Central Bank.

 

In accordance with the Argentine Central Bank’s regulations, the exposure limit to a counterpart or connected counterpart group of the non-financial private sector will be 15% of the Bank's level one capital. However, this limit may be increased by 10% for exposures that are secured with preferred guarantees.

 

The total amount of financial assistance a bank is authorized to provide to a borrower and its affiliates is also limited based on the borrower’s shareholders’ equity. The total amount of financial assistance granted to a borrower and its affiliates shall not be higher than, in the aggregate, 100% of such borrower’s shareholders’ equity, although such limit may be increased an additional 200% of the borrower’s shareholders’ equity if the sum does not exceed 2.5% of the bank’s adjusted shareholders’ equity.

 

Global exposure to the public sector (national, provincial and municipal public sector) shall not be higher than 75% of an institution’s adjusted shareholders’ equity. Additionally, Section 12 of Communication “A” 3911, as amended, establishes that the average monthly financial assistance to non-financial public sector, in the aggregate, shall not be higher than 35% of the bank’s total assets as of the end of the previous month.

The Argentine Central Bank also regulates the level of “total financial exposure” a bank has to related parties. A party may be a “related party” by: a) control, when a human or legal person directly or indirectly exercises control over the bank or is controlled directly or indirectly by the bank; or b) personal relationship, regarding individuals (including their families and any other entity which they control) who serve as directors, trustees, general managers, or managers with credit attributions.

 

The Argentine Central Bank limits the level of total financial exposure that a bank can have outstanding to related parties, depending on the rating granted to each bank by the Superintendency. Banks rated 4 or 5 are forbidden to extend financial assistance to related parties. For banks ranked between 1 and 3, the financial assistance offered to related parties based on a relationship of control and without a guarantee, may not exceed 5% of the bank's level one capital. The bank may increase this limit to 10% if the financial assistance is secured.

 

Financial assistance to related parties based on a "personal relationship" have a 5% limit of Level 1 capital of the entity providing the financing (the limit is unique for all cases and includes operations with and without guarantees).

 

However, a bank may grant additional financial assistance to such related parties up to the following limits:

 

a)                    Individual maximum limits for customers over which a bank has control:

  • Domestic financial entities:

       Financial institutions rated 1, 2 or 3, subject to consolidation with the lender and its controller or the borrower:

  • If the affiliate is a financial institution rated 1, the amount of total financial exposure can reach 100% of a bank’s TIER 1, and 50% for additional financial assistance

 

 

  • If the receiving affiliate financial institution is rated 2, the amount of total financial exposure can reach 20% and an additional 105% can be included
  • If the affiliate is a financial institution rated 3, the amount of total financial exposure can reach 10%, and additional financial assistance can reach 40%

       Financial institutions that do not meet the above conditions with the lender or the borrower: 10%

  • Domestic companies with complementary services:

       Domestic companies with complementary services associated with brokerage activities, financial brokerage in leasing and factoring operations, and temporary acquisition of shares in companies to facilitate their development in order to sell such shares afterwards

  • Controlling company rated 1: General assistance 100%
  • Controlling company rated 2: General assistance 10% / Additional assistance 90%

       Domestic companies with complementary services related to the issuance of credit cards, debit cards or other cards:

  • Controlling company rated 1: General assistance 100% / Additional assistance 50%
  • Controlling company rated 2: General assistance 20% / Additional assistance 105%
  • Controlling company rated 3: General assistance 10% / Additional assistance 40%

       Domestic companies with complementary services, not subject to consolidation with the lender or the borrower: 10%

  • Foreign financial entities:

       Investment grade 10%

       No Investment grade: Unsecured 5%; with and without warrants10%

  • Other counterparties related by control

       Unsecured 5%; with and without warrants10%

b)       Individual maximum limits for customers over which there is a personal relationship

  • Lender is ranked from 1 to 3: 5% of its TIER 1

 

In addition, the aggregate amount of a bank’s total financial exposure to its related parties, except for the ones subject to individual maximum limits higher than 10% (complementary services companies), may not exceed 20% of such bank’s TIER 1.

 

Notwithstanding the limitations described above, the sum of computable exposure is also limited in order to prevent risk concentration. To that end, the total exposure independently of whether customers qualify as such bank’s related parties or not, in the case in which such exposure exceeds 10% of such bank’s TIER 1, may not exceed three times the bank’s TIER 1 excluding total financial exposure to domestic financial institutions, or five times the bank’s TIER 1, including such exposure.

 

For a second-grade financial institution (i.e., a financial institution that provides financial products to other banks and not to retail customers), the latter limit is ten times such financial institution’s TIER 1.

 

Banco Galicia has historically complied with such rules.

 

 

Loan Classification System and Loan Loss Provisions

 

General

 

Banco Galicia is required to comply with the Argentine Central Bank regulations. In 1994, the Argentine Central Bank introduced the current loan classification system and the corresponding minimum loan-loss provision requirements applicable to loans and other types of credit (together, referred to as “loans”) to private sector borrowers.

 

The current loan classification system applies certain criteria to classify loans in a bank’s “consumer” portfolio, and another set of criteria to classify loans in its “commercial” portfolio. The classification system is independent of the currency in which the loan is denominated.

 

The loan classification criteria applied to loans in the consumer portfolio is based on objective guidelines related to the borrower’s credit score, legal status, and other information provided by credit rating agencies. However, if a borrower has defaulted in the past or is non-current on obligations, a lower rating is assigned by the Bank. In the event of any discrepancy, the guidelines indicating the higher risk level should be considered.

 

For the purposes of the Argentine Central Bank’s regulations, consumer loans are defined as mortgage loans, pledge loans, credit card loans and other types of loans in installments granted to individuals. All other loans are considered commercial loans. In addition, in accordance with an option set forth in these regulations, Banco Galicia prospectively applies the consumer portfolio classification criteria to commercial loans of up to Ps.2.5 million. This classification is based on the level of fulfillment and the situation thereof.

 

The main classification criterion for loans in the commercial portfolio is each borrower’s ability to pay, mainly in terms of such borrower’s future cash flows. If a customer has both commercial and consumer loans, all of these loans will be considered as a whole to determine eligibility for classification in the corresponding portfolio. Loans backed with preferred guarantees will be considered at 50% of their face value.

 

By applying the Argentine Central Bank’s classification to commercial loans, banks must assess the following factors: the current and projected financial situation of the borrower, the customer’s exposure to currency risk, the customer’s managerial and operating background, the borrower’s ability to provide accurate and timely financial information, as well as the overall risk of the sector in which the borrower operates and the borrower’s relative position within that sector.

 

The Argentine Central Bank’s regulations also establish that a team independent from the departments responsible for credit origination must carry out a periodic review of the commercial portfolio. Banco Galicia’s Credit Division, which is independent from the business units that generate transactions, is responsible for these reviews.

 

The review must be carried out on each borrower with debt pending payment equal to the lesser of the following amounts: Ps.12.5 million or 1% of the bank’s computable capital (the “RPC”) but, in any case, the review shall cover at least 20% of the total loan portfolio. The frequency of the review of each borrower depends on the bank’s exposure to that borrower. The Argentine Central Bank requires that the larger the exposure is, the more frequent the review should be. This review must be conducted every calendar quarter when credit exposure to that borrower is equal to or in excess of 5% of the bank’s RPC, or every six months when exposure equals or exceeds the lesser of the following amounts: Ps.12.5 million or 1% of the bank’s RPC. In all cases, at least 50% of Banco Galicia’s commercial portfolio must be reviewed once every six months; and all other borrowers in Banco Galicia’s commercial portfolio must be reviewed during the fiscal year, so that the entire commercial portfolio is reviewed every fiscal year.

 

In addition, only one level of discrepancy is permitted between the classification assigned by a bank and the lowest classification assigned by at least two other banks whose combined credit to the borrower represents 40%

 

 

or more of the total credit of the borrower, considering all banks. If Banco Galicia’s classification was different by more than one level from the lowest classification granted, Banco Galicia must immediately downgrade its classification of the debtor to the same classification level, or else within one classification level.

Loan Classification

 

The following tables contain the six loan classification categories corresponding to the different risk levels set forth by the Argentine Central Bank. Banco Galicia’s total exposure to a private sector customer must be classified according to the riskier classification corresponding to any part of such exposure.

 

Commercial Portfolio

 

Loan Classification

 

Description

 

 

 

A.  Normal Situation

 

The debtor is widely able to meet its financial obligations, demonstrating significant cash flows, a liquid financial situation, an adequate financial structure, a timely payment record, competent management, available information in a timely, accurate manner and satisfactory internal controls.
The debtor belongs to a sector of economic activity that records an acceptable future trend with good prospects and the debtor is competitive within such economic activity.

 

 

 

B.  With Special Follow-up

 

Cash flow analysis reflects that the debt may be repaid even though it is possible that the customer’s future payment ability may deteriorate without a proper follow-up.

 

 

This category is divided into two subcategories:

 

 

B1. Under Observation;

 

 

B2. Under Negotiation or Refinancing Agreements.

 

 

 

C.  With Problems

 

Cash flow analysis evidences problems to repay the debt, and therefore, if these problems are not solved, there may be some losses. It also includes customers that maintain payment agreements resulting from judicial or extrajudicial agreements approved by the relevant insolvency court.

 

 

 

D.  High Risk of Insolvency

 

Cash flow analysis evidences that repayment of the full debt is highly unlikely. It also includes customers who have been sued by the creditor financial institution for the payment of amounts due or that have requested the preventive tender or concluded and extrajudicial preventive agreement not yet approved by the relevant insolvency court.

 

 

 

E.  Uncollectible

 

The amounts in this category are deemed total losses. Even though these assets may be recovered under certain future circumstances, inability to make payments is evident at the date of the analysis. It includes loans to insolvent or bankrupt borrowers.

 

 

 

F.  Uncollectible due to Technical Reasons

 

Loans to borrowers indicated by the Argentine Central Bank to be in non-accrual status with financial institutions that have been liquidated or are being liquidated, or whose authorization to operate has been revoked. It also includes loans to foreign banks and other institutions that are not:

 

 

(i)        classified as “normal”;

 

 

(ii)       subject to the supervision of the Argentine Central Bank or other similar authority of the country of origin;

 

 

(iii)      classified as “investment grade” by any of the rating agencies admitted pursuant to Communication “A” 2729 of the Argentine Central Bank.

 

 

Consumer Portfolio

 

Loan Classification

 

Description

 

 

 

A.  Normal Situation

 

Loans with timely repayment or arrears not exceeding 31 days, both of principal and interest.

A customer classified in “Normal” situation that has been refinanced more than twice in the last twelve months in this category, must be re-classified in “Low-Risk”.

 

 

 

B.  Low Risk

 

Occasional late payments, with a payment in arrears of more than 32 days and up to 90 days. A customer classified as “Low Risk” having been refinanced may be recategorized to “Normal”, as long as he amortizes one principal installment (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 5% of principal.

 

 

 

C.  Medium Risk

 

Some inability to make payments, with arrears of more than 91 days and up to 180 days. A customer classified as “Medium Risk” having been refinanced may be recategorized to “Low Risk” within this category, as long as he amortizes two principal installments (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 5% of principal.

 

 

 

D.  High Risk

 

Judicial proceedings demanding payment have been initiated or arrears of more than 180 days and up to one year. A customer classified as “High Risk” having been refinanced may be recategorized to “Medium Risk” within this category, as long as he amortizes three principal installments (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 10% of principal.

 

 

 

E.  Uncollectible

 

Loans to insolvent or bankrupt borrowers, or subject to judicial proceedings, with little or no possibility of collection, or with arrears in excess of one year. A customer classified as “Uncollectible” having been refinanced in this category, may be recategorized to “High Risk”, as long as he amortizes three principal installments (whether monthly or bimonthly) or repays 15% of the principal.

 

 

 

F.  Uncollectible due to Technical Reasons

 

Loans to borrowers who fall within the conditions described above under “Commercial Portfolio-Uncollectible due to Technical Reasons”.

 

Limitation on Fees and Other Substantial Elements

The Argentine Central Bank has issued regulations limiting amounts that entities can charge as credit card fees, as well as fees that can be charged for financial services rendered by financial entities, credit card issuers (and other similar entities). Such regulations provide that such fees must be duly justified from a technical and economic point of view and must be in relation to the total financial costs incurred by any such financial institution. Further, such Laws provide that applicable interest rates must be set forth.

In addition, such regulations provide that in order to modify fees and other conditions established in agreements executed by and between financial entities and consumers, the following requirements must be met (i) reasons for fees increases must be established in the agreements and must be duly justified; (ii) modifications cannot change the core or fundamental provisions of the agreement; (iii) the consumer must be duly informed of any such changes; and (iv) for the imposition of new fees, the consumer’s consent must be obtained.

On March 26, 2020, in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Argentine Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6945 which suspended the ability of banks to charge fees for the use of automatic teller machines (“ATMs”) until June 30, 2020. Also, as part of the protective measures taken, the Argentine Central Bank has imposed an injunction on the payment of loans granted to the private sector, as per Communications “A” 6949 and “A” 6964, among other regulations. The Argentine Central Bank has also mandated that (i) any payments due between April and June 2020 for loans previously granted by financial entities are deferred until the month following the loan’s maturity date; and (ii) credit card debts due between March 20 and April 30 of 2020 and not paid by the credit card issuer will be automatically refinanced at least for a one-year term, pursuant to the following terms and conditions: (a) a 3-month grace period must be given to the debtor; (ii) the amount owed must be repaid in 9 equal and consecutive installments, and (iii) the maximum annual interest rate the creditor may charge is of 43%.

 

 

Foreign Currency General Position

Pursuant to Communication “A” 6844, as amended, financial entities may determine their own Foreign Currency General Position, with certain limitations: (i) Overall net negative FX position - this position may not exceed 30 % of the computable assets of the prior corresponding month and (ii) Overall net positive FX position - this daily position may not exceed 5 % of the computable assets of the prior corresponding month, and it can be increased to 30% if certain requirements are met.

 

Deposit Insurance System

In 1995, Law No.24,485 and Decree No.540/95, as amended, created a mandatory deposit insurance system for bank deposits and delegated to the Argentine Central Bank the organization and start-up of the deposit insurance system. The deposit insurance system was implemented through the creation of a fund named Fondo de Garantía de los Depósitos (“FGD”), which is administered by Seguros de Depósitos S.A. (“Sedesa”). The shareholders of Sedesa are the Argentine government, through the Argentine Central Bank, which holds at least one share, and a trust constituted by the financial institutions which participate in the fund.

The Argentine Central Bank establishes the extent of participation by each institution in proportion to the resources contributed by each such institution to the FGD. Banks must contribute to the FGD on a monthly basis in an amount that is currently equal to 0.015% of the monthly average of daily balances of such institution’s deposits (both Peso- and foreign currency-denominated).

In addition, when the contributions to the FGD reach the greater of Ps.2 billion or 5.0% of total deposits, the Central Bank may suspend or reduce the monthly contributions and reinstate the same when contributions fall below such required level.

The deposit insurance system covers all Peso and foreign currency deposits held in demand deposit accounts, savings accounts and time deposits for an amount up to Ps.1,000,000 per person, account and deposit. Certain deposits are not covered by the guarantee of the deposit insurance system, such as deposits received at rates higher than the reference rate in accordance with the limits established by the Argentine Central Bank, deposits acquired by endorsement, and those made by persons related to the financial institution (as defined by Argentine Central Bank regulations).

The guarantee provided by the deposit insurance system must be made effective within 30 days from the revocation of the license of a financial institution, subject to the outcome of the exercise by depositors of their priority rights described under “—Priority Rights of Depositors” below. The Argentine Central Bank may modify, at any time, and with general scope, the amount of the mandatory deposit guarantee insurance.

Decree No.1292/96 enhanced Sedesa’s functions by allowing it to provide equity capital or make loans to Argentine financial institutions experiencing difficulties and to institutions that buy such financial institutions or their deposits. As a result of such decree, Sedesa has the flexibility to intervene in the restructuring of a financial institution experiencing difficulties prior to bankruptcy.

Debt securities issued by banks are not covered by the deposit insurance system.

 

Priority Rights of Depositors

According to section 49(e) of the FIL, in the event of a judicial liquidation or the bankruptcy of a financial entity, the holders of deposits in Pesos and foreign currency benefit from a general priority right to obtain repayment of their deposits up to the amount set forth below, with priority over all other creditors, with the exception of the following: (i) deposits secured by a mortgage or pledge, (ii) rediscounts and overdrafts provided to financial entities by the Argentine Central Bank, according to section 17 subsections (b), (c) and (f) of the Argentine Central Bank Charter, (iii) credits provided by the Banking Liquidity Fund, which was created by Decree No.32, dated December

 

26, 2001, secured by a mortgage and pledge and (iv) certain labor credits, including accrued interest until the date of their total repayment.

The holders of the following deposits are entitled to the general preferential right established by the FIL (following this order of preference):

  • deposits of individuals or entities up to Ps.50,000, or the equivalent thereof in foreign currency, with only one person per deposit being able to use this preference. For the determination of this preference, all deposits of the same person registered by the entity are computed;
  • deposits in excess of Ps.50,000, or the equivalent thereof in foreign currency, referred to above;
  • liabilities originated on commercial credit lines provided to the financial entity, which are directly related to international trade.

According to the FIL, the preferences set forth in previous paragraphs (i) and (ii) above are not applicable to deposits held by persons who are affiliates of the financial entity, either directly or indirectly as determined by the Argentine Central Bank.

In addition, pursuant to Section 53 of the FIL, the Argentine Central Bank has an absolute priority over all other creditors of the entity, except as provided by the FIL.

 

Deposit and Loans in Housing Units

In order to facilitate access to mortgage loans, through Communication “A” 5945, dated as of April 8, 2016, and complementary regulations, the Argentine Central Bank established a new type of loan denominated in Acquisition Value Units (Unidad de Valor Adquisitivo or “UVAs”). The value of such units will be updated using the Reference Stabilization Coefficient. The initial value of the UVA was Ps.47.16, representing the cost of construction of one thousandth square meter of housing as of December 31, 2019.

 

Financing Loans for Economic Development

 

The Argentine Central Bank enacted Communication “A” 6901 and Communication “A” 6916, by means of which it implemented several policies to promote economic development and productivity in Argentina. As from March 1, 2020, the required minimum cash to be held by financial institutions was reduced in an amount equivalent to 30% of the sum of outstanding financing granted in local currency to small and medium companies, provided such financing is granted at a maximum annual interest rate of (i) 40% until February 16, 2020, and (ii) 35% February 17, 2020 onwards. Also through Communication “A” 6916, the Argentine Central Bank reduced the required minimum cash to be held by financial institutions on an amount equivalent to 35 % (capped on a 46% of the computable assets of the previous month) of the sum of credit card financings granted in local currency under the program “Ahora 12”. The Ahora 12 program allows credit cards users to financing their purchases in 12 monthly installments at no interest.

 

On another note, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Argentine Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6937, effective as of March 20th, 2020, which set forth the following:

 

(i)               The holding of liquidity bonds issued by the Argentine Central Bank (“LELIQs” for its Spanish acronym) by financial institutions that exceed the holdings allowed for the integration of the minimum cash requirement in pesos, may not exceed: (a) a sum equal to 90% of the exceeding holdings registered up to April 30, 2020; and (b) the following as of May 20:

 

 

Percentage of permitted “potential” finance to small and medium companies

Permitted excess holding (as a percentage of those registered as of (03/19/2020)

100%

90%

< from 100 % up to 75 %

85%

< from 75 % up to 50 %

80%

< from 50% up to 25 %

75%

< from 25 %

70%

 

 

(ii)          Moreover, the Argentine Central Bank reduced the required minimum cash to be held by financial institutions to grant financing to small and medium companies on a 40% (capped on a 4% of the computable assets of the previous month), provided that such financing has a maximum interest rate of 24% and at least 50% of such financing is used for working capital expenses.

 

Financial Institutions with Economic Difficulties

The FIL establishes that financial institutions, including commercial banks such as Banco Galicia, which evidence a deficiency in their cash reserves, have not complied with certain required technical standards, including minimum capital requirements, or whose solvency or liquidity is deemed to be impaired by the Argentine Central Bank, must submit a restructuring plan to the Argentine Central Bank. Such restructuring plan must be presented to the Argentine Central Bank on the date specified by the Argentine Central Bank, which should not be later than 30 calendar days from the date on which the request is made by the Argentine Central Bank. In order to facilitate the implementation of a restructuring plan, the Argentine Central Bank is authorized to provide a temporary exemption from compliance with technical regulations and/or the payment of charges and fines that arise from such non-compliance.

The Argentine Central Bank may also, in relation to a restructuring plan presented by a financial institution, require such financial institution to provide guarantees or limit the distribution of profits, and appoint a supervisor, to oversee such financial institutions’ management, with the power to veto decisions taken by the financial institution’s corporate authorities.

In addition, the Argentine Central Bank’s charter authorizes the Superintendency, subject only to the prior approval of the president of the Argentine Central Bank, to suspend for up to 30 days, in whole or in part, the operations of a financial institution if its liquidity or solvency have been adversely affected. Notice of this decision must be given to the board of directors of the Argentine Central Bank. If at the end of such suspension period the Superintendency considers renewal necessary, such renewal can only be authorized by the board of directors of the Argentine Central Bank for an additional period not to exceed 90 days. During the suspension period: (i) there is an automatic stay of claims, enforcement actions and precautionary measures; (ii) any commitment increasing the financial institution’s liabilities is void; and (iii) acceleration of indebtedness and interest accrual is suspended.

If, in the judgment of the Argentine Central Bank, a financial institution is in a situation which, under the FIL, would authorize the Argentine Central Bank to revoke the financial institution’s license to operate as such, the Argentine Central Bank may, prior to considering such revocation, order a variety of measures, including (i) taking steps to reduce, increase or sell the financial institution’s capital; (ii) revoking the approval granted to the shareholders of the financial institution to own an interest therein, giving a term for the transfer of such shares; (iii) excluding and transferring assets and liabilities; (iv) constituting trusts with part or all the financial institution’s assets; (v) granting of temporary exemptions to comply with technical regulations and/or pay charges and fines arising from such defective compliance; or (vi) appointing a bankruptcy trustee and removing statutory authorities.

 

 

Furthermore, any actions authorized, commissioned or decided by the Argentine Central Bank under Section 35 of the FIL involving the transfer of assets and liabilities, or complementing such transfers, or that are necessary to execute the restructuring of a financial institution, as well as those related to the reduction, increase or sale of equity, are not subject to any court authorization and cannot be deemed inefficient in respect of the creditors of the financial institution which was the owner of the excluded assets, even though its insolvency preceded any such actions.

 

Dissolution and Liquidation of Financial Institutions

The Argentine Central Bank must be notified of any decision to dissolve a financial institution pursuant to the FIL. The Argentine Central Bank, in turn, must then notify a court of competent jurisdiction, which will determine who will liquidate the entity: the corporate authorities (extrajudicial liquidation) or an appointed independent liquidator (judicial liquidation). This determination is based on whether or not sufficient assurances exist regarding the ability of such corporate authorities to carry out the liquidation properly.

Pursuant to the FIL, the Argentine Central Bank no longer acts as liquidator of financial institutions. However, when a restructuring plan has failed or is not considered viable, local and regulatory violations exist, or substantial changes have occurred in the financial institution’s condition since the original authorization was granted, the Argentine Central Bank may decide to revoke the license of the financial institution to operate as such. In this case, the law allows judicial or extrajudicial liquidation as in the case of voluntary liquidation described in the preceding paragraph.

 

The bankruptcy of a financial institution cannot be adjudicated until the license is revoked by the Argentine Central Bank. No creditor, with the exception of the Argentine Central Bank, may request the bankruptcy of the former financial institution before 60 calendar days have elapsed since the revocation of its license.

 

Credit Cards Regulation

The Credit Cards Law establishes the general framework for credit card activities. Among other regulations, this law:

  • sets a 2.15% cap on the rate a credit card company can charge merchants for processing customer card holders’ transactions with such merchants, calculated as a percentage of the customers’ purchases. With respect to debit cards, the cap is set at 1.0% and the amounts relating to the customers’ purchases should be processed in a maximum of three business days;
  • establishes that credit card companies must provide the Argentine Central Bank with the information on their loan portfolio that such entity requires; and
  • sets a cap on the interest rate a credit card company can charge a card holder, which cannot exceed the average interest rate charged by the issuer on personal loans by more than 25%; for non-bank issuers, such amount cannot exceed the financial system’s average interest rate on personal loans (published by the Argentine Central Bank) by more than 25%.

 

The Argentine Central Bank has issued regulations to enforce public disclosure of companies’ pricing (fees and interest rates) to ensure consumer awareness of such pricing. In addition, during 2014 the Argentine Central Bank issued a series of regulations in order to establish caps on interest rates on personal loans, pledge loans and credit card loans, as well as to establish a requirement for an authorization to increase fees. Through its Communication “A” 5853, dated December 17, 2015, the Argentine Central Bank rescinded regulations related to limits on interest rates in respect of lending transactions.

 

Concealment and Laundering of Assets of a Criminal Origin

 

Law No.25,246 (as amended in July 2011 by Law No.26,683) incorporates money laundering as a crime under the Argentine Criminal Code. Additionally, with the goal of preventing money laundering, the UIF was

 

 

created under the jurisdiction of the Argentine Ministry of Justice, Security and Human Rights. As a result of such modification, money laundering is now classified as a separate offense.

 

In addition to the above, Law No.26,683 punishes “self-laundering”, which punishes money laundering tied to a crime the individual in question committed his or herself. It also includes certain tax offenses described in Article 303 of the Argentine Penal Code as punishable laundering behavior. The new standard falls under Article 303 of the Argentine Penal Code in the chapter titled “Crimes against economic and financial order”.

 

The minimum and maximum of the criminal scale will be doubled when (i) the foregoing acts were crimes that are particularly serious, meaning those crimes with a punishment that is greater than three years of imprisonment; (ii) the perpetrator committed the crime for profit; and (iii) the perpetrator regularly performs concealment activities.

 

The criminal scale can only be increased once, even when more than one of the above-mentioned acts occurs. In such case, the court may take into consideration the multiple acts when determining the original punishment.

 

The “Committee for the Control and Prevention of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorist Activities” was formed in 2005 and is responsible for establishing and maintaining the general guidelines related to the Bank’s strategy to control and prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism. For more information, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Functions of the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia”.

 

Banco Galicia has also appointed two directors to fulfill the roles of Compliance Officer and Substitute Compliance Officer. In addition, a specialized management unit was created in this area that is responsible for the execution of the policies approved by the committee and for the monitoring of the control systems and procedures to ensure that they are adequate.

 

Law No.26,734 enacted on December 22, 2011, incorporated terrorism financing and the financing of terrorism as an aggravating circumstance to all criminal conduct in the Argentine Criminal Code.

 

Such law punishes any individual who directly or indirectly collects or provides goods or money with the intention of being used, or knowing that they will be used, in whole or in part (i) to finance a crime with the purpose established in Section 41.5; (ii) for an organization who commits or attempts to commit crimes with the purpose established in Section 41.5; and (iii) for a person who commits or attempts to commit or participates in any way in committing crimes with the purpose established in Section 41.5.

 

The new legislation also punishes terrorism as an aggravating factor in other punishable crimes when any such offense was committed in order to terrorize the population.

 

The Bank has implemented measures to combat the use of the international financial system by criminal organizations. The Bank has policies, procedures and control structures in place to monitor operations based on client profiles and risk assessments based on the information and documentation related to the economic, patrimonial and financial situation of each client to detect clients that could be considered unusual, and eventual reporting to the UIF as appropriate. The Asset Laundering Prevention Management program is charged with the implementation of such control and prevention procedures, as well as communication of such procedures and measures within the Bank, drafting of compliance manuals and employee training. Such management program is also periodically reviewed by senior management.

 

The Bank has appointed a Director as Compliance Officer, in accordance with Resolution 30/2017 of the UIF, who is responsible for ensuring the observance and implementation of procedures and obligations in the matter. The Compliance Officer contributes to the prevention and mitigation of the risks of criminal transactions and is involved in the establishment of internal policies and measures to monitor and prevent the same.

 

 

The following table illustrates our organizational structure as of December 31, 2019. Percentages indicate the ownership interests held by each entity.

Graphics

 

 

 

The following are our main property assets, as of December 31, 2019:

 

Property

 

Address

 

Square meters (approx.)

 

 

Main uses

Grupo Financiero Galicia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rented

 

Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, 25th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

89

 

 

Administrative activities

Banco Galicia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 407, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

 

18.815

 

 

Administrative activities

 

 

Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 430, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

 

41.547

 

 

Administrative activities

 

 

Corrientes 6287, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

 

34.000

 

 

Administrative activities

Tarjeta Naranja

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

Sucre 152, 154 and 541, Córdoba, Argentina

 

 

6.300

 

 

Administrative activities

 

 

La Tablada 451, Humberto Primo 450 y 454, Córdoba, Argentina

 

 

14.080

 

 

Administrative activities

 

 

Jujuy 542, Córdoba, Argentina

 

853

 

 

Administrative activities

 

 

Ruta Nacional 36, km. 8, Córdoba, Argentina

 

 

7.715

 

 

Storage

 

 

Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

 

309

 

 

Administrative and commercial activities

 

 

San Jerónimo 2348 and 2350, Santa Fe, Argentina

 

 

1.475

 

 

Administrative and commercial activities

Rented

 

Sucre 145/151, La Rioja 359, 364 and 375, Córdoba, Argentina

 

 

3.564

 

 

Administrative activities

 

 

Av. Corrientes 3135, CABA, Argentina

 

 

1.271

 

 

Administrative activities

Galicia Warrants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

Tte. Gral. Juan D. Perón 456, 6th floor, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

118

 

 

Administrative activities

 

 

Alsina 3396/3510, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina

 

 

12.800

 

 

Storage

Rented

 

Alto Verde, Chicligasta, Tucumán, Argentina

 

 

2.000

 

 

Storage

 

 

Ruta Nº 301- Acceso Famaillá, Tucumán, Argentina

 

 

3.150

 

 

Storage

Galicia Seguros

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owned

 

Maipú 241, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

 

215.628

 

 

Administrative activities

 

As of December 31, 2019, our distribution network consisted of:

 

  • Banco Galicia: 326 branches, located throughout Argentina’s 23 provinces, 149 of which were owned and 177 of which were leased by Banco Galicia.
  • Tarjeta Naranja: 182 branches and 20 points of sale, located in 21 of the 23 Argentine provinces, 184 of which were leased by Tarjeta Naranja.

 

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

A. Operating Results

 

The following discussion and analysis are intended to help you understand and assess the significant changes and trends in our historical results of operations and the factors affecting our resources. You should read this section in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and their related notes included elsewhere in this annual report.

 

Overview

 

In recent years, we have strengthened our position as a leading domestic private-sector financial institution, increasing our market share of loans and deposits and strengthening Banco Galicia’s regulatory capital reserves through the issuance of subordinated bonds and follow-on equity offerings, the sale of CFA and internal profit origination.

Despite the deterioration of the Argentine economy, reduction in Argentine GDP, high levels of inflation and the devaluation of the Peso, in 2019 we were able to maintain our asset quality and adequately cover credit risks and maintain liquidity and profitability metrics at reasonable levels.

With the development of the COVID-19 outbreak, which was alerted by the Chinese government in December 2019, many countries have suspended the business operations of many sectors of their economies, implemented travel restrictions and quarantine measures. Argentina has not been an exemption to this rule. The current administration has closed the borders of the country until further notice and has imposed a lock down form March 20, 2020 to May 10, 2020 (which could be extended if the government considers it necessary), allowing only the continuity of businesses considered essential for the local economy.

On March 26, 2020, in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Argentine Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6945 which suspended the ability of banks to charge fees for the use of automatic teller machines (“ATMs”) until June 30, 2020. The Argentine Central Bank has also mandated credit card debts due between March 20 and April 30 of 2020 and not paid by the credit card issuer will be automatically refinanced at least for a one-year term and relaxed the delinquency days and default terms for the benefit of the borrowers. In addition, with the aim of increasing the financial resources available in the economy, the Argentine Central Bank has suspended banks’ ability to distribute dividends until June 30, 2020.

Our business and prospects are subject to risks associated with and arising from the outbreak of COVID-19, and the uncertainty of the impacts, duration and severity of the outbreak. This global pandemic creates substantial uncertainty as to the Bank’s ability to achieve its financial projects and how it may affect its business operations.

On another note but connected to the impact COVID-19 may have on how we operate our business, we have conducted a business impact analysis as part of our Business Continuity Program. The results of this analysis show that critical business functions will remain operative upon the occurrence of a disruptive event. In cases of mass absenteeism events, the analysis conducted identified the minimum quantity of personnel and positions needed to remain operative, being the leader of the relevant sector responsible for assigning personnel to such critical positions. New employees will be hired and current employees will be relocated to guarantee that critical functions remain operative, if and where needed.

 

Considering the mentioned above, fiscal year 2020 is expected to be a challenging year as a result of the change in government, the uncertainty related to the evolution of the sovereign debt restructuring process, the impact of COVID-19 and macroeconomic imbalances in a volatile global economy, all of which could negatively impact the Argentine economy.

 

The Argentine Economy

 

In 2019, global stock indices managed to recover over the marked generalized drops at the end of the previous year. This was explained mainly by the deepening of expansive monetary policies by the major Central Banks of the world, as well as the solid economic indicators of the United States and China. With regard to monetary policies, particularly the Federal Reserve of the United States joined the trend of the major Central Banks as a consequence of the turbulence towards the end of 2018 and inflation indicators in the country that began to fall significantly below the Federal reserve’s target. After increasing the range of interest rates four times in 2018, the Federal Reserve of the United States reduced rates by 25 basis points (bp) on three consecutive occasions (July, September and October), to a range from 1.5% to 1.75%. Later, at the last meeting of the year, the Federal Reserve of the United States claimed that this monetary policy stance was appropriate and the members of its committee projected stability in the rate range until 2021. Meanwhile, in 2019 the US unemployment rate fell to its minimum level in over 50 years, and economic activity remained driven by domestic consumption, although mitigated by a slowdown in the growth of the industrial activity. In addition, on average during 2019, US companies in all industries continued to consistently deliver revenues that surpassed industry estimates. Still, since the global spread

 

 

of the COVID-19 in early 2020, the Federal Reserve held unscheduled meetings and decided to reduce its rates by a total of 150 bps to a range from 0.0% to 0.25%, while unemployment rate started to pick up and companies’ results of operations reflected the impact of a significantly lower global demand.

 

In contrast, global economic growth slowed down in general terms during 2019 highlighting the fall of the industrial activity in the Eurozone and a greater uncertainty in commercial terms. During 2019, trade conflicts between the United States, both with China and with the European Union, continued to escalate, while the resolution of the “Brexit” plan added uncertainty. Finally, towards the end of the year, China and the United States confirmed the approval of the first phase of a potential trade agreement to be signed in January 2020, including commitments of structural changes by China and lower fees by the counterparty. Likewise, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom obtained the support of members of Parliament in favor of a bill for existing the EU, which bill became effective as of January 31, 2020, and set December 31, 2020, as the end of the transition period.

 

In this context, the DXY dollar index, which reflects the strength of the US dollar in relation to a basket of currencies representative of US foreign trade, increased only by 0.2%, while the dollar appreciated by 1.4% as compared to the currencies of emerging countries. Meanwhile, in line with the reductions in the range of Federal Reserve of the United States reference rates, the 2- and 10-year treasury rates compressed 92 bp and 77 bp, respectively, and the spread between both rates reached negative levels by the end of August 2019.

 

On the other hand, shares reflected significant increases that mainly affected developed markets with a rise of 24.0% and, to a lesser extent, emerging markets, including a 15.4% increase in the respective indexes. The main stock indexes in the United States showed increases of 28.9% for the S&P500, 22.3% in the Dow Jones and 35.2% in the case of Nasdaq. Meanwhile, stock exchanges increased by 24.8% in Europe (EuroStoxx50), and the rise was of 19.8% in Japan (Nikkei).

 

Commodity prices increased after marked drops in 2018, including a 9.4% rise in the general index, accelerating towards the end of the year. The greater dynamism was explained in part by the optimism around the first phase of a potential trade agreement between China and the United States. Among others, a 25.6% rise in the price of oil was highlighted, after a 24% drop in the last quarter of 2018, driven by geopolitical conflicts that at times reduced supply and increased both uncertainty and risk of transportation, as well as a surprise drop in US inventories in December. Additionally, significant increases in precious metals generated greater uncertainty, including increases of 18.3% and 15.2% in the price of gold and silver, respectively. Meanwhile, wheat and soybeans rose 0.9% and 6.9%, respectively, reversing falls observed in the most part of the year, in contrast to a 4.7% drop in the price of corn.

 

At the domestic level, in 2019 Argentina continued to exhibit a poor economic performance, mainly associated with exchange rate volatility, which was in turn a consequence of the political uncertainty. The economy had shown a drop of 2.5% in 2018, and private estimates reflect for 2019 an economic contraction around 2.2% (official data reported by the INDEC until September 2019 accumulated a drop-in activity of 2.5%).

 

In terms of the Argentine labor market, the deterioration observed in the economic activity had an impact on employment dynamics. The unemployment rate for the third quarter of 2019 the last available data as of the date hereof - amounted to 9.7% of the economically active population, compared to 9.0% in the same quarter of 2018.

 

On the monetary level, the main aggregates grew below inflation, falling in real terms. The monetary base ended 2019 with an interannual expansion of 34.5%, 6.2 percentage points (p.p.) below year-on-year growth at the end of 2018. In particular, this monetary aggregate expanded by Ps.486,404 million, which is mainly explained by the accrual of interest for Ps.692,713 million and transfers to the National Treasury for a total of Ps.204,245 million (Ps.350,000 on cash advances and Ps.204,245 million from the remittance of 2018’s dividends). This issue was partially offset by the placement of 1-day repurchase transactions and Central Bank Liquidity Bills (LELIQ) for a total of Ps.451,967 million and FX sales to the private sector and the National Treasury (absorbing Ps.271,361 million). Private M2 (comprised of the currency held by the public, savings banks and checking accounts of the private sector) also grew below inflation, registering an expansion of 41.9% as of December 2019 with respect to the same period of 2018. Total M2 (also includes deposits from the public sector) ended 2019 with an interannual expansion of 29.4%.

 

 

With respect to the dynamics of domestic interest rates, they exhibited strong volatility throughout the year, accompanying the evolution of the monetary policy rate. Although between the beginning of January and the end of February there was a cut in the interest rate of the LELIQ, which went from 59.41% to 43.94%, then it was increased to deal with exchange rate pressures. In addition, after the primary elections, the reference rate showed a jump of 22 p.p, reaching levels of 85.99% in mid-September, then being cut gradually and closing the year at a level of 55.00%. The BADLAR rate accompanied the fluctuations of the reference rate, reaching 39.44% at the end of December.

 

The reference exchange rate of Argentine Central Bank went from Ps.37.81 to Ps.59.90 per dollar, between December 28, 2018 and December 30, 2019 (equivalent to an increase in the exchange rate of 58.4%). The average exchange rate went from Ps.37.89 in December 2018 to Ps.59.93 in December 2019.

 

The National Consumer Price Index published by the INDEC closed the year 2019 in 53.8% per year, 6.2 p.p. above the 2018 inflation (47.6% per year). This acceleration was largely due to the depreciation of the exchange rate, to which the corrections in the rates of public services were added during the first half of the year.             

 

On a fiscal level, during 2019 tax resources - including social security - grew 48.2%, compared to the interannual (i.a.) expansion of 25.6% in 2018. Meanwhile, the primary expenditures expanded 37.2%, above 22.4% of the accumulated rate by December of the previous year. Thus, the national private sector registered a primary deficit of Ps.95,122 million, equivalent to -0.4% of the GDP. This figure indicated an improvement compared to the 2018 primary deficit of Ps.338,987 million (-2.3 p.p. of the GDP). After the payment of interest for Ps.724,285 million, the financial deficit of 2019 amounted to Ps.819,407 million, equivalent to 3.8% of the GDP. However, there was an extraordinary revenue during 2019, coming from selling certain assets. If this revenue is not computed, the primary deficit was 0.96% of the GDP and the financial deficit amounted to 4.3%.

 

In relation to the external sector, in 2019 exchange balance’s current account published by the Argentine Central Bank (cash base) recorded a surplus of US$6,277 million, an improvement compared to the deficit registered in the same period of 2018, that had amounted to US$11,329 million. Measured in relation to the GDP, the current account surplus was about 1.4% in 2019, showing an improvement compared to the 2.1% red of the previous year.

 

The improvement observed in nominal terms was basically a consequence of higher net income from goods (US$23,444 in 2019 against US$8,323 million in 2018) and lower net expenses for services (US$5,482 in 2019 against US$9,460 million in 2018). In particular, income from collections of goods exports totaled in 2019 US$57,747 million, a 13.2% increase compared to the level observed in the previous year. For its part, the import payments of the exchange balance sheet goods amounted to US$34,303 million, registering an interannual contraction of 19.6%.

 

In this context, the principal and financial account of the exchange balance sheet recorded a net currency outflow of US$32,401 million in 2019, a figure that is compared to a net income of US$15,866 million in 2018. For its part, the International Reserves of the Argentine Central Bank amounted to US$44,781 million, US$21,025 million below to what was observed by the end of 2018.

 

The Argentine Financial System

 

Total loans provided to the private sector by the financial system climbed to Ps.2,460,218 million in December 2019, reflecting a 15.6% increase over the same month of 2018. Consumer loans, consisting of loans granted through credit cards and personal loans, presented the greatest growth, a 21.9% increase as compared to December 31, 2018, totaling Ps.985,658 million as of December 31, 2019. On the other hand, commercial loans, consisting of current account overdrafts and drafts/bills (signature and purchased/discounted loans), finally totaled Ps.980,919 million, registering an increase of 12.5% year-on-year (YoY). Mortgage loans, which were growing above the total a year ago, registered a 6.0% increase in 2019, totaling Ps.237,675 million by the end of the year.

 

Total deposits in the financial system climbed to Ps.4,777,159 million as of the end of December 2019, up by 18.6% as compared to December 31, 2018. Deposits from the non-financial private sector increased 25.3%

 

 

annually, climbing to Ps.3,935,726 million, while public sector deposits totaled Ps.757,545 million, down by 11.6% YoY. Within private sector deposits, transaction deposits ended at Ps 2,281,213 million, a 28.3% hike YoY, and term deposits ended at Ps.1,541,756 million, a 20.6% annual growth.

 

In December 2019, the average interest rate for 30-35-day term deposits in Argentine pesos from private banks (over Ps.1 million) was 41.8%, registering an interannual drop of 6.8 p.p. Regarding active rates, the one corresponding to advances in current account was 66.5% (-4.3 p.p. YoY).

 

With data as of December 2019, financial institutions increased liquidity levels (in relation to total deposits) compared to the same month of the previous year, a ratio that stood at 60.1%, +3.5 p.p. (considering repurchase transactions and instruments of the Argentine Central Bank).

 

In terms of solvency, the equity of the financial system showed an interannual increase of Ps.290,288 million, finally totaling Ps.900,925 million, which implies a 47.5% increase. The profitability of the system (accumulating 12 months as of December 2019 was equivalent to 5.2% of assets (+1.1 p.p. YoY), while the return on Shareholders’ Equity was 44.9% (+8.8 p.p. YoY).

 

The nonperforming portfolio of loans to the non-financial private sector amounted to 5.7% in December 2019, greater than the 2.6% of the previous year. Hedging with allowances for private sector nonperforming loans was 96%, 24 p.p. lower than the measurement reported in the same month of 2018.

 

As for the composition of the financial system, as of December 31, 2019, there were 78 financial institutions: 63 banks, of which 50 were private (34 of domestic capital and 16 foreigners) and 13 were public, and 15 non-banking financial institutions.

 

The concentration of the system, measured by the market share in private sector deposits of the top ten banks, reached 77.8% as of December 31, 2019, 1.0 p.p. less than the one registered in the same month of 2018 (78.8%).

 

With data as of December 2019, the latest information available, the financial system employed 106,043 people, which represented a 1.8% drop since December 31, 2018.

 

The Argentine Insurance Industry

 

According to the information published by the Superintencia de Seguros de la Nación, the insurance industry continued to grow throughout 2019. The total gross premiums in respect of property, life, and retirement insurance for such period was equal to Ps.534,630 million, an increase of 36% as compared to 2018.

 

During 2019, the automotive and workers’ compensation insurance sectors were affected by high inflation and an increase in the filing of claims for compensation. Although inflation is not decreasing as expected, financial income is expected to cover any increased costs as a result of the foregoing.

 

Home, life and personal accident insurance policies increased by 32% year-over-year. It is expected that this segment will continue to increase as the Argentine economy stabilizes. During this period, Galicia Seguros has maintained positive financial results. As of December 31, 2019, Sudamericana Holding, primarily through its main subsidiary Galicia Seguros reported a net income equal to Ps.623 million. This result includes Ps.5,588 million of insurance premiums and surcharges (related to both direct insurance and reinsurance).

 

Inflation

Historically, inflation in Argentina has played a significant role in influencing, often negatively, the economic conditions in Argentina and, in turn, the operations and financial results of companies operating in Argentina, such as Grupo Financiero Galicia.

 

In fiscal year 2015, due to changes in the authorities at the Institute of Statistics, the Wholesale Price Index and CPI series were discontinued beginning in October 2015. The Wholesale Price Index was republished beginning January 2016. A new CPI series was launched in May 2016, but did not contain historical information.

The chart below presents a comparison of inflation rates published by INDEC, measured by the Whole Price Index and the CPI, for the fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.

In addition, the chart below presents the evolution of the CER and UVA indexes, published by the Argentine Central Bank and used to adjust the principal of certain of our assets and liabilities for the specified periods.

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 




2019


2018



2017


(in percentages)

Price Indices (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WPI

 

58.49

 

 

73.50

 

 

18.80

 

CPI

 

53.83

 

 

47.65

 

 

24.80

 

Adjustment Indices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CER

 

 

18.70

 

 

 

12.34

 

 

 

8.38

 

UVA(2)

 

 

47.16

 

 

 

31.06

 

 

21.15

 

(1) Data for December of each year as compared to December of the immediately preceding year.

(2) Unidad de Valor Adquisitivo (Acquisition Value Unit).

 

In 2019, the CPI published by INDEC reflected a 53.83% increase, while the CER and UVA indexes went up 51.56% and 51.84% during the same period, respectively.

 

In the first month of 2019, the CPI published by INDEC reflected a 2.3% increase, while the CER and UVA indexes increased by 3.99% and 4.01% respectively, during the same period.

 

Currency Composition of Our Balance Sheet

 

The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency, in Pesos and adjustable by the CER/UVA, as of the dates indicated.

 

 

 


As of December 31,

 




2019


2018



2017


(In millions of Pesos)

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Pesos, Unadjusted

 

 

451,676

 

 

 

537,334

 

 

 

546,717

 

In Pesos, Adjusted by the CER/UVA

 

 

28,335

 

 

 

28,379

 

 

 

10,212

 

In Foreign Currency (1)

 

 

205,398

 

 

 

310,658

 

 

 

196,298

 

Total Assets

 

 

685,409

 

 

 

876,371

 

 

 

753,227

 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Pesos, Unadjusted, Including Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

478,061

 

 

 

561,453

 

 

 

555,541

 

In Pesos, Adjusted by the CER/UVA

 

 

1,950

 

 

 

4,260

 

 

 

1,388

 

In Foreign Currency (1)

 

 

205,398

 

 

 

310,658

 

 

 

196,298

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

685,409

 

 

 

876,371

 

 

 

753,227

 

(1) If adjusted to reflect forward sales and purchases of foreign exchange made by Grupo Financiero Galicia and recorded off-balance sheet, assets amounted to Ps.231,419 and liabilities Ps.231,396 million as of December 31, 2019.

 

Funding of Banco Galicia’s long position in CER/UVA-adjusted assets through Peso-denominated liabilities bearing a market interest rate (and no principal adjustment linked to inflation) exposes Banco Galicia to differential fluctuations in the inflation rate and in market interest rates, with a significant increase in market interest rates vis-à-vis the inflation rate (which is reflected in the CER/UVA variation), which has a negative impact on our gross brokerage margin.

 

 

Two other currencies have been defined apart from the Argentine Peso: assets and liabilities adjusted by CER/UVA and foreign currency. Banco Galicia’s policy in force establishes limits in terms of maximum “net asset positions” (assets denominated in a currency which are higher than the liabilities denominated in such currency) and “net liability positions” (assets denominated in a currency which are lower than the liabilities denominated in such currency) for mismatches in foreign currency, as a proportion of Banco Galicia’s RPC, on a consolidated basis.

 

An adequate balance between assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency characterizes the management strategy for this risk factor, seeking to achieve full coverage of long-term asset-liability mismatches and allowing a short-term mismatch management margin that contributes to the possibility of improving certain market situations. Short- and long-term goals are attained by appropriately managing assets and liabilities and by using the financial products available in our market, particularly “dollar futures” both in institutionalized markets (MAE and ROFEX) and in forward transactions performed with customers.

 

Transactions in foreign currency futures (specifically, dollar futures) are subject to limits that take into consideration the particular characteristics of each trading environment.

 

Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

 

We discuss below our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as compared with our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 as compared with our results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.



Consolidated Income Statement

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Change (%)

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

2018/2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except otherwise noted)

 

Consolidated Income Statement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income from Interest

 

 

34,830

 

 

51,324

 

 

45,956

 

 

 

(32

)

 

12

 

Interest Income

 

 

130,506

 

 

120,411

 

 

84,137

 

 

 

8

 

 

43

 

Interest Expenses

 

 

(95,676

)

 

(69,087

)

 

(38,181

)

 

 

38

 

 

81

 

Net Fee Income

 

 

28,083

 

 

32,875

 

 

32,563

 

 

 

(15

)

 

1

 

Fee Income

 

 

35,145

 

 

37,530

 

 

37,567

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

Fee Related Expenses

 

 

(7,062

)

 

(4,655

)

 

(5,004

)

 

 

52

 

 

(7

)

Net Income from Financial Instruments

 

 

72,830

 

 

26,694

 

 

13,016

 

 

 

173

 

 

105

 

Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

 

 

220

 

 

341

 

 

 

 

 

(35

)

 

 

Exchange Rate Differences on Gold and Foreign Currency

 

 

8,691

 

 

5,810

 

 

5,352

 

 

 

50

 

 

9

 

Other Operating Income

 

 

21,132

 

 

16,059

 

 

15,344

 

 

 

32

 

 

5

 

Income from Insurance Business

 

 

3,673

 

 

4,414

 

 

5,099

 

 

 

(17

)

 

(13

)

Loan and Other Receivables Loss Provisions

 

 

(22,203

)

 

(25,074

)

 

(11,220

)

 

 

(11

)

 

123

 

Net Operating Income

 

 

147,256

 

 

112,443

 

 

106,110

 

 

 

31

 

 

6

 

Personnel expenses

 

 

(24,449

)

 

(26,192

)

 

(26,288

)

 

 

(7

)

 

 

Administrative Expenses

 

 

(24,317

)

 

(24,735

)

 

(22,188

)

 

 

(2

)

 

11

 

Depreciations and Impairment of Assets

 

 

(5,064

)

 

(2,541

)

 

(2,214

)

 

 

99

 

 

15

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

 

(25,770

)

 

(25,996

)

 

(22,468

)

 

 

(1

)

 

16

 

Loss on Net Monetary Position

 

 

(30,798

)

 

(27,788

)

 

(10,496

)

 

 

11

 

 

165

 

Operating Income

 

 

36,858

 

 

5,191

 

 

22,456

 

 

 

610

 

 

(77

)

Share of Profit from Associates and Joint Ventures

 

 

 

 

 

 

494

 

 

 

 

 

(100

)

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

 

 

(13,038

)

 

(10,634

)

 

(11,259

)

 

 

23

 

 

(6

)

Net Income from Discontinuing Operations

 

 

 

 

(448

)

 

(495

)

 

 

100

 

 

9

 

Net Income (Loss) for the Year

 

 

23,819

 

 

(5,891

)

 

11,196

 

 

 

504

 

 

(153

)

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company´s Owner

 

 

23,708

 

 

(5,332

)

 

10,451

 

 

 

545

 

 

(151

)

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

 

 

111

 

 

(559

)

 

745

 

 

 

120

 

 

(175

)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

403

 

 

(135

)

 

(669

)

 

 

399

 

 

80

 

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

24,222

 

 

(6,026

)

 

10,527

 

 

 

502

 

 

(157

)

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Company´s Owners

 

 

24,111

 

 

(5,467

)

 

9,782

 

 

 

541

 

 

(156

)

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Loss Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

 

 

111

 

 

(559

)

 

745

 

 

 

120

 

 

(175

)

Ratios (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change (pbs)

 

Return on Assets

 

 

3.46

 

 

(0.61

)

 

1.39

 

 

 

407

 

 

(200

)

Return on Shareholders’ Equity 

 

 

20.81

 

 

(5.76

)

 

10.53

 

 

 

2,657

 

 

(1,629

)

v

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change (%)

 

Basic Earnings per Share (in Pesos)

 

 

16.62

 

 

(3.74

)

 

7.32

 

 

 

545

 

 

(151

)

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Net income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.23,819 million, as compared to net loss equal to Ps.5,891 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a Ps.29,710 million, or 504% increase. This result was mainly due to net income from: (i) banking activities (Banco Galicia) for Ps.22,283 million, (ii) Tarjetas Regionales for Ps.653 million and (iii) insurance services (Sudamerica Holding) for Ps.634 million.

 

Net earnings per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to a Ps.16.62 per share gain, as compared to a Ps.3.74 per share loss for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

The return on assets and the return on shareholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to a 3.46% gain and 20.81% gain, respectively, as compared to a 0.61% loss and 5.76% loss, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.



The increase in net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily attributable to a higher net operating income, from Ps.112,443 million to Ps.147,256 million (a 31% increase as compared to December 31, 2018), and was partially offset by (i) a Ps.3,010 million increase loss on net monetary position, increasing from Ps.27,788 million in 2018 to Ps.30,798 million in 2019, and (ii) a Ps.2,523 million increase in depreciation and impairment of assets, increasing from Ps.2,541 million in 2018 to Ps.5,064 million in 2019.

 

The increase in net operating income from the year ended December 31, 2019 was mainly attributable to (i) a Ps.46,136 million increase in net income from financial instruments, from Ps.26,694 million in 2018 to Ps.72,830 million in 2019, (ii) a Ps.10,095 million increase in interest income from Ps.120,411 million in 2018 to Ps.130,506 million in 2019, and (iii) a Ps.5,073 million increase in other operating income from Ps.16,059 million in 2018 to Ps.21,132 million in 2019.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Net loss for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.5,891 million, as compared to net income equal to Ps.11,196 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a Ps.17,087 million, or 153% decrease. This result was mainly due to net loss (i) from banking activities (Banco Galicia) for Ps.3,150 million, and (ii) from Tarjetas Regionales for Ps.3,291 million and was partially offset by net income from activities related to insurance services (Sudamerica Holding) for Ps.310 million.

 

Net loss per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to a Ps.3.74 per share, as compared to a Ps.7.32 per share gain for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

 

The return on assets and the return on shareholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to a 0.61% loss and 5.76 % loss, respectively, as compared to a 1.39% and 10.53%, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

 

This net loss was attributable to (i) a low growth of net operating income (6% increase compared to previous year) and (ii) a 165% increase in loss on net monetary position.

 

The result of a Ps.17,292 million increase in loss on net monetary position was attributable to higher inflation levels.

 

The Ps.6,333 million increase in net operating income was mainly attributable to (i) a Ps.36,274 million increase in interest income from Ps.84,137 million in 2017 to Ps.120,411 million in 2018, and (ii) a Ps.13,678 million increase in net income from financial instruments from Ps.13,016 million in 2017 to Ps.26,694 million in 2018. This increase was offset by (i) a Ps.30,906 million increase in interest expenses from Ps.38,181 million in 2017 to Ps.69,087 million in 2018, and (ii) a Ps.13,854 million increase in loan and other receivables loss provisions from Ps.11,220 million in 2017 to Ps.25,074 million in 2018.

 

Interest-Earning Assets

 

The following table shows our yields on interest-earning assets:



 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

Average Balance

 

 

Average Yield / Rate

 

 

Average

Balance

 

 

Average Yield / Rate

 

 

Average Balance

 

 

Average Yield / Rate

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except rates)

 

Interest-Earning Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government Securities

 

 

130,598

 

 

 

50.78

 

 

 

81,012

 

 

 

29.05

 

 

 

63,438

 

 

 

16.70

 

Loans

 

 

375,272

 

 

 

31.20

 

 

 

464,013

 

 

 

24.62

 

 

 

406,404

 

 

 

17.62

 

Other

 

 

24,567

 

 

 

76.35

 

 

 

25,292

 

 

 

20.41

 

 

 

27,230

 

 

 

18.14

 

Total Interest-Earning Assets

 

 

530,437

 

 

 

38.11

 

 

 

570,317

 

 

 

25.07

 

 

 

497,072

 

 

 

17.53

 

Spread and Net Yield

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Spread, Nominal Basis (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.69

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.32

 

Cost of Funds Supporting Interest-Earning Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.82

 

Net Yield on Interest-Earning Assets (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.93

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.71

 

(1) Reflects the difference between the average nominal interest rate on interest-earning assets and the average nominal interest rate on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rates include the CER/UVA adjustment.

(2) Net interest earned divided by average interest-earning assets. Interest rates include the CER/UVA adjustment.

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

The average of interest-earning assets decreased Ps.39,880 million, from Ps.570,317 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 to Ps.530,437 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, representing a 7% decrease. Of this decrease, Ps.88,741 million was due to a decrease in the average size of the loan portfolio. The average yield on interest-earning assets was 38.11% in 2019, as compared to 25.07% in 2018, a 1,304 bps increase, mainly attributable to an increase in the average interest rate earned on repurchase transactions and government securities.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

The average of interest-earning assets increased Ps.73,245 million, from Ps.497,072 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 to Ps.570,317 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 15% increase. Of this increase, Ps.57,609 million was due to an increase in the average size of the loan portfolio. The average yield on interest-earning assets was 25.07 % in 2018, as compared to 17.53% in 2017, a 754 bps, that was primarily attributable to an increase in the average interest rate earned on government securities and an increase in the average interest rate earned on outstanding loans.

 

Interest-Bearing Liabilities

 

The following table shows our yields on cost of funds:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

Average Balance

 

 

Average Yield / Rate

 

 

Average Balance

 

 

Average Yield / Rate

 

 

Average Balance

 

 

Average Yield / Rate

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except rates)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-Bearing Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Accounts

 

 

171,701

 

 

 

0.29

 

 

 

178,696

 

 

 

0.19

 

 

 

152,318

 

 

 

0.07

 

Time Deposits

 

 

196,846

 

 

 

38.80

 

 

 

196,269

 

 

 

21.98

 

 

 

155,546

 

 

 

15.90

 

Debt Securities

 

 

52,092

 

 

 

28.55

 

 

 

53,144

 

 

 

25.04

 

 

 

43,040

 

 

 

15.00

 

Other Interest-bearing Liabilities

 

 

29,481

 

 

 

15.83

 

 

 

34,277

 

 

 

18.64

 

 

 

16,973

 

 

 

15.37

 

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities

 

 

450,120

 

 

 

21.42

 

 

 

462,386

 

 

 

13.67

 

 

 

367,877

 

 

 

9.22

 

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

The average interest-bearing liabilities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.450,120 million, as compared to Ps.462,386 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 3% decrease.



Such decrease was primarily attributable to (i) a Ps.6,418 million decrease in total interest-bearing deposits (savings accounts and time deposits), which decreased to Ps.368,547 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.374,965 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, and (ii) a Ps.4,796 million decrease in the average balance of other interest-bearing liabilities, which decreased to Ps.29,481 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 from Ps.34,277 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

The average interest-bearing liabilities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.462,386 million, as compared to Ps.367,877 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of 26%. Such increase was primarily attributable to a Ps.67,101 million increase in total interest-bearing deposits (savings accounts and time deposits), which increased to Ps.374,965 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 from Ps.307,864 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and a Ps.17,304 million increase in the average balance of other interest-bearing liabilities, which increased to Ps.34,277 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 from Ps.16,973 million as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Interest Income

 

Our consolidated interest income was composed of the following:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Change (%)

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Cash and due from banks

 

 

8

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

700

 

 

 

 

Private sector securities

 

 

390

 

 

 

508

 

 

 

384

 

 

 

(23

)

 

 

32

 

Public sector securities

 

 

4,705

 

 

 

2,136

 

 

 

690

 

 

 

120

 

 

 

210

 

On Loans and Other Financing Activities

 

 

118,268

 

 

 

116,618

 

 

 

81,089

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

44

 

Non-financial Public Sector

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

(100

)

Financial Sector

 

 

3,159

 

 

 

3,237

 

 

 

1,702

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

90

 

Non-financial Private Sector

 

 

115,109

 

 

 

113,381

 

 

 

79,381

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

43

 

Advances

 

 

12,594

 

 

 

15,135

 

 

 

6,783

 

 

 

(17

)

 

 

123

 

Mortgage loans

 

 

12,853

 

 

 

9,155

 

 

 

1,447

 

 

 

40

 

 

 

533

 

Pledge loans

 

 

702

 

 

 

655

 

 

 

284

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

131

 

Personal Loans

 

 

12,219

 

 

 

14,074

 

 

 

11,872

 

 

 

(13

)

 

 

19

 

Credit Card Loans

 

 

47,674

 

 

 

45,163

 

 

 

38,310

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

18

 

Financial Leases

 

 

559

 

 

 

930

 

 

 

830

 

 

 

(40

)

 

 

12

 

Others

 

 

28,508

 

 

 

28,269

 

 

 

19,855

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

42

 

On Repurchase Transactions

 

 

7,135

 

 

 

1,148

 

 

 

1,974

 

 

 

522

 

 

 

(42

)

Total Income from Interest

 

 

130,506

 

 

 

120,411

 

 

 

84,137

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

43

 

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Interest income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.130,506 million, as compared to Ps.120,411 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, an 8% increase. Such increase was the result of (i) a Ps.5,987 million or 522% increase in interest recorded on repurchase transactions, (ii) a Ps.2,569 million or 120% increase in interest from public sector securities and (iii) a Ps.1,728 million or 2% increase on interest from non-financial private sector loans and other financing.

 

The average amount of loans for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.375,272 million, a 19% decrease as compared to the Ps.464,013 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. This was primarily attributable to a decrease in the volume of loans denominated in pesos.

 

The average interest rate on total loans was 31.20% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to 24.62% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 658 bps increase year-over-year.



The average interest rate on Peso-denominated loans to the private sector was 43.81% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to an average interest rate of 32.59% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 1,122 bps increase year-over-year.

 

The increase in interest from non-financial private sector loans and other financing was 2% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, which was primarily attributable to (i) a Ps.3,698 million increase in interest from mortgages loans and (ii) a Ps.2,510 million increase in interest form credit cards loans.

 

Interest income from banking activity amounted to Ps.110,703 million, a 15% increase as compared to the Ps.96,474 million recorded in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

According to Argentine Central Bank information, as of December 31, 2019, Banco Galicia’s estimated market share of loans to the private sector was 11.57% as of December 31, 2019, as compared to 10.51% as of December 31, 2018.

 

The following table indicates Banco Galicia market share in the segments listed below:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(in percentages)

 

Total Loans

 

 

11.59

 

 

 

10.62

 

 

 

9.53

 

Private-Sector Loans

 

 

11.57

 

 

 

10.51

 

 

 

9.65

 

(*) Exclusively Banco Galicia within the Argentine market, according to the daily information on loans published by the Argentine Central Bank. balances as of the last day of each year.

 

Interest income related to Tarjetas Regionales amounted to Ps.19,465 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a 16% decrease as compared to the Ps.23,290 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Interest income related to insurance activity amounted to Ps.841 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a 29% increase as compared to the Ps.651 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Interest income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was Ps.120,411 million, as compared to Ps.84,137 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 43% increase. Such increase was mainly the result of a higher average volume of interest-earning assets and the higher average interest rates charged thereon.

 

The average amount of loans for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.464,013 million, a 14% increase as compared to the Ps.406,404 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was primarily attributable to the increase in overdraft, mortgage and credit card loans extended as part of the portfolio.

 

The average interest rate on total loans was 24.62% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to 17.62% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, representing a 700 bps increase year-over-year.

 

The average interest rate on Peso-denominated loans to the private sector was 32.59% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to an average interest rate of 21.37% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, representing a 1,122 bps increase year-over-year.

 

Interest income from banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 amounted to Ps.96,474 million, a 55% increase as compared to the Ps.62,328 million recorded in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

 

According to Argentine Central Bank information, as of, December 31, 2018 Banco Galicia’s estimated market share of loans to the private sector was 10.51%, an 86 pbs increase when compared with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.



Interest income related to Tarjetas Regionales amounted to Ps.23,290 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an 11% increase as compared to the Ps.20,889 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Interest income related to insurance services amounted to Ps.651 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a 1% decrease as compared to the Ps.658 million recorded for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Interest Expenses

 

Our consolidated interest expenses were comprised of the following:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Change (%)

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

On Deposits

 

 

75,773

 

 

 

50,315

 

 

 

26,942

 

 

 

51

 

 

 

87

 

Non-financial Private Sector

 

 

75,773

 

 

 

50,315

 

 

 

26,942

 

 

 

51

 

 

 

87

 

Checking Accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

(100

)

Savings Accounts

 

 

6

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

(25

)

 

 

 

Time Deposit and Term Investments

 

 

66,719

 

 

 

44,005

 

 

 

25,665

 

 

 

52

 

 

 

71

 

Others

 

 

9,048

 

 

 

6,302

 

 

 

1,267

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

397

 

On Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

 

 

2,454

 

 

 

3,324

 

 

 

1,837

 

 

 

(26

)

 

 

81

 

On Repurchase Transactions

 

 

676

 

 

 

340

 

 

 

551

 

 

 

99

 

 

 

(38

)

On Other Financial Liabilities

 

 

1,306

 

 

 

1,197

 

 

 

1,544

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

(22

)

On Debt Securities

 

 

15,467

 

 

 

13,911

 

 

 

7,307

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

90

 

Total Interest Expenses

 

 

95,676

 

 

 

69,087

 

 

 

38,181

 

 

 

38

 

 

 

81

 

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Interest expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.95,676 million, as compared to Ps.69,087 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 38% increase. Such increase was primarily attributable to a 51% increase in interest paid on deposits, as consequence of higher rate yields.  

 

Interest expenses from deposits amounted Ps.75,773 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to Ps.50,315 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a Ps.25,458 million increase. This increase was primarily due to increased interest expenses related to time deposits and term investments, which was equal to Ps.66,719 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, representing a 52% increase as compared to Ps.44,005 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

The total average interest-bearing deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 remained stable, registering a decrease of 2%. Of this decrease, Ps.204,058 million were Peso-denominated deposits and Ps.164,489 million were foreign currency-denominated deposits, as compared to Ps.208,680 million and Ps.166,285 million, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 a 2% and 1% decrease, respectively.

 

Out of total interest-bearing deposits (savings accounts and time deposits) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the average interest rate of time deposits was 20.86%, as compared to 11.60% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 926 bps increase.

 

Peso-denominated deposits (savings accounts and time deposits) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 accrued interest at an average rate of 37.52%, as compared to an average rate of 20.66% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 1,686 bps increase. The rate of foreign currency-denominated deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was 0.20%, as compared to 0.23% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 3 bps decrease.


 

Interest expenses related to banking activity amounted Ps.86,873 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to Ps.60,152 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 44% increase.

 

Using Argentine Central Bank information and considering only deposits from the private-sector deposits in checking and savings accounts and time deposits, Banco Galicia’s estimated Argentine deposit market share decreased from 11.09% as of December 31, 2018 to 9.92% as of December 31, 2019.

 

The following table indicates Banco Galicia´s market share in the segments listed below:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

(in percentages)

 

Total Deposits

 

 

8.23

 

 

8.86

 

 

 

8.23

 

Private-Sector Deposits

 

 

9.92

 

 

11.09

 

 

 

10.20

 

Total Deposits in Checking and Savings Accounts and Time Deposits

 

 

10.16

 

 

 

11.33

 

 

 

10.48

 

(*) Exclusively Banco Galicia within the Argentine market, according to the daily information on deposits published by the Argentine Central Bank. balances as of the last day of each year.

 

Interest expenses related to Tarjetas Regionales amounted Ps.9,719 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to Ps.9,171 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 6% increase.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Interest expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.69,087 million, as compared to Ps.38,181 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, representing a 81% increase. Such increase was primarily attributable to an 87% increase in interest paid on deposits.

 

Interest expenses from deposits amounted Ps.50,315 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to Ps.26,942 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 a Ps.23,373 million increase. This increase was primarily due to increased interest expenses related to time deposits and term investments, which was equal to Ps.44,005 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 71% increase as compared to Ps.25,665 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

 

With respect to the total average interest-bearing deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Ps.208,680 million were Peso-denominated deposits and Ps.166,285 million were foreign currency-denominated deposits, a 4% increase and 56% increase, respectively, as compared to Ps.201,106 million and Ps.106,758 million, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. Average deposits recorded an increase of 22% as compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, with an increase of 17% in savings account deposits and a 26% increase in time deposits.

 

Out of total interest-bearing deposits (savings accounts and time deposits) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 the average interest rate of time deposits was 11.60%, as compared to 8.07% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 353 bps increase.

 

Peso-denominated deposits (savings accounts and time deposits) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 accrued interest at an average rate of 20.65%, as compared to an average rate of 12.29% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, an 836 bps increase. The rate of foreign currency-denominated deposits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was 0.23%, as compared to 0.12% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 11 bps increase.

 

Interest expenses related to banking activity amounted Ps.60,152 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to Ps.31,985 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, representing an 88% increase.


 

Using Argentine Central Bank information and considering only deposits from the private-sector deposits in checking and savings accounts and time deposits, Banco Galicia’s estimated Argentine deposit market share increased from 10.20% as of December 31, 2017 to 11.09% as of December 31, 2018.

 

Interest expenses related to Tarjetas Regionales amounted Ps.9,171 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to Ps.6,197 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, representing a 48% increase. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in interest expenses on debt securities issued by Tarjetas Regionales or its subsidiaries.

 

Net Fee Income

 

Our consolidated net fee income consisted of:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Change (%)

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Income From

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit Cards

 

 

17,780

 

 

 

17,511

 

 

 

18,565

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

(6

)

Deposit Accounts

 

 

4,404

 

 

 

5,355

 

 

 

4,161

 

 

 

(18

)

 

 

29

 

Insurances

 

 

1,320

 

 

 

1,594

 

 

 

334

 

 

 

(17

)

 

 

377

 

Financial fees

 

 

314

 

 

 

460

 

 

 

745

 

 

 

(32

)

 

 

(38

)

Credit-related fees

 

 

4,703

 

 

 

6,351

 

 

 

7,586

 

 

 

(26

)

 

 

(16

)

Foreign trade

 

 

1,566

 

 

 

1,486

 

 

 

2,437

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

(39

)

Collections

 

 

1,247

 

 

 

1,134

 

 

 

1,142

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

(1

)

Utility-bills collection services

 

 

1,734

 

 

 

1,350

 

 

 

970

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

39

 

Mutual funds

 

 

896

 

 

 

740

 

 

 

288

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

157

 

Others

 

 

1,181

 

 

 

1,549

 

 

 

1,339

 

 

 

(24

)

 

 

16

 

Total fee income

 

 

35,145

 

 

 

37,530

 

 

 

37,567

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

-

 

Total fee expenses

 

 

(7,062

)

 

 

(4,655

)

 

 

(5,004

)

 

 

52

 

 

 

(7

)

Net fee income

 

 

28,083

 

 

 

32,875

 

 

 

32,563

 

 

 

(15

)

 

 

1

 

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Our net fee income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.28,083 million, as compared to Ps.32,875 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 15% decrease. This decrease was mainly due to a 26% decrease in credit-related fees.

 

Credit- related fees, amounted to Ps.4,703 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a Ps.1,648 million decrease as compared to Ps.6,351 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. This decrease was consequence of a decrease in fees charged by Tarjetas Regionales as a result of (i) the merger of accounts held by Tarjeta Naranja and Tarjeta Nevada and (ii) a decrease in fees rates.

 

Income from credit card transactions, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was Ps.17,780 million, as compared to Ps.17,511 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a Ps.269 million increase. Such increase was mainly attributable to an increase in fees recorded by Tarjetas Regionales, partially offset by the fees related to issuance of credit cards.

 

The total number of credit cards managed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was 13,545,870, as compared to 13,915,580 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 3% decrease, mainly attributable to the merger of accounts between Tarjeta Naranja and Tarjeta Nevada.

 

Fees related to deposit accounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.4,404, as compared to Ps.5,355 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a Ps.951 million decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in fees related to the maintenance of checking accounts. Total deposit accounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were 5.2 million, as compared to 4.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 9% increase.



Total fee expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.7,062 million, as compared to Ps.4,655 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 52% increase. Such increase was mainly attributable to an increase in expenses related to credit card transactions.

 

The following table sets forth the number of credit cards outstanding as of the dates indicated:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

Change (%)

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

 

(number of credit cards, except otherwise noted)

 

 

(percentages)

 

Visa

 

 

3,044,890

 

 

 

3,136,166

 

 

 

2,979,993

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

5

 

“Gold”

 

 

704,979

 

 

 

744,771

 

 

 

705,990

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 

5

 

International

 

 

1,095,163

 

 

 

1,282,617

 

 

 

1,368,945

 

 

 

(15

)

 

 

(6

)

Domestic

 

 

36,246

 

 

 

50,091

 

 

 

55,956

 

 

 

(28

)

 

 

(10

)

“Business”

 

 

157,967

 

 

 

148,549

 

 

 

131,547

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

13

 

“Signature”

 

 

459,996

 

 

 

359,477

 

 

 

258,121

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

39

 

“Platinum”

 

 

590,539

 

 

 

550,661

 

 

 

459,434

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

20

 

Galicia Rural

 

 

16,687

 

 

 

18,188

 

 

 

17,960

 

 

 

(8

)

 

 

1

 

American Express

 

 

749,303

 

 

 

893,314

 

 

 

964,007

 

 

 

(16

)

 

 

(7

)

“Gold”

 

 

211,802

 

 

 

280,239

 

 

 

313,580

 

 

 

(24

)

 

 

(11

)

“International”

 

 

122,173

 

 

 

184,437

 

 

 

240,441

 

 

 

(34

)

 

 

(23

)

“Platinum”

 

 

237,968

 

 

 

270,068

 

 

 

274,717

 

 

 

(12

)

 

 

(2

)

"Signature"

 

 

177,360

 

 

 

158,570

 

 

 

135,269

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

17

 

MasterCard

 

 

1,175,833

 

 

 

1,050,041

 

 

 

784,316

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

34

 

“Gold”

 

 

313,874

 

 

 

284,340

 

 

 

196,911

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

44

 

MasterCard

 

 

416,327

 

 

 

414,559

 

 

 

381,215

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

9

 

Argencard

 

 

93

 

 

 

148

 

 

 

200

 

 

 

(37

)

 

 

(26

)

“Platinum”

 

 

212,354

 

 

 

170,202

 

 

 

96,068

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

77

 

“Black”

 

 

233,185

 

 

 

180,792

 

 

 

109,922

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

64

 

Tarjeta Naranja

 

 

8,559,157

 

 

 

8,817,871

 

 

 

9,148,043

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

(4

)

Naranja(1)

 

 

4,605,250

 

 

 

4,777,286

 

 

 

5,045,881

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

(5

)

Visa

 

 

3,451,277

 

 

 

3,503,792

 

 

 

3,529,516

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(1

)

MasterCard

 

 

453,760

 

 

 

491,231

 

 

 

531,398

 

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(8

)

American Express

 

 

48,870

 

 

 

45,562

 

 

 

41,248

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

10

 

Total Credit Cards

 

 

13,545,870

 

 

 

13,915,580

 

 

 

13,894,319

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

 

Total Amount of Purchases (in millions of Pesos)

 

 

519,837,524

 

 

 

636,062,774

 

 

 

265,581,905

 

 

 

(18

)

 

 

139

 

(1)      For the fiscal years 2018 and 2017, it corresponds to Tarjeta Naranja S.A. and Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

 

Net fee income related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.15,984 million, as compared to Ps.19,194 million for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 17% decrease.

 

This decrease was mainly attributable to a Ps.1,416 million decrease in fees related to credit cards transactions, from Ps.9,938 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 to Ps.8,522 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. This decrease was due to lower fees recorded by the issuance of credit cards.

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, fees related to deposit accounts were equal to Ps.4,404 million, as compared to Ps.5,355 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a Ps.951 million decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in fees recorded by the maintenance of checking accounts.

 

Net fee income related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to Ps.12,983 million, as compared to Ps.13,737 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 5% decrease. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in consumption by credit card users and a decrease in the number of credit cards issued due to the merger with Tarjeta Nevada.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Our net fee income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.32,875 million, as compared to Ps.32,563 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 1% increase. This variation was stable as consequence of increased fees at similar rates of inflation.



Income from credit card transactions, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was Ps.17,511 million, as compared to Ps.18,565 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a Ps.1,054 million decrease. Such was mainly attributable to a decrease in costs associated with the maintenance of issued credit cards as a result of a decrease in credit card fees and stagnant consumer consumption as a result of the inflationary Argentine economy. The total number of credit cards managed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was,13,915,580 as compared to 13,894,319 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Fees related to deposit accounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.5,355, as compared to Ps.4,161 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 29% increase. This was due to an increase in the number of deposit accounts managed. Total deposit accounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were 4.7 million, as compared to 4.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, an 12% increase.

 

Total fee expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.4,655 million, as compared to Ps.5,004 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 7% decrease.

 

Net fee income related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.19,194 million, as compared to Ps.18,711 million for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 3% increase.

 

The fees related to deposit accounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 amounted Ps.5,355 million, as compared to Ps.4,161 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 29% increase.

 

Revenue generated by credit card transactions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.9,938 million, as compared to Ps.9,994 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 1% decrease.

 

Net fee income related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 amounted to Ps.13,737 million, as compared to Ps.16,239 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 15% decrease. This decrease was primarily the result of decrease in consumption by credit card users and a decrease in the number of credit cards issued due to the merger with Tarjeta Nevada.  

 

Net Income from Financial Instruments

 

Our consolidated net income from financial instruments was comprised of:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Change (%)

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Income from Government Securities

 

 

62,351

 

 

 

21,394

 

 

 

11,519

 

 

 

191

 

 

 

86

 

Income from Corporate Securities

 

 

9,327

 

 

 

2,377

 

 

 

2,417

 

 

 

292

 

 

 

(2

)

Income from Derivative Instruments

 

 

1,173

 

 

 

2,907

 

 

 

(920

)

 

 

(60

)

 

 

416

 

   Repurchase Transactions

 

 

1,282

 

 

 

3,076

 

 

 

(915

)

 

 

(58

)

 

 

436

 

   Rate Swaps

 

 

(109

)

 

 

(169

)

 

 

 

 

 

36

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 

 

 

 

(100

)

Income from Other Financial Assets

 

 

(21

)

 

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

(231

)

 

 

 

Total Net Results from Financial Instruments

 

 

72,830

 

 

 

26,694

 

 

 

13,016

 

 

 

173

 

 

 

105

 

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Our net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.72,830 million, as compared to Ps.26,694 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, an 173% increase.

 

The average position in government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was Ps.130,598 million, as compared to Ps.81,012 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 61% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase of Ps.44,214 million in the average position in Peso-denominated government securities and of Ps.1,372 million in the average position in foreign currency-denominated government securities.



The average position in Peso-denominated government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was Ps.117,132 million, as compared to Ps.68,918 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 70% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to higher balances of securities (LELIQS) issued by the Argentine Central Bank. The average position in foreign currency-denominated government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was Ps.13,466 million, as compared to Ps.12,094 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, an 11% increase.

 

The average yield on government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was 50.78%, as compared to 29.05% for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 2,173 bps increase. This increase was primarily attributable to a higher average yield with respect to Peso-denominated government securities.

 

The average interest rate on Peso-denominated government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was 58.59%, as compared to 33.66% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 2,493 bps increase. This increase was primarily attributable to higher interest rates on securities issued by the Argentine Central Bank (LELIQS). The average interest rate of foreign currency-denominated government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was 17.09% loss, as compared to 2.75% for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. This decrease was primarily attributable to changes in the investment portfolio.

 

These variations were mainly a result of net income from financial instruments related to Banco Galicia, which represents 96% of our total consolidated net result from financial instruments. Banco Galicia’s net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 amounted Ps.69,893 million, as compared to Ps.24,594 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 184% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in income from government securities.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Our net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.26,694 million, as compared to Ps.13,016 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 105% increase.

 

The average position in government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was Ps.81,012 million, as compared to Ps.63,438 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 28% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase of Ps.13,736 million in the average position in Peso-denominated government securities and of Ps.3,838 million in the average position in foreign currency-denominated government securities.

 

The average position in Peso-denominated government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was Ps.68,918 million, as compared to Ps.55,182 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 25% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to higher balances of securities (LELIQS) issued by the Argentine Central Bank. The average position in foreign currency-denominated government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was Ps.12,094 million, as compared to Ps.8,256 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 46% increase.

 

The average yield on government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was 29.05%, as compared to 16.70% for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 1,235 bps increase. This increase was primarily attributable to a higher average yield with respect to Peso-denominated government securities.

 

The average interest rate on Peso-denominated government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was 33.66%, as compared to 18.50% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.This increase, was primarily attributable to higher interest rates on securities (LELIQS) issued by the Argentine Central Bank. The average interest rate of foreign currency-denominated government securities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was 2.75%, as compared to 4.68% for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 193 bps decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to changes in the investment portfolio.

 

These variations were mainly a result of net income from financial instruments related to Banco Galicia, which represents 92% of our total consolidated net result from financial instruments. Banco Galicia’s net income from financial instruments for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 amounted Ps.24,594 million, as compared to



Ps.10,346 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 138% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in income from government securities.

 

Exchange Rate Differences on Gold and Foreign Currency

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Exchange rate differences on gold and foreign currency for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.8,691 million, as compared to Ps.5,810 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 50% or Ps.2,881 million increase. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in foreign currency brokerage at Banco Galicia for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 equal to Ps.12,644 million, as compared to Ps.9,214 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 37% increase.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Exchange rate differences on gold and foreign currency for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.5,810 million, as compared to Ps.5,352 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 a 9% or Ps.458 million increase. This was primarily the result of an increase in foreign currency brokerage at Banco Galicia for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 equal to Ps.9,214 million, as compared to Ps.4,527 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 104% increase.

 

Other Operating Income

 

The following table sets forth the various components of other operating income.

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Change (%)

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Other financial income (1) (2)

 

 

1,159

 

 

 

259

 

 

 

90

 

 

 

347

 

 

 

188

 

Commission on Product Package (1)

 

 

4,175

 

 

 

4,201

 

 

 

4,313

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(3

)

Rental of safe deposit boxes (1)

 

 

742

 

 

 

794

 

 

 

788

 

 

 

(7

)

 

 

1

 

Other fee income (1)

 

 

2,454

 

 

 

4,537

 

 

 

6,390

 

 

 

(46

)

 

 

(29

)

Other adjustments and interest on miscellaneous receivables

 

 

2,285

 

 

 

2,460

 

 

 

702

 

 

 

(7

)

 

 

250

 

Other

 

 

10,317

 

 

 

3,808

 

 

 

3,061

 

 

 

171

 

 

 

24

 

Total other operating income

 

 

21,132

 

 

 

16,059

 

 

 

15,344

 

 

 

32

 

 

 

5

 

1) Item included for calculating the efficiency ratio.

2) Item included for calculating the financial margin.

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Other operating income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.21,132 million, as compared to Ps.16,059 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 32% increase. This increase was mainly the result of an increase in income from other item for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which was equal to Ps.10,317 million, as compared to Ps.3,808 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 171% increase. The increase in other item includes Ps.6,750 million obtained from the sale of 51% of the stake in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A., which represented 32% of other operating income.  

 

Other operating income related to banking activity was equal to Ps.17,428 million, as compared to Ps.10,690 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 63% increase, mainly attributable to the result of the sale of 51% of the stake on Prisma Medios de Pago S.A.

 

Other operating income related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.3,615 million, as compared to Ps.5,664 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 36% decrease



Other operating income related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.396 million, as compared to Ps.252 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 57% increase.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Other operating income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.16,059 million, as compared to Ps.15,344 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 5% increase. This was mainly the result of an increase in income from adjustments and interest on miscellaneous receivables for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 which was equal to Ps.2,460 million, as compared to Ps.702 million for the fiscal year ended. December 31, 2017, a 250% increase.

 

Other operating income related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.10,690 million, as compared to Ps.7,818 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 a 37% increase.

 

Other operating income related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.5,664 million, as compared to Ps.5,429 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 4% increase.

 

Other operating income related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.252 million, as compared to Ps.112 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 125% increase.

 

Income from Insurance Activities

 

The following table shows the results generated by insurance activities:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Change (%)

 



2019

2018

2017

2019/2018

2018/2017

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Premiums and Surcharges Accrued(1)

 

 

5,588

 

 

 

7,210

 

 

 

8,093

 

 

 

(22

)

 

 

(11

)

Claims Accrued

 

 

(773

)

 

 

(824

)

 

 

(931

)

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(11

)

Surrenders

 

 

(14

)

 

 

(9

)

 

 

(12

)

 

 

56

 

 

 

(25

)

Life and Ordinary Annuities

 

 

(12

)

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(14

)

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(7

)

Underwriting and Operating Expenses

 

 

(1,113

)

 

 

(1,977

)

 

 

(1,999

)

 

 

(44

)

 

 

(1

)

Other Income and Expenses

 

 

(3

)

 

 

27

 

 

 

(38

)

 

 

(111

)

 

 

(171

)

Total Income from Insurance Activities

 

 

3,673

 

 

 

4,414

 

 

 

5,099

 

 

 

(17

)

 

 

(13

)

1) Item included for calculating the efficiency ratio and financial margin.

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Income from insurance activities (excluding administrative expenses and taxes, net of eliminations related to related-party transactions) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.3,673 million, as compared to Ps.4,414 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 17% decrease. This decrease was mainly due to the decrease in the volume of earned premiums and surcharges as consequence of the decrease in the amount of policies providing by the products of CFA, resulting from the sale of its stake, a decrease which began in 2017.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Income from insurance activities (excluding administrative expenses and taxes, net of eliminations related to related-party transactions) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.4,414 million, as compared to Ps.5,099 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 13% decrease. This was mainly due to the decrease in the volume of earned premiums and surcharges but was partially offset by a decrease in the number of insurance claims filed. The decrease in premiums and surcharges was due to the decrease in the amount of policies providing by the products of CFA, resulting from the sale of its stake.

 

Loan and Other Receivables Loss Provisions





Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Loan and other receivables loss provisions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.22,203 million, as compared to Ps.25,074 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, an 11% decrease. This decrease was primarily related to lower charges for the evolution of used parameters for PD, EAD and LGD, partially offset by a charge generated for changes to model assumptions and methodologies, as compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Loan and other receivables loss provisions related to banking activity were equal to Ps.16,328 million, as compared to Ps.16,726 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 2% decrease. This decrease was due primarily to lower charges for the evolution of used parameters for PD, EAD and LGD related to retail portfolio, partially offset by a charge generated for changes to model assumptions and methodologies, as compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

 

Loan and other receivables loss provisions related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, were equal to Ps.5,941 million, as compared to Ps.8,228 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 28% decrease. This decrease was related to lower charges for the change in the parameters used for PD, EAD and LGD, as compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Loan and other receivables loss provisions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.25,074 million, as compared to Ps.11,220 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 123% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to (i) an increase in the cost of financial instruments (mainly loans) in arrears, as consequence of the evolution of used parameters for PD, EAD and LGD and (ii) an increase in charges, due to new credit portfolio originated during the year.

 

Loan and other receivables loss provisions related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.16,726 million, as compared to Ps.6,162 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, an 171% increase. This was related to (i) an increase in the cost related to retail loans in default, as consequence of the evolution of used parameters for PD, EAD and LGD and (ii) an increase in charges associated with the new credit portfolio originated during the year, primarily in retail portfolio.

 

Loan and other receivables loss provisions related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.8,228 million, as compared to Ps.5,035 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 63% increase. This increase was related to (i) an increase in the cost related to loans in default, as consequence of the evolution of used parameters for PD, EAD and LGD and (ii) an increase in charges associated with the new credit portfolio originated during the year.

 

Personnel Expenses

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Personnel expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.24,449 million, as compared to Ps.26,192 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a Ps.1,743 million decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a 5% decrease in the number of employees.

 

Personnel expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.17,852 million, as compared to Ps.17,742 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 1% increase.

 

Personnel expenses related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.5,541 million, as compared to Ps.7,371 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 25% decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to the merger of Tarjeta Naranja and Tarjeta Nevada that started in 2018.

 

Personnel expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.815 million, as compared to Ps.884 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, an 8% decrease.




 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Personnel expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.26,192 million, as compared to Ps.26,288 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a Ps.96 million decrease. This lower decrease was primarily attributable to an agreement with labor unions to index employee salaries for inflation with the objective of maintaining wages in line with inflation.

 

Personnel expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.17,742 million, as compared to Ps.17,469 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 2% increase.

 

Personnel expenses related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.7,371 million, as compared to Ps.7,708 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 4% decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to the merger of Tarjeta Nevada with Tarjeta Naranja.

 

Personnel expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.884 million, as compared to Ps.848 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 4% increase.

 

Administrative Expenses

 

The following table sets forth the components of our consolidated administrative expenses:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Change (%)

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Fees and Compensation for Services

 

 

2,924

 

 

 

1,871

 

 

 

798

 

 

 

56

 

 

 

134

 

Directors’ and Syndics' Fees

 

 

163

 

 

 

268

 

 

 

207

 

 

 

(39

)

 

 

29

 

Advertising and Publicity

 

 

2,174

 

 

 

1,966

 

 

 

1,904

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

3

 

Taxes

 

 

5,179

 

 

 

5,183

 

 

 

5,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4

)

Maintenance and Repairs

 

 

3,607

 

 

 

2,178

 

 

 

1,594

 

 

 

66

 

 

 

37

 

Electricity and Communication

 

 

1,825

 

 

 

1,479

 

 

 

1,415

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

5

 

Entertainment and Transportation Expenses

 

 

127

 

 

 

157

 

 

 

201

 

 

 

(19

)

 

 

(22

)

Stationery and Office Supplies

 

 

378

 

 

 

324

 

 

 

310

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

5

 

Rentals(1)

 

 

100

 

 

 

1,271

 

 

 

1,136

 

 

 

(92

)

 

 

12

 

Administrative Services Hired

 

 

2,475

 

 

 

1,991

 

 

 

1,979

 

 

 

24

 

 

 

1

 

Security

 

 

979

 

 

 

859

 

 

 

961

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

(11

)

Insurance

 

 

132

 

 

 

699

 

 

 

701

 

 

 

(81

)

 

 

 

Others

 

 

4,254

 

 

 

6,489

 

 

 

5,563

 

 

 

(34

)

 

 

17

 

Total Administrative Expenses

 

 

24,317

 

 

 

24,735

 

 

 

22,188

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

11

 

1) As of fiscal year 2019, due to the application of IFRS 16, rentals are recognized as a right-of-use asset and a financial liability, consequently the results are exposed in depreciation and impairment of assets and other operating expenses, respectively.

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.24,317 million, as compared to Ps.24,735 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 2% decrease. This decrease was attributable to (i) Ps.2,235 million decrease in other administrative expenses, due to Ps.2,059 million related to armored transportation services; and (ii) Ps.1,171 million decrease in rentals, as consequence of the application of IFRS 16. This decrease was offset by (i) Ps.1,429 million increase in maintenance; and repairs and (ii) Ps.1,053 million increase in fees and compensation for services.

 

Fees and compensation for services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.2,924 million, as compared to Ps.1,871 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 56% increase. This increase was due to the hiring of consultants for Digital Transformation projects.




 

Maintenance and repairs for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.3,607 million, as compared to Ps.2,178 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 66% increase. This increase was as consequence of higher expenses related to maintenance of systems related to Banco Galicia.

 

Administrative expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.17,545 million, as compared to Ps.16,087 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 9% increase.

 

Administrative expenses related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.6,060 million, as compared to Ps.7,623 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 21% decrease.

 

Administrative expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.523 million, as compared to Ps.629 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 17% decrease.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.24,735 million, as compared to Ps.22,188 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, an 11% increase.

 

Fees and compensation for services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.1,871 million, as compared to Ps.798 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 134% increase. Our remaining administrative expenses remained stable year-over-year.

 

Administrative expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.16,087 million, as compared to Ps.14,287 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 13% increase.

 

Administrative expenses related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.7,623 million, as compared to Ps.6,948 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 10% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in costs related to different services rendered.

 

Administrative expenses related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.629 million, as compared to Ps.692 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 9% decrease.

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

Change (%)

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Contributions to the Deposit Insurance Scheme (1) (2)

 

 

863

 

 

 

786

 

 

 

675

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

16

 

Other financial expenses (1) (2)

 

 

1,835

 

 

 

840

 

 

 

492

 

 

 

118

 

 

 

71

 

Turnover tax (1)

 

 

13,085

 

 

 

13,303

 

 

 

10,732

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

24

 

On financial services (2)

 

 

8,881

 

 

 

7,206

 

 

 

6,179

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

17

 

On fees

 

 

3,644

 

 

 

5,729

 

 

 

4,310

 

 

 

(36

)

 

 

33

 

On other items

 

 

560

 

 

 

368

 

 

 

243

 

 

 

52

 

 

 

51

 

Credit-card-relates expenses (2)

 

 

4,441

 

 

 

4,526

 

 

 

4,029

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

12

 

Other expenses from services (2)

 

 

2,188

 

 

 

3,273

 

 

 

3,350

 

 

 

(33

)

 

 

(2

)

Charges for other provisions

 

 

1,701

 

 

 

1,625

 

 

 

555

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

193

 

Interest on leases

 

 

376

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims

 

 

336

 

 

 

478

 

 

 

306

 

 

 

(30

)

 

 

56

 

Other

 

 

945

 

 

 

1,165

 

 

 

2,329

 

 

 

(19

)

 

 

(50

)

Total other operating expenses

 

 

25,770

 

 

 

25,996

 

 

 

22,468

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

16

 

(1) Item included for calculating the efficiency ratio.

(2) Item included for calculating the financial margin.




 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Other operating expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.25,770 million, as compared to Ps.25,996 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, an 1% decrease. This decrease was primarily attributable to a 36% decrease in over tax on fees and a 33% decrease in other expenses from services, offset by a 23% increase in over tax related to financial services and a 118% increase in other financial expenses.

 

Other operating expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.20,975 million, as compared to Ps.19,725 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 6% increase.

 

Other operating expenses related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were equal to Ps.4,685 million, as compared to Ps.6,160 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 24% decrease.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Other operating expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.25,996 million, as compared to Ps.22,468 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 16% increase. This increase was primarily attributable to a 24% increase in turnover tax.

 

Other operating expenses related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.19,725 million, as compared to Ps.16,163 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 22% increase.

 

Other operating expenses related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 were equal to Ps.6,160 million, as compared to Ps.6,183 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a Ps.23 million decrease.

 

Loss on Net Monetary Position

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Loss on net monetary position for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.30,798 million, as compared to Ps.27,788 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 11% increase.

 

Loss on net monetary position related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.24,754 million, as compared to Ps.20,007 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, a 24% increase.

 

Loss on net monetary position related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.4,631 million, as compared to Ps.5,914 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 22% decrease.

 

Loss on net monetary position related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.761 million, as compared to Ps.862 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 12% decrease.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Loss on net monetary position for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.27,788 million, as compared to Ps.10,496 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 165% increase.




 

Loss on net monetary position related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.20,007 million, as compared to Ps.4,757 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 a 321% increase.

 

Loss on net monetary position related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.5,914 million, as compared to Ps.3,248 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 82% increase.

 

Loss on net monetary position related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.862 million, as compared to Ps.530 million of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 63% increase.

 

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

 

Fiscal Year 2019 compared to Fiscal Year 2018

 

Income tax from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.13,038 million, as compared to Ps.10,634 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 23% increase.

 

Income tax from continuing operations related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.12,284 million, as compared to Ps.7,706 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 59% increase.

 

Income tax from continuing operations related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.385 million, as compared to Ps.1,978 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 81% decrease.

 

Income tax from continuing operations related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 was equal to Ps.343 million, as compared to Ps.477 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, a 28% decrease.

 

Fiscal Year 2018 compared to Fiscal Year 2017

 

Income tax from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.10,634 million, as compared to Ps.11,259 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 6% decrease.

 

Income tax from continuing operations related to banking activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.7,706 million, as compared to Ps.5,663 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 36% increase.

 

Income tax from continuing operations related to Tarjetas Regionales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.1,978 million, as compared to Ps.4,268 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 54% decrease.

 

Income tax from continuing operations related to insurance activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 was equal to Ps.477 million, as compared to Ps.631 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, a 24% decrease.

 

Consolidated Assets




 

The main components of our consolidated assets as of the dates indicated below were as follows:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

Amounts

 

 

%

 

 

Amounts

 

 

%

 

 

Amounts

 

 

%

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Cash and due from banks

 

 

130,649

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

220,456

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

133,903

 

 

 

18

 

Debt Securities

 

 

65,690

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

116,813

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

65,760

 

 

 

9

 

Loans and other financing

 

 

358,559

 

 

 

52

 

 

 

434,900

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

437,430

 

 

 

58

 

Other Financial Assets

 

 

78,444

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

58,925

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

60,060

 

 

 

8

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

32,964

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

29,786

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

28,011

 

 

 

4

 

Intangible Assets

 

 

8,693

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

7,057

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

2,654

 

 

 

 

Other Assets

 

 

10,481

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

7,499

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

8,702

 

 

 

1

 

Assets available for sale

 

 

39

 

 

 

 

 

 

935

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

16,707

 

 

 

2

 

Total Assets

 

 

685,519

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

876,371

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

753,227

 

 

 

100

 

 

Of our Ps.685,409 million total assets as of December 31, 2019, Ps.616,356 million, or 90%, corresponded to Banco Galicia and Ps.66,117 million, or 9,6% corresponded to Tarjetas Regionales on a consolidated basis. The remaining was primarily attributable to Sudamericana on a consolidated basis. The composition of our assets demonstrates a decrease in the amounts of main line items.

 

The item “Cash and Due from Banks” included cash for Ps.130,649 million, balances held at the Argentine Central Bank for Ps.75,542 million and balances held in correspondent banks for Ps.2,379 million. The balance held at the Argentine Central Bank is used for meeting the minimum cash requirements set by the Argentine Central Bank.

 

Our holdings of debt securities as of December 31, 2019 was Ps.65,690 million. Our holdings of government and private securities are shown in more detail in Item 4. “Information on the CompanyB.Operating Overview”─Selected Statistical Information “Debt and Equity Securities”.

 

Our total net loans and other financing were Ps.358,559 million as of December 31, 2019, of which Ps.309,329 million corresponded to Banco Galicia portfolio and Ps.48,427 corresponded to Tarjetas Regionales’ portfolios, the remaining amount to secured loans held by Sudamericana. For more information on loan and other financing activities portfolios, see Item 4. “Information on the CompanyB.Operating Overview”─Selected Statistical InformationLoan and Other Financing Portfolio”.

 

Exposure to the Argentine Public Sector

 

The following table shows our total net exposure, primarily related to Banco Galicia, to the Argentine public sector as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and 2017.

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

Government securities net position

 

 

83,407

 

 

 

130,725

 

 

 

66,069

 

Lebacs

 

 

 

 

 

83

 

 

 

41,448

 

Leliq

 

 

58,141

 

 

 

107,924

 

 

 

 

Botes

 

 

10,830

 

 

 

13,842

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

14,436

 

 

 

8,876

 

 

 

24,621

 

Other Financing Assets

 

 

30,057

 

 

 

3,168

 

 

 

103

 

Repurchase agreement transactions - BCRA

 

 

29,996

 

 

 

3,080

 

 

 

 

Loans and Others Financing

 

 

29

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

19

 

Certificate of Participation in Trusts

 

 

32

 

 

 

68

 

 

 

84

 

Total (1)

 

 

113,464

 

 

 

133,893

 

 

 

66,172

 

(1) Does not include deposits with the Argentine Central Bank, which constitute one of the items by which Banco Galicia complies with the Argentine Central Bank’s minimum cash requirements.




 

As of December 31, 2019, the exposure to the public sector amounted to Ps.113,464 million, a decrease of 15% as compared to Ps.133,893 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Excluding the debt securities issued by the Argentine Central Bank, the Bank’s exposure amounted to Ps.55,323 million equal to 8% of total assets.

 

Funding

 

Banco Galicia’s and Tarjetas Regionales’ lending activities are our main asset-generating businesses. Accordingly, most of our borrowing and liquidity needs are associated with these activities. We also have liquidity needs at the level of our holding company, which are discussed in Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsB. “Liquidity and Capital ResourcesLiquidity-Holding Company on an Individual Basis”. Our objective is to maintain cost-effective and well diversified funding to support current and future asset growth in our businesses. For this, we rely on diverse sources of funding. The use and availability of funding sources depends on market conditions, both local and foreign, and prevailing interest rates. Market conditions in Argentina include a structurally limited availability of domestic long-term funding.

 

Our funding activities and liquidity planning are integrated into our asset and liability management and our financial risks management and policies. The liquidity policy of Grupo Financiero Galicia is described in Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsB. “Liquidity and Capital ResourcesLiquidity Management” and our other financial risk policies, including interest rate, currency and market risks are described in Item 11. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”. Our funding sources are discussed below.

 

Traditionally, our primary source of funding has been Banco Galicia’s deposit taking activity. Although Banco Galicia has access to Argentine Central Bank financing, management does not view this as a primary source of funding in line with our overall strategies discussed herein. Other important sources of funding have traditionally included issuing foreign currency-denominated medium and long-term debt securities issued in foreign capital markets and borrowing from international banks and multilateral credit agencies. Banco Galicia entered into a master loan agreement with the IFC in 2016, for US$130 million, divided into two parts, one of them with the purpose of funding long-term loans to SMEs and the other part with the purpose of funding renewable energy project and efficiency energy power project. Additionally, Banco Galicia entered into master bond agreements with the IFC for US$100 million in order to expand its loan program for environmental efficiency projects.

 

Selling government securities under repurchase agreement transactions has been a recurrent source of funding for Banco Galicia. Although not presently a key source of funding, repurchase agreement transactions are part of the liquidity policy of the Bank. Within its liquidity policy, Banco Galicia considers its unencumbered liquid government securities holdings as part of its available excess liquidity. See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”B. “Liquidity and Capital ResourcesLiquidity Management”.

 

Tarjetas Regionales fund their business through the issuance of notes in the local and international capital markets, borrowing from local financial institutions and debt with merchants generated in the ordinary course of business of any credit card issuing company. In 2019, Tarjetas Regionales issued notes in an amount equal to Ps.1,584 million (approximately US$40.3 million).




 

Below is a breakdown of our funding as of the dates indicated:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

Amounts

 

 

%

 

 

Amounts

 

 

%

 

 

Amounts

 

 

%

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Deposits

 

 

393,735

 

 

 

57

 

 

 

553,946

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

455,909

 

 

 

61

 

Checking Accounts

 

 

67,566

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

61,309

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

75,223

 

 

 

10

 

Savings Accounts

 

 

177,360

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

305,959

 

 

 

35

 

 

 

228,057

 

 

 

30

 

Time Deposits

 

 

140,333

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

174,244

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

145,067

 

 

 

19

 

Time Deposits - UVA

 

 

750

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,053

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,368

 

 

 

 

Others

 

 

2,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,179

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,916

 

 

 

2

 

Interests and Adjustments

 

 

5,091

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

6,202

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

3,278

 

 

 

 

Credit Lines

 

 

22,724

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

29,914

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

17,873

 

 

 

2

 

Argentine Central Bank

 

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

 

 

 

35

 

 

 

 

Domestic Financial Institutions

 

 

5,972

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

11,234

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

6,411

 

 

 

1

 

International Banks and Credit Agencies

 

 

16,729

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

18,636

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

11,427

 

 

 

2

 

Debt Securities (Unsubordinated and Subordinated) (1)

 

 

44,740

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

61,151

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

42,162

 

 

 

6

 

Other obligations (2)

 

 

107,485

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

136,218

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

133,479

 

 

 

19

 

Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

116,835

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

95,142

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

103,804

 

 

 

14

 

Total

 

 

685,519

 

 

 

160

 

 

 

876,371

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

753,227

 

 

 

100

 

(1) Each item includes principal, interest accrued, exchange rate differences and premiums payable, as well as UVA adjustment, where applicable.

(2) It includes debts with stores due to credit card transactions, collections on account of third parties in Pesos and foreign currency, miscellaneous obligations and allowances, among others.

 

The main sources of funds are deposits from the private sector, lines of credit extended by local banks and entities, international banks and multilateral credit agencies, repurchase transactions mainly related to government securities, mid- and long-term debt securities placed in the local and international capital market and debts with stores due to credit card transactions.

 

As of December 31, 2019, deposits represented 57% of our funding, down from 63% as of December 31, 2018. Our deposit base decreased 29% in 2019 as compared to 2018. During fiscal year 2019, the Ps.160,211 million decrease in deposits was due to a decrease in transactional deposits (deposits in savings accounts and time deposits, with decreases of 42% and 19%, respectively). For more information on deposits, see Item 4. Information on the CompanyB. “Business Overview” — “Selected Statistical InformationDeposits”.

 

As of December 31, 2019, credit lines from international banks and credit agencies amounted to Ps.16,729 million. Of this total, Ps.9,970 million corresponded to prefinancing and foreign trade transactions; Ps.6,259 million corresponded to amounts received from the IFC pursuant to a loan agreement and Ps.500 million corresponded to amounts received from the IDB pursuant to a loan agreement.

 

Our debt securities outstanding (only principal) were Ps.44,740 million as of December 31, 2019, as compared to Ps.61,151 million as of December 31, 2018.

 

Of the total debt securities outstanding as of December 31, 2019, Ps.23,071 million corresponded to Peso-denominated debt, of which Ps.12,733 million corresponded to debt securities issued by Banco Galicia and Ps.10,338 million corresponded to debt securities issued by Tarjeta Naranja (which includes debt securities issued by Tarjetas Cuyanas). The remaining Ps.21,669 million of outstanding debt securities corresponded to foreign currency-denominated debt in respect of subordinated debt securities due in 2026 issued by Banco Galicia and the green bond with the IFC.

 

As of December 31, 2019, the breakdown of our debt was as follows:




 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

Currency

 

Expiration

 

Annual Interest Rate

 

 

Total(*)

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except for rates)

 

Banco Galicia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ON Subordinated

 

US$

 

07.19.26

 

(2)(3)

 

 

 

15,499

 

Green Bond

 

US$

 

06.21.25

 

5.90%

 

 

 

6,170

 

Class III

 

$

 

02.17.20

 

(1)(3)

 

 

 

1,060

 

Class IV

 

$

 

05.18.20

 

(2)(4)

 

 

 

1,730

 

Class V Series I

 

$

 

04.26.20

 

 

(5)

 

 

 

3,868

 

Class V Series II

 

$

 

04.26.21

 

 

(6)

 

 

 

1,803

 

Class VII

 

$

 

05.25.20

 

 

(7)

 

 

 

4,272

 

Tarjeta Naranja

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

XXXIV Series II

 

$

 

06.29.20

 

Minimum 32% Rate/Badlar +4.67%

 

 

 

396

 

XXXV Series II

 

$

 

09.27.20

 

Minimum 26% Rate/Badlar +3.99%

 

 

 

655

 

XXXVII

 

$

 

04.11.22

 

Minimum 15% Rate/Badlar + 3.50%

 

 

 

4,342

 

XL Series II

 

$

 

10.10.20

 

Minimum 27% Rate/Badlar + 3.69%

 

 

 

1,464

 

XLI Series II

 

$

 

05.15.20

 

Badlar + 10%

 

 

 

351

 

XLIII

 

$

 

08.18.20

 

Badlar + 7%

 

 

 

1,483

 

Tarjeta Naranja(**)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

XXV

 

$

 

07.26.20

 

Minimum 30% Rate/Badlar + 3.94%

 

 

 

424

 

XXVI Series II

 

$

 

10.24.20

 

Minimum 26% Rate/Badlar + 4.00%

 

 

 

373

 

XXVII Series II

 

$

 

02.10.20

 

Minimum 23.5% Rate/Badlar + 3.50%

 

 

 

476

 

XXVIII Series II

 

$

 

06.09.21

 

Minimum 25% Rate/Badlar + 3.70%

 

 

 

374

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

44,740

 

(*) Includes principal and interest.

(**) Debt securities absorbed as part of the merger with Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

(1) As specified in the terms and conditions of the issuance, they were converted to Ps.2,360,360 Investor assumes the exchange rate risk since the service of interest and principal is calculated based on the principal amount in Pesos converted into US Dollars on each payment date.

(2) The net proceeds from this issuance of negotiable obligations was applied to investments in working capital, loans, other loans and other uses envisaged by the provisions of the Law on Negotiable Obligations and the Argentine Central Bank regulations.

(3) Variable rate equal to the simple arithmetic average of private Badlar, plus 2.69%, which will be payable quarterly as from May 17, 2017 onwards.

(4) Variable rate equal to the simple arithmetic average of private Badlar, plus 2.98%, which will be payable quarterly as from August 18, 2017 onwards.

(5) Annual nominal fixed 25.98% rate; principal and interest will be settled in full upon maturity.

(6) Variable rate equal to the simple arithmetic average of private Badlar, plus 3.5%, which will be payable quarterly as from July 26, 2018 onwards. Principal in respect of this Series will be repaid upon maturity.

(7) Variable rate equivalent to simple arithmetical average of private Badlar rates plus 4%, to be paid on February 25, 2020 and May 25, 2020.





For more information see “Contractual Obligations” below.

 

Ratings

 

The following are our ratings as of the date of this annual report:

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

Standard & Poor’s

 

Fitch Argentina

 

Evaluadora Latinoamericana

 

Moody’s

Local Ratings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating of Shares

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banco de Galicia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Counterparty Rating

 

raBBB+

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt (Long-Term / Short Term)

 

 

 

AA+(arg)/A1+(arg)

 

 

 

 

Subordinated Debt

 

 

 

 

 

A+

 

 

Deposits (Long Term / Short Term)

 

raBBB+ / raA-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits (Local Currency / Foreign Currency)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B1.ar / Ca.ar

Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TQ2+

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medium-/Long-Term Debt

 

 

 

AA-(arg)

 

 

 

 

Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt

 

 

 

AA-(arg)

 

 

 

 

International Ratings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banco de Galicia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt

 

B-

 

 

 

 

 

Ca

Subordinated Debt

 

CCC

 

 

 

 

 

Ca

(*) See “Contractual Obligations”.

 

Debt Programs

 

On March 9, 2009, Grupo Financiero Galicia’s shareholders, during an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, and the Board of Directors created a global short, medium and longterm notes program, for a maximum outstanding amount of US$60 million. This program was authorized by the CNV pursuant to Resolution No.16,113 of April 29, 2009.

In August 2012, during an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, it was decided to ratify the decision made at the ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held in April 2010 with regard to the approval of the US$40 million increase in the amount of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s global notes program. Therefore, once approved by the CNV, the amount was for up to US$100 million or its equivalent in other currencies. On May 8, 2014, the CNV, pursuant to Resolution No.17,343, granted an extension of the debt program for another five-year period.

 

On January 30, 2014, Grupo Financiero Galicia issued its Class V notes, in two series, in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.180 million with the following terms and conditions: (i) Ps.102 million of Series I notes, with a variable interest rate equal to the benchmark rate (Badlar) plus 4.25%, with an 18 month maturity and (ii) Ps.78 million of Series II notes, with a variable interest rate equal to the benchmark rate (Badlar) plus 5.25%, with a 36 month maturity. Both series pay interest on a quarterly basis. In addition, certain of the Class V notes were subscribed for with Class III notes for a face value of Ps.20,622,455.



In October 2014, Grupo Financiero Galicia issued its Class VI notes, in two series, in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.250.0 million with the following terms and conditions: (i) Ps.140.2 million of Series I notes, with a variable interest rate equal to the benchmark rate (Badlar) plus 3.25%, with an 18 month maturity and (ii) Ps.109.8 million of Series II notes, with a variable interest rate equal to the benchmark rate (Badlar) plus 4.25%, with a 36 month maturity. Both series pay interest on a quarterly basis. In addition, certain of the Class VI notes were subscribed with Class IV notes for a face value of Ps.30,997,382.

 

In July 2015, Grupo Financiero Galicia issued its Class VII notes for an aggregate principal amount of Ps.160 million. Such notes mature on the date that is 24 months after the date of their issuance and accrue interest at a fixed rate equal to 27% from the date of their issuance through the ninth month after their issuance and at a floating rate equal to Badlar plus 4.25% from the 10th month of their issuance through their maturity date. The Class VII notes pay interest on a quarterly basis. The aggregate principal amount of such notes will be repaid upon maturity. On July 31, 2015 Grupo Financiero Galicia cancelled, upon maturity, all of its outstanding Class V Series I notes.

 

In April 2016, Grupo Financiero Galicia cancelled, upon maturity, all of its outstanding Class VI Series I notes.

 

On January 31, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia cancelled, upon maturity, all of its outstanding Class V, Series II notes.

 

On July 27, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia cancelled, upon maturity, all of its outstanding Class VII notes.

 

On October 23, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia cancelled, upon maturity, all of its outstanding Class VI Series II notes.

 

Currently, Grupo Financiero Galicia does not have any outstanding debt under its notes program that was put into place in 2009.

 

Banco Galicia has a program in place for the issuance and re-issuance of non-convertible notes, subordinated or non-subordinated, floating or fixed-rate, secured or unsecured, with a term from 30 days to up to 30 years, for a maximum outstanding principal amount of up to US$483.25 million. This program was originally approved by the CNV on November 4, 2005 and was mostly recently extended on January 26, 2017 by the CNV until January 26, 2022. Pursuant to Resolution No.18,480, the CNV also approved an increase of the maximum outstanding principal amount under the program to US$1,100 million. Pursuant to Resolution No.19,520, dated May 17, 2018, the CNV approved an increase of the maximum outstanding principal amount under the program to US$2,100 million and the modification of the terms and conditions of the same.

Banco Galicia, also has a program for frequent issuance of notes, approved by the CNV on November 13th, 2019; and registered under the number 11th for a maximum outstanding principal amount of US$ 2,100 million.

During the 2016 fiscal year, Banco Galicia issued certain subordinated Class II notes due 2026 for a nominal value of US$250 million. The proceeds of this issuance were used to redeem the Bank’s outstanding subordinated notes due 2019.

 

On May 18, 2017, Banco Galicia issued Class IV notes in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.2,000 million due 2020.

 

During the 2018 fiscal year, Banco Galicia issued Series I Class V notes in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.4,209 million due 2020 and Series II Class V notes in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.2,032 million due 2021.

 

On November 25, 2019, Banco Galicia issued Class VII notes in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.4,182 million due 2020.



Tarjeta Naranja has a Global Short-Term, Medium-Term and Long-Term Note Program for the issuance of up to US$1,000 million (or the equivalent amount in other currencies) that was approved by the CNV on May 10, 2018. Such notes may be unsecured or secured, denominated in Pesos, Dollars or, at Tarjeta Naranja’s option, in other currencies, with maturities of not less than 30 days after their issuance date. Also, they may be offered in separate classes and/or series and may be re issued, as applicable, in the amounts, at the prices and under the conditions to be established and specified in the applicable pricing supplement.

The program contains certain restrictions on liens, subject to the provisions established in the applicable pricing supplement with respect to each class and/or series of notes, so long as any note issued under such program remains outstanding.

Certain notes issued under Tarjeta Naranja’s program are subject to covenants that limit the ability of Naranja and their subsidiaries, subject to important qualifications and exceptions, to declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution in respect of its capital stock; redeem, repurchase or retire its capital stock; make certain restricted payments; consolidate, merge or transfer assets; and incur any indebtedness, among others.

As a result of the merger with Tarjetas Cuyanas, as of October 1, 2017, Tarjeta Naranja incorporated into its assets Tarjetas Cuyanas’ outstanding debt. Beginning on October 1, 2017, Tarjeta Naranja made principal and interest payments in respect of such debt.

As of December 31, 2019, Tarjeta Naranja’s total debt issued under both programs was equal to an outstanding principal amount outstanding of Ps.9,601 million (approximately US$160.3 million).

 

Contractual Obligations

 


The table below identifies the total amounts (principal and interest) of our main on balance-sheet contractual obligations, their currency of denomination, remaining maturity and interest rate and the breakdown of payments due as of December 31, 2019.


 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

Maturity

 

Annual Interest Rate

 

 

Total

 

 

Less than 1 Year

 

 

1 to 3 Years

 

 

3 to 5 Years

 

 

Over 5 Years

 

Banco Galicia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time Deposits (Ps./US$)

 

Various

 


Various

 

 

 

141,083

 

 

 

141,030

 

 

48

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes Class III Due 2020 (Ps.) (1)

 

2020

 


Badlar  + 269 bp

 

 

 

1,008

 

 

 

1,008

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes Class IV Due 2020 (Ps.) (2)

 

2020

 


Badlar  + 298 bp

 

 

 

1,640

 

 

 

1,640

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes Class V Serie II Due 2020 (Ps.) (3)

 

2020

 


26.00%

 

 

 

2,692

 

 

 

2,692

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes Class V Serie II Due 2020 (Ps.) (4)

 

2021

 


Badlar  + 350 bp

 

 

 

1,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes Class VII Due 2020 (Ps.) (5)

 

2020

 


Badlar  + 400 bp

 

 

 

4,085

 

 

 

4,085

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green Bond - IFC (U.$. S)

 

2025

 


5.90%

 

 

 

5,954

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,646

 

 

 

2,646

 

 

 

662

 

2026 Subordinated Notes (US$) (5)

 

2026

 


8.30%

 

 

 

14,974

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,974

 

Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IFC Financial Loans (US$)

 

Varios

 


Varios

 

 

 

5,562

 

 

 

2,111

 

 

 

2,852

 

 

599

 

 

0

 

Other Financial Loans (US$) (6)

 

Varios

 


Varios

 

 

 

10,668

 

 

 

10,668

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IDB Financial Loans (US$)

 

Varios

 


Varios

 

 

 

500

 

 

 

500

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IDB Financial Loans (Ps.)

 

Varios

 


Varios

 

 

141

 

 

45

 

 

70

 

 

26

 

 

0

 

Linea Fontar

 

Varios

 


Varios

 

 

1

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BICE Financial Loans (Ps.)

 

Varios

 


Varios

 

 

 

1,897

 

 

774

 

 

 

975

 

 

 

148

 

 

 

 

BICE Financial Loans (US$)

 

Varios

 


Varios

 

 

879

 

 

79

 

 

472

 

 

328

 

 

 

 

Short-term Interbank Loans (Ps.)

 

2020

 


41.60%

 

 

501

 

 

501

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corresponsales

 

2020

 


0.00%

 

 

 

374

 

 

 

374

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argentine Central Bank

 

2020

 


0.00%

 

 

22

 

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argentine Central Bank

 

2020

 


0.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repos (Ps.)

 

2020

 


50.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repos (US$)

 

2020

 


4.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tarjetas Regionales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Loans with Local Banks (Ps.)

 

Various

 


Various

 

 

 

2,011

 

 

 

2,011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes (Ps.)

 

Various

 


Various

 

 

 

9,415

 

 

 

6,519

 

 

 

2,896

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

205,063

 

 

 

174,060

 

 

 

11,615

 

 

 

3,752

 

 

 

15,636

 

Principal and interest. Includes the UVA adjustment, where applicable.

(1) Interest payable quarterly in cash, adjustable rate of Badlar + 269 bps Principal payable in full on February 17, 2020.

(2) Interest payable in cash quarterly in cash, adjustable rate of Badlar + 298 bps Principal payable in full on May 18, 2020.

(3) Interest payable in cash and principal payable in full on April 26, 2020.

(4) Interest payable in cash quarterly in cash, adjustable rate of Badlar + 350 bps Principal payable in full on April 26, 2021.

(5) Interest payable in cash semi-annually, fixed rate of 8.25%, up to July 19, 2021, when benchmark rate will be a 7.156% additional. Principal payable in full on July 19, 2026.

(6) Borrowings to finance international trade operations to Bank customers.

 

Leases

 

The following tables provides information for leases where Grupo Financiero Galicia is the lessee:



 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

(In millions of Pesos)

 

Amounts recognized in the Statement of Financial Position:

 

 

 

 

Right-of-use asset (1)

 

 

3,681

 

Lease Liabilities (2)

 

 

3,768

 

(1) Recorded in the Property, Plant and Equipment item, for right of use of real property.

(2) Recorded in the item Other Financial Liabilities.

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

(In millions of Pesos)

 

Amounts recognized in the Statement of Income:

 

 

 

 

Charge for depreciation of right-of-use assets (1)(2)

 

 

965

 

Interest Expenses (3)

 

 

375

 

Expenses related to short-term leases (4)

 

 

24

 

Expenses related to low-value assets leases (4)

 

 

75

 

Sublease Income (5)

 

 

2

 

(1) Depreciation for right of use of Real Property.

(2) Recorded in the item Depreciation and Impairment of assets.

(3) Recorded in the item Other Operating Expenses, Lease Interest.

(4) Recorded in the item Administrative Expenses.

(5) Recorded in the item Other Operating Income.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Our off-balance sheet risks mainly arise from Banco Galicia’s activities. In the normal course of its business and in order to meet customer financing needs, Grupo Galicia is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These instruments expose us to credit risk in addition to loans recognized on our consolidated balance sheets. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and guarantees.

 

The same internal regulations and policies apply for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and guarantees. Outstanding commitments and guarantees do not represent an unusually high credit risk for Grupo Galicia.

 

Commitments to Extend Credit

 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer at a future date, subject to meeting certain contractual terms. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require the payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent actual future cash requirements. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.

 

Guarantees

 

Guarantees are agreements and/or commitments to reimburse or make payment on account of any losses or non-payments by a borrower in an event of default scenario and include surety guarantees in connection with transactions between two parties.

 

Stand-By Letters of Credit and Foreign Trade Transactions

 

Standby letters of credit and guarantees granted are conditional commitments issued by Banco Galicia to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Banco Galicia also provides conditional commitments for foreign trade transactions.

 

Our exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, guarantees granted and acceptances is represented by the contractual notional amount of those investments.



Our credit exposure related to these items as of December 31, 2019 is set forth below:

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

Agreed Commitments

 

 

19,952

 

Export and Import Documentary Credits

 

 

2,596

 

Guarantees Granted

 

 

16,133

 

Responsibilities for Foreign Trade Transactions

 

 

1,702

 

 

The credit risk of these instruments is similar as the credit risk associated with credit facilities provided to individuals and companies. To provide guarantees to our customers, we may require counter-guarantees, which are classified as follows:

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

Other Preferred Guarantees Received

 

 

930

 

Other Guarantees Received

 

 

524

 

 

In addition, checks to be debited and credited, notes, invoices and miscellaneous items subject to collection are recorded in memorandum accounts until such instruments are approved or accepted.


The risk of loss in these offsetting transactions is not significant.

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

Checks and Drafts to be Debited

 

 

5,370

 

Checks and Drafts to be Credited

 

 

6,756

 

Values for Collection

 

 

38,508

 

 

Grupo Galicia acts as trustee pursuant to trust agreements to secure obligations in connection with financing transaction undertaken by its customers. The amount of funds and securities held in trust as of December 31, 2019 is as follows:

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

Trust Funds

 

 

6,964

 

Securities Held in Custody

 

 

465,283

 

 

These funds and securities are not included in Grupo Galicia’s consolidated financial statements as it does not have control over the same. For additional information regarding off-balance sheet financial instruments, see Note 48 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

Principal Trends

 

Related to Argentina

 

Argentina's financial program still depends on the outcome of the ongoing debt restructuring process. Access to debt market has not recovered yet, and the possibility of recovering it will depend on the offer made by the Government, the consistency of the macroeconomic plan and the international context and the consequences that the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has on it.

 

As regards the foreign exchange market, current controls allowed the Peso to depreciate less than other currencies in the region in this context. As external pressures continue, it would be expected that the Argentine Central Bank would allow a faster depreciation so as not to overvalue the peso in real terms.

 

With respect to the monetary policy, 2019 was mostly characterized by a great interest rate increase for the purpose of containing the devaluation of the Argentine peso. Nevertheless, the monetary policy became more relaxed by the end of the year. This is likely to continue in 2020, with interest rate cuts and issuances in Argentine pesos.



In the fiscal front, towards the end of 2019 and due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Argentine Congress passed a law that created new taxes, stopped certain tax reductions that were meant to occur during 2020 and increased other taxes. These changes were made in order to allow the government to increase public spending, financed by an increase in tax collections. Added to this, the government announced a tax package consisting of social transfers, increases in pensions and cuts in employers´ contributions—among others—in order to face the economic and health consequences of the pandemic. All in all, 2020 should be a year of lax fiscal policy that will be mainly financed by monetary issuance, in the absence of access to debt markets.

.

Related to the Financial System

 

The Argentine financial system will continue to interact with the private sector, which is expected to maintain its current capital structure, characterized by a focus on short term credit and high liquidity assets. We do not expect credit to grow in terms of GDP during 2020.

 

Portfolio quality indicators are expected to be influenced by macroeconomic factors, and social-distancing measures taken to stem the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting several economic activities, increasing the risk to cut the chain of payments. The Argentine Central Bank relaxed delinquency days and default terms for the benefit of borrowers. We believe these measures could have an impact on the profit levels of financial institutions. Simultaneously, the Argentina Central Bank is promoting financing alternatives at lower interest rates, mainly for SMEs. This situation could have negative consequences on the financial income of banks, which will depend, among other important aspects, on the evolution of the pandemic.

 

In terms of the solvency of the Argentine financial system, it is expected that the net results of the banks in 2020 will enable the system overall to exceed the minimum capitalization requirements set forth in the Basel Committee regulations. Income from holdings, in particular those associated with returns on liquidity, is expected to reduce its contribution to the operating income in 2020 and this effect would be compensated by interest on loans. At the same time, those banks will continue to improve their operating efficiency.

 

A solid systemic position of the Argentine financial system is expected to prevail in 2020. In addition, the level of hedging arrangements and excess capital will be a source of strength to the extent loan portfolios in default continue to increase. Low leverage levels as compared to companies and individuals in the region demonstrate the potential for Argentine financial institutions to remain strong despite the inflation and the volatility of the Peso.

 

Related to Us

The volatile and uncertain context which the Argentine economy is currently going through, marked by the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and all the public policy measures that were taken and will continue to be taken, added to the pre-existing macroeconomic situation and the debt renegotiation, requires a thorough review and monitoring of the macroeconomic scenarios where Grupo Financiero Galicia operates and of the impact analysis on the different business lines as set forth below.

We consider that 2020 will be characterized by a more lenient lax policy, essentially financed through money issuance (on account of the virtual closure of international markets for Argentina). Such an expansionary monetary policy, in the context of a strict foreign exchange control, mainly impacts on the financial system.

To this we must add a more regulated activity in terms of directed credit, as it has already begun to occur with regulations that encourage granting loans to SMEs at maximum rates, through the benefits or exemptions in bank reserve, or limits on placement of excess liquidity in economic policy instruments.

In Banco Galicia, these policies affect the financial margin, namely the brokerage margin and the lower profitability resulting from placing Liquidity Bills (both for volume and rates).



These regulations may also impact the income from the purchase and sale of foreign currency, already known and analyzed since the end of 2019. In addition, regulations aimed at preventing an increase in prices of fees for the entire 2020 and the recent ban to charge fees for the use of ATMs until June 2020, must be considered.

Finally, the decrease of the economic activity and the subsequent increase in unemployment will considerably impact on the quality of portfolios, increasing charges for uncollectible accounts, both in Banco Galicia and Tarjeta Naranja.

As a consequence of the above-mentioned situation, Banco Galicia foresees the following impacts from COVID-19 during 2020:

  • Fee income will be reduced, due to lower prices and lower volumes.
  • Financial income will be affected by: (i) a lower average lending rate as a consequence of the directed credit at maximum interest rates, and (ii) a demand driven by subsidized credit. This could be partially offset by improving the structure of liabilities, due to the less attractive placement conditions. Additionally, and compared to 2019, the profitability from investing the excess liquidity will decrease, both due to the regulatory limits to the volumes invested and the downward trend in rates.
  • Loan and other receivables loss provisions will be significantly accelerated, considering the impact generated by a reduction in the activity and employment levels.
  • Administrative expenses will not experience significant changes with respect to our estimate for 2020, considering the containment policy and the digital transformation that the Bank is going through by generating efficient captures.
  • As for volumes, the expansionary monetary policy with foreign exchange control imposed by the administration will probably continue generating dynamism in deposits, growing slightly above the system. As regards credit, although we do not believe that there is a very dynamic demand, considering the expected level of economic activity, credit boost policies and the need to rebuild working capital will generate growth in terms of Gross Domestic Product when the economy begins to stabilize.

To conclude, we estimate that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a negative impact on the Bank's income, mainly as a consequence of: (i) the negative impact of the financial income, due to the reasons stated above; (ii) restrictions imposed by regulations to charge fees; (iii) higher loan and other receivables loss provisions; and (iv) the higher nominality of savings in expenses.

Still, it is currently believe, based on the information known to date, that the Bank’s current liquidity and solvency levels will allow it to cope with this situation in the short term, assuming it is under control by the end of 2020.

With regards to Tarjeta Naranja, as it is a credit-and-consumption-related business, the estimated impact will be reflected in a potential drop in the volume of operations or customer transactions; therefore, revenue obtained from services will be affected.

Additionally, the Tarjeta Naranja access to financing through the capital market may be limited, which in turn would leave Tarjeta Naranja with less ability to offer financing plans or loans to its customers, with the consequent impact that would have on financial income. However, Tarjeta Naranja has so far been able to maintain the liquidity and solvency levels that would allow it to address the obligations incurred.

Loan and other receivables loss provisions will increase as a consequence of the general impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the economy and expected increase in unemployment rates.

In conclusion, we expect a negative impact on Tarjeta Naranja's future income during 2020, mainly caused by the decrease of financial and service revenues, and higher charges for arrearage.



On the other hand, Sudamericana Holding does not foresee significant consequences on their business during 2020 related to COVID-19 and derived by the new regulations, either in economic or financial terms.

The operational management of the Group Galicia’s subsidiaries is stable, enabling us to comply with the needs and demands of our customers and of the control and supervision bodies. The implementation of work from home policies for our employees and our technological infrastructure have become invaluable tools to remain operative.

Grupo Financiero Galicia will continue with the objective of strengthening its leadership position in the market. The high quality of the products and services it (and its subsidiaries) provide to current and future customers will continue to have a central role, in addition to continuing the process of improving operational efficiency as a key factor in generating value for its customers and shareholders.

Likewise, the quarantine, social distancing and restrictions on face-to-face activities are driving forces to continue promoting and accelerating our Digital Transformation process. We continue working on projects that enrich the experience of our customers and employees. We leverage new business lines like Naranja X, and we remain focused on transforming Banco Galicia into a 100% digital platform, with the purpose of growing and capturing new customers.

The business growth of all the companies that make up Grupo Galicia takes place within the framework of a sustainable management. To this end, we will continue to seek new opportunities aimed at the common good and care for the environment.

 

The Board of Directors is closely monitoring this situation and taking all the required measures within their reach to preserve human life and our operations.

 

The analysis of these trends should be read in conjunction with the discussion in Item 3. “Key Information”D.Risk Factors”, and with consideration that the Argentine economy has been historically volatile, which has negatively affected the volume and growth of the financial system.

 

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity - Holding Company on an Individual Basis

 

We generate our net earnings/losses from our operating subsidiaries, specifically Banco Galicia, our main operating subsidiary. Banco Galicia’s dividend-paying ability has been affected since late 2001 by the effects of the 2001-2002 liquidity crisis and its impact on Banco Galicia’s income-generation capacity. In addition, there were other restrictions on Banco Galicia’s ability to pay dividends resulting from applicable Argentine Central Bank rules and the loan agreements entered into by Banco Galicia as part of its foreign debt restructuring. See Item 8. “Financial Information”—"Dividend Policy and Dividends.”

 

From 2002 to 2010 we did not receive any dividends from Banco Galicia, which is the primary source of funds available to us. On April 27, 2011, during the shareholders’ meeting of Banco Galicia, a distribution of cash dividends for a total amount of Ps.100 million was approved.

 

During fiscal years 2017 and 2018, Grupo Financiero Galicia received dividends from its subsidiaries in the amount of Ps.658 million, (equivalent to Ps.1,667 million as of December 2019), and Ps.1,152 million, (equivalent to Ps.2,273 million as of December 2019), respectively. During fiscal year 2019, Grupo Financiero Galicia received dividends for Ps.2,392 million, (equivalent to Ps.3,041 million as of December 2019). During March 2020, the shareholders meeting of Galicia Warrants S.A. and Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A. approved the distribution of dividends in cash during April 2020, for Ps.40 million and Ps.316 million respectively.

 

On April 2019, Grupo Financiero Galicia received a cash dividend from Banco Galicia in the amount of Ps.1,500 million (equivalent to Ps.1,996 million as of December 2019) for fiscal year 2018.



Due to the regulations recently passed by the Argentine Central Bank within the framework of the measures taken by the government to respond to the COVID-19, the capacity of the Argentine financial system to pay cash dividends has been suspended until June 30, 2020.

 

The extent to which a banking subsidiary may extend credit or otherwise provide funds to a holding company is limited by Argentine Central Bank rules. For a description of these rules, see Item 4. “Information on the Company-Argentine Banking Regulation-Lending Limits.”

 

According to Grupo Financiero Galicia’s policy for the distribution of dividends and due to Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and the fact that most of the profits for fiscal years 2017 and 2018 also corresponded to income from holdings (with just a fraction corresponding to the realized and liquid profits meeting the requirements to be distributed as per Section 68 of the Corporations Law) the shareholders' meeting held on April 28, 2020 approved to increase the discretionary reserve for future dividends’ distribution and to grant to the Board of Directors the ability to partially use said reserve to pay cash dividends, in an amount equal to Ps.4,000 million,. This amount represents 280.3546% with regard to 1,426,764,597 class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 each, and the distribution is subject to Banco Galicia’s capacity to pay cash dividends in at least the same amount.

 

For fiscal year 2017, the shareholders’ meeting held on April 24, 2018 approved the distribution of cash dividends for Ps.1,200 million, equivalent to Ps.2,487 million as of December 2019 which represented a dividend of 84.11% with respect to 1,426,764,597 class A and B ordinary shares of Grupo Financiero Galicia with a face value of Ps.1 each. Similarly, for fiscal year 2018, the shareholders’ meeting held on April 25, 2019 approved the distribution of cash dividends for Ps.2,000 million, (equivalent to Ps.2,582 million as of December 2019), which represented a dividend of 140.18% with respect to 1,426,764,597 class A and B ordinary shares of Grupo Financiero Galicia with a face value of Ps.1 each.

 

Due to Act. No. 27,260, Grupo Financiero Galicia neither reimbursed nor withheld any amount for tax purposes on the dividends paid for fiscal year 2017 and 2018. For fiscal year 2019, due to regulations in force, Grupo Financiero Galicia may withhold some amount for tax purposes on the dividends to be distributed.

 

As of December 31, 2019, Grupo Financiero Galicia, on an individual basis, had cash and amounts due from banks in an amount of Ps.0.3 million, short-term investments made up of special checking account deposits, mutual funds and government securities and foreign currency in an amount of Ps.810 million.

 

As of December 31, 2018, Grupo Financiero Galicia, on an individual basis, had cash and amounts due from banks in an amount of Ps.0.2 million and short-term investments made up of special checking account deposits, mutual funds and government securities and foreign currency in an amount of Ps.885 million, (equivalent to Ps.1,362 million as of December 2019).

 

As of December 31, 2017, Grupo Financiero Galicia, on an individual basis, had cash and due from banks in an amount of Ps.0.4 million and short-term investments made up of special checking account deposits, mutual funds and government securities in an amount of Ps.1,663 million, (equivalent to Ps.3,777 million as of December 2019).

 

During fiscal year 2019, Grupo Financiero Galicia made capital contributions for a total amount of Ps.571 million (equivalent to Ps.644 million as of December 2019), Ps.71 million to IGAM LLC and Ps.500 million to Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

 

For a description of the notes issued by Grupo Financiero Galicia, see —Item 5.A. “Operating Results” —” Debt Programs”.

 

Each of our subsidiaries is responsible for their own liquidity management. For a discussion of Banco Galicia’s liquidity management, see “Banco Galicia’s Liquidity Management-Banco Galicia Liquidity Management”.



Consolidated Cash Flows

 

Our consolidated statements of cash flows were prepared in accordance with IAS 7 (Statements of Cash Flows). See our consolidated cash flow statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 included in this annual report.

 

As of December 31, 2019, on a consolidated basis, we had Ps.232,119 million in available cash (defined as total cash and cash equivalents), representing a Ps.115,340 million decrease as compared to the Ps.347,459 million in available cash as of December 31, 2018.

 

As of December 31, 2018, on a consolidated basis, we had Ps.347,459 million in available cash, representing a Ps.144,465 million increase as compared to the Ps.202,994 million in available cash as of December 31, 2017.

 

Cash equivalents are comprised of the following: Argentine Central Bank debt instruments having a remaining maturity that does not exceed 90 days, securities in connection with reverse repurchase agreement transactions with the Argentine Central Bank, local interbank loans and overnight placements in correspondent banks abroad. Cash equivalents also comprise, in the case of Tarjetas Regionales, time deposit certificates and mutual fund shares.

 

The table below summarizes the information from our consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash (used in)/generated by Operating Activities

 

 

(10,569

)

 

 

121,928

 

 

 

(13,810

)

Net Cash (used in)/generated by Investment Activities

 

 

(5,218

)

 

 

(5,517

)

 

 

(5,955

)

Net Cash (used in)/generated by Financing Activities

 

 

(27,130

)

 

 

28,395

 

 

 

20,605

 

Exchange income/(losses) on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

51,076

 

 

 

69,162

 

 

 

10,970

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

8,159

 

 

 

213,968

 

 

 

11,810

 

Monetary loss related to cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(123,499

)

 

 

(69,503

)

 

 

(29,778

)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

 

 

347,459

 

 

 

202,994

 

 

 

220,962

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

 

 

232,119

 

 

 

347,459

 

 

 

202,994

 

 

Our operating activities include the operating results, the origination of loans and other financing transactions with the private sector, as well as raising customer deposits and entering into sales of government securities under repurchase agreement transactions. Our investing activities primarily consist of the acquisition of equity investments and purchasing of bank premises and equipment. Our financing activities include issuing bonds in the local and foreign capital markets and borrowing from foreign and local banks and international credit agencies.



Management believes that cash flows from operations and available cash and cash equivalent balances, will be sufficient to fund our financial commitments and capital expenditures for fiscal year 2020.

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before Taxes from continuing operations

 

 

36,858

 

 

 

5,191

 

 

 

22,950

 

Adjustment to Obtain the Operating Activities Flows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

 

 

22,203

 

 

 

25,074

 

 

 

11,220

 

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

 

 

5,065

 

 

 

2,541

 

 

 

2,214

 

Loss on Net Monetary Position

 

 

30,798

 

 

 

27,788

 

 

 

10,496

 

Other Operations

 

 

42,151

 

 

 

(27,981

)

 

 

8,083

 

Net Increases/(Decreases) from Operating Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt securities measured at fair value through profit or loss

 

 

1,401

 

 

 

18,380

 

 

 

(5,383

)

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

418

 

 

 

(1,554

)

 

 

(840

)

Repo Transactions

 

 

(3,060

)

 

 

461

 

 

 

(2,142

)

Other Financial Assets

 

 

2,011

 

 

 

2,419

 

 

 

(6,279

)

Net Loans and Other Financing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Non-financial Public Sector

 

 

13

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 

38

 

- Other Financial Institutions

 

 

(788

)

 

 

5,570

 

 

 

(5,895

)

- Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

 

 

53,239

 

 

 

(21,300

)

 

 

(67,535

)

Other Debt Securities

 

 

3,169

 

 

 

(15,755

)

 

 

(1,536

)

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

 

 

5,090

 

 

 

(2,262

)

 

 

1,152

 

Investments in Equity Instruments

 

 

(4,307

)

 

 

(76

)

 

 

116

 

Other Non-financial Assets

 

 

(1,623

)

 

 

(1,737

)

 

 

(2,625

)

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

 

 

896

 

 

 

15,771

 

 

 

91

 

Net Increases/(Decreases) from Operating Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Non-financial Public Sector

 

 

(11,249

)

 

 

10,539

 

 

 

(1,025

)

- Financial Sector

 

 

(644

)

 

 

833

 

 

 

83

 

- Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

 

 

(148,318

)

 

 

86,666

 

 

 

30,616

 

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

 

(1,877

)

 

 

3,299

 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

(1,943

)

 

 

1,522

 

 

 

855

 

Other Financial Liabilities

 

 

(29,681

)

 

 

12,129

 

 

 

(2,683

)

Provisions

 

 

517

 

 

 

849

 

 

 

289

 

Other Non-financial Liabilities

 

 

(805

)

 

 

(15,019

)

 

 

4,089

 

Income Tax Collections/Payments

 

 

(10,103

)

 

 

(11,415

)

 

 

(10,159

)

Net Cash (used in)/generated by Operating Activities

 

 

(10,569

)

 

 

121,928

 

 

 

(13,810

)

 

In fiscal year 2019, net cash used in operating activities including the inflationary effect amounted to Ps.10,569 million, mainly due to: (i) a Ps.148,318 million net decrease in deposits to non-financial private sector and residents abroad and (ii) a Ps.29,681 million decrease in other financial liabilities. Such amount was partially offset by net cash provided by Ps.53,239 million related to a decrease in net loans and other financing to non-financial private sector and residents abroad.



In fiscal year 2018, net cash generated by operating activities including the inflationary effect amounted to Ps.121,928 million, mainly due to: (i) a Ps.86,666 million increase in deposits from non-financial private sector and residents abroad, (ii) a Ps.18,380 million decrease in debt securities measured at fair value through profit or loss and (iii) a Ps.15,771 million decrease in non-current assets held for sale, partially offset due to: (i) a Ps.21,300 million increase in loans to non-financial private sector and residents abroad, (ii) a Ps.15,755 million increase in other debt securities and (iii) Ps.15,019 million decrease in other non-financial liabilities.

 

In fiscal year 2017, net cash used in operating activities including the inflationary effect amounted to Ps.13,810 million, mainly due to a Ps.67,535 million increase in net loans and other financing to non-financial private sector and residents abroad and partially offset by a Ps.30,616 million increase of deposits from non-financial private sector and residents abroad.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investment Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of PP&E, Intangible Assets and Other Assets

 

 

(7,897

)

 

 

(5,673

)

 

 

(5,015

)

Purchase of Non-controlling Interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,249

)

Collections:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of PP&E, Intangible Assets and Other Assets

 

 

2,679

 

 

 

156

 

 

 

1,309

 

Net Cash used in Investment Activities

 

 

(5,218

)

 

 

(5,517

)

 

 

(5,955

)

 

In fiscal year 2019, net cash used in investing activities amounted to Ps.5,218 million mainly attributable to the acquisition of property, plants and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.7,897 million. Such amount was partially offset by funds provided by the sale of property, plants and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.2,679 million.

 

In fiscal year 2018, net cash used in investing activities amounted to Ps.5,517 million mainly attributable to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.5,673 million.

 

In fiscal year 2017, net cash used in investing activities amounted to Ps.5,955 million mainly attributable to (i) the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other assets for Ps.5,015 million, and (ii) the acquisition of non-controlling interest of Tarjetas Regionales for Ps.2,249 million.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities


 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubordinated Debt Securities

 

 

(16,884

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,412

)

Subordinated Debt Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(557

)

Loans from Local Financial Institutions

 

 

(7,190

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,692

)

Dividends

 

 

(2,661

)

 

 

(2,636

)

 

 

(859

)

Leases payment

 

 

(1,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collections:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubordinated Debt Securities

 

 

 

 

 

14,929

 

 

 

 

Loans from Financial Institutions

 

 

 

 

 

12,042

 

 

 

 

Subordinated Debt Securities

 

 

473

 

 

 

4,060

 

 

 

 

Capital increase

 

 

132

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,125

 

Net Cash (used in)/generated by Financing Activities

 

 

(27,130

)

 

 

28,395

 

 

 

20,605

 



In fiscal year 2019, net cash used in financing activities amounted to Ps.27,130 million due to: (i) Ps.16,884 million as a consequence of the payments of principal and interest on unsubordinated debt securities, (ii) Ps.7,190 million for payments of loans from local financial institutions, (iii) Ps.2,661 million of payments of dividends and (iv) Ps.1,000 million for leases payments.

 

In fiscal year 2018, financing activities provided cash in the amount of Ps.28,395 million due to: (i) issuances of unsubordinated debt securities for approximately Ps.14,929 million during 2018 and (ii) an increase in loans from local financial institutions for Ps.12,042 million.

 

In fiscal year 2017, financing activities provided cash in the amount of Ps.20,605 million due to: (i) paid- in capital for Ps.26,125 million, partially offset by (i) Ps.2,412 million as a consequence of the payments of principal and interest on unsubordinated debt securities, (ii) Ps.1,692 million payments of loans from local financial institutions, (iii) Ps.859 million of payments of dividends and (iv) Ps.557 million as consequence of payments of principal and interest on subordinated debt securities.

 

Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

In fiscal year 2019, the effect of the exchange rate on consolidated cash flow amounted to Ps.51,076 million, a decrease of Ps.18,086 million as compared to fiscal year 2018. The exchange rate as of December 31, 2019 was Ps.59.8950 per US$1.

 

In fiscal year 2018, the effect of the exchange rate on consolidated cash flow amounted to Ps.69,162 million. The exchange rate as of December 31, 2018 was Ps.37.8083 per US$1.

 

In fiscal year 2017, the effect of the exchange rate on consolidated cash flow amounted to Ps.10,970 million. The exchange rate as of December 31, 2017 was Ps.18.7742 per US$1.

 

For a description of the types of financial interests we use and the maturity profile of our debt, currency and interest rate structure, see Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects A.“Operating Results”.

 

Liquidity Management

 

Liquidity Gaps

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that Banco Galicia does not have a sufficient level of liquid assets to meet its contractual commitments and the operational needs of the business without affecting market prices. The goal of liquidity management is to maintain an adequate level of liquid assets that allows it to meet financial commitments at contractual maturity, take advantage of potential investment opportunities and meet demand for credit. To monitor and control liquidity risk, Banco Galicia monitors and systematically calculates gaps in liquidity through the application of an internal model that is subject to periodic review.

 

Banco Galicia’s liquidity policy covers three areas of liquidity risk:

 

  • Stock Liquidity: The excess amount of cash and liquid assets above the legal minimum cash requirements, taking into account the characteristics and performance of Banco Galicia’s different liabilities, as well as the nature of the assets that provide such liquidity.
  • Cash Flow Liquidity: Gaps between the contractual maturities of consolidated financial assets and liabilities.
  • Concentration of Deposits: The concentration of deposits is regulated in terms of the top leading customers and the following 50 customers. A maximum limit with respect to the share in deposits is determined on an individual basis for such customers.



As of December 31, 2019, the consolidated gaps between maturities of Grupo Financiero Galicia´s financial assets and liabilities based on contractual remaining maturity were as follows:

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

Less than one

Year

 

 

1 – 5 Years

 

 

5 – 10 Years

 

 

Over 10

Years

 

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except ratios)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Due from Banks

 

 

56,617

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56,617

 

Argentine Central Bank – Escrow Accounts

 

 

109,239

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

109,239

 

Overnight Placements in Banks Abroad

 

 

7,398

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,398

 

Loans – Public Sector

 

 

5,290

 

 

 

2,637

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,927

 

Loans – Private Sector

 

 

242,667

 

 

 

69,912

 

 

 

5,716

 

 

 

10,161

 

 

 

328,456

 

Government Securities

 

 

60,102

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

60,102

 

Notes and Securities

 

 

2,341

 

 

 

186

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,532

 

Financial Trusts

 

 

425

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

425

 

Receivables from Financial Leases

 

 

914

 

 

 

1,240

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,167

 

Other Financing

 

 

521

 

 

 

1,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,282

 

Government Securities Forward Purchase

 

 

31,643

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,643

 

Total Assets

 

 

517,157

 

 

 

75,736

 

 

 

5,734

 

 

 

10,161

 

 

 

608,788

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits in Savings Accounts

 

 

147,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

147,625

 

Demand Deposits

 

 

100,237

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100,237

 

Time Deposits

 

 

141,394

 

 

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

141,447

 

Notes

 

 

16,592

 

 

 

3,911

 

 

 

14,943

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,446

 

Banks and International Entities

 

 

13,278

 

 

 

8,775

 

 

 

666

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,719

 

Local Financial Institutions

 

 

4,228

 

 

 

2,019

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,246

 

Other Financing

 

 

70,446

 

 

 

305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

70,752

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

493,800

 

 

 

15,063

 

 

 

15,609

 

 

 

 

 

 

524,472

 

Asset / Liability Gap

 

 

23,357

 

 

 

60,673

 

 

 

(9,875

)

 

 

10,161

 

 

 

84,316

 

Cumulative Gap

 

 

23,357

 

 

 

84,030

 

 

 

74,155

 

 

 

84,316

 

 

 

84,316

 

Ratio of Cumulative Gap to Cumulative Liabilities

 

 

4.73

 

 

 

16.51

 

 

 

14.14

 

 

 

16.08

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of Cumulative Gap to Total Liabilities

 

 

4.45

 

 

 

16.02

 

 

 

14.14

 

 

 

16.08

 

 

 

 

 

(*) Principal plus UVA adjustment. Does not include interest.

(1) Includes, mainly, debt with retailers due to credit card operations, liabilities in connection with repurchase transactions, debt with domestic credit agencies and collections for third parties.

 

The table above is prepared taking into account contractual maturity. Therefore, all financial assets and liabilities with no maturity date are included in the “Less than One Year” category.

 

Banco Galicia must comply with a maximum limit set by its board of directors for liquidity mismatches. This limit has been established at -25% (minus 25%) for the ratio of cumulative gap to total liabilities within the first year. Banco Galicia complies with the established policy, since such gap was of 4.5% as of December 2019.

 

Banco Galicia Liquidity Management

 

The following is a discussion of Banco Galicia’s liquidity management.

 

Banco Galicia’s policy is to maintain a level of liquid assets that allows it to meet financial commitments at contractual maturity, take advantage of potential investment opportunities, and meet customer’s credit demand. To set the appropriate level, forecasts are made based on historical experience and on an analysis of possible scenarios. This enables management to project funding needs and alternative funding sources, as well as excess liquidity and placement strategies for such funds. As of December 31, 2019, Banco Galicia’s liquidity structure was as follows:

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

Legal Requirement

 

162,620

Management Liquidity

 

80,267

Total Liquidity

 

242,887



Legal requirements correspond to the minimum cash requirements for Peso- and foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities as per the rules and regulations of the Argentine Central Bank.


The assets that can be taken into account for compliance with this requirement are the balances of the Peso- and foreign currency-denominated deposit accounts at the Argentine Central Bank, the liquidity bills and Bote 2020, and the escrow accounts held at the Argentine Central Bank in favor of clearing houses.

 

Management liquidity, defined as a percentage over deposits and other liabilities, is made up of the following items: balances of checking accounts held by the Argentine Central Bank exceeding minimum cash requirements, Letes, Leliq and placements held by the Argentine Central Bank, overnight placements in banks abroad, net short-term interbank loans (call loans), technical cash and placements at the Argentine Central Bank in excess of the amounts necessary to cover minimum cash requirements.

 

Capital

 

Our capital management policy is designed to ensure prudent levels of capital. The following table analyzes our capital resources as of the dates indicated.

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except ratios, multiples and percentages)

 

Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG

 

 

113,942

 

 

 

92,492

 

 

 

99,260

 

Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG as a Percentage of Total Assets

 

 

16.62

 

 

 

10.55

 

 

 

13.18

 

Total Liabilities as a Multiple of Shareholders’ Equity attributable to GFG

 

 

4.99

 

 

 

8.45

 

 

 

6.54

 

Tangible Shareholders’ Equity (1) as a Percentage of Total Assets

 

 

15.35

 

 

 

9.75

 

 

 

12.83

 

1) Tangible shareholders’ equity represents shareholders’ equity minus intangible assets.

 

For information on our capital adequacy and that of our operating subsidiaries, see Item 4. “Information on the CompanyB.”Business Overview”─”Selected Statistical InformationRegulatory Capital”.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

In the ordinary course of business, our capital expenditures are mainly related to fixed assets, construction and organizational and IT system development. Generally, our capital expenditures are not significant when compared to our total assets.

 

For a more detailed description of our capital expenditures in 2019 and our capital commitments for 2020, see Item 4. “Information on the Company A.History and Development of the CompanyCapital Investments and Divestitures”. For a description of financing of our capital expenditures, see Consolidated Cash Flows”.

 

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects─A.Operating ResultsOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements” and “Contractual Obligations”.

 

F. Contractual Obligations

 

See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsA. Operating Results"Contractual Obligations”.

 

G. Safe Harbor

 

These matters are discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements.



Our ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting took place on April 28, 2020. The following table sets out the members of our Board of Directors as of that date (all of whom reside in Buenos Aires, Argentina), the positions they hold within Grupo Financiero Galicia, their dates of birth, their principal occupations and the dates of their appointment and on which their current terms will expire. Terms expire when the annual shareholders’ meeting takes place.

 

Name

 

Position

 

Date of Birth

 

Principal
Occupation

 

Member Since

 

Current Term
Ends

Eduardo J. Escasany

 

Chairman

 

June 30, 1950

 

Businessman

 

April 2005

 

April 2022

Pablo Gutierrez

 

Vice Chairman

 

December 9, 1959

 

Businessman

 

April 2003

 

April 2022

Abel Ayerza

 

Director

 

May 27, 1939

 

Businessman

 

September 1999

 

April 2021

Federico Braun

 

Director

 

February 4, 1950

 

Businessman

 

September 1999

 

April 2023

Silvestre Vila Moret

 

Director

 

April 26, 1971

 

Businessman

 

June 2002

 

April 2023

Daniel Llambías

 

Director

 

February 8, 1947

 

Businessman

 

April 2017

 

April 2023

Pedro A. Richards

 

Director

 

November 14, 1952

 

Businessman

 

April 2017

 

April 2022

Miguel C. Maxwell

 

Director

 

December 19, 1956

 

Accountant

 

April 2020

 

April 2021

Claudia Raquel Estecho

 

Director

 

September 24, 1957

 

Accountant

 

April 2019

 

April 2021

Ricardo Alberto Gonzalez

 

Alternate Director

 

June 12, 1951

 

Businessman

 

April 2019

 

April 2022

Sergio Grinenco

 

Alternate Director

 

May 26, 1948

 

Banker

 

April 2003

 

April 2021

Alejandro Rojas Lagarde

 

Alternate Director

 

July 17, 1937

 

Lawyer

 

April 2000

 

April 2021

Ana María Bertolino

 

Alternate Director

 

June 1, 1951

 

Lawyer

 

April 2019

 

April 2022

 

The following is a summary of the biographies of the members of our Board of Directors:

 

Eduardo J. Escasany: Mr. Escasany obtained a degree in economics at the Universidad Católica Argentina. He was associated with Banco Galicia from 1973 to 2002. He was appointed to Banco Galicia’s board of directors in 1975. In 1979, he was elected as the vice chairman and from 1989 to March 21, 2002 he served as the chairman of Banco Galicia’s board of directors and its chief executive officer. He served as the vice chairman of the Argentine Bankers Association from 1989 to 1993 and the chairman of such association from 1993 to 2002. He was chairman of the Board of Directors from April 2002 to June 2002. In April 2005, he was re-elected as member of the Board of Directors and appointed as chairman in 2010. He is also a lifetime trustee and chairman of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. He is the chairman of Helena Emprendimientos Inmobiliarios S.A. and an alternate director for RPE Distribución S.A. and Hidro Distribución S.A. Mr. Escasany is Mr. Silvestre Vila Moret’s uncle.

Pablo Gutierrez: Mr. Gutierrez obtained a degree in business administration at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1985, where he served in different positions. In April 2005, he was appointed to the board of directors of Banco Galicia. Mr. Gutierrez is regular director of Tarjetas Regionales, and Tarjeta Naranja S.A. and a lifetime trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. He was an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia from April 2003 to April 2010 when he was appointed as vice chairman. In April 2012, he was appointed as the vice chairman of Banco Galicia. Mr. Gutierrez is Mr. Abel Ayerza’s nephew.

Abel Ayerza: Mr. Ayerza obtained a degree in business administration at the Universidad Católica Argentina. He was associated with Banco Galicia from 1966 to 2002. Mr. Ayerza is also second vice chairman of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires and the managing partner of Cribelco S.R.L., Crisabe S.R.L. and Huinca Cereales S.R.L. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since September, 1999. Mr. Ayerza is the uncle of Mr. Pablo Gutierrez.

Federico Braun: Mr. Braun obtained a degree in industrial engineering at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He was associated with Banco Galicia from 1984 to 2002. Mr. Braun is also the chairman of Patagonia Logística S.A., Campos de la Patagonia S.A., Estancia Anita S.A., Tarjeta del Mar and S.A. Importadora y Exportadora de la Patagonia; the vice chairman of Asociación Empresaria Argentina and Asociación de Supermercados Unidos. He is a director of Inmobiliaria Financiera “La Josefina” S.A. and an alternate director of Martseb S.A. He is a lifetime trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since September 1999.


Silvestre Vila Moret: Mr. Vila Moret obtained a degree in banking administration at the Universidad Católica Argentina. He was associated with Banco Galicia from 1997 until May 2002. Mr. Vila Moret is also vice chairman of El Benteveo S.A. and Santa Ofelia S.A. He has served as on the Board of Directors since June 2002. He is a lifetime trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. Mr. Vila Moret is the nephew of Mr. Eduardo J. Escasany.

Daniel Antonio Llambías: Mr. Llambías obtained a degree in national public accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1964. He was elected as an alternate director of Banco Galicia in September 1997 and served as a director from September 2001 until August 2009, when he was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Llambías is also a director of Tarjeta Naranja and Tarjetas Regionales and an alternate trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. He served as the chairman of ADEBA from April 2016 to April 2017. Mr. Llambías was appointed as a director of Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2017.

Pedro Alberto Richards: Mr. Richards obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He holds a Master of Science in Management from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was the director of the National Development Bank. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1990. He was a member of the board of directors of Galicia Capital Markets S.A. between 1992 and 1994 and vice chairman of Net Investment between September 2001 and May 2007. Since August 2000, he served as Grupo Financiero Galicia’s managing director and from 2010 as our Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Richards is also Director of Galicia Warrants, and director of Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A. Mr. Richards was an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia from April 2003 until April 2005, after which he served as a director until April 14, 2010. He was appointed as a director of Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2017.

Miguel C. Maxwell: Mr. Maxwell obtained a degree in national public accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires in 1979 and in 1986 he completed the High Management Program - Instituto de Altos Estudios Empresariales - Buenos Aires (Harvard Business School - University of Navarra). He developed his professional career at Deloitte & Co. S.A. (Argentina, Paraguay y Bolivia) where he entered in 1977, was promoted to Audit Partner in 1986, became Member of the Board from 1999 until May 2005, Audit Business Leader from June 2005 until May 2011 and Chairman and CEO from June 2011 until May 2017. He was also Member of the Board of Deloitte LATCO (15 Latin American countries) from June 2011 until May 2014, CEO of Deloitte LATCO from June 2014 until May 2017 and Member of the Board of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu from June 2014 until May 2017. Mr Maxwell has substantial experience in audit, serving both domestic clients and subsidiaries of European and American Companies in Argentina. He has more than 35 years of professional experience. Currently he is the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Llorente & Cuenca (LLYC) in Argentina, Member of the Board of José M. Alladio e Hijos S.A. and regular syndic of LIAG Argentina S.A.

Claudia Raquel Estecho: Mrs. Estecho obtained a degree in accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. She has also completed specialized training programs in the areas of Human Resources, Risk and Executive Management at the Universidad Austral. She held different positions at Banco Galicia since 1976 to 2016 in the areas of Finance, Planning and Risk Management. She was appointed as regular director of Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2019.

Ricardo Alberto Gonzalez: Mr. Gonzalez served in various positions at Banco Galicia between 1973 and December 2009, mainly in the retail division and the credit department. He retired as general manager of the corporate banking division. In April 2019, he was appointed as alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia.

Sergio Grinenco: Mr. Grinenco obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Argentina and a master’s in business administration from Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1977. He has served as an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia since September 2001 and as the vice chairman from April 2003 to 2011. Mr. Grinenco is also an alternate trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires. In 2012, he was appointed as the chairman of Banco Galicia.


Alejandro María Rojas Lagarde: Mr. Rojas obtained a degree in law from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has held a variety of positions at Banco Galicia since 1963. From 1965 to January 2000, he served as the general counsel office of Banco Galicia. He has served as an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia since 2000. He is also a manager of Rojas Lagarde S.R.L., alternate director of Santiago Salud S.A. and a lifetime trustee of the Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires.

Ana María Bertolino: Mrs. Bertolino obtained a degree in law from Universidad de Buenos Aires. She joined Banco Galicia in 1972 and has held positions in Credit and Corporate Banking, until 2009. She was appointed as an alternate director of Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2019.

Our Board of Directors may consist of between three and nine permanent members. Currently our Board of Directors has nine members. In addition, the number of alternate directors who act in the temporary or permanent absence of a director has been set at four. The regular and alternate directors are elected by the shareholders at our annual general shareholders’ meeting.

Directors and alternate directors are elected for a maximum term of three years. Mr. Sergio Grinenco is also a director of Banco Galicia. In addition, some members of our Board of Directors may serve on the board of directors of any subsidiary.

Five of our directors are members of the families that are the controlling shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia.

Our Audit Committee

Grupo Financiero Galicia complies with the provisions set forth by the Capital Markets Law and the regulations set forth by the CNV, which require that companies which make a public offering of shares should form an Audit Committee, and develop a charter with regulations for its operation.

Accordingly, the Board of Directors established an Audit Committee with three members. For fiscal year 2019, Messrs. Enrique Mariano Garda Olaciregui, Claudia Estecho and Daniel Llambías were the members of the Audit Committee, with Enrique Mariano Garda Olaciregui and Claudia R. Estecho considered independent pursuant to the CNV and Nasdaq requirements. On January 13, 2020, the alternate director Mr. Ricardo A. Gonzalez replaced the regular director Mr. Enrique Mariano Garda Olaciregui, who died on December 30, 2019. Mr. Gonzalez is considered an independent member of the Audit Committee pursuant to the CNV and Nasdaq requirements. All members of the Audit Committee are financially literate and have extensive managerial experience. Mr. Daniel Llambías, was the financial expert serving on our Audit Committee during fiscal year 2019. As a consequence of the resignation presented by Mr. Ricardo A. Gonzalez to his position as member of the Audit Committee, the shareholders' meeting held on April 28, 2020, elected Mr. Miguel Maxwell to replace said position. Therefore, the Board of Directors, on the same day, designated Mr. Miguel Maxwell as the new member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Maxwell is independent under the CNV and Nasdaq requirements and have an extensive and recognized managerial experience. According to the CNV rules, the Audit Committee is primarily responsible for (i) issuing a report on the Board of Directors’ proposals for the appointment of the independent auditors and the compensation for the Directors, (ii) issuing a report detailing the activities performed according to the CNV requirements, (iii) issuing the Audit Committee’s annual plan and implementing it each fiscal year, (iv) evaluating the external auditors’ independence, work plans and performance, (v) evaluating the plans and performance of the internal auditors, (vi) supervising the reliability of our internal control systems, including the accounting system, and of external reporting of financial or other information, (vii) following-up on the use of information policies on risk management at Grupo Financiero Galicia’s main subsidiaries, (viii) evaluating the reliability of the financial information to be filed with the CNV and the SEC, (ix) verifying compliance with the applicable conduct rules, and (x) issuing a report on related party transactions and disclosing any transaction where a conflict of interest exists with corporate governance bodies and controlling shareholders. The Audit Committee has access to all information and documentation that it requires and is broadly empowered to fulfill its duties. During 2019, the Audit Committee held eleven meetings.

 

Our Executive Committee



The Executive Committee was created to assist with the management of the Company's ordinary business and help the Board of Directors in fulfilling its duties. The Committee is composed of between two and five members of the Board of Directors and the President of the Board of Directors acts as its chairman. The duties of this committee include: gathering legal, economic, financial and business information on the Company’s subsidiaries and investee companies; making investment decisions; appointing the Company's first-tier managers; proposing a strategic plan for the Company and its subsidiaries; making annual budget estimates for the Board of Directors, and performing risk assessments. The members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Eduardo J. Escasany, Pablo Gutiérrez, Abel Ayerza, Federico Braun and Silvestre Vila Moret.

 

Our Ethics, Conduct and Integrity Committee

 

The Ethics, Conduct and Integrity Committee was created as part of the Company’s Ethics and Integrity Program, in order to promote respect for norms and regulations, the principles of good conduct and our Code of Ethics. The objective of this Committee, (apart from complying with the duties required to be performed by applicable Argentine laws), is to monitor and review reports of conducts contrary to our Code of Ethics, and to decide whether the conduct under review violated our Code of Ethics; evaluate the evolution and effectiveness of our Ethics and Integrity Program; and plan, coordinate and supervise compliance with the relevant policies approved by this Committee. This committee is formed by two independent Directors, the Chief Financial Officer, the responsible for the Integrity program of the Company and is chaired by one of regular Directors. The members are the two independent directors, Messrs. Claudia Estecho and Miguel Maxwell, José Luis Ronsini and Adrián Enrique Pedemonte.

 

Our Nomination and Compensation Committee

 

The Nomination and Compensation Committee was created to facilitate the analysis and monitoring of several issues based on good corporate governance practices. Said Committee is composed of 5 regular Directors, two of them independent and is chaired by of one independent Director. Even though under Argentine law the appointment of new members to the Board of Directors remains within exclusive power of the shareholders, this Committee assists the Board of Directors in the preparation and design of a succession plan for its members, in particular for the Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of the Audit Committee. This committee reviews the background, training and professional experience of potential candidates to serve the Board and determines their level of compensation in accordance with market standards. The members of the committee are the two independent directors, Messrs. Claudia Estecho and Miguel Maxwell, Eduardo J. Escasany, Pablo Gutierrez and Federico Braun.

 

Our Disclosure Committee

 

We have established a Disclosure Committee in response to the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The main responsibility of this committee is to review and approve controls on the public disclosure of financial and related information, and other procedures necessary that enable our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide their certifications for the annual report we file with the SEC. The members of this committee are Messrs. Pedro A. Richards, José Luis Ronsini, Adrián Enrique Pedemonte and Ms. Mariana Saavedra. In addition, at least one of the members of this committee attends all the meetings of our principal subsidiaries’ disclosure committees.

 

Our Supervisory Committee

 

Our bylaws provide for a Supervisory Committee consisting of three members who are referred to as syndics (“syndics”) and three alternate members who are referred to as alternate syndics (“alternate syndics”). In accordance with the Corporations Law and our bylaws, the syndics and alternate syndics are responsible for ensuring that all of our actions are in accordance with applicable Argentine law. Syndics and alternate syndics are elected by the shareholders at the annual general shareholders’ meeting. Syndics and alternate syndics do not have management functions. Syndics are responsible for, among other things, preparing a report to shareholders analyzing our financial statements for each year and recommending to the shareholders whether to approve such financial statements. Alternate syndics act in the temporary or permanent absence of a syndic. Currently, there are three syndics and three alternate syndics. Syndics and alternate syndics are elected for a one-year term.


The following table shows the members of our Supervisory Committee. Each of our syndics was appointed at the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020. Terms expire when the annual shareholders’ meeting takes place or as set forth below.

 

Name

 

Position

 

Principal Occupation

 

Current Term Ends

Antonio R. Garcés

 

Syndic

 

Accountant

 

April 2021

José Luis Gentile

 

Syndic

 

Accountant

 

April 2021

Omar Severini

 

Syndic

 

Accountant

 

April 2021

Miguel N. Armando

 

Alternate Syndic

 

Lawyer

 

April 2021

Fernando Noetinger

 

Alternate Syndic

 

Lawyer

 

April 2021

María Matilde Hoenig(1)

 

Alternate Syndic

 

Lawyer

 

April 2021

(1) “Ad referendum” of the authorization of the Argentine Central Bank.

 

The following is a summary of the biographies of the members of our Supervisory Committee:

Antonio Roberto Garcés: Mr. Garcés obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1959 and with Grupo Financiero Galicia since 2002. In April 1985, he was appointed as an alternate director of Banco Galicia. Subsequently, he was appointed as the vice chairman of Banco Galicia in September 2001, as the chairman of the board of directors of Banco Galicia from March 2002 until August 2002 and then as the vice chairman from August 2002 until April 2003, when he was elected to serve as chairman of Banco Galicia’s board of directors until 2011. From 2003 to 2010 he was the chairman of Grupo Financiero Galicia. From April 2012 until April 2019, Mr. Garcés was appointed as a regular director of Grupo Financiero Galicia. He was elected as a regular syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2019. Additionally, he is a regular syndic of Galicia Valores and Galicia Warrants.

José Luis Gentile: Mr. Gentile obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has provided services to Grupo Financiero Galicia since 1999 to March 2017. He served as Chief Financial Officer from 2003 to 2017. He was elected as a regular syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2017. Additionally, he is a regular syndic of Galicia Valores and Galicia Warrants, and an alternate syndic of Cobranzas Regionales, Tarjeta Naranja, and of other subsidiaries of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia.

Omar Severini: Mr. Severini obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad de Belgrano and a degree in finance with a concentration in capital markets from UCEMA. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1978 and served in positions responsible for the regular audit from 1986 to 2009. He served as Internal Auditor Manager to Banco Galicia between 2009 and 2017. He was elected as a regular syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2018. Additionally, he is a regular syndic of Galicia Valores, Galicia Warrants, Tarjetas Regionales, Tarjeta Naranja, and of other subsidiaries of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia.

Miguel Norberto Armando: Mr. Armando obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He was first elected as an alternate syndic of Banco Galicia from 1986 until 2017. He also acted as an alternate syndic of Grupo Financiero Galicia between 1999 and January 2009 at which point he became a regular syndic until April 2009 and was reelected as an alternate syndic of Grupo Financiero Galicia until April 2018. He was elected as an alternate syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia in April 2019. He is the chairman of Arnoar S.A. Mr. Armando is also a regular syndic of EBA Holding S.A., Electrigal S.A. and an alternate syndic of Galicia Valores, Galicia Seguros, Sudamericana Holding, Marin and Finisterra, among others.

Fernando Noetinger: Mr. Noetinger obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1987. He was and has been an alternate syndic of Grupo Financiero Galicia from September 1999 to June 2002 and from April 2006 to date. Mr. Noetinger is also chairman of Villa Rosa S.A. and Doña Ines S.A., an alternate director of Arnoar S.A., and an alternate syndic of EBA Holding S.A., Electrigal S.A., Tarjetas Regionales, Galicia Warrants, Galicia Valores, Banco Galicia, Galicia Retiro, Galicia Seguros, and Sudamericana Holding, among others.

 

Maria Matilde Hoening: Mrs. Hoening obtained a law degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1971 and served in different positions until 2009. She was appointed as an alternate syndic of Banco Galicia and Grupo Financiero Galicia in 2020.



Management of Grupo Financiero Galicia

Our organizational structure consists of the Chief Executive Officer who reports to the Board of Directors, and the Chief Financial Officer who reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is in charge of the Financial and Accounting Division.

The Chief Executive Officer’s primary responsibilities consist of implementing the policies defined by the Board of Directors, as well as providing recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding future plans, budgets and company organization. He is also responsible for supervising the Financial and Accounting Division and assessing the attainment of performance goals of Grupo Financiero Galicia. The Chief Executive Officer also participates in meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company and certain subsidiaries.

Our Chief Executive Officer is Mr. Pedro A. Richards, please see “─ Our Board of Directors”.

Our Chief Financial Officer is Mr. José Luis Ronsini. Mr. Ronsini obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He holds a Master in Finance from the University of CEMA, and attended the Senior Management Program at the Universidad de San Andrés. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 2001. He previously served as the Chief Credit Risk auditor, responsible for subsidiaries, Tarjetas Regionales, and Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A. Mr. Ronsini has served as General Accountant of Banco Galicia since 2012.

The Financial and Accounting Division is mainly responsible for the assessment of investment alternatives, thus suggesting whether to invest or withdraw Grupo Financiero Galicia’s positions in different companies or businesses. It also plans and coordinates Grupo Financiero Galicia’s administrative services and financial resources in order to guarantee its proper management. This division also aims at meeting requirements set by several controlling authorities, managing the Integrity plan, complying with information and internal control needs and budgeting purposes. Furthermore, it includes functions aimed at planning, preparing, coordinating, controlling and providing financial information to the stock exchanges where Grupo Financiero Galicia’s shares are listed, regulatory bodies and both domestic and international investors and analysts. It facilitates the provision of materials and responses to questions sent by shareholders and investors in general through a specifically designed “contact us”, located in our web page.

 

Board of Directors of Banco Galicia

 

At the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020, the size of Banco Galicia’s board of directors was set at six members and three alternate directors. The following table sets forth the members of Banco Galicia’s board of directors as of April 28, 2020, all of whom are residents of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the position currently held by each of them, their dates of birth, their principal occupations, the dates of their appointment and the year in which their current terms will expire. The business address of the members of the Banco Galicia’s board of directors is Tte. General J. D. Perón 430, 24th floor (C1038AAI) Buenos Aires, Argentina.



Name

 

Position

 

Date of Birth

 

Principal

Occupation

 

 

Member Since

 

Current

Term Ends

Sergio Grinenco

 

Chairman of the Board

 

May 26, 1948

 

Banker

 

 

April 2012

 

April 2023

Raúl Héctor Seoane

 

Vicechairman

 

July 18, 1953

 

Economist

 

 

April 2012

 

April 2023

Guillermo J. Pando

 

Secretary Director

 

October 23, 1948

 

Banker

 

 

April 2003

 

April 2023

María Elena Casasnovas (1)

 

Director

 

May 10, 1951

 

Lawyer

 

 

April 2016

 

April 2022

Juan Carlos L’Afflitto

 

Director

 

September 15, 1958

 

Accountant

 

 

April 2016

 

April 2022

Gastón Bourdieu

 

Director

 

August 31, 1956

 

Agricultural Administration

 

 

April 2018

 

April 2021

Ignacio A. González (2)

 

Alternate Director

 

April 23, 1944

 

Accountant

 

 

April 2018

 

April 2023

Verónica Lagos Mármol (2)(3)

 

Alternate Director

 

November 14, 1972

 

 

Economist

 

 

April 2020

 

April 2023

Augusto R. Zapiola Macnab

 

Alternate Director

 

June 27, 1947

 

Economist

 

 

April 2013

 

April 2022

(1) In accordance with the rules of the CNV, and pursuant to the classifications adopted by the CNV, Mrs. Casasnovas is an independent director. Mrs. Casasnovas is also an independent director in accordance with the Nasdaq rules.

(2) In accordance with the rules of the CNV, and pursuant to the classifications adopted by the CNV, Messrs. Gonzalez and Lagos Mármol are independent alternate directors. We would replace the independent director in case of vacancy. Messrs. González and Lagos Mármol are also independent directors in accordance with the Nasdaq rules.

(3) “Ad referendum” of the authorization of the Argentine Central Bank.

 

The following are the biographies of the members of the board of directors of Banco Galicia:

 

Sergio Grinenco: See “Our Board of Directors”.

 

Raúl Héctor Seoane: Mr. Seoane obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1988. Mr. Seoane was first elected as an alternate director of Banco Galicia from 2005 until December 2011, and in April 2012 was elected as a director. He is also a vice chairman of Distrocuyo S.A. and an alternate trustee of Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires.

 

Guillermo Juan Pando: Mr. Pando has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1969. He was first elected as an alternate director of Banco Galicia from September 2001 until June 2002, and in April 2003 he was elected as a director. He is also the chairman of Santiago Salud S.A. and Distrocuyo S.A., vice chairman of Electrigal S.A., and an alternate trustee of Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires.

 

María Elena Casasnovas: Mrs. Casasnovas obtained a degree in law from the Universidad Católica Argentina. She completed the Program for High Management at Universidad Torcuato Di Tella and the Senior Management Program at Universidad San Andrés. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1972. In April 2016, she was elected as a director.

 

Juan Carlos L’Afflitto: Mr. L’Afflitto obtained a degree in national public accounting at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He worked as advisor and accountant at Morgan, Benedit y Asociados and until 1990 he was a professor at the Universidad Católica Argentina. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1986. In April 2016, he was elected as a director.

 

Gastón Bourdieu: Mr. Bourdieu obtained a degree in agricultural administration from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. He has been associated with Banco Galicia from 1981 to 2017. He was appointed as a director of Banco Galicia in April 2018. He is also a director of Maradona S.A.

 

Ignacio Abel González: Mr. González obtained a degree in national public accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and a master in Auditing at Drew University, New Jersey. Previously, he served as a Member of the International Committee of Finance & Value Sharing, PricewaterhouseCoopers. He was appointed as director of Banco Galicia in April 2010 and he was elected as an alternate director in April 2018. He is also director of IDEA and syndic of Sociedad Anónima La Nación, Nuevos Medios La Nación, Publirevistas, Sociedad Anónima Importadora y Exportadora de la Patagonia, and the founder and president of P.O.D.E.R (Polo de Desarrollo Educativo Renovador).

 

Verónica Lagos Mármol: Mrs. Lagos Mármol obtained a degree in economics at the Universidad San Andrés. She holds a Master in Finance from Universidad CEMA. She joined Banco Galicia in 1995 at Planning and Strategic Analysis. Then she held positions in Investment Banking until 2012. She served as managing director of Capital Management Tarsus until 2016.



Augusto Rodolfo Zapiola Macnab: Mr. Zapiola Macnab obtained a degree in economics from the Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina. He has been associated with Banco Galicia from June 1978 until September 2002. He was elected as an alternate director of Banco Galicia in April 2013. He was elected as an alternate director on the Board of Directors of Grupo Galicia in April 2015.

 

Functions of the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia

 

Banco Galicia’s board of directors may consist of three to nine permanent members. In addition, there can be one or more alternate directors who can act during the temporary or permanent absence of a director. As of the date of this annual report, none of the directors were also employees.

 

The Board of Directors meets formally at least twice a week and informally every day and is responsible for the general administration of Banco Galicia, making all the decisions required for that purpose.

 

Members of the Bank’s Board of Directors serve in the following committees:

 

Human Resources and Governance Committee: This committee is comprised of four regular Directors, the General Manager and the Human Resources Area Manager. The Committee, is subdivided into the Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee. The Nomination Sub-Committee is comprised of four regular Directors (one of them must be an independent Director), the General Manager and the Human Resources Manager. It is responsible for nominating successors for the roles of the General Manager and Area Managers and analyzing and setting the compensation to be paid to the General Manager and Area Managers. At the request of the shareholders, this sub-committee may recommend candidates for the Board of Directors. On the other hand, the Compensation Committee is comprised of three Directors, the General Managers and the Human Resources Area Manager. It is responsible for submitting, analyzing and suggesting the level of compensation to be paid to the Board of Directors, the General Manager and Area Managers, and for monitoring the performance of Department Managers and Area Managers. The Human Resources and Governance Committee meets at least once every two- months, or whenever there are issues that require urgent treatment. Its resolutions are summarized in writing in minutes and numbered chronologically.

 

Risk and Capital Allocation Committee: This committee is comprised of six regular Directors, the General Manager, and the Area Managers of Risks and Planning. It is responsible for approving and analyzing capital allocation, setting up risk policies and monitoring risks for the Bank. It meets at least once every two-months. Its resolutions are summarized in writing in minutes.



High Credits Committee: this committee is comprised of five regular Directors, the General Manager, and the Area Managers of Risks and Wholesale Banking. Also, when deemed necessary, the Committee may convene Directors and/or Officials from different areas of the Bank. It is responsible for approving and subscribing the qualifications and awards of operations of customers and high-risk groups. It meets at least once a week. The approved operations will be recorded in chronologically numbered forms and will be signed at least by a Director, the General Manager and the Risk Area Manager.

 

Low Credits Committee: this committee is comprised of three regular Directors, the General Manager, and the Risk Area Manager. Also, when deemed necessary, the Committee may convene Officials from different areas of the Bank. It is responsible for approving and subscribing the qualifications and awards of operations of customers and high-risk groups. It meets at least biweekly. The approved operations will be recorded in chronologically numbered forms and will be signed at least by a Director, the General Manager and the Risk Area Manager.

 

Systems Committee: this committee is comprised of four regular Directors, the General Manager, and the Integrated Corporate Services Area Manager. Also, when deemed necessary, the Committee may convene Directors and Officials from different areas of the Bank. It is responsible for supervising and approving new systems development plans and their budgets; supervising the budgetary control of developments; approving the general designs of the systems structure, the main processes, and systems to be implemented; and supervising the quality of the services, in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia. The Systems Committee meets at least once every three months, and whenever there are issues that require urgent treatment. Its resolutions are summarized in writing in minutes.

 

Audit Committee: In accordance with the regulations of the Argentine Central Bank, the Bank has an Audit Committee composed of two members of the Board of Directors and the head of the Internal Audit. Also, when deemed necessary, the Committee may convene Directors and Officials from different areas of the Bank. The Committee is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors in controlling the Bank and its controlled and investee companies, in order to reasonably ensure the following objectives: effectiveness and efficiency of operations; reliability of accounting information; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and compliance with the objectives and strategy set by the board. The Committee meets at least once a month. Its resolutions are recorded in minutes which are transcribed in initialed books.


Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention and Control Committee: this committee is comprised of five regular Directors, the General Manager, the Manager of Assets Laundering Prevention and Compliance, the Risk Area Managers, the Financial Banking, Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking and Integrated Corporate Services Managers. The Financial Banking Area Manager is the Official with competence in financial intermediation operations. The Syndics may be invited to attend any of the meetings convened by this Committee. The Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention and Control Committee is the body in charge of planning, coordinating and ensuring compliance with the policies established in this area, upon approval by the Board of Directors. The Committee has a regime of meetings of at least once every three months and its decisions must be recorded in an initialled minutes book.

 

Disclosure Committee: this committee is comprised of three regular Directors, the General Manager and the Planning Area Manager. The Syndics may be invited to attend any of the meetings convened by this Committee. In the meetings held, a member of the Committee created for such purpose by Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A, shall also be present. This Committee was created to comply with the provisions of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Committee meets at least every six months or whenever there are issues requiring to be addressed. Its resolutions are summarized in writing in minutes and numbered chronologically.

 

Asset and Liability Committee (“ALCO”: Asset and Liability Committee): this committee is comprised of three regular Directors, the General Manager, the Managers of the Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking, Financial Banking, Risks and Planning Areas. Also, when deemed necessary, the Committee may convene Directors and Officials from different areas of the Bank and its subsidiaries. It is responsible for analyzing the collection of resources and placement in different assets, monitoring and controlling liquidity gaps, interest rates and currencies and managing such gaps. The Committee meets at least one a month. Its resolutions are recorded in writing in minutes and numbered chronologically.



Strategy and New Businesses Committee: this committee is comprised of three regular Directors, the General Manager and the Planning and Risk Area Managers. It is responsible for analyzing new business. It meets at least once a year, and whenever there are issues requiring to be addressed urgently. Its resolutions are summarized in writing in minutes and numbered chronologically.

 

Liquidity Crisis Committee: this committee is comprised of three regular Directors and the General Manager. Likewise, the Committee may convene those officials whose participation is deemed appropriate in relation to the issues to be addressed. It is responsible for assessing situations of liquidity crisis and deciding the actions to be implemented aimed at its resolution. It will meet when the Chairman of the Board of Directors summons it and will meet permanently until the end of the liquidity crisis. Its resolutions are summarized in writing in minutes and numbered chronologically.

 

Profit and Loss Report Committee: this committee is comprised of six regular Directors, the General Manager and the Planning Area Manager. It is responsible for monitoring the management and the income and evaluating macroeconomic global situations. It meets at least quarterly. Its resolutions are summarized in writing and numbered chronologically.

 

Compliance Committee: this committee is comprised of five regular Directors, the General Manager, the Risk Area Manager and the Manager of Assets Laundering Prevention. Also, when deemed necessary, the Committee may convene other Directors and Officials from different areas of the Bank. It is in charge of promoting respect for the rules, principles of good conduct, the Integrity Program and the Bank's Code of Ethics, and mitigating the non-compliance risk, through the definition of policies, the establishment of controls and reports in the best interest of the Bank, its employees, shareholders and customers. It meets at least once every three months, and whenever there are issues requiring to be addressed urgently. Also, when deemed necessary, the Committee may convene other Directors and Officials from different areas of the Bank. Its resolutions will be summarized in writing and numbered chronologically.

 

Financial Services User Protection Committee: this committee is comprised of two regular Directors, the Money Laundering Prevention and Compliance Manager, the Operational Risk Manager, the Legal Advice Manager and the Experience Manager. It is responsible for monitoring the activities carried out by managerial levels and authorities involved in the internal process of user protection, in order to properly comply with legal and regulatory standards. It meets at least once every three months, or more frequently whenever there are issues requiring to be addressed urgently. Also, when deemed necessary, the Committee may convene other Directors, the General Manager and Officials from different areas of the Bank. Its resolutions are summarized in writing and numbered chronologically. The Board of Directors is regularly informed of the decisions taken by the Committee.

 

Information Assets Protection Committee: this committee is comprised of two regular Directors, the Risk Area Manager, the System Manager, the Audit Manager and the Information Security Manager. It is responsible for generating/having an agile and professional environment for the definition of and decision-making regarding strategies/policies related to the information security of the Bank. It meets at least once every three months, or more frequently whenever there are issues requiring to be addressed urgently. Its resolutions are summarized in writing and numbered chronologically

 

These committees provide written minutes on a monthly basis to the Board of Directors.

 

Banco Galicia’s Supervisory Committee

 

Banco Galicia’s bylaws provide for a Supervisory Committee consisting of three syndics and three alternate syndics. According to the General Companies Act and the Argentine Central Bank regulations, the responsibility of the Syndics of the Supervisory Committee, both regular and alternate, responsibility is to ensure that all of the Bank’s actions are in accordance with applicable Argentine law. The Syndic and Alternate Syndic do not participate in the business administration of the Bank, and do not have and cannot have managerial functions. They are responsible, among other things, for preparing a report to the shareholders regarding the Bank’s financial statements of each fiscal year. The Syndic and Alternate Syndic are appointed by the shareholders at their Annual Ordinary Meeting, for one-year periods, and may be reelected. The Alternate Syndics act as Regular Syndics in case of temporary or permanent absence of the Syndics.

 


The table below shows the composition of Banco Galicia’s Supervisory Committee as they were re-elected by the annual shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020.

 

Name

 

Position

 

Principal Occupation

 

Current Term Ends

Omar Severini

 

Syndic

 

Accountant

 

April 2021

Jose Luis Gentile

 

Syndic

 

Accountant

 

April 2021

Antonio R. Garces (1)

 

Syndic

 

Accountant

 

April 2021

Fernando Noetinger

 

Alternate Syndic

 

Lawyer

 

April 2021

Miguel N. Armando

 

Alternate Syndic

 

Lawyer

 

April 2021

María Matilde Hoenig(1)

 

Alternate Syndic

 

Lawyer

 

April 2021

(1) “Ad referendum” of the authorization of the Argentine Central Bank.

 

For the biographies of Messrs., Omar Severini, José Luis Gentile, Antonio R. Garces, Fernando Noetinger and Miguel N. Armando and María Matilde Hoening, see “Our Supervisory Committee”.

 

Banco Galicia’s Executive Officers

 

On October 7, 2015, Mr. Fabián Enrique Kon was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Banco Galicia. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for implementing the strategic goals established by Banco Galicia’s Board of Directors and coordinating with the Managers of the Bank’s Divisions. Mr. Kon reports to the Board of Directors.

 

Fabián Enrique Kon: Mr. Kon obtained a degree in national public accounting from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has worked at Pistrelli, Diaz y Asociados, Accenture, Exolgan Container Terminal and Tradecom, in managerial positions. From 2006 to February 2014, he served as Galicia Seguros’ Chief Executive Officer and was appointed as Banco Galicia’s retail banking manager in March 2014. Mr. Kon is also the chairman of Sudamericana Holding, vice chairman of Tarjetas Regionales and director of Tarjeta Naranja.

 

As of the date of this annual report, the following divisions and department managers report to Banco Galicia’s Chief Executive Officer:

 

Division

 

Manager

Wholesale Banking

 

Marcelo Iraola

Retail Banking

 

German Alejandro Ghisoni

Financial Banking

 

Pablo María León

Risk Management

 

Diego Rivas

Comprehensive Corporate Services

 

María Marcela Fernie

People

 

Rafael Pablo Bergés

Planning

 

Bruno Folino

Customer Experience

 

Flavio Dogliolo

 

Wholesale Banking Area Management: It is responsible for obtaining a broad segment vision and, in turn, a greater alignment with the current situation and future business perspectives. Its main responsibilities are to design, plan and implement the vision, strategies, policies and objectives for the Wholesale Banking business and for each of the customers segments and products, as well as to define and control business objectives, with the purpose of ensuring that they are adjusted competitively to the demands of the industry and to the strategic objectives of the Bank, guaranteeing the volume, profitability, quality and customer satisfaction, within the framework of the established risk levels. The following departments report to this division: Agribusinesses, Corporate Banking, Investment Banking and Capital Market, Corporate Banking, Collections and Payments, Wholesale Lending, Foreign Trade and Transactional Services and Wholesale Business Planning.

 

Retail Banking Area Management: It is responsible for facilitating the decision-making process, improving the commercial effectiveness of the retail banking sector and improving the customer focus. Its main responsibilities are to design, plan and implement the vision, strategies, policies and objectives for the Retail Banking business and for each of the customers segments and distribution channels, as well as to define and control business objectives, with the purpose of ensuring that they are intune with the competitive demands of the industry and the strategic



objectives of the Bank, guaranteeing volume, profitability, quality and customer satisfaction, within the framework of the established risk levels. The following departments report to this division: Every Day Banking, Products, Brand Experience, Private Banking, Branches, Customers Contact Center, Segment + Retail and Retail Banking Planning.

 

Financial Banking Area Management: It is responsible for administering the financial position of the Bank, negotiating rates, funds, incentives and campaigns with the different areas, and promoting the regulatory, technical and informative support in the management of assets and liabilities, in order to guarantee the control of the liquidity, rate, currency and industry risks, and compliance with current policy and legal regulations. It is also responsible for planning, proposing and implementing the strategy for the development and maintenance of commercial relations with international banks, international organizations, international investment funds and binational chambers with the purpose of consolidating the bank's image in international industries and guaranteeing the smooth development of the international business in accordance with the growth and profitability objectives set by the organization. The following departments report to this division Trading & Global Markets, Commercial, Financial Institutions, Investment Products and Global Custody, and Public Sector.

 

Risks Area Management: It is responsible for maintaining an effective risk management system in compliance with the best practices developed globally and optimizing the credit process in order to provide a better service to customers. It is responsible for actively and comprehensively monitoring and managing the different risks of the Bank and its subsidiaries. It is responsible for ensuring compliance with the policies, qualification and fraud prevention processes, thus guaranteeing the quality of the retail portfolio; designing and auditing mass decision tools; making decisions on the use/development of credit scoring models; conducting alignment actions to retail commercial strategies; and accompanying the business area of the retail segment, making recommendations regarding business opportunities, according to the strategic vision and policies, both external and internal, acting as the Bank's first line of defense for the retail banking segment. The following departments report to this division: Strategic Risk Management, Retail Credits, Wholesale Credits, Credit Recovery, Financial Risk and Capital Management, Analytical Solutions Center and Information Security.

 

Integrated Corporate Services Area Management: It is responsible for integrating all the operations of the Bank in a single area, in order to improve the efficiency of operational processes. The following departments report to this division: Operations, Systems, Corporate Infrastructure, Branch Offices Infrastructure, and Interbanking Fee-Collecting System (Sistema de Cobros Interbancarios, SCI) Planning.

 

People Area Management: It is responsible for incorporating and developing new talents, fostering a framework that motivates employees and maintaining an excellent working environment. The following departments report to this division: Design and Innovation, Corporate Governance and Compensation, Cultural Transformation, Administration and Human Resources Management, Persons Advice, Sustainability and Labor Relations and Corporate Security.

 

Planning Area Management: It is responsible for planning, coordinating and controlling the development and maintenance of budgeting, planning, accounting, and tax activities, in order to ensure that the management has the information needed for the decision-making processes, management control, and the satisfaction of the Bank's information requirements, as well as to ensure compliance with the information requirements that shall enable the Bank to obtain long-term, strategic sources of financing. It is also responsible for coordinating, planning and monitoring compliance with the strategy of liquidity, interest rates and currency gaps, within the limits of the established policies, making proposals to the Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO) regarding the management of such gaps in order to maximize income within the limits of policies. The following departments report to this division: Accounting, Tax Advice, Management Control, Research and Strategic Planning, Assets and Liabilities Management, Strategic Supply, Legal Advice and Institutional Relations.

 

Customer Experience Area Management: It is responsible for conducting and carrying out the strategy and vision of being a Customer Experience Bank, in order to achieve a strong competitive and differentiating advantage in the financial and services industry, across the entire organization, with high impact on the Bank’s and shareholders’ income. The following departments report to this division: Customer Trips, Excellence Center and Transformation Offices.



Department


Manager

Internal Audit


Claudio Scarso

Compliance and Prevention of Money Laundering


Teresa del Carmen Piraino

 

Internal Audit Departmental Management: Its mission is to evaluate and monitor the efficiency, adequacy and defectiveness of the internal control systems, in order to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

 

Money Laundering Prevention and Compliance Departmental Management: It is responsible for coordinating and supervising compliance with the policies established by the Board of Directors regarding money laundering and terrorist financing control and prevention, ensuring compliance with current regulations and international standards. It is also responsible for planning and evaluating the information used by different Area Managements to control compliance with regulations and policies and that will be part of the reports issued by the Management to the rest of the organization and some control bodies of national and international level, and for systematically evaluating and controlling the operational risks assumed by the Bank to ensure that there are policies, procedures and adequate systems to minimize them.

 

The following are the biographies of Banco Galicia’s senior executive officers mentioned above:

 

Marcelo Iraola: Mr. Iraola obtained a degree in law from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He completed the Program for Executive Development at Instituto Argentino de Empresas and a business management program at the Universidad de San Andres. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1988. He is also the chairman of Galicia Warrants, a director of Sudamericana Holding S.A. and an alternate director of Tarjetas Regionales.

 

Germán Alejandro Ghisoni: Mr. Ghisoni obtained a degree in business management from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He completed the Program for Executive Development at Instituto Argentino de Empresas, the Strategic Management in Banking Program at INSEAD and the Customer Centric Organitatios at Kellogg School of Management. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1995. He is also a director of Sudamericana Holding and an alternate director of Tarjetas Regionales and Tarjeta Naranja.

 

Pablo Maria Leon: Mr. Leon obtained a degree in finance from the Universidad de Palermo and two executive development programs at Instituto Argentino de Empresas and IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1987. He is also the chairman of Galicia Valores and director of Argenclear S.A.

 

Diego Rivas: Mr. Rivas obtained a degree in business administration from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. He also completed a postgraduate degree in finance at the CEMA and management development programs at IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland, as well as a postgraduate degree in Risk Management at the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Rivas has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1987. In May 2016, he was appointed Risk Control Area Manager of Banco Galicia. Mr. Rivas is also vice chairman of Ondara and an alternate director of Tarjeta Naranja.

 

Maria Marcela Fernie: Ms. Fernie obtained a degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Argentina. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 2011. She is a director of COELSA and an alternate director of Tarjetas Regionales and Tarjeta Naranja.

 

Rafael Pablo Bergés: Mr. Bergés obtained a degree in industrial engineering from Universidad de Buenos Aires. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since August 2010. Prior to such time, he worked at Techint and at a several multinational companies in managerial positions. From 1998 to 2009, he was vice president of the Human Resources Division of Grupo Telefónica.

 

Bruno Folino: Mr. Folino obtained an accounting degree from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. He completed a post-graduate degree in Tax & Legal at the Universidad Austral and a Master in Science of Management from GSB Stanford University. He started his career as an auditor at Price Waterhouse & Co. before moving to the Tax & Legal Department. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1997 as Tax Manager and Planning Manager. In 2012, he was appointed Planning Manager.



Flavio Dogliolo: Mr. Dogliolo obtained a degree in business administration from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He received an MBA from the Universidad Austral. He was the manager of means of payments and automatic banking at Banco Bansud S.A., manager of quality and service productivity at Banco Río de la Plata S.A. and he worked in marketing database and commercial planning at Siembra AFJP S.A. He has been associated with the Bank since 1998.

 

Claudio Scarso: Mr. Scarso obtained a degree in systems engineering from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. He has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1995.

 

Teresa del Carmen Piraino: Ms. Piraino obtained a degree in accounting from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. She completed a post-graduate degree in Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Prevention from the Universidad de Buenos Aires. She has been associated with Banco Galicia since 1992.

 

Compensation

 

Compensation of Our Directors

 

Compensation for the members of the Board of Directors is considered by the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting once the fiscal year has ended. Directors are paid an annual fee based on the functions they carry out and they may receive partial advance payments during the year. At the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020 the compensation for the Board of Directors was set at Ps.85,824,936 for the year ended December 31, 2019. For a description of the amounts to be paid to the board of directors of Banco Galicia, see “– Compensation of Banco Galicia’s Directors and Officers” below.

 

We do not maintain a stock-option, profit-sharing or pension plan for the benefit of our directors.

 

We do not have a policy establishing any termination benefits for our directors.

 

Compensation of Banco Galicia’s Directors and Officers

 

Banco Galicia’s board of directors establishes the policy for compensation of Banco Galicia’s personnel. Banco Galicia’s managers receive a fixed compensation. Six directors are not employees of Banco Galicia. These non-employee directors receive a fixed compensation, provided that payments do not exceed the standard levels of similar entities in the Argentine financial market, a provision that is applicable to managers as well. The officers’ compensation regime includes the possibility of acquiring a retirement insurance policy. Banco Galicia does not maintain stock-option plans or pension plans or any other retirement plans for the benefit of its directors and managers. Banco Galicia does not have a policy establishing any termination benefits for its directors.

 

At the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020, the compensation for the directors of Banco Galicia was set for a total amount of Ps.32.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Nasdaq Corporate Governance Standards

 

Pursuant to Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5615(a) (3), a foreign private issuer may follow home country corporate governance practices in lieu of the requirements of the Rule 5600 Series, provided that the foreign private issuer complies with certain sections of the Rule 5000 Series, discloses each requirement that it does not follow and describes the home relevant country practice followed in lieu of such requirement. The requirements of the Rule 5000 Series and the Argentine corporate governance practice that we follow in lieu thereof are described below:


Rule 5250 (d) – Distribution of Annual and Interim Reports. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5250 (d), we follow Argentine law, which requires that companies make public a Spanish language annual report, including annual audited consolidated financial statements, by filing such annual report with the CNV and the BASE, within 70 calendar days of the end of the company’s fiscal year. Interim reports must be filed with the CNV and the BASE within 42 calendar days of the end of each fiscal quarter. The BASE publishes the annual reports and interim reports in the BASE bulletin and makes the bulletin available for inspection at its offices. In addition, our shareholders can receive copies of our annual reports and any interim reports upon such shareholders’ request. English language translations of our annual reports and interim reports are furnished to the SEC. We also post the English language translation of our annual reports and quarterly press releases on our website. Furthermore, under the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2000, among us, The Bank of New York, as depositary, and owners of ADSs issued thereunder, we are required to furnish The Bank of New York with, among other things, English language translations of our annual reports and each of our quarterly press releases. Annual reports and quarterly press releases are available for inspection by ADRs holders at the offices of The Bank of New York located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York. Finally, Argentine law requires that 20 calendar days before the date of a shareholders’ meeting, the board of directors must provide to the shareholders, at the company’s executive office or through electronic means, all information relevant to the shareholders’ meeting, including copies of any documents to be considered by the shareholders (which includes the annual report), as well as proposals of the company’s board of directors.

(ii)           Rule 5605 (b) (2) – Executive Sessions of Independent Directors. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (b) (2), we follow Argentine law which does not require independent directors to hold regularly scheduled meetings at which only such independent directors are present (i.e., executive sessions). Our Board of Directors as a whole is responsible for monitoring our affairs. In addition, under Argentine law, the board of directors may approve the delegation of specific responsibilities to designated directors or non-director managers of the company. Also, it is mandatory for public companies to form a supervisory committee (composed of syndics), which is responsible for monitoring the legality of the company’s actions under Argentine law and the conformity thereof with its bylaws.

(iii)           Rule 5605 (d) – Compensation of Officers. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (d), we follow Argentine law, which does not require companies to form a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors. It also is not required under Argentine law that the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and all other executive officers be determined by either a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors. Under Argentine law, the board of directors is the corporate body responsible for determining the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and all other executive officers, so long as they are not directors. In addition, under Argentine law, the audit committee shall give its opinion about the reasonableness of management’s proposals on fees and option plans for directors or managers of the company. Finally, because we are a “controlled company” as defined in Rule 5615 (c) (1), we are relying on the exemption provided thereby for purposes of complying with Rule 5615 (c) (2).

(iv)           Rule 5605 (e) (1) – Nomination of Directors. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (e) (1), we follow Argentine law which requires that directors be nominated directly by the shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting and that they be selected and recommended by the shareholders themselves. Under Argentine law, it is the responsibility of the ordinary shareholders’ meeting to appoint and remove directors and to set their compensation. However, the Company, based on the best practices in corporate governance has created a Nomination and Compensation Committee, chaired by an independent Director and composed by 5 members of the Board of Directors. Said Committee aims to assist the Board of Directors to prepare a proposal to nominate candidates to fill its positions, to prepare and design a succession plan and to determine its compensation levels. In addition, because we are a “controlled company” as defined in Rule 5615 (c) (1), we are relying on the exemption provided thereby for purposes of complying with Rule 5615 (c) (2).


(v)           Rule 5605 (c) (1) – Audit Committee Charter. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5605 (c) (1), we follow Argentine law, which requires that audit committees have a charter but does not require that companies certify as to the adoption of the charter nor does it require an annual review and assessment thereof. Argentine law instead requires that companies prepare an annual report describing its activities and propose a plan or course of action with respect to those matters, which are the responsibility of the company’s audit committee. Such plan or course of action could, at the discretion of our audit committee, include a review and assessment of the audit committee charter.

(vi)           Rule 5605 (c) (2) – Audit Committee Composition. Argentine law does not require, and it is equally not customary business practice in Argentina, that companies have an audit committee comprised solely of independent directors. Argentine law instead requires that companies establish an audit committee with at least three members comprised of a majority of independent directors as defined by Argentine law. Since fiscal year 2017, the Audit Committee is comprised of three Directors, two of them independent pursuant to the definition of independence in Rule 10 A-3 (b) (1) and the Argentine law, one of which the Board of Directors determined to be a financial expert. In addition, we have a supervisory committee (“comisión fiscalizadora”) composed of three syndics, who are responsible for monitoring the legality, under Argentine law, of the actions of our Board of Directors and the conformity of such actions with our bylaws.

(vii)          Rule 5620 (c) – Quorum. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5620 (c), we follow Argentine law and our bylaws, which distinguish between ordinary meetings and extraordinary meetings and require, in connection with ordinary meetings, that a quorum consist of a majority of stock entitled to vote. If no quorum is present at the first meeting, a second meeting may be called at which the shareholders present, whatever their number, constitute a quorum and resolutions may be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. Argentine law and our bylaws require, in connection with extraordinary meetings, that a quorum consist of 60% of the stock entitled to vote. However, if such quorum is not present at the first meeting, our bylaws provide that a second meeting may be called which may be held with the number of shareholders present. In both ordinary and extraordinary meetings, decisions are adopted by an absolute majority of votes present at the meeting, except for certain fundamental matters (such as mergers and spin-offs (when we are not the surviving entity and the surviving entity is not listed on any stock exchange), anticipated liquidation, a change in our domicile to outside of Argentina, total or partial recapitalization of our statutory capital following a loss, any transformation in our corporate legal form or a substantial change in our corporate purpose) which require an approval by vote of the majority of all the stock entitled to vote (all stock being entitled to only one vote).

(viii)          Rule 5620 (b) – Solicitation of Proxies. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5620 (b), we follow Argentine law which requires that notices of shareholders’ meetings be published, for five consecutive days, in the Official Gazette and in a widely circulated newspaper in Argentina no earlier than 45 calendar days prior to the meeting and at least 20 calendar days prior to such meeting. In order to attend a meeting and be listed on the meeting registry, shareholders are required to submit evidence of their book-entry share account held at Caja de Valores S.A. up to three business days prior to the scheduled meeting date. If entitled to attend the meeting, a shareholder may be represented by proxy (properly executed and delivered with a certified signature) granted to any other person, with the exception of a director, syndic, member of the surveillance committee (“consejo de vigilancia”), manager or employee of the issuer, which are prohibited by Argentine law from acting as proxies. In addition, our ADRs holders receive, prior to the shareholders’ meeting, a notice listing the matters on the agenda, a copy of the annual report and a voting card.


(ix)         Rule 5630 (a) – Conflicts of Interest. In lieu of the requirements of Rule 5630 (a), we follow Argentine law which requires that related party transactions be approved by the audit committee when the transaction exceeds 1% of the corporation’s net worth, measured pursuant to the last audited balance sheet. Directors can contract with the corporation only on terms consistent with prevailing market terms. If the contract is not in accordance with prevailing market terms, such transaction must be pre-approved by the board of directors (excluding the interested director). In addition, under Argentine law, a shareholder is required to abstain from voting on a business transaction in which its interests may be in conflict with the interests of the company. In the event such shareholder votes on such business transaction and such business transaction would not have been approved without such shareholders’ vote, such shareholder may be liable to the company for damages and the resolution may be declared void.

Other than as noted above, we are in full compliance with all other applicable Nasdaq corporate governance standards.

 

Employees

 

The following table shows the composition of our staff:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.

 

 

3

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

4

 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

 

 

6,118

 

 

 

6,294

 

 

 

6,214

 

Branches

 

 

3,248

 

 

 

3,231

 

 

 

3,185

 

Head Office

 

 

2,870

 

 

 

3,063

 

 

 

3,029

 

Tarjetas Regionales

 

 

3,151

 

 

 

3,488

 

 

 

3,896

 

Galicia Administradora de Fondos

 

 

27

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

19

 

Sudamericana Consolidated

 

 

395

 

 

 

381

 

 

 

375

 

Other Subsidiaries

 

 

24

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

24

 

Total

 

 

9,718

 

 

 

10,209

 

 

 

10,532

 

 

Within the current legal framework, membership in an employee union is voluntary and there is only one union of bank employees with national representation. As of December 31, 2019, approximately 39.5% of Banco Galicia’s employees were affiliated with the national bank employee union. As of December 31, 2019, approximately 90% of Tarjetas Regionales’ work force was party to the merchant union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement No.130/75 applicable to trade employees and 6% of which were members of a labor union.

In general, during the first four months of 2019, the bank employees union and the national commerce employees union commenced negotiations on their respective collective labor agreements to establish new minimum wages. As a result of such negotiations, the minimum wage was increased for these positions. In 2019, due to the significant increases in the inflation index, the increases in the banking agreement were carried out in the months of January, March, July, September, October, November and December. In 2019, the Argentine union that represents employees in the banking sector declared general strikes. These strikes were not specific to any bank but affected all banks in Argentina. Certain of the Bank’s employees who are members of the union participated in the strike; however, the Bank was able to continue its operations during such time as not all employees are members of the union. While employees of Banco Galicia have participated in general strikes against the Argentine banking sector, Banco Galicia has not experienced a targeted strike by its employees since 1973 and Tarjetas Regionales Companies have never experienced a targeted employee strike. We believe that our relationship with our employees is stable and positive.

We have a human resources policy that aims at providing our employees possibilities for growth and personal and socio-economic achievement. We will continue our current policy of monitoring both wage levels and labor conditions in the financial industry in order to be competitive. Our employees receive fixed compensation and may receive variable compensation according to their level of achievement. We do not maintain any profit-sharing programs for our employees.

 

In a survey conducted in 2019 by Great Place to Work®, Banco Galicia ranked for the third consecutive year among the best companies to work in Argentina with more than 1,000 employees, while Tarjeta Naranja ranked



second for the second consecutive year among the best companies to work in Argentina with more than 1,000 employees.

 

The Fundación Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires (the “Fundación”) is an Argentine non-profit organization that provides various services to Banco Galicia employees. The various activities of the Fundación include, among others, purchasing school materials for the children of Banco Galicia’s employees and making donations to hospitals and other charitable causes, including cultural events. The Fundación is managed by a Council, certain members and alternate members of which are members of our Board of Directors and supervisory committee. Members and alternate members of the Council do not receive remuneration for their services as trustees.

 

Share Ownership

 

For information on the share ownership of our directors and executive officers as of December 31, 2019, see Item 7. “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—A. Major Shareholders”.

 

 

As of March 31, 2020, our capital structure was made up of class A shares, each of which is entitled to five votes and class B shares, each of which is entitled to one vote. As of March 31, 2020, we had 1,426,764,597 shares outstanding composed of 281,221,650 class A shares and 1,145,542,947 class B shares.

Our controlling shareholders are members of the Escasany, Ayerza and Braun families and the Fundación. As of March 31, 2019, the controlling shareholders owned 100% of our class A shares through EBA Holding (representing 19.7% of our total outstanding shares) and 9.6% of our class B shares (or 7.7% of our total outstanding shares), therefore directly and indirectly owning 27.4% of our shares and 59.4% of total votes.

Based on information that is available to us, the table below sets forth, as of March 31, 2020, the number of our class A and class B shares held by holders of more than 5% of each class of shares, the percentage of each class of shares held by such holder, and the percentage of votes that each class of shares represent as a percentage of our total possible votes.

 

Class A Shares

 

Name

 

Class A Shares

 

% of Class A Shares

 

% of Total Votes

EBA Holding S.A.

 

 

281,221,650

 

100

 

55.1

 

Class B Shares

 

Name

 

Class A Shares

 

% of Class A Shares

 

% of Total Votes

The Bank of New York Mellon (1)

 

 

559,661,380

 

48.9

 

21.9

ANSES

 

 

264,221,559

 

23.1

 

10.4

EBA Holding Shareholders (2)

 

 

110,460,196

 

9.6

 

4.4

(1) Pursuant to the requirements of Argentine law, all class B shares represented by ADSs are owned of record by The Bank of New York, as Depositary. The address for the Bank of New York is 101 Barclay Street, New York 10286, and the country of organization is the United States.

(2) No member holds more than 2.0% of the capital stock. Such holding includes 15,056,360 shares in the form of ADSs.

 

Based on information that is available to us, the table below sets forth, as of March 31, 2020, the shareholders that either directly or indirectly have more than 5% of our votes or shares.

 

Name

 

Shares

 

Class

 

% of Class A Shares

 

% of Total Votes

The Bank of New York Mellon

 

 

559,661,380

 

B

 

39.2

 

21.9

EBA Holding S.A.

 

 

281,221,650

 

A

 

19.7

 

55.1

ANSES.

 

 

264,221,559

 

B

 

18.5

 

10.4

EBA Holding Shareholders.

 

 

110,460,196

 

B

 

7.7

 

4.3

 

Members of the three controlling families have owned the majority of the issued share capital of Banco Galicia since 1959. Members of the Escasany family have been on the board of directors of Banco Galicia since 1923. The Ayerza and Braun families have been represented on Banco Galicia’s board of directors since 1943 and 1947, respectively. Currently, there are five members of these families on our Board of Directors.

On September 13, 1999, the controlling shareholders of Banco Galicia formed EBA Holding S.A., an Argentine corporation, which is 100% owned by our controlling shareholders. EBA Holding holds 100% of our class A shares.

Currently, EBA Holding only has class A shares outstanding. EBA Holding’s bylaws provide for certain restrictions on the sale or transfer of its class A shares. While the class A shares of EBA Holding may be transferred to any other class A shareholder of EBA Holding, any transfer of such class A shares to third parties would automatically result in the conversion of the sold shares into class B shares of EBA Holding having one vote per share. In addition, EBA Holding’s bylaws contain rights of first refusal, buy-sell provisions and tag-along rights.

As of March 31, 2020, we had 115 identified United States record shareholders (not considering The Bank of New York), of which 21 held our class B shares and 94 held our ADSs. Such United States holders, in the aggregate, held approximately 174,9 million of our class B shares, representing approximately 12.3% of our total outstanding capital stock as of such date.

 

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia and its non-banking subsidiaries are not a party to any transactions with, and have not made any loans to any (i) enterprises that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control or are controlled by Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, (ii) associates (i.e., an unconsolidated enterprise in which Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries has a significant influence or which has significant influence over Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries), (iii) individuals owning, directly or indirectly, an interest in the voting power of Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries that gives them significant influence over Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable, and close members of any such individual’s family (i.e., those family members that may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that person in their dealings with Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable), (iv) key management personnel (i.e., persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, including directors and senior management of companies and close members of such individual’s family) or (v) enterprises in which a substantial interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by any person described in (iii) or (iv) over which such a person is able to exercise significant influence nor are there any proposed transactions with such persons. For purposes of this paragraph, this includes enterprises owned by directors or major shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries that have a member of key management in common with Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable. In addition, “significant influence” means the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the enterprise but means less than control. Shareholders beneficially owning a 10% interest in the voting power of Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries are presumed to have a significant influence on Grupo Financiero Galicia or its non-banking subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

Some of our directors and the directors of Banco Galicia have been involved in certain credit transactions with Banco Galicia as permitted by Argentine law. The Corporations Law and the Argentine Central Bank’s regulations allow directors of a limited liability company to enter into a transaction with such company if such transaction follows prevailing market conditions. Additionally, a bank’s total financial exposure to related individuals or legal entities is subject to the regulations of the Argentine Central Bank. Such regulations set limits on the amount of financial exposure that can be extended by a bank to affiliates based on, among other things, a percentage of a bank’s TIER 1. See Item 4. “Information on the CompanyArgentine Banking RegulationLending Limits”.



Banco Galicia is required by the Argentine Central Bank to present to its board of directors, on a monthly basis, the outstanding amounts of financial assistance granted to directors, controlling shareholders, officers and other related entities, which are transcribed in the minute books of the board of directors of Banco Galicia. The Argentine Central Bank establishes that the financial assistance granted to directors, controlling shareholders, officers and other related entities must be granted on an equal basis with respect to rates, tenor and guarantees as loans granted to the general public.

 

In this section “total financial exposure” comprises equity interests and financial assistance (all credit related items such as loans, holdings of corporate debt securities without quotation, guarantees granted and unused balances of loans granted, among others), as this term is defined in Item 4. “Information on the CompanyArgentine Banking RegulationLending Limits”.

 

“Related parties” refers mainly to our directors and the directors of Banco Galicia, our senior officers and senior officers of Banco Galicia, our syndics and Banco Galicia’s syndics, our controlling shareholders as well as all individuals who are related to them by a family relationship and any entities directly or indirectly affiliated with any of these parties, not required to be consolidated.

 

The following table presents the aggregate amounts of total financial exposure of Banco Galicia to related parties, the number of recipients, the average amounts and the single largest exposures as of the end of the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, and as of February 29, 2020, the last date for which information is available.

 

 

 

February 29,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except as noted)

 

Aggregate Total Financial Exposure

 

 

1,147

 

 

 

1,102

 

 

 

1,471

 

Number of Recipient Related Parties

 

 

265

 

 

 

283

 

 

 

329

 

Individuals

 

 

213

 

 

 

229

 

 

 

269

 

Companies

 

 

52

 

 

 

54

 

 

 

60

 

Average Total Financial Exposure

 

 

5

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

4

 

Single Largest Exposure

 

 

431

 

 

 

438

 

 

 

558

 

 

The financial assistance granted to our directors, officers and related parties by Banco Galicia was granted in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other non-related parties, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

 

In June 2011, Banco Galicia entered into an agreement with Galicia Seguros, a company indirectly controlled by Grupo Financiero Galicia, pursuant to which the Bank can offer insurance products on behalf of Galicia Seguros. In addition, they entered into an agreement for a one-year period pursuant to which Galicia Seguros insures the Bank for the balances of certain loans in the case of death of its clients. On July 31, 2014, Banco Galicia renewed both agreements with Galicia Seguros, for an additional year, with automatic deferral. Such agreements were considered to be “related party transactions” pursuant to Section 72 of the Capital Markets Law.

 

On March 11, 2015, Banco Galicia’s board of directors granted a checking account overdraft in favor of Grupo Financiero Galicia for up to Ps.230 million with a maturity date of June 30, 2016 (equivalent to Ps.1,014 million as of December 2019), which was increased on April 5, 2016 to Ps.300 million with a maturity date of June 30, 2017 (equivalent to Ps.961 million as of December 2019).

 

On March 14, 2017, Banco Galicia’s board of directors decided to grant a checking account overdraft in favor of Grupo Financiero Galicia for up to Ps.500 million with a maturity date of June 30, 2018 (equivalent to Ps.1,335 million as of December 2019), which was increased in September 2017 to Ps.854 million (equivalent to Ps.2,058 million as December 2019).

 


163


 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We have elected to provide the financial information set forth in Item 18 of this annual report.

Legal Proceedings

We are a party to the following legal proceedings:

Banco Galicia

In response to certain pending legal proceedings, Banco Galicia has recorded reserves to cover (i) various types of claims filed by customers against it (e.g., claims for thefts from safe deposit boxes, collections of checks that had been fraudulently altered, discrepancies related to deposit and payment services rendered to Banco Galicia’s customers, etc.) and (ii) estimated amounts payable under labor-related lawsuits filed against Banco Galicia by former employees.

With regard to the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires ‘claims on account of other items, Banco Galicia adhered to the System for the Settlement of Tax Liabilities in Arrears (Law No.3,461 and related regulations), which contemplated the total relief of interest and fines.

In connection with the assessments made by the tax collection authorities from the Province of Buenos Aires, under the framework of some of the processes under discussion at the Provincial Tax Court, at this stage of proceedings the judgement issued was favorable with regard to the non-taxability thereof. Therefore, Banco Galicia adhered to the System for the Regularization of Tax Debts (Regulatory Decision No.12 and related decisions), which contemplated discounts on the amounts not related to the Compensatory Bond. The Bank’s adherence to such system was communicated within the framework of the respective cases before the corresponding judicial authorities. In turn, the authorities from the Province of Buenos Aires objected to the judgment issued by the Provincial Tax Court with regard to the Compensatory Bond and requested the Court of Appeals in Administrative Matters of La Plata to reverse such decision. Banco Galicia entered an appearance and filed a motion for lack of jurisdiction, since it believed that only the Argentine Supreme Court of Justice has jurisdiction to issue a decision on such matter. On April 15, 2014, the aforementioned court sustained the motion for lack of jurisdiction and ordered the proceedings to be filed. The authorities from the Province of Buenos Aires filed an appeal before the Supreme Court of Justice of the Province of Buenos Aires, which has not issued a decision to date.

Furthermore, Banco Galicia challenged certain claims made by various jurisdictions at the corresponding administrative and/or legal proceedings. These proceedings and their possible effects are constantly being monitored by the Bank’s management. Even though Banco Galicia considers it has complied with its tax liabilities in full pursuant to current regulations, adequate reserves in respect of such proceedings have been allocated.

 

As of December 31, 2019, a number of claims for repayment of income tax overpaid for the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 tax years for the total sum of $6,350,696,000 are based on the above-five jurisprudence establishing the unconstitutionality of rules that disenable the application of the tax inflation adjustment, which results in confiscatory situations. In the face of the delay in resolving the tax code, claims were initiated. At the close of these financial statements, the Bank does not record contingent assets derived from the above-mentioned claims.

Consumer Protection Associations, on behalf of consumers, have filed claims against Banco Galicia in connection with the collection of certain financial charges. The Bank does not believe that the resolution of these controversies will have a significant impact on its financial condition.



Tarjetas Regionales

The federal tax authority (the “AFIP”), Provincial Revenue Boards and Municipalities are in the process of conducting audits and assessments, in differing stages of completion, on the companies controlled by Tarjetas Regionales. Said agencies have served notices and made claims regarding taxes applicable to Tarjetas Regionales’s subsidiaries. Such companies are taking the corresponding administrative and legal steps in order to solve such issues. The original amount claimed for taxes totaled approximately Ps.38 million.

As of December 1, 2017, Tarjeta Naranja had filed a reimbursement claim before the AFIP regarding its income tax for the 2014-2016 fiscal years in an amount equal to Ps.580,164 (which, as adjusted for inflation, was equal to Ps 1,318 million). The claim was made considering the lack of application of the inflation adjustment standards set forth in Section VI of the Income Tax Law, which led to a substantial difference in the taxable income exceeding the reasonable limits of taxation. The same claim was presented on behalf of Tarjetas Cuyanas as of May 17, 2018, for 2014-2016, amounting Ps.145,478. Along the same lines, on September 27, 2019, the Company presented the claim pertaining to the 2017 fiscal year for the amount of Ps.326,498 in nominal value and on September 17, 2019, the one of 2018 was presented in an amount equal to Ps.973,843 in nominal value.

In the absence of a response from AFIP, on December 6, 2019, a judicial protection for default was filed with the National Tax Court for the periods 2014 and 2016 of Tarjeta Naranja S.A. On the other hand, and having elapsed the period established in the applicable regulations without obtaining AFIP’s response to the claim, on December 27, 2019, a repetition claim was filed before the Federal Justice for the 2014 and 2016 fiscal years of Tarjeta Cuyanas S.A. and fiscal year 2018 of Tarjeta Naranja S.A. The same lawsuit was filed on December 30, 2019 for the 2017 fiscal year of Tarjeta Naranja S.A. Both claims remain pending before the AFIP.

Based on the opinion of tax advisors, each of Tarjeta Naranja and Tarjetas Cuyanas believes that such claims are unfounded and that the taxes related to such claims have been correctly calculated in accordance the tax regulations then in force and Argentine case law.

 

Dividend Policy and Dividends

 


Dividend Policy

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s policy for the distribution of dividends considers, among other factors, the obligatory nature of establishing a legal reserve, the Company’s financial condition and its indebtedness, the business requirements of affiliated companies and, mainly, that the profits recorded in the financial statements are, to a great extent, income from holdings and not realized and liquid profits, a requirement of Section 68 of the Corporations Law so that it is possible to distribute them as dividends. The proposal to distribute dividends arising from such analysis has to be approved at the shareholders’ meeting that discusses the Financial Statements corresponding to each fiscal year.

We may only declare and pay dividends out of our retained earnings representing the profit realized on our operations and investments. The Corporations Law and our bylaws state that no profits may be distributed until prior losses are covered. Dividends paid on our class A shares and class B shares will equal one another on a per share basis. As required by the Corporations Law, 5% of our net income is allocated to a legal reserve until the reserve equals 20% of our outstanding capital. Dividends may not be paid if the legal reserve has been impaired until it is fully restored. The legal reserve is not available for distribution to shareholders.

Our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders principally depends on (i) our net income, (ii) cash availability, (iii) indebtedness and (iv) applicable legal requirements.

 

Holders of our ADSs will be entitled to receive any dividends payable in respect of our underlying class B shares. We will pay cash dividends to the ADSs depositary in Pesos, although we reserve the right to pay cash dividends in any other currency, including Dollars. The ADSs deposit agreement provides that the depositary will convert cash dividends received by the ADSs depositary in Pesos to Dollars and, after deduction or upon payment of fees and expenses of the ADSs depositary and deduction of other amounts permitted to be deducted from such cash payments in accordance with the ADSs deposit agreement (such as for unpaid taxes by the ADSs holders in connection with personal asset taxes or otherwise), will make payment to holders of our ADSs in Dollars.

 

Dividends

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia

 

As a holding company, our principal source of cash from which to pay dividends on our shares is dividends or other intercompany transfers from our subsidiaries, primarily Banco Galicia. Due to dividend restrictions contained in Banco Galicia’s loan agreements in connection with Banco Galicia’s foreign debt restructuring - that were lifted when such debt was fully paid during fiscal year 2016 - and in some Argentine Central Bank regulations, our ability to distribute cash dividends to our shareholders has been materially and adversely affected since late 2001 until 2010, when Banco Galicia obtained the authorization to distribute its profits.

After the end of fiscal year 2011, the Argentine Central Bank modified its regulations governing the minimum capital requirements and dividend distribution and, consequently, Banco Galicia was not able to pay dividends. However, for fiscal year 2018 the Bank had met the aforementioned regulations and its shareholders´ meeting held on April 25, 2019 approved the distribution of cash dividends for Ps.1,500 million, equivalent to Ps.1,996 million as of December 2019.

During 2018, Grupo Financiero Galicia paid cash dividends for Ps.1,200 million for fiscal year 2017, representing Ps.0.8411 per share, equivalent to Ps.2,487 million as of December 2019. During 2019, Grupo Financiero Galicia paid cash dividends for fiscal year 2018 in the amount of Ps.2,000 million, representing Ps.1.401773 per share, equivalent to Ps.2,661 million as of December 2019.

Due to the fact that most of the profits in fiscal year 2019 correspond to holdings income that does not meet the requirements for distribution set forth in Section 68 of the Corporations’ Law and given Grupo Financiero Galicia’s financial condition, a proposal was made by the Board of Directors to increase the discretionary reserve for future dividends´ distribution and to grant to said Board of Directors the ability to partially affect said reserve to pay cash dividends, in an amount equal to Ps.4,000 million, (which represents 280.3546%) with regard to 1,426,764,597



class A and B ordinary shares, with a face value of Ps.1 each, subject to Banco Galicia´s capacity to pay cash dividends in at least the same amount.
The aforementioned proposal was approved by shareholders´ meeting held on April 28, 2020.

Due to the provisions recently passed by the Argentine Central Bank within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic, the capacity of the Argentine financial system to pay cash dividends has been suspended until June 30, 2020.

Pursuant Act No.27,260, Grupo Financiero Galicia neither reimbursed nor withheld any amount for tax purposes on the dividends paid for fiscal year 2018.

Pursuant to regulations in force Grupo Financiero Galicia may withhold some amount for tax purposes on the dividends to be paid for fiscal year 2019.

 

For more information on requirements for dividend distribution, see Item 4. “Information on the Company”-B.”Business Overview”— “Argentine Banking Regulation”—“Profit Distribution”.

 

Banco Galicia

 

During the ordinary and extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 25, 2019, the shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend, in the amount of Ps.1,500 million, corresponding to the 2018 fiscal year.

Taking into consideration the Argentine Central Bank rules regarding the distribution of profits, as explained above, the shareholders’ meeting held on
April 28, 2020, approved the allocation of Ps.7,046 million to a legal reserve and Ps.28,184 million to a voluntary reserve for the future distribution of profits, and delegated to the Board of Directors the ability to release funds from said voluntary reserve in an amount up to Ps.10,000 million.

 

Sudamericana Holding

 

During the year 2019, Sudamericana held an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, at which shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps.599.8 million.

 

 

The outbreak and spread of a virus called “coronavirus” (or COVID-19) by the end of 2019 has given rise to various consequences in both business and economic activities throughout the world. Due to the exceptional nature of the virus and its rapid global spread, in March 2020 several governments around the world implemented drastic measures to contain the spread, including, but not limited to, the closure of borders and the ban on travel to and from certain parts of the world for a period of time, and the mandatory isolation of its citizens together with the cessation of non-essential commercial activities. On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

 

Internationally, the main economic indicators welcomed 2020 with mixed signals. On the one hand in January of 2020, industrial activity grew, which was partially connected to a deceleration of the decline of the industrial activity in the Eurozone. Optimism regarding the commercial relationship between the United States and China also grew after both countries signed the first phase of a potential commercial agreement. On the other hand, industrial activity growth decelerated in both the United States and China, political tension between the United States and Iran escalated, and major stock indices saw an initial downturn by the end of January from all-time highs as concerns for the COVID-19 virus grew. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve of the United States maintained cautious monetary policies, amid flight-to-quality strategies on behalf of investors and falling prices among commodities.

 

Since February, global attention has been focused on the spread of COVID-19 (which was initially concentrated in China), but which began spreading globally during this month. Beginning in February, the spread of COVID-19 had already significantly impacted China and exacerbated the economic deceleration in such country and lead to an economic deceleration in the United States. Other economies, however, continued to show improving indicators. Meanwhile, Donald Trump was acquitted from charges of abuse of power and obstruction of justice,



clearing his political path for the scheduled presidential elections later in the year, and the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank maintained its cautious stance noticing the potential spread of COVID-19, and investors and commodities upheld their warning tendencies. Also, major stock indices, which had reached new historical maximum levels, started to fell significantly while reflecting increased levels of uncertainty and volatility.

 

Starting in March, COVID-19 spread worldwide. The virus started affecting Europe, but by month-end the United Stated became the global epicenter of infected individuals, while China was able to control the spread within its territory. That same month Saudi Arabia announced the highest oil price cut over the last 30 years in response to the collapse of the OPEC+ agreement. As a result, economic indicators reacted positively to more stability in China but otherwise experience dramatic falls to negative levels in the rest of the world, while stock indices registered generalized declines with historical maximum volatility levels not seen since the 2008 crisis. In addition, investors boosted their flight-to-quality strategies and the price of commodities in general fell, mainly led by an extreme decrease in oil price.

 

The immediate response of policymakers around the globe to the Coronavirus was unprecedented, both in the monetary and tax front. Among others, in March the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank held unscheduled meetings and decided to reduce its rates range by a total of 150 bps to a range from 0.0% to 0.25%. The latter aligned with an also extraordinary quarantine lockdown in some states of the United States, a search to flatten the curve of infected individuals, which would in turn prevent health systems’ saturation. Since then, investors continue to reassess their projections of the potential economic and credit impact of COVID-19 and of the current historically low oil international prices, enabling a partially recover in global assets. Yet, uncertainty and volatility continue to prevail and there is uncertainty regarding the impact on the international economies for 2020.

 

For more information on the impact of COVID-19, see “Forward Looking Statements”— Item 3.D “Risk Factors” — Item 5.“Operating Results-Principal Trends”. 



In Argentina, the National Government implemented a number of measures aimed at reducing the movement of the population, establishing the social, preventive and mandatory isolation from March 20 to May 10, 2020 (which could be extended if the government considers it necessary), where only individuals working in the rendering/production of essential services and products were allowed to leave their homes.

 

The final significance of the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on both world and local economies is unknown, and the governments might take even stricter measures, which are not predictable at this time. As of the date of issuance of our financial statements, Grupo Financiero Galicia has not experienced significant impacts on its income as a result of this pandemic. Although the Argentine Central Bank established a series of measures in order to minimize physical contact between people, the most relevant being the limitation of customer service at our branches, the operations of our subsidiaries are maintained and we expect them to continue in spite of the difficulties. However, the extent to which the coronavirus will affect the future of Grupo Galicia’s business, and the impact on the income from our operations cannot be reasonably quantified if this situation extends for a longer period of time. 

 

The Board of Directors is closely monitoring this situation and taking all the required measures within their reach to preserve human life and our operations.



Item 9. The Offer and Listing

Shares and ADSs

Our class B shares are listed on the BYMA, MAE and the Córdoba Stock Exchange under the symbol “GGAL”. Our class B shares have started listing on MAE since October 28, 2015. Our ADSs, each representing ten class B shares, are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, under the symbol “GGAL”. Our ADSs have been listed on Nasdaq Capital Market since August 2002. Previously, our ADSs had been listed on the Nasdaq National Market since July 24, 2000.

Argentine Securities Market

The principal and oldest exchange for the Argentine securities market is the BYMA. The BYMA started operating in 1854 and handles the largest proportion of all equity trading in Argentina. Securities listed on the BYMA include corporate equity and debt securities and government securities. Debt securities listed on the BYMA may also be listed on the MAE. The MERVAL, which is affiliated with the BYMA, was founded in 1929 and is the largest stock market in Argentina. The MERVAL is a private entity, whose capital is integrated by shares admitted to public offer regime and was registered as a market by the CNV under N°16. Its capital is composed of 104 outstanding shares and there are 182 agents registered as members of the Merval market. We are member of the Merval through Galicia Valores, a subsidiary that owns one share. Additionally, the Bank, within the framework of the Capital Market Law, was authorized by the CNV to act as a settlement and clearing agent and trading agent-comprehensive, and was added as member of the MERVAL.

Trading on the BYMA is conducted through a trading platform introduced during 2017 called Milleniun, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each business day of the year. The Millenium software is a computer trading platform system that permits trading in debt and equity securities that can be accessed by brokers directly from workstations located at their offices. As a result of an agreement between the MERVAL and the MAE, equity securities are traded exclusively on the BYMA and corporate and government debt securities are traded on the MAE and the BYMA. Currently, all transactions relating to listed corporate and government debt securities can be effected said trading platform. In addition, a substantial over-the-counter market exists for private trading in listed debt securities and, prior to the agreement described above, equity securities. Such trades are reported on the MAE.


Although companies may list all of their capital stock on the BYMA, in most cases the controlling shareholders retain the majority of a company’s capital stock. This results in only a relatively small percentage of most companies’ stock being available for active trading by the public on the BYMA. Even though individuals have historically constituted the largest group of investors in Argentina’s equity markets, in recent years, banks and insurance companies have shown an interest in these markets. Argentine mutual funds, by contrast, continue to have very low participation in the market. Although 104 companies had equity securities listed on the BYMA as of December 31, 2019, the 10 most-traded companies on the exchange accounted for approximately 65.2% of total trading value during 2019, from a 67.3% recorded in 2018. Our shares were the first-most traded shares on the BYMA in 2019, with a 24.2% share of trading volume from an also first position of 15.2% recorded during 2018.

The Córdoba Stock Exchange is another important stock market in Argentina. Securities listed on the Córdoba Stock Exchange include both corporate equity and debt securities and government securities. Through an agreement with the BYMA, all the securities listed on the BYMA are authorized to be listed and subsequently traded on the Córdoba Stock Exchange. Thus, many transactions that originate on the Córdoba Stock Exchange relate to companies listed on the BYMA and such trades are subsequently settled in Buenos Aires.

 

The MAE is a self-regulated organization that is supervised by the CNV. MAE is mainly comprised by private banks, either composed by national or foreign capital, national banks, provincial banks, municipal Banks, cooperative Banks, financial companies, exchange companies and agents.

 

Market Regulations

 

The CNV oversees the Argentine securities markets and is responsible for authorizing public offerings of securities and supervising brokers, public companies and mutual funds, among others. Argentine pension funds and insurance companies are regulated by separate Argentine government agencies, while financial institutions are regulated mainly by the Argentine Central Bank. The Argentine securities markets are regulated by the CNV.

In compliance with the provisions of Law No.20,643 and the Decrees No.659/74 and No.2220/80, most debt and equity securities traded on the exchanges and the MAE must, unless otherwise instructed by the shareholders, be deposited in Caja de Valores S.A., which is the central securities depositary of Argentina, that provides deposit facilities for securities and mainly acts as a transfer and paying agent in connection therewith. It also handles settlement of securities transactions and operates the computerized exchange information system.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Argentine regulations, there may be less publicly available information about Argentine companies than is regularly published by or about companies in the U.S. and other countries. However, the CNV has taken steps to strengthen disclosure and regulatory standards for the Argentine securities market, including the issuance of regulations prohibiting insider trading and requiring insiders to report on their ownership of securities, with associated penalties for non-compliance.

In order to offer securities to the public in Argentina, an issuer must meet certain requirements of the CNV regarding assets operating history, management and other matters, and only securities for which an application for a public offering has been approved by the CNV may be listed on the corresponding stock exchange. This approval does not imply any kind of certification of assurance related to the merits of the quality of the securities, or the solvency of the issuer. Issuers of listed securities are required to file unaudited quarterly financial statements and audited annual financial statements, as well as various other periodic reports, with the CNV and the corresponding stock exchange.

Securities can currently be freely traded on the Argentine markets, however the Argentine government has periodically imposed certain restrictions regarding access by residents and non-residents to the local MLC and to transfers of foreign exchange abroad. See Item 4. “Information on the CompanyGovernment RegulationForeign Exchange Market”.

On June 2019, the CNV passed Resolution No. 797/19, aimed to strengthen the good practices in corporate governance, emphasizing the principles established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) and requiring a stronger commitment from the listing companies regarding the compliance with corporate governance.



The Capital Markets Law (Law No. 26,831), which became effective on January 2013, replacing Law No.17,811 and Decree No. 677/01, regulates the capital markets transactions as well as the supervision, control and disciplinary and regulatory powers of the CNV. The Capital Markets Law is supplemented by the CNV Rules.

 

On May 9, 2018, the Argentine Congress passed Law No. 27,440 (Ley de Financiamiento Productivo) with the goal of developing the Argentine domestic capital markets. The draft bill provides for the amendment and update of the Argentine Capital Markets Law, the Mutual Funds Law and the Argentine Negotiable Obligations Law, among others. Such Law No. 27,440 sets forth certain regulations that are intended to provide SMEs with better access to financial instruments and to create an electronic credit invoice for MSMEs that replace the receipts from sales and credit invoices. Also, Law No. 27,440 improves the regulatory framework by introducing the new products for SMEs, such as discounts for access to the financial market and the amendment of certain tax provisions, regulations relating to derivatives and the promotion of a financial inclusion program.

 

Item 10. Additional Information

 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

Description of Our Bylaws

 

General

 

Set forth below is a brief description of certain provisions of our bylaws and Argentine law and regulations with regard to our capital stock. Your rights as a holder of our capital stock are subject to Argentine corporate law, which may differ from the corporate laws of other jurisdictions. This description is not purported to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our bylaws, Argentine law and the rules of the BYMA, the Córdoba Stock Exchange as well as the CNV. A copy of our bylaws has been filed with and can be examined at the CNV in Buenos Aires and the SEC in Washington, D.C.

 

We were incorporated on September 14, 1999, as a stock corporation under the laws of Argentina and registered on September 30, 1999, with the IGJ, under corporate registration number 14,519 of Book 7, Volume of Stock Corporations. Our domicile is in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Under our bylaws, our duration is until June 30, 2100 and we are exclusively a financial and investment company (as stated in “Chapter 2. Purpose. Article 3.” of our bylaws). This duration may be extended by resolution taken at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.

 

Our bylaws do not contain any provision governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.

 

Outstanding Capital Stock

 

Our total subscribed and paid-in share capital as of December 31, 2019, amounted to Ps.1,426,764,947, composed of class A shares and class B shares, each with a par value of Ps.1. The following table presents the number of our shares outstanding as of December 31, 2019, and the voting interest that the shares represent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

Shares

 

Number of Shares

 

 

% of Capital Stock

 

 

% of Voting Rights

 

Class A Shares

 

 

281,221,650

 

 

 

19.71

%

 

 

55.11

 

Class B Shares

 

 

1,145,542,947

 

 

 

80.29

%

 

 

44.89

 

Total

 

 

1,426,764,597

 

 

 

100

%

 

100

 

 


Registration and Transfer

 

The class B shares are book-entry common shares held through Caja de Valores. Caja de Valores maintains a stock registry for us and only those persons listed in such registry will be recognized as our shareholders. Caja de Valores periodically delivers to us a list of the shareholders as at a certain date.

 

The class B shares are transferable on the books of Caja de Valores. Caja de Valores records all transfers in our registry. Within 10 days of any such transfer, Caja de Valores is required to confirm the registration of transfer with the transferor.

 

Voting Rights

 

At shareholders’ meetings, each class A share is entitled to five votes and each class B share is entitled to one vote. However, class A shares are entitled to only one vote in certain matters, such as:

  • a merger or spin-off in which we are not the surviving corporation, unless the acquirer’s shares are authorized to be publicly offered or listed on any stock exchange;
  • a transformation in our legal corporate form;
  • a fundamental change in our corporate purpose;
  • a change of our domicile to outside Argentina;
  • a voluntary termination of our public offering or listing authorization;
  • our continuation following a delisting or a mandatory cancellation of our public offering or listing authorization;
  • a total or partial recapitalization of our statutory capital following a loss; and
  • the appointment of syndics.

 

All distinctions between our class A shares and our class B shares will be eliminated upon the occurrence of any of the following change of control events:

  • EBA Holding sells 100% of its class A shares;
  • EBA Holding sells a portion of our class A shares to a third person who, when aggregating all our class A shares with our class B shares owned by such person, if any, obtains 50% plus one vote of our total votes; or
  • the current shareholders of EBA Holding sell shares of EBA Holding that will allow the buyer to exercise more than 50% of the voting power of EBA Holding at any general shareholders’ meeting of EBA Holding shareholders, except for transfers to other current shareholders of EBA Holding or to their heirs or their legal successors or to entities owned by any of them.

 

Limited Liability of Shareholders

 

Shareholders are not liable for our obligations. Shareholders’ liability is limited to the payment of the shares for which they subscribe. However, shareholders who have a conflict of interest with us and do not abstain from voting may be held liable for damages to us. Also, shareholders who willfully or negligently vote in favor of a resolution that is subsequently declared void by a court as contrary to Argentine law or our bylaws may be held liable for damages to us or to third parties, including other shareholders, resulting from such resolutions.

 

Directors

 

Our bylaws provide that the Board of Directors shall be composed by at least three and at most nine members, as decided at a general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. To be appointed to our Board of Directors, such person must have been presented as a candidate by shareholders who represent at least 10% of our voting rights, at least three business days before the date the general ordinary shareholders’ meeting is to be held. Our bylaws do not state an age limit over which the directors cannot serve on our board.



At each annual shareholders’ meeting, the term of one third of the members of our Board of Directors (no fewer than three directors) expires and their successors are elected to serve for a term of three years. The shareholders’ meeting shall have the power to fix a shorter period (one or two years) for the terms of office of one, several or all the directors. This system of electing directors is intended to help maintain the continuity of the board. Alternate directors replace directors until the following general ordinary shareholders’ meeting is held. Directors may also be replaced by alternate directors if a director will be absent from a board meeting. The Board of Directors is required to meet at least once every month and anytime any one of the directors or syndics so requests.

 

Our bylaws state that the Board of Directors may decide to appoint an executive committee and/or a delegate director.

 

Our bylaws do not provide for any arrangements or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any person referred to in this annual report was selected as a director or member of senior management.

 

Additionally, pursuant to our bylaws, any borrowing powers on behalf of the Company are granted to our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has the power to delegate these borrowing powers to our directors through a power of attorney and currently certain of our directors have powers of attorney to negotiate the terms of and borrow money on behalf of the Company. Furthermore, as stated by our bylaws, the chairman of our Board of Directors is also the legal representative of the Company. Although our bylaws do not expressly address a director’s power to vote on proposals, arrangements or contracts in which the director has a material interest, pursuant to customary Argentine business practice and certain tenants of Argentine corporate law, our directors do not vote on proposals, arrangements or contracts in which the director has a material interest.

 

Appointment of Directors and Syndics by Cumulative Voting

 

The Corporations Law provides for the use of cumulative voting to enable minority shareholders to appoint members of the board of directors and syndics. Upon the completion of certain requirements, shareholders are entitled to appoint up to one third of the vacancies to be filled on the board of directors by cumulative voting. Each shareholder voting cumulatively has the number of votes resulting from multiplying the number of votes to which such shareholder would normally be entitled by the number of vacancies to be filled. Such shareholder may apportion his votes or cast all such votes for one or a number of candidates not exceeding one third of the vacancies to be filled.

 

Compensation of Directors



The Corporations Law and the CNV establish rules regarding the compensation of directors. The maximum amount of aggregate compensation that the members of the board of directors may receive, including salaries and other compensation for the performance of permanent technical and administrative services, may not exceed 25.0% of profits of each fiscal year. This maximum amount shall be limited to 5.0% when no dividends are distributed to the shareholders and shall be increased proportionately to the dividend distribution until the 25.0% limit is reached when all profits are distributed.

 

The Corporations Law provides that aggregate director compensation may exceed the maximum percentage of computable profit in any one year when the company’s profits are non-existent or too small as to allow payment of a reasonable compensation to board members which have been engaged in technical or administrative services to the company, provided that such proposal is described in the notice of the agenda for the ordinary shareholders’ meeting and is approved by a majority of shareholders present at such shareholders’ meeting.

 

In addition to the above, our bylaws establish that best practices and national and international market standards regarding directors with similar duties and responsibilities shall be considered when determining the compensation of board members.

 

Syndics

 

Our bylaws, in accordance with Argentine law, provide for the maintenance of a supervisory committee whose members are three permanent syndics and three alternate syndics. Syndics are elected for a one-year term and may be re-elected. Alternate syndics replace permanent syndics in case of absence. For the appointment of syndics, each of our class A shares and class B shares has only one vote. Fees for syndics are established by the shareholders at the annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting. Their function is to oversee the management of the company, to control the legality of the actions of the board of directors, to attend all board of directors’ meetings, to attend all shareholders’ meetings, to prepare reports for the shareholders on the financial statements with their opinion, and to provide information regarding the company to shareholders that represent at least 2% of the capital stock. Syndics’ liabilities are joint and several and unlimited for the non-fulfillment of their duties. They are also jointly and severally liable, together with the members of the board of directors, if the proper fulfillment of their duties as syndics would have avoided the damage or the losses caused by the members of the board of directors.

 

Shareholders’ Meetings

 

Shareholders’ meetings may be ordinary meetings or extraordinary meetings. An annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting is required to be held in each fiscal year to consider the matters outlined in Article 234 of the Corporations Law, including, among others:

  • approval of the financial statements and general performance of the management for the preceding fiscal year;
  • appointment and remuneration of directors and members of the supervisory committee;
  • allocation of profits; and
  • any other matter the board of directors decides to submit to the shareholders’ meeting concerning the Company’s business administration. Matters which may be discussed at these or other ordinary meetings include resolutions regarding the responsibility of directors and members of the supervisory committee, as well as capital increases and the issuance of notes.

Extraordinary shareholders’ meetings may be called at any time to discuss matters beyond the competence of the ordinary meeting, including but not limited to amendments to the bylaws, matters related to the liquidation of a company, limitation of the shareholders’ preemptive rights to subscribe new shares, issuance of bonds and debentures, transformation of the corporate form, a merger into another company and spin-offs, early winding-up, change of the company’s domicile to outside Argentina, total or partial repayment of capital for losses, and a substantial change in the corporate purpose set forth in the bylaws.


Shareholders’ meetings may be convened by the board of directors or by the syndics. A shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 5.0% in the aggregate of our capital stock may request the board of directors or the syndics to convene a general shareholders’ meeting to discuss the matters indicated by the shareholder.

Once a meeting has been convened with an agenda, the agenda limits the matters to be decided upon at such meeting and no other matters may be decided upon.

Additionally, our bylaws provide that any shareholder holding at least 5% in aggregate of our capital stock may present, in writing, to the Board of Directors, before February 28 of each year, proposals of items to be included in the agenda at the annual general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. The Board of Directors is not obligated to include such items in the agenda.

Class B shares represented by ADSs will be voted or caused to be voted by the Depositary in accordance with instructions of the holders of such ADSs. In the event instructions are not received from the holder, the Depositary shall give a discretionary proxy for the shares represented by such ADSs to a person designated by us.

Notice of each shareholders’ meeting must be published in the Official Gazette, and in a widely circulated newspaper in the country’s territory, at least twenty days prior to the meeting but not more than forty-five days prior to the date on which the meeting is to be held. The board of directors will determine the appropriate publication of notices outside Argentina in accordance with the requirements of the jurisdictions and exchanges on which our shares are traded. In order to attend a meeting and to be listed on the meeting registry, shareholders must submit evidence of their book-entry share account held at Caja de Valores at least three business days prior to the scheduled meeting date without counting the meeting day.

The quorum for ordinary meetings consists of a majority of stock entitled to vote, and resolutions may be adopted by the affirmative vote of 50% plus one vote (an “absolute majority”) of the votes present whether in person or participating via electronic means of communication. If no quorum is present at the first meeting, a second meeting may be called at which the shareholders present, whatever their number, shall constitute a quorum. Resolutions are to be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. The second meeting may be convened to be held one hour later on the same day as the first meeting had been called for, provided that it is an ordinary shareholders’ meeting, or within 30 days of the date for which the first ordinary meeting was called.

 

The quorum for extraordinary shareholders’ meetings consists of 60% of stock entitled to vote, and resolutions may be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. If no quorum is present at the first meeting, a second meeting may be called at which the shareholders present, whatever their number, shall constitute a quorum. Resolutions are to be adopted by an absolute majority of the votes present. The second meeting has to be convened to be held within 30 days of the date for which the first extraordinary meeting was called, and the notice must be published for three days, at least eight days before the date of the second meeting. Some special matters require a favorable vote of the majority of all the stock holding voting rights, the class A shares being granted the right to only one vote each. The special matters are described in “—Voting Rights” above.

 

Dividends


Dividends may be lawfully paid and declared only out of our retained earnings representing the profit realized and liquid on our operations and investments reflected in our annual financial statements, as approved at our annual general shareholders’ meeting. No profits may be distributed until prior losses are covered. Dividends paid on our class A shares and class B shares will equal one another on a per-share basis.

As required by the Corporations Law, 5% of our net income is allocated to a legal reserve until the reserve equals 20% of our outstanding capital. Dividends may not be paid if the legal reserve has been impaired. The legal reserve is not available for distribution to shareholders.

Our Board of Directors submits our financial statements for the previous fiscal year, together with reports prepared by our supervisory committee, to our shareholders for approval at the general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. The shareholders, upon approving the financial statements, determine the allocation of our net income.

Our Board of Directors is allowed by law and by our bylaws to decide to pay anticipated dividends on the basis of a balance sheet especially prepared for purposes of paying such dividends.

Under BYMA regulations, cash dividends must be paid to shareholders within 10 days of the shareholders’ meeting approving said dividend. Payment of dividends in shares requires authorization from the CNV, the BYMA and the Córdoba Stock Exchange, whose authorizations must be requested within 10 business days after the shareholders’ meeting approving the dividend. We must make a distribution of the shares available to shareholders not later than three months after receiving authorization to do so from the CNV.

Shareholders may no longer claim the payment of dividends from us after three years have elapsed from the date on which the relevant dividends were made available to such shareholders.

 

Capital Increases and Reductions

 

We may increase our capital upon resolution of the general ordinary shareholders’ meeting. All capital increases must be reported to the CNV, published in the Official Gazette and registered with the Public Registry of Commerce. Capital reductions may be voluntary or mandatory. A voluntary reduction of capital must be approved by an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting after the corresponding authorization by the BYMA, the Córdoba Stock Exchange and the CNV and may take place only after notice of such reduction has been published and creditors have been given an opportunity to obtain payment or guarantees for their claims or attachment. A reduction of capital is mandatory when losses have exceeded reserves and more than 50% of the share capital of the company.

 

Preemptive Rights

 

Under Argentine law, it is mandatory that a shareholder of ordinary shares of any given class have preemptive rights, proportional to the number of shares he or she owns, to subscribe for shares of capital stock of the same class or of any other class if the new subscription offer does not include all classes of shares. Shareholders may only decide to suspend or limit preemptive rights by supermajority at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting and only in exceptional cases. Shareholders may waive their preemptive rights only on a case-by-case basis.

 

In the event of an increase in our capital, holders of class A shares and class B shares have a preemptive right to subscribe for any issue of class B shares in an amount sufficient to maintain the proportion of capital then held by them. Holders of class A shares are entitled to subscribe for class B shares because no further class A shares carrying five votes each are allowed to be issued in the future. Under Argentine law, companies are prohibited from issuing stock with multiple voting rights after they have been authorized to make a public offering of securities.

 

Preemptive rights are exercisable following the last publication of the notification to shareholders of the opportunity to exercise preemptive rights in the Official Gazette and an Argentine newspaper of wide circulation for a period of 30 days, provided that such period may be reduced to no less than 10 days if so approved by an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.

 

Shareholders who have exercised their preemptive rights and indicated their intention to exercise additional preemptive rights are entitled to additional preemptive rights (“accretion rights”), on a pro rata basis, with respect to any unsubscribed shares, in accordance with the terms of the Corporations Law. Class B shares not subscribed for by shareholders through the exercise of their preemptive or accretion rights may be offered to third parties.


 

Holders of ADSs may be restricted in their ability to exercise preemptive rights if a registration statement relating to such rights has not been filed or is not effective or if an exemption from registration is not available.

 

Appraisal Rights

 

Whenever our shareholders approve:

  • a merger or spin-off in which we are not the surviving corporation, unless the acquirer’s shares are authorized to be publicly offered or listed on any stock exchange,
  • a transformation in our legal corporate form,
  • a fundamental change in our corporate purpose,
  • a change of our domicile to outside Argentina,
  • a voluntary termination of our public offering or listing authorization,
  • our continuation following a delisting or a mandatory cancellation of our public offering or listing authorization, or
  • a total or partial recapitalization of our statutory capital following a loss,

 

any shareholder that voted against such action or did not attend the relevant meeting may exercise its right to have its shares canceled in exchange for the book value of its shares, determined on the basis of our latest balance sheet prepared in accordance with Argentine laws and regulations, provided that such shareholder exercises its appraisal rights within the periods set forth below.

 

There is, however, doubt as to whether holders of ADSs, will be able to exercise appraisal rights with respect to class B shares represented by ADSs.

 

Appraisal rights must be exercised within five days following the adjournment of the meeting at which the resolution was adopted, in the event that the dissenting shareholder voted against such resolutions, or within 15 days following such adjournment if the dissenting shareholder did not attend such meeting and can prove that he was a shareholder on the date of such meeting. In the case of a merger or spin-off involving an entity authorized to make a public offering of its shares, appraisal rights may not be exercised if the shares to be received as a result of such transaction are listed on any stock exchange. Appraisal rights are extinguished if the resolution giving rise to such rights is overturned at another shareholders’ meeting held within 75 days of the meeting at which the resolution was adopted.

 

Payment of the appraisal rights must be made within one year from the date of the shareholders’ meeting at which the resolution was adopted, except if the resolution was to delist our capital stock, in which case the payment period is reduced to 60 days from the date of the related resolution.

 

Preferred Stock

 

According to the Corporations Law and our bylaws, an ordinary shareholders’ meeting may approve the issuance of preferred stock. Such preferred stock may have a fixed dividend, cumulative or not cumulative, with or without additional participation in our profits, as decided by shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting when determining the conditions of the issuance. They may also have other preferences, such as a preference in the event of our liquidation.

 

The holders of preferred stock shall not be entitled to voting rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that no dividends are paid to such holders for their preferred stock, and for as long as such dividends are not paid, the holders of preferred stock shall be entitled to voting rights. Holders of preferred stock are also entitled to vote on certain special matters, such as the transformation of the corporate form, a merger into another company and



spin-offs (when we are not the surviving entity and the surviving entity is not listed on any stock exchange), early winding-up, a change of our domicile to outside Argentina, total or partial repayment of capital for losses and a substantial change in the corporate purpose set forth in our bylaws or in the event our preferred stock is traded on stock exchanges and such trading is suspended or terminated.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

As a protection to minority shareholders, under the Corporations Law, a shareholder is required to abstain from voting on any resolution in which its direct or indirect interests conflict with that of or are different than ours. In the event such shareholder votes on such resolution, and such resolution would not have been approved without such shareholders’ vote, the resolution may be declared void by a court and such shareholder may be liable for damages to the company as well as to any third party, including other shareholders.

 

Redemption or Repurchase

 

According to the Capital Markets Law, a stock corporation may acquire the shares issued by it, provided that the public offering and listing thereof has been authorized, subject to the following terms and conditions and those set forth by the CNV. The above-mentioned conditions are: (a) the shares to be acquired shall be fully paid up; (b) there shall be a resolution signed by the board of directors to such effect; (c) the acquisition shall be made out of net profits or free or voluntary reserves; and (d) the total amount of shares acquired by the company, including previously acquired shares, shall not exceed 10% of the capital stock or such lower percentage determined by the CNV. The shares acquired by the company in excess of such limit shall be disposed of within the term of 90 days after the date of the acquisition originating such excess.

 

The shares acquired by the company shall be disposed of by the company within the maximum term of three years counted as from the date of acquisition thereof. Upon disposing of the shares, the company shall make a preemptive offer thereof. Such an offer will not be obligatory if the shares are used in connection with a compensation plan or program for the company’s employees or if the shares are distributed among all shareholders pro rata their shareholdings. If shareholders do not exercise, in whole or in part, their preemptive rights, the sale shall be made at a stock exchange.

 

Liquidation

 

Upon our liquidation, one or more liquidators may be appointed to wind up our affairs. If no such appointment is made, our Board of Directors will act as liquidator. All outstanding common shares will be entitled to participate equally in any distribution upon liquidation. In the event of liquidation, in Argentina and in any other country, our assets shall first be applied to satisfy our debts and liabilities.

 

Other Provisions

 

Our bylaws are governed by Argentine law and the ownership of any kind of our shares represents acceptance of our bylaws and submission to the exclusive jurisdiction of the ordinary commercial courts of Buenos Aires for any claim or dispute related to us, our shareholders, directors and members of the supervisory committee.

 

C. Material Contracts

 

Bonds

 

During the 2016 fiscal year, Banco Galicia issued subordinated Class II notes due 2026 in an aggregate principal amount of US$250 million. The proceeds of this issuance were used to redeem the Bank’s outstanding subordinated notes due 2019. During the 2017 fiscal year Banco Galicia issued Class III notes in aggregate principal amount of Ps.150 million due 2020. Class IV notes in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.2,000 million due 2020. During the 2018 fiscal year, Banco Galicia issued Class V Series I notes due 2020 and Series II notes due 2020 in an aggregate principal amount of Ps.4,209 million and Ps.2,032 million, respectively.


 

The pricing supplements for the issuances described above set forth certain covenants Banco Galicia must comply with for the benefit of the holders of such notes, which include, among others, restrictions on mergers, acquisitions or dispositions (subject to certain exceptions) and restrictions on the incurrence of additional debt.

 

Loans

 

In May 2016, the IFC granted Banco Galicia a credit line in an amount of up to US$130 million. As of May 2018, Banco Galicia has drawn all of the commited amount and the loan was amortized for US$37 million.

 

On March 23, 2018, Banco Galicia announced the issuance of a green bond to raise US$100 million in order to expand its loan program for environmental efficiency projects. This is the first green bond issued by a private financial institution in Argentina, marking Banco Galicia’s commitment to finance projects with a positive impact on the environment. The bonds were underwritten on June 21, 2018 by the IFC. To date, loans for US$53 million were granted.

D. Exchange Controls

 

For a description of the exchange controls that would affect us or the holders of our securities, see Item 4. “Information on the CompanyGovernment RegulationForeign Exchange Market”.

 

E. Taxation

 

The following is a summary of the principal Argentine and U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our class B shares and ADSs. This summary is based on Argentine and U.S. federal tax laws, as well as the regulations in effect as of the date of this annual report. Further, this summary is subject to any subsequent changes in laws and regulations that may come into effect after this date. Any change could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary. This summary does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion with respect to the transactions that the holders of our class B shares or ADSs may enter into. This summary is only a brief description of certain (but not all) aspects of the Argentine and U.S. federal income tax systems, as they relate to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our class B shares and ADSs. In addition, although the Company believes that the following summary is a reasonable interpretation of the current taxation rules and regulations, Grupo Galicia cannot assure that the applicable authorities or tribunals will agree with all, or any of the tax consequences outlined below. Currently, there is no tax treaty between the United States and Argentina.

 

Argentine Taxes

Law No.26,893, enacted on September 12, 2013 and published in the Official Gazette on September 23, 2013, introduced changes to Income Tax Law No.20,628, including the derogation of Section 78 of Decree No.2284/1991; which provides that foreign holders with no permanent establishment in Argentina are exempt from paying income tax on the capital gains arising from the sale or other disposition of shares or ADSs.

Decree No.2334/2013 has regulated Law No.26,893. This decree provides that changes introduced by Law No.26,893 are effective from the date of publication of such law in the Official Gazette and apply to taxable events carried out from such date onwards.

Law No.27,430 enacted on December 27, 2017 and published in the Official Gazette on December 29, 2017, and Law No. 27,541 published in the Official Gazette on December 23,2019 introduced several changes to Income Tax Law No.20,628. The principal change resulting from such law is a corporate income tax rate reduction in two phases. For fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2021, the government has reduced the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 30%. After December 31, 2021, the corporate tax rate will be further reduced to 25%.

This reform includes additional changes, such as the confirmation that ADRs and ADSs generate Argentine-sourced income. Non- residents, however, will be exempted from the current 15% capital gains tax on the sale of ADRs or ADSs if they reside in a jurisdiction having an exchange of information agreement with Argentina or if these invested funds come from a cooperating jurisdiction.


 

Taxation of Dividends

 

As from the effectiveness of Law No. 27,430 and Law No. 27,541, on December 27, 2017 and December 23, 2019 dividends and distributions (other than stock dividends) made by local entities to individuals, undivided estates, and foreign entities are subject to a withholding tax at a rate of 7% (while the corporate income tax is 30%) and at a rate of 13% beginning on January 1, 2022. Thus, the combined rate on dividend/profit distribution would remain around the current 35% rate, as Argentina has not levied a withholding tax on dividends or branch profits, since it eliminated the same in 2016.

 

Decree No.1170/2018 provides for further guidance on Law No.27,430. This decree provides that dividend payments on ADSs or ordinary shares, whether in cash, property, or stock, would be subject to Argentine withholding tax and the exemption referred to in the last paragraph of “Argentine Taxes” above shall not apply.

 

Equalization Tax

 

There is a specific rule under which a 35% tax (“equalization tax”) will be imposed on certain dividends approved by shareholders. The equalization tax will be applied only to the extent that distributions of dividends exceed the taxable income of the company increased by non-taxable dividends received by the distributing company in prior years and reduced by Argentine income tax paid by the distributing company.

 

The equalization tax will be imposed as a withholding tax on the shareholder receiving the dividend. Dividend distributions made in kind (other than cash) will be subject to the same tax rules as cash dividends. Stock dividends are not subject to Argentine taxation.

 

In addition, the foregoing tax reforms abolished the equalization tax for profits generated beginning January 1, 2018. Such equalization tax is a withholding tax levied at a rate of 35% on dividend distributions in excess of tax earnings that would remain applicable for the stock of non-distributed earnings and profits as of December 31, 2017.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

 

In accordance with Law No.27,430 capital gains derived by non-resident individuals or foreign companies from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ADSs or class B shares are subject to the following regulations:

 

Non-residents continue to be exempted from tax on capital gains arising from the sale of shares in publicly-traded companies, if the shares are traded on the BASE. In accordance with Law No.27,541 the exemption will also apply if the securities are traded in stock or securities markets authorized by the (CNV). The benefits will be applied to foreign beneficiaries as long as they do not reside in non-cooperative jurisdictions or the invested funds do not come from a non-cooperative jurisdiction.

 

Transfer of Argentine securities that occurred after September 23, 2013 triggered taxation on a retroactive basis, as the suspension of the rule that called for the tax was lifted. The tax will not apply to sales made through stock exchanges if the tax had not been withheld.

 

Indirect transfers of Argentine assets (including shares) will be taxable, if (i) the value of the Argentine assets exceed 30% of the transaction’s overall value; and (ii) the equity interest sold (in the foreign entity) exceeds 10%. The tax will also be due if any of these thresholds were met during the 12 month period prior to the sale. The indirect transfer of Argentine assets will only be subject to tax if these assets are acquired after January 1, 2018. Transactions involving indirect transfers of Argentine assets within the same economic group would also not trigger taxation, provided the requirements set by regulations have been met. Decree No.862/2019 and General Resolution No.4227/2018, provide that the seller, and not the buyer, is the party responsible for withholding the tax. The regulation has established a new mechanism regulating how non-resident sellers should pay the tax on the capital gain for transactions that have taken place on or after January 1, 2018. In summary, the non-resident seller should pay the tax directly through an international wire transfer unless there is a local withholding agent (i.e., local buyer or local custodial institution) involved in the payment.


 

Transfer Taxes: no Argentine transfer taxes are applicable on the sale or transfer of ADSs or class B shares.

 

Personal Assets Tax

 

Individuals domiciled and undivided estates located in Argentina or abroad will be subject to an annual tax in respect of assets located in Argentina and abroad. Applicable wealth tax rates and minimum non-taxable asset values for the general taxpayer regime are replaced with effect as of fiscal year 2019 by Law No.27,480 and Law No. 27.541. The following is the new scheme:

 

Fiscal year

 

Tax rate

 

Exempt Minimum

2019 onwards

 

*

 

Ps.2,000,000

 

*Taxe Rate (In pesos except percentages)

 

Total Value of Assets

 

 

Flat Tax

 

 

More %

 

 

Taxation over the excess of the amount

 

Over Ps.

 

 

Up to the amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.25

 

 

 

 

 

3,000,001

 

 

 

6,500,000

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

0.75

 

 

 

3,000,000

 

 

6,500,001

 

 

 

18,000,000

 

 

 

41,250

 

 

 

1.00

 

 

 

6,500,000

 

 

18,000,000

 

 

Onward

 

 

 

156,250

 

 

 

1.25

 

 

 

18,000,000

 

 

Individuals domiciled abroad will pay the tax only in respect of the assets they hold in Argentina. In the case of individuals domiciled abroad, the tax will be paid by the individuals or entities domiciled in Argentina which, as of December 31 of each year, hold the joint ownership, possession, use, enjoyment, deposit, safekeeping, custody, administration or tenure of the assets located in Argentina and subject to the tax belonging to the individuals domiciled abroad. When the direct ownership of notes, government securities and certain other investments, except shares issued by companies ruled by the Corporations Law, are part of companies domiciled abroad in countries that do not enforce registration systems for private securities (with the exception of insurance companies, open-end investment funds, pension funds or banks and financial entities with head offices in countries that have adopted the international banking supervision standards laid down by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision) or that pursuant to their bylaws, charter, documents or the applicable regulatory framework, have as their principal activity investing outside of the jurisdiction of their organization or domicile, or are generally restricted from doing business in their country of incorporation, it will be assumed, without admission of any proof to the contrary, that these assets belong ultimately to individuals and therefore the system for paying the tax for such individuals domiciled abroad applies to them.

An exception pursuant to a tax reform was published in the Official Gazette as Law No.25,585, which went into effect on December 31, 2002. This tax reform introduced a mechanism to collect the personal assets tax on shares issued by companies ruled by the Corporations Law, which ownership belongs to individuals domiciled in Argentina or abroad, and companies or entities domiciled abroad. In the case of companies or entities domiciled abroad, it will be assumed, without admitting any proof to the contrary, that these shares ultimately belong to individuals domiciled abroad.


The tax was assessed and paid by those companies ruled by the Corporations Law at the rate of 0.5% on the value of the shares or equity interest. The valuation of the shares, whether listed or not, must be made according to their proportional equity value. These companies may eventually seek reimbursement from the direct owner of the shares, in respect of any amounts paid to the Argentine tax authorities as a personal asset tax. Grupo Financiero Galicia has sought reimbursement for the amount paid corresponding to December 31, 2002. The Board of Directors submitted the decision on how to proceed with respect to fiscal year 2003 to the annual shareholders’ meeting held on April 22, 2004. At that meeting, our shareholders voted to suspend all claims on our shareholders for any amount unpaid for fiscal year 2002 and to have the Company absorb the amounts due for fiscal year 2003 onward, when not withheld from dividends.

Pursuant to Law No.27,260, Argentine companies that have properly fulfilled their tax obligations during the two prior fiscal years to the 2016 fiscal year, and which comply with certain other requirements, may qualify for an exemption from personal asset taxes for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 fiscal years. The request for this tax exemption should be filed before March 31, 2017. Grupo Financiero Galicia filed this request. Notwithstanding, we cannot assure that in the future, Grupo Financiero Galicia can fulfill these requirements and maintain such exemption.

 

Other Taxes

There are no Argentine federal inheritance, succession or gift taxes applicable to the ownership, transfer or disposition of ADSs or class B shares. There are no Argentine stamps, issue, registration or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of ADSs or class B shares.

 

Tax measures related to Covid-19

 

Tax, Trade & Regulatory

 

General Tax Measures

 

On March 19, 2020, the tax authorities established that the period between March 18, 2020 and March 31, 2020 will not be considered in order to meet administrative obligations with the AFIP. This measure does not modify or postpone any due date for the tax determination or payments.

 

On April 2, 2020, aligned with the lockdown extension until Monday April 27, the tax authorities defined as administrative holidays days between March 19 and April 26 for procedural purposes.

 

Indirect Tax (VAT, Customs)

 

On March 19, 2020 the AFIP approved a reduction in the tax rate from 0.6% to 0.25%. Additionally, AFIP also approved a reduction from 1.2% to 0.5% for tax financial transactions on deposits and withdrawals from Argentine bank accounts for employers in the health care industry (i.e., diagnosis services, health insurance and pre-paid medicine companies and hospitals, among others) during a 90-day period.

 

Other taxes

 

On March 23, 2020, the deadline for e-filings broadly was expanded until June 30,2020. The tax authorities established that the period between March 18, 2020 and March 31, 2020 will not be considered in order to meet administrative obligations with the Federal Tax Administration. This measure does not modify or postpone any due date for the tax determination or payments.

 

On April 2, 2020, aligned with the lockdown extension until Monday April 27, the tax authorities defined as administrative holidays the days between March 19 and April 26 for procedural purposes.

 

Tax reporting

 

On March 31, 2020, through General Resolution 4689/2020, transfer pricing filings (including complementary annual study) corresponding to fiscal years ended from December 31, 2018 to September 30, 2019, both inclusive, was postponed from April 20-24 to May 2020 18-22 (the exact due date depending on the Tax ID's last digit).



Workforce: Individual and Employment Taxes

 

The due date for the voluntary repatriation of funds (in order not to be subject to an incremental tax rate on assets located abroad) was postponed from March 31 to April 30, 2020. Also, the due date for the payment established for those not adhering to the repatriation of funds was postponed from April 1 to May 6, 2020.

 

On March 25, 2020, the Labor, Employment & Social Security Ministry issued Resolution No. 219, which established that employees who could not work from home during the lockdown would be relieved from paying the employer and employee contributions due to the Integrated Social Security System. The Resolution also established that employers of new hires will benefit from a 95% reduction on the contributions they have to make to the Integrated Social Security System.

 

On March 31, 2020, the Labor, Employment & Social Security Ministry amended Resolution No. 219, and issued Resolution No. 279, removing any relief provided from social security contributions for those employees who cannot perform their duties from their homes during the lockdown.

  

Deposit and Withdrawal of Class B Shares in Exchange for ADSs

 

No Argentine tax is imposed on the deposit or withdrawal of class B shares in exchange for ADSs.

 

United States Federal Income Taxes

 

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of class B shares and ADSs, as their terms are set forth in the documents or the forms thereof, relating to such securities as in existence on the date hereof, but it does not purport to address all the tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase, own or dispose of class B shares or ADSs. This summary assumes that the class B shares or ADSs will be held as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and does not address tax consequences to all categories of investors, some of which (such as dealers or traders in securities or currencies, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, grantor trusts, tax-exempt entities, banks, insurance companies, persons that received class B shares or ADSs as compensation for the performance of services, persons owning (or deemed to own for U.S. federal income tax purposes) 10% or more (by voting power or value) of our shares, U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the Dollar and persons that hold the class B shares or ADSs as part of a position in a “straddle” or as part of a “hedging” or “conversion” transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes) may be subject to special tax rules. Moreover, this summary does not address the U.S. federal estate and gift or alternative minimum tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of class B shares or ADSs.

 

This summary (i) is based on the Code, existing, proposed and temporary United States Treasury Regulations and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, in each case, as in effect and available on the date hereof, and (ii) is based 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. All of the foregoing are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below.

 

For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of class B shares or ADSs that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if such trust validly elects to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if (a) a United States court can exercise primary supervision over its administration and (b) one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust. A “Non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of class B shares or ADSs that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes).


 

If a partnership (or any other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds class B shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of the partnership and a partner in such partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such a partner or partnership should consult its tax advisor as to its tax consequences.

 

Each prospective purchaser should consult its own tax advisor with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of class B shares or ADSs.

 

Ownership of ADSs in General

 

In general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holders of ADSs will be treated as the owners of the class B shares represented by such ADSs. For purposes of the discussion below, we assume that intermediaries in the chain of ownership between the holder of an ADS and Grupo Financiero Galicia are acting consistently with the claiming of U.S. foreign tax credits by U.S. Holders.

 

Taxation of Distributions

 

Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the gross amount of distributions by Grupo Financiero Galicia of cash or property (other than certain distributions, if any, of class B shares or ADSs distributed pro rata to all shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia, including holders of ADSs) made with respect to the class B shares or ADSs before reduction for any Argentine taxes withheld therefrom, will constitute dividends to the extent that such distributions are paid out of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as dividend income. Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”, non-corporate U.S. Holders generally will be taxed on such distributions on ADSs (or class B shares that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States at the time of such distribution) at the lower rates applicable to long-term capital gains (i.e., gains from the sale of capital assets held for more than one year). Non-corporate U.S. Holders that (i) do not meet a minimum holding period requirement with respect to such ADSs (or class B shares), (ii) elect to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Section 163(d)(4)(B) of the Code or (iii) receive dividends with respect to which they are obligated to make related payments for positions in substantially similar or related property will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation. In addition, dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporations under the Code.

 

Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”, if distributions with respect to the class B shares or ADSs exceed Grupo Financiero Galicia’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the excess will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the class B shares or ADSs. Any amount in excess of such adjusted basis will be treated as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such class B shares or ADSs. Grupo Financiero Galicia does not maintain calculations of its earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles.

 

Dividends paid in Pesos will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder in an amount equal to the Dollar value of the Pesos on the date of receipt, which, in the case of ADSs, is the date they are received by the Depositary. The amount of any distribution of property other than cash will be the fair market value of such property on the date of distribution. Any gains or losses resulting from the conversion of Pesos between the time of the receipt of dividends paid in Pesos and the time the Pesos are converted into Dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss, as the case may be, of a U.S. Holder. Dividends received by a U.S. Holder with respect to the class B shares or ADSs will be treated as foreign source income, which may be relevant in calculating such holder’s foreign tax credit limitation. Subject to certain conditions and limitations, Argentine tax withheld on dividends may be deducted from taxable income or credited against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income. For this purpose, dividend income with respect to class B shares or ADSs should generally constitute “passive category income”, or in the case of certain U.S. Holders, “general category income”. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. Prospective holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.


 

Subject to the discussion below under “Backup Withholding and Information Reporting”, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on dividends received on class B shares or ADSs, unless such income is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

 

Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations,” U.S. Holders will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon a sale or exchange of class B shares or ADSs in an amount equal to the difference between such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the class B shares or ADSs and the amount realized on their disposition. In the case of a non-corporate U.S. Holder, the maximum marginal U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to such gain will be lower than the maximum marginal U.S. federal income tax rate for ordinary income (other than certain dividends) if the U.S. Holder’s holding period in the class B shares or ADSs exceeds one year at the time of the sale or exchange. Gain or loss, if any, recognized by a U.S. Holder generally will be treated as United States source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Consequently, a U.S. Holder may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Argentine tax imposed on the disposition of class B shares or ADSs unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources. Certain limitations apply to the deductibility of capital losses for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

A U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in the class B shares or ADSs is the Dollar value of the Pesos denominated purchase price determined on the date of purchase. If the class B shares or ADSs are treated as traded on an “established securities market”, a cash basis U.S. Holder (or, if it elects, an accrual basis U.S. Holder) will determine the Dollar value of the cost of such class B shares or ADSs by translating the amount paid at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the purchase.

 

With respect to the sale or exchange of class B shares or ADSs, the amount realized generally will be the Dollar value of the payment received, before reduction for any Argentine taxes withheld therefrom, determined on (i) the date of receipt of payment in the case of a cash basis U.S. Holder and (ii) the date of disposition in the case of an accrual basis U.S. Holder. If the class B shares or ADSs are treated as traded on an “established securities market”, a cash basis taxpayer (or, if it elects, an accrual basis taxpayer) will determine the Dollar value of the amount realized by translating the amount received at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the sale.

 

Subject to the discussion below under “Backup Withholding and Information Reporting,” a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on gain realized on the sale or exchange of class B shares or ADSs unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States or (ii) in the case of gain realized by an individual Non-U.S. Holder, the Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale or exchange and certain other conditions are met.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations

 

A non-U.S. corporation will be classified as a “passive foreign investment company”, or a PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes in any taxable year in which, after applying certain look-through rules, either (1) at least 75 percent of its gross income is “passive income” or (2) at least 50 percent of the average value of its gross assets is attributable to assets that produce “passive income” or is held for the production of passive income. Passive income for this purpose generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and gains from commodities and securities transactions, other than certain income derived in the active conduct of a banking business.

 

The application of the PFIC rules is unclear both generally and specifically with respect to banks. The United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has issued a notice and certain proposed Treasury Regulations that exclude from passive income any income derived in the active conduct of a banking business by a qualifying foreign



bank (the “Active Bank Exception”). However, the IRS notice and proposed Treasury Regulations are inconsistent in certain respects. Because final Treasury Regulations have not been issued, there can be no assurance that Grupo Financiero Galicia or its subsidiaries will satisfy the Active Bank Exception for any given taxable year.

 

Based on certain estimates of its gross income and gross assets (which estimates are inherently imprecise), the nature of its business, and reliance on the Active Bank Exception, Grupo Financiero Galicia believes that it should not be classified as a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2019. Grupo Financiero Galicia’s status in future years will depend on its assets and activities in those years. Grupo Financiero Galicia has no reason to believe that its assets or activities will change in a manner that would cause it to be classified as a PFIC, but there can be no assurance that Grupo Financiero Galicia will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. If Grupo Financiero Galicia were a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of class B shares or ADSs generally would be subject to imputed interest charges and other disadvantageous tax treatment with respect to any gain from the sale or exchange of, and certain distributions with respect to, the class B shares or ADSs.

 

If Grupo Financiero Galicia were a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of class B shares or ADSs could make a variety of elections that may alleviate certain of the adverse tax consequences referred to above, and one of these elections may be made retroactively. However, it is expected that the conditions necessary for making certain of such elections will not apply in the case of the class B shares or ADSs. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences that would arise if Grupo Financiero Galicia were treated as a PFIC.

 

Reporting Requirements

 

Non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals, that hold “specified foreign financial assets”, as defined in the Treasury Regulations (which may include class B shares or ADSs), other than in an account at a U.S. financial institution or the U.S. branch of a non-U.S. financial institution, are required to report certain information relating to such assets. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this and any other reporting requirements on their ownership and disposition of class B shares or ADSs. Failure to comply with applicable reporting requirements could result in the imposition of substantial penalties.

 

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

 

United States backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements generally apply to certain payments to certain holders of stock.

 

Information reporting generally will apply to payments of dividends on, and to proceeds from the sale or redemption of, class B shares or ADSs made within the United States, or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, to a holder of class B shares or ADSs (other than an exempt recipient, such as a payee that is not a United States person and that provides an appropriate certification).

 

Payments of dividends on, or proceeds from the sale or redemption of, class B shares or ADSs within the United States, or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, to a holder (other than an exempt recipient, such as a payee that is not a United States person and that provides an appropriate certification) will be subject to backup withholding if such holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with, or establish an exemption from, such backup withholding tax requirements. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 24%.

 

FATCA

 

Beginning on the date that is two years after the date on which final Treasury Regulations are published defining the term “foreign passthru payment”, Grupo Financiero Galicia may be required, pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (often referred to as the “Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act” or “FATCA”) to withhold U.S. tax at a 30% rate on all or a portion of any distribution on class B shares or ADSs which is treated as a “foreign passthru payment”.

 

Assuming that distributions from Grupo Financiero Galicia constitute “foreign passthru payments” and that Grupo Financiero Galicia enters into an agreement with the IRS to report the information required by FATCA or, if



Argentina has entered in an intergovernmental agreement with the United States (an “IGA”),that Grupo Financiero Galicia complies with such IGA, then an investor considered to have a “U.S. account” maintained by Grupo Financiero Galicia may be required to provide the information described below or be subject to U.S. withholding tax on any distribution on class B shares or ADSs that is treated as a “foreign passthru payment”. Investors in class B shares or ADSs that are financial institutions, or financial institutions that receive payments on behalf of other persons, and that have not entered into an agreement with the IRS (or otherwise established an exemption from FATCA, including pursuant to an applicable IGA) would also be subject to this U.S. withholding tax. 

 

FATCA is particularly complex and its application to Grupo Financiero Galicia is uncertain at this time. Each holder of class B shares or ADSs should consult its own tax advisor to obtain a more detailed explanation of FATCA and to learn how it might affect such holder under its particular circumstances.

 

Medicare Tax on Investment Income

 

Certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, estates or trusts are required to pay a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (i) the U.S. Holder’s “net investment income” for the taxable year and (ii) the excess of the U.S. Holder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold. Net investment income includes, among other things, dividends and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of class B shares or ADSs.

 

THE ABOVE SUMMARIES ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL TAX CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF CLASS B SHARES OR ADSs. PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR CONCERNING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES IN THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

H. Documents on Display

 

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this annual report and its exhibits, may be inspected and printed or copied for a fee at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information about the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. These materials are also available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Material submitted by us can also be inspected at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. at 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-1506.

 

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

General

 

Market risks faced by us are the risks arising from the fluctuations in interest rates and in foreign exchange rates. Our market risk arises mainly from the operations of Banco Galicia in its capacity as a financial intermediary. Our subsidiaries and are also subject to market risk. However, the amount of these risks is not significant, and they are not discussed below. Policies regarding these risks are applied at the level of our operating subsidiaries.



In compliance with the Argentine Central Bank’s regulations, based on the best practices and international standards, Banco Galicia has a Risk Management Division responsible for identifying, monitoring and actively and integrally managing the different risks Banco Galicia and its subsidiaries are exposed to (credit, financial and operational risks). The aim of the Division is to guarantee Banco Galicia’s board of directors that it is fully aware of the risks Banco Galicia is exposed to. It also creates and proposes the policies and procedures necessary to mitigate and control such risks. The Risk Management Committee, made-up of six members of the board of directors of Banco Galicia, the Chief Executive Officer and the managers of the Risk Management Division, the Planning Division and Internal Audit, is the highest corporate body to which Banco Galicia’s board of directors delegates integral risk management and the executive responsibility to define and enforce risk management policies, procedures and controls. This Committee is also responsible for setting specific limits for the exposure to each risk and approving, when applicable, temporary excesses over such limits as well as being informed of each risk position and compliance with policies.

 

See Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”—“Functions of the Board of Directors of Banco Galicia”. Liquidity management is discussed in Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”-.B.“Liquidity and Capital Resources”. Credit risk management is discussed in Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B.“Business Overview”- “Selected Statistical Information”—“Credit Review Process” and other sections under Item 4. “Information on the Company”—B.”Business Overview”- “Selected Statistical Information” describing Grupo Galicia’s financial instruments portfolio and financial instruments loss experience.

 

The following sections contain information on Banco Galicia’s sensitivity to interest-rate risk and exchange-rate risk that constitute forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

A distinctive and natural characteristic of financial brokerage is the existence of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with different maturities (or different rate repricing periods) and interest rates that can be fixed or variable. This situation leads to a gap or mismatch that arises from the balance sheet and measures the imbalance between fixed- and variable-rate assets and liabilities, and results in the so-called interest-rate risk or balance sheet structural risk. A commercial bank can face the interest rate risk on both sides of its balance sheet: with regard to the income generated by assets (loans and securities) and the expenses related to the interest-bearing liabilities (deposits and other sources of funds).

 

The policy currently in force defines this gap as the risk that the financial margin and the economic value of equity may vary as a consequence of fluctuations in market interest rates. The magnitude of such variation is associated with the sensitivity to interest rates of the structure of the Bank’s assets and liabilities.

 

Aimed at managing and limiting the sensitivity of Banco Galicia's economic value and results with respect to variations in the interest rate inherent to the structure of certain assets and liabilities, the following caps have been determined:

  • Limit on the gross brokerage margin for the first year.
  • Limit on the net present value of assets and liabilities.

 

Limit on the Gross Brokerage Margin for the First Year

 

The effect of interest rate fluctuations on the gross brokerage margin for the first year is calculated using the methodology known as scenario simulation. On a monthly basis, gross brokerage margin for the first year is simulated in a base scenario and in a “+400 bps” scenario for peso currency and “+200 bps” scenario for dollar scenario. In order to prepare each scenario, different criteria are assumed regarding the sensitivity to interest rates of assets and liabilities, depending on the historical performance observed of the different balance sheet items. Gross brokerage margin for the first year in the “+400 bps” and “+200 bps” scenario is compared to the gross brokerage margin for the first year in the “base” scenario. The resulting difference is related to the annualized accounting gross brokerage margin for the last calendar trailing quarter available, for Banco Galicia on a consolidated basis.

 

 

The limit on a potential loss was established at 10% of the gross brokerage margin for the first year, as defined above. At fiscal year-end, the negative difference between the gross brokerage margin for the first year corresponding to the “+400/200 bps” scenario and that corresponding to the “base” scenario accounted for -4.2% of the gross brokerage margin for the first year.

 

The tables below show as of December 31, 2019 in absolute and percentage terms, the change in Banco Galicia’s gross brokerage margin (“GBM”) of the first year, as compared to the gross brokerage margin of the “base” scenario corresponding to various interest-rate scenarios in which interest rates change 50, 100, 150 and 200 bps from those in the “base” scenario. Banco Galicia’s net portfolio is broken down into trading and non-trading. The trading net portfolio represents primarily securities issued by the Argentine Government.

 

Net Portfolio

 

 

 

Gross Brokerage Margin (1)

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

(In millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Change in Interest Rates in bps

 

Variation

 

 

% Change in the GBM

 

200

 

 

2,812

 

 

 

2.54

%

150

 

 

2,106

 

 

 

1.91

%

100

 

 

1,403

 

 

 

1.27

%

50

 

 

700

 

 

 

0.64

%

Static

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(50)

 

 

(655

)

 

 

(0.60

)%

(100)

 

 

(1,310

)

 

 

(1.19

)%

(150)

 

 

(1,962

)

 

 

(1.78

)%

(200)

 

 

(2,512

)

 

 

(2.37

)%

(1) Net interest of the first year

 

Net Trading Portfolio

 

 

 

Gross Brokerage Margin (1)

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

(In millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Change in Interest Rates in bps

 

Variation

 

 

% Change in the GBM

 

200

 

 

136

 

 

 

0.12

%

150

 

 

101

 

 

 

0.09

%

100

 

 

68

 

 

 

0.06

%

50

 

 

34

 

 

 

0.03

%

Static

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(50)

 

 

(33

)

 

 

(0.03

)%

(100)

 

 

(67

)

 

 

(0.06

)%

(150)

 

 

(100

)

 

 

(0.09

)%

(200)

 

 

(133

)

 

 

(0.12

)%

(1) Net interest of the first year



Net Non -Trading Portfolio

 

 

 

Gross Brokerage Margin (1)

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

(In millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

Change in Interest Rates in bps

 

Variation

 

 

% Change in the GBM

 

200

 

 

2,676

 

 

 

2.43

%

150

 

 

2,005

 

 

 

1.82

%

100

 

 

1,335

 

 

 

1.21

%

50

 

 

666

 

 

 

0.61

%

Static

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(50)

 

 

(622

)

 

 

(0.57

)%

(100)

 

 

(1,243

)

 

 

(1.13

)%

(150)

 

 

(1,862

)

 

 

(1.69

)%

(200)

 

 

(2,479

)

 

 

(2.25

)%

(1) Net interest of the first year

 

Limit on the Net Present Value of Assets and Liabilities

 

The net present value of assets and liabilities is also calculated on a monthly basis and taking into account the assets and liabilities of Banco Galicia’s consolidated balance sheet. The methodology used for calculating interest rate risk is based on the net present value of the underlying asset of liability.

The net present value of the consolidated assets and liabilities, as mentioned, is calculated for a “base” scenario in which the listed securities portfolio is discounted using interest rates obtained according to yield curves determined based on the market yields of different reference bonds denominated in Pesos, foreign currency and adjusted by CER/UVA. Yield curves for unlisted assets and liabilities are also created using market interest rates. The net present value of assets and liabilities is also obtained for a second scenario called “critical”, where through a significant number of statistical simulations of the interest rate track record, a “critical” scenario is obtained as a result of the interest rate risk exposure presented by the balance sheet structure.

 

The economic capital is obtained from the resulting difference between the “critical” scenario and the net present value of assets and liabilities of the “base” scenario, and considering a 99.5% degree of accuracy.

 

The limit on interest rate risk exposure, expressed as a difference between the net present value of assets and liabilities in the “base” scenario and the “critical” scenario cannot exceed 15% of the consolidated RPC. As of December 31, 2019, the “Value at Risk” was -8.65% of the RPC.

 

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

 

Exchange-rate sensitivity is the relationship between the fluctuations of exchange rates and Banco Galicia’s net financial income resulting from the revaluation of Banco Galicia’s assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency. The impact of variations in the exchange rate on Banco Galicia’s net financial income depends on whether Banco Galicia has a net asset foreign currency position (the amount by which foreign currency denominated assets exceed foreign currency denominated liabilities) or a net liability foreign currency position (the amount by which foreign currency denominated liabilities exceed foreign currency denominated assets). In the first case an increase/decrease in the exchange rate results in a gain/loss, respectively. In the second case, an increase/decrease results in a loss/gain, respectively. Banco Galicia has established limits for its consolidated foreign currency mismatches for the asset and liability positions of -9 % and + 30% of Banco Galicia’s RPC. At the end of the fiscal year, Banco Galicia’s net asset position in foreign currency represented 0.6%.

As of December 31, 2019, Banco Galicia had a net asset foreign currency position of Ps.4,929 million (US$82 million) after adjusting its on-balance sheet net asset position of Ps.4,906 million (US$82 million) by net forward purchases of foreign currency without delivery of the underlying asset, for Ps.23 million (US$0,4 million), recorded off-balance sheet.


As of December 31, 2018, Banco Galicia had a net liability foreign currency position of Ps.978 million (US$26 million) after adjusting its on-balance sheet net liability position of Ps.1,079 million (US$29 million) by net forward purchases of foreign currency without delivery of the underlying asset, for Ps.101 million (US$3 million), recorded off-balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2017, Banco Galicia had a net liability foreign currency position of Ps.549 million (US$29 million), after adjusting its on-balance sheet net asset position of Ps.2,003million (US$107 million) by net forward purchases of foreign currency without delivery of the underlying asset, for Ps.2,552 million (US$136 million), recorded off-balance sheet.

 

The table below show the effects of changes in the exchange rate of the Peso vis-à-vis the Dollar on the value of Banco Galicia’s foreign currency net asset position as of December 31, 2019. As of these dates, the breakdown of Banco Galicia’s foreign currency net asset position into trading and non-trading is not presented, as Banco Galicia’s foreign currency trading portfolio was not material

 

 

 

 

 

Value of Foreign Currency Net Position

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

Percentage Change in the Value of the Peso Relative to the Dollar (1)

 

 

Amount

 

 

Absolute Variation

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos, except percentages)

 

40%

 

 

 

6,896

 

 

 

1,967

 

 

 

40

 

30%

 

 

 

6,408

 

 

 

1,479

 

 

 

30

 

20%

 

 

 

5,915

 

 

 

986

 

 

 

20

 

10%

 

 

 

5,422

 

 

 

493

 

 

 

10

 

Static (2)

 

 

 

4,929

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

-10%

 

 

 

4,436

 

 

 

(493

)

 

 

(10

)

-20%

 

 

 

3,943

 

 

 

(986

)

 

 

(20

)

-30%

 

 

 

3,450

 

 

 

(1,479

)

 

 

(30

)

-40%

 

 

 

2,962

 

 

 

(1,967

)

 

 

(40

)


(1) Devaluation / (Revaluation).

(2) Adjusted to reflect forward purchases and sales of foreign currency without delivery of the underlying asset, registered in memorandum accounts.

 

Currency Mismatches

 

The funding and the use of funds in loans and/or investments can be carried out in assets and liabilities denominated in different currencies. As such, there is the potential for a currency mismatch between liabilities and the use thereof on assets, generating a risk. Currency risk is defined as the risk of incurring equity losses as a result of variations in the foreign currency exchange rates in which assets and liabilities are denominated.

The management of the Bank’s currency risk mismatch involves the monitoring of foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities that may change in the short- and or mid-term. One of the available market instruments for the management of currency mismatches of assets and liabilities are “currency futures” transactions, which are traded on the MAE (MAE – OCT) and Mercado a Término de Rosario (ROFEX).

The policy framework currently in force establishes limits in terms of maximum net asset positions (assets denominated in a currency which are higher than the liabilities denominated in such currency) and net liability positions (assets denominated in a currency which are lower than the liabilities denominated in such currency) for mismatches in foreign currency, as a proportion of the Bank’s computable regulatory capital (“RPC”), on a consolidated basis.



The table below shows the composition of the Grupo Financiero Galicia’s Shareholders’ Equity as of December 31, 2019, by currency and type of adjustment:

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

Gap

 

 

 

(in millions of Pesos)

 

Financial Assets and Liabilities

 

 

638,334

 

 

 

536,814

 

 

 

101,520

 

Pesos - Adjusted by UVA

 

 

28,335

 

 

 

1,950

 

 

 

26,385

 

Pesos - Unadjusted

 

 

404,602

 

 

 

338,247

 

 

 

66,355

 

Foreign Currency (1)

 

 

205,397

 

 

 

196,617

 

 

 

8,780

 

Other Assets and Liabilities

 

 

47,185

 

 

 

31,871

 

 

 

15,314

 

Total Gap

 

 

685,519

 

 

 

568,685

 

 

 

116,834

 

Adjusted for Forward Transactions Recorded in Memo Accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets and Liabilities

 

 

638,334

 

 

 

536,814

 

 

 

101,520

 

Pesos - Adjusted by the UVA

 

 

28,335

 

 

 

1,950

 

 

 

26,385

 

Pesos - Unadjusted, Including Shareholders’ Equity (2)

 

 

378,580

 

 

 

312,248

 

 

 

66,332

 

Foreign Currency (1) (2)

 

 

231,419

 

 

 

222,616

 

 

 

8,803

 

Other Assets and Liabilities

 

 

47,185

 

 

 

31,871

 

 

 

15,314

 

Total Adjusted Gap

 

 

685,519

 

 

 

568,685

 

 

 

116,834

 

(1) In Pesos, at an exchange rate of Ps.59.8950 per US$1.

(2) Adjusted for forward sales and purchases of foreign exchange, without delivery of underlying assets and recorded in Memorandum Accounts.

 

As of December 31, 2019, considering the adjustments from forward transactions recorded under memorandum accounts, Grupo Financiero Galicia had net asset positions in foreign currency and Pesos adjusted and non-adjusted.

 

The paragraphs below describe the composition of the different currency mismatches of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2019:

 

Assets and Liabilities Denominated in Foreign Currency

 

As of December 31, 2019, the Grupo Financiero Galicia’s assets denominated in foreign currency were mainly comprised of the following: (i) Ps.91,749 million of cash and balances from the Argentine Central Bank and correspondent banks; (ii) Ps.98,556 million for loans (principal plus interest) and other financing, including Ps.1,521 million for receivables for financial leases; (iii) Ps.5,301 million for debt securities, primarily financial trusts; (iv) Ps.5,563 million for government and private securities (v) Ps.2,404 million for other financial assets and (vi) Ps.1,753 million for assets pledged as collateral, including forward purchases of government securities.

 

The liabilities denominated in foreign currency consisted mainly of: (i) Ps.143,198 million for deposits (principal, interest and quotation differences); (ii) Ps.17,991 million for payables to banks and international credit entities; (iii) Ps.21,669 million for subordinated and unsubordinated notes issued by Banco Galicia; and (iv) Ps.12,896 million for other financial liabilities, mainly collections on behalf of third parties.

 

A net asset position of Ps.8,780 million stemmed from the consolidated balance sheet. Furthermore, forward transactions in foreign currency without delivery of the underlying asset were recorded in memorandum accounts, which, in terms of their notional value, were equal to a net asset position of Ps.22 million. Therefore, as of that date, the net position in foreign currency adjusted to reflect these transactions was a net asset position of Ps.8,803 million, equivalent to US$147 million.

 

Banco Galicia has set limits as regards foreign-currency mismatches at -9% of the Bank’s RPC for its net liability position and at +30% of the Bank’s RPC for its net asset position. At the fiscal year-end, Banco Galicia's net asset position in foreign currency represented 9.4% of its RPC.

 

Non-Adjusted Peso-Denominated Assets and Liabilities

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s non-adjusted Peso-denominated assets at December 31, 2019 were mainly comprised of the following: (i) Ps.233,353 million for loans (principal plus interest, net of allowances) including



Ps.6
82 million for receivables from financial leases and Ps.2,544 million for miscellaneous receivables; (ii) Ps.58,141 million for the holding of securities issued by the Argentine Central Bank. (LELIQ); (iii) Ps.46,425 million for cash and balances held at the Argentine Central Bank and correspondent banks (including the balance of escrow accounts); (iv) Ps.30,075 million for repurchase transactions; (v) Ps.15,705 million for the holding of government and private securities, including Ps.10,949 million for BOTE 2020; (vi). Ps.8,511 million for “Other Financial Assets”, out of which Ps.643 million was related to mutual funds of Tarjetas Regionales; and (vii) Ps.2,272 million pledged as collateral.

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia’s non-adjusted Peso-denominated liabilities at December 31, 2019 were mainly comprised of the following (i) Ps.248,588 million for deposits (principal plus interest); (ii) Ps.48,034 million for liabilities payable to stores, credit card transactions of Banco Galicia and Tarjetas Regionales; (iii) Ps.23,071 million for notes issued by Banco Galicia and Tarjetas Regionales; (iv) Ps.7,911 million for other financial liabilities; (v) Ps.4,732 million for debt incurred with local financial institutions and (vi) Ps.2,516 million for amounts payable for future transactions and transactions pending settlement of government securities and foreign currency.

 

The net asset position in non-adjusted Peso-denominated assets and liabilities was Ps.66,332 million at December 31, 2019.

 

Peso-Denominated Assets and Liabilities Adjusted by UVA

 

At December 31, 2019, the net asset position amounted to Ps.26,385 million, which is primarily comprised of Ps.26,515 million for loans, mainly UVA mortgage loans and Ps.1,820 million for miscellaneous receivables.

 

With respect to liabilities, Ps.1,175 million was related to UVA-adjusted time deposits and Ps.775 million related to balances of the unemployment fund of construction workers.

 

Other Assets and Liabilities

 

As of December 31, 2019, “Other Assets - Liabilities” mainly included the following: (i) property, plant and equipment, miscellaneous and intangible assets for Ps.44,134 million; and (ii) miscellaneous receivables for Ps.2,807 million.

 

As of December 31, 2019, liabilities mainly included the following: (i) Ps.16,590 million recorded in “Other Non-financial Liabilities”; (ii) Ps.10,315 million for current income tax liabilities; and (iii) Ps.2,747 million for provisions for other contingencies.

 

Market Risk

The exposure to portfolios of listed financial instruments, whose value varies according to the movement in their market prices, is subject to a specific policy framework that regulates the risk of incurring a loss as a consequence of the variation of the market price of financial assets whose value is subject to negotiation.

Brokerage transactions and/or investments in government securities, currencies, notes, derivative products and debt instruments issued by the Argentine Central Bank are governed by the policy that limits the maximum tolerable losses in a given fiscal year.

In order to gauge and monitor this source of risk, the model known as VaR is used, among others. This model determines intra-daily, for the Bank individually, the possible loss that could be generated by the positions in equity securities, currencies, derivative instruments, and debt securities issued by the Argentine Central Bank and currencies under certain parameters.

The parameters taken into consideration are as follows:

(i)              A 99% degree of accuracy.



(ii)               VaR estimates are made for holding periods of one day and “n” days, where “n” is defined as the number of days necessary to settle the position in each security.

(iii)              In the case of securities, if they are new issuances, the available trading days are taken into consideration for the calculation of volatilities; if there are not enough trading days or if there are no quotations, the volatility of bonds from domestic issuers with similar risk and characteristics is used.

 

Banco Galicia’s policy requires that the Risk Management and Treasury Divisions agree on the parameters under which the models work, and establishes the maximum losses authorized both for equity securities, foreign-currency, Argentine Central Bank’s debt instruments and derivative products in a fiscal year. Maximum losses were established in:

 

Risk

 

Policy on Limits


 

(in millions of Pesos)

Currency

 

250

Fixed-income instruments

 

680

Interest rate derivatives

 

70

Variable income

 

1

 

Furthermore, the policy includes the regular undertaking of stress tests, the goal of which is to assess the risk positions and their results, under adverse market conditions. Finally, “contingency plans” were designed for each transaction, which include the actions to be implemented in a critical scenario.

 

Cross-Border Risk

 

Cross-border risk represents the risk of incurring equity losses as a consequence of the impairment or failure to collect on foreign credit exposures (loans, securities holdings, equity investments, and cash) abroad. It includes risks generated by entering into transactions with public or private counterparties domiciled outside of Argentina.

 

In order to regulate risk exposures in international jurisdictions, limits were established taking into consideration the jurisdiction’s credit rating, the type of transaction and a maximum exposure acceptable for each counterparty.

 

The Bank defined its policy by setting maximum exposure limits measured as a percentage of its RPC and taking into account if the counterparty is considered investment grade:

 

Risk


Required Credit Rating


Investment Grade


 

Not Investment Grade

 

-Jurisdictional Risk


-International Rating Agency


-No limit


-Maximum limit: 5%

-Counterparty Risk


-International Banking Relations

-Credit Division


-Maximum limit: 15%

-The limit is distributed between financial and foreign trade transactions, thus absorbing local counterparty margin


-Maximum limit: 1%

-Only foreign trade transactions

 

Overseas Foreign Currency Transfer Risk

With a view towards mitigating the risk resulting from a potential change in domestic laws that may affect overseas foreign currency transfers and in order to meet incurred liabilities, a policy was devised to set a limit for liabilities transferred abroad, as a proportion to total consolidated liabilities. Such ratio was fixed at 15%.

 

As of December 31, 2019, such exposure was 10.4% over total liabilities

 

Risk Exposures in the Non-Financial Public Sector



The Argentine Central Bank imposes restrictions with respect to financing for the non-financial Public Sector and establishes limits in connection with the agencies that can be aided, the types of permitted loans and maximum amounts that can be granted. Such maximum amounts are set on the basis of the Bank’s RPC.

Banco Galicia provides two types of financial assistance to such sector: (i) assistance through the issuance of government securities; and (ii) direct assistance through loans, leasing, corporate securities, discounted notes, overdrafts, guarantees granted, foreign trade transactions, payroll loans, credit cards, etc.

Risk exposures on loans granted to such sector in national, provincial and municipal jurisdictions are governed by a specific policy, applicable to agencies within such jurisdictions, decentralized entities, companies and trust funds with underlying cash flows from the non-financial public sector.

Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities

 

D. American Depositary Shares

 

Fees and Charges Applicable to ADS Holders

 

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay

 

For:

Ps.5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)

 

    Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property

 

 

    Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates

Ps.0.02 (or less) per ADS

 

    Any cash distribution to ADS registered holders

A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs

 

    Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS registered holders

Registration or transfer fees

 

    Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares

Expenses of the depositary

 

    Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)

 

 

    Converting foreign currency to Dollars

Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes.

 

    As necessary

Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities

 

    As necessary

 


Fees and Direct and Indirect Payments Made by the Depositary to Us

 

Past Fees and Payments

 

Grupo Financiero Galicia received a payment of US$ 283,948 for fiscal year 2019, US$267,815 for fiscal year 2018 and US$286,530 for fiscal year 2017 in relation to continuing annual stock exchange listing fees, standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs (consisting of the expenses for filing annual and interim financial reports, relevant information reports, processing dividend distribution, electronic filing of U.S. federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, and telephone and conference calls), accounting fees and legal fees.

 

Future Fees and Payments 

The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, has agreed to reimburse the Company for expenses they incur that are related to establishment and maintenance expenses of the ADSs program. The depositary has agreed to reimburse the Company for its continuing annual stock exchange listing fees and certain accounting and legal fees. The depositary has also agreed to pay the standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs, which consists of the expenses for filing annual and interim financial reports, relevant information reports, processing dividend distributions, electronic filing of U.S. federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, and telephone and conference calls. It has also agreed to reimburse the Company annually for certain investor relationship programs or special investor relations promotional activities. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse the Company and the amount of reimbursement available to the Company is subject to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors in any given fiscal year.

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

 

We expect to receive a similar reimbursement from the depositary for expenses for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020 to the one we received for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.



PART II

 

Not applicable.

 

Not applicable.

 

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as amended). We performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file with or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance of their reliability. Notwithstanding the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, these disclosure controls and procedures cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving their objectives because of their inherent limitations. Disclosure controls and procedures are processes that involve human diligence and compliance and are subject to error in judgment. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by our disclosure controls and procedures.

 

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

 

1)       Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for us and our consolidated subsidiaries. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

  1. pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
  2. provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS and that receipts and expenditures of Grupo Galicia are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
  3. provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

2)       Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the COSO.



3)       Based on our assessment, we and our management have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.

 

4)       The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 has been audited by PriceWaterhouse & Co. S.R.L., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

 

(c) See Item 18. “Financial Statements–Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” for our registered public accounting firm’s attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

 

(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting During the Year Ended December 31, 2019.

During the period covered by this report, there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Mr. Daniel Llambías was the financial expert serving on our Audit Committee for fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

We have adopted a code of ethics (for Grupo Financiero Galicia and its main subsidiaries) in accordance with the requirements of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. During fiscal year 2019, in lieu of the new corporate governance requirements introduced by the CNV, the Company adopted a new Code of Ethics. Additionally, we did not grant any waivers to our code of ethics during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. In June 2009, we adopted a Code of Best Practices in Corporate Governance in accordance with Argentine legal requirements that received some minor modifications in 2017 and 2018. During fiscal year 2019, the CNV issued Rule No. 797/2019 (modifying Rule No. 606 and the previous 516) which established new standards for the filing of the Code of Good Practices in Corporate Governance. Our Code of Ethics and our Code of Corporate governance are attached hereto as Exhibits 11.1 and 11.2.

Item 16C. Principal Accountants’ Fees and Services

The following table sets forth the total amount billed to us by our independent registered public accounting firm, Price Waterhouse & Co. S.R.L., during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

(in thousands of Pesos)

 

Audit Fees

 

 

81,269

 

 

 

68,522

 

Audit Related Fees

 

 

12,300

 

 

 

11,097

 

Tax Fees

 

 

18,147

 

 

 

16,131

 

All Other Fees

 

 

6,506

 

 

 

5,068

 

Total

 

 

118,222

 

 

 

100,818

 

 

Audit Fees

 

Audit fees are mainly the fees billed in relation with professional services for auditing our consolidated financial statements under local and IFRS requirements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.


 

Audit-Related Fees

 

Audit-related fees are fees billed for professional services related to attestation, review and verification services with respect to our financial information and the provision of services in connection with special reports in 2019 and 2018.

 

Tax Fees

 

Tax fees are fees billed with respect to tax compliance and advisory services related to tax liabilities.

 

All Other Fees

 

All other fees include fees paid for professional services other than the services reported above under “audit fees”, “audit related fees” and “tax fees” in each of the fiscal periods above.

 

Audit Committee Pre-approval

 

Our audit committee is required to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. Our Audit Committee has reviewed and approved audit and non-audit services fees proposed by our independent auditors.

 

Not applicable.

 

None.

 

Not applicable.

 

See Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”—“Nasdaq Corporate Governance Standards” for a summary of ways in which the Company’s corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies.

 

Not applicable.



PART III


Item 17. Financial Statements

 

Not applicable.

 

Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

You can find our audited consolidated financial statements on pages F-1 to F-106 of this annual report.



 

Exhibit

 

Description

  1.1

 

Unofficial English language translation of the Bylaws (estatutos sociales).****

  2.1

 

Form of Deposit Agreement between The Bank of New York and the registrant, including the form of American Depositary Receipt.*

  2.2

 

Indenture, dated as of July 19, 2016, among Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., The Bank of New York Mellon, Banco de Valores S.A. and The Bank of New York Mellon (Luxembourg) S.A.***

  2.3

 

Indenture, dated as of April 11, 2017, among Tarjeta Naranja S.A., The Bank of New York Mellon, Banco de Valores S.A. and The Bank of New York Mellon (Luxembourg) S.A.****

  4.1

 

Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2009, among American International Group Inc., AIG Consumer Finance Group, Inc. and Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., and the other parties signatory thereto.**

  4.2

 

Loan Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2016, between Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. and International Finance Corporation.***

  4.3

 

Bond Subscription Agreement, dated as of March 23, 2018, between Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. and International Finance Corporation.*****

   8.1

 

For a list of our subsidiaries as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this annual report, please see Item 4. “Information on the Company-Organizational Structure”.

11.1

 

Code of Ethics.

11.2

 

Code of Corporate Governance Good Practices.

12.1

 

Certification of the principal executive officer required under Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

12.2

 

Certification of the principal financial officer required under Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

13.1

 

Certification of the principal executive officer required pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

13.2

 

Certification of the principal financial officer required pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

* Incorporated by reference from our Registration Statement on Form F-4 (333-11960).
* * Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009.
* * * Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016.
* * * *
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017.
* * * * * Incorporated  by reference from our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018.



SIGNATURE

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all 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.

 

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Pedro Alberto Richards

Name:

 

Pedro Alberto Richards

Title:

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ José Luis Ronsini

Name:

 

José Luis Ronsini

Title:

 

Chief Financial Officer


Date: 
April 29, 2020



Table of Contents


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the related consolidated statements of income, other comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing on Item 15. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements, and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Fair Value of certain Level 3 Financial Instruments

As described in Notes 2.a and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company carries Ps. 95,250,490 thousands of its assets and Ps. 2,303,256 thousands of its liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Included in these balances are Ps. 11,732,299 thousands of financial assets which are classified as level 3 as they contain one or more inputs to valuation which are unobservable and significant to their fair value measurement. The Company utilized internally developed valuation models and unobservable inputs, including discount rates and volatilities and correlations relating to interest rates and spreads, to estimate fair value of the level 3 financial instruments. These valuation techniques require management to make estimates and judgments for complex instruments involving valuation models.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the fair value of certain level 3 financial instruments is a critical audit matter are (i) there was significant judgment by management in evaluating the models and methodologies and determining the inputs, such as discount rates and volatilities and correlations relating to interest rates and spreads, to estimate fair value, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures related to the fair value of these financial instruments, and (ii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the Company’s processes for determining fair value of level 3 financial instruments which include controls over models, inputs, and data. These procedures also included, among others, for a sample of financial instruments, the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in developing an independent estimate of fair value and testing management’s process to determine the fair value of these financial instruments. Developing the independent estimate involved testing the completeness and accuracy of data provided by management, developing independent significant unobservable inputs, and comparing management’s estimate to the independently developed estimate of fair value. Testing management’s process included evaluating the reasonableness of the aforementioned significant unobservable inputs, evaluating the appropriateness of the methods used, and testing the completeness and accuracy of data provided by management to determine the fair value of these instruments.

Allowance for loan losses

As described in Notes 1.11, 2.b and 45 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s allowance for loan losses was Ps. 26,143,103 thousands as of December 31, 2019. The Company assesses impairment by estimating the expected credit losses. Management’s models to determine the expected credit loss involve significant judgement, including aspects such as defining what is considered to be a significant increase in credit risk, identifying assets which are impaired or subject to serious risk of impairment, developing parameters such as the probabilities of default and the loss given default, and making assumptions about macroeconomic scenarios considering a range of possible economic outcomes, calculated on a probability-weighted basis.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the estimation of the allowance for loan losses is a critical audit matter are (i) there was significant judgment by management to assess impairment by estimating the expected credit losses which in turn led to significant auditor judgment and effort in performing procedures to evaluate the audit evidence related to the models and assumptions used to determine the expected credit losses and (ii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s allowance for loan losses estimation processes, which included controls over the data, models and assumptions used in the estimation process. These procedures also included, among others, evaluating the appropriateness of the models used by management and the reasonableness of assumptions made in the allowance for loan losses estimation, and testing the completeness and accuracy of data provided by management. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in testing management’s process for determining the allowance for loan losses, including evaluating (i) the reasonableness of the assumptions used by management, (ii) the reasonableness of management’s criteria for defining what is considered to be a significant increase in credit risk and identifying assets which are impaired or subject to serious risk of impairment, (iii) the appropriateness of the models utilized for the estimation of parameters such as the probabilities of default and the loss given default, and (iv) the appropriateness of the methodology used for the generation of macroeconomic scenarios.

/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE & Co. S.R.L.

/s/ SEBASTIÁN MORAZZO (Partner)

Sebastián Morazzo

Buenos Aires, Argentina

April 28, 2020.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999.

 

F-1


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

Items

   Notes      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Assets

        

Cash and Due from Banks

     5        130,649,061        220,456,335  

Cash

        52,728,463        32,597,069  

Financial Institutions and Correspondents

        77,920,598        187,859,266  

Argentine Central Bank (BCRA)

        75,542,241        183,353,781  

Other, Local and Foreign Financial Institutions

        2,378,357        4,505,485  

Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

     6        65,690,460        116,812,885  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     7        2,329,074        2,746,893  

Repurchase Transactions

     8        30,075,478        3,181,371  

Other Financial Assets

     9        10,915,334        13,918,651  

Loans and Other Financing

     10        358,558,869        434,899,689  

Non-financial Public Sector

        4,977        18,117  

Argentine Central Bank (BCRA)

        22,374        820  

Other Financial Institutions

        10,612,457        11,568,034  

To the Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

        347,919,061        423,312,718  

Other Debt Securities

     11        19,019,630        22,188,992  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     12        11,550,586        16,640,808  

Current Income Tax Assets

     13        40,503        146,015  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     14        4,554,453        247,753  

Property, Plant and Equipment

     16 and 17        32,963,986        29,785,930  

Intangible Assets

     18        8,692,712        7,056,518  

Deferred Income Tax Assets

     19        2,806,937        1,496,751  

Assets for Insurance Contracts

     20        1,181,512        1,511,406  

Other Non-financial Assets

     21        6,451,408        4,345,410  

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     22        39,008        935,324  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

        685,519,011        876,370,731  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-2


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Continued)

 

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

Items

   Notes      12.31.19     12.31.18  

Liabilities

       

Deposits

     23        393,735,406       553,946,288  

Non-financial Public Sector

        1,933,141       13,182,488  

Financial Sector

        450,934       1,094,882  

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

        391,351,331       539,668,918  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     24        1,422,157       3,299,188  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     7        881,099       2,824,038  

Repurchase Transactions

     8        —         2,997,515  

Other Financial Liabilities

     25        71,362,718       97,275,984  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     26        22,723,687       29,914,292  

Debt Securities

     27        29,240,851       46,124,574  

Current Income Tax Liabilities

     41        10,314,510       5,318,923  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     28        15,499,212       15,026,155  

Provisions

     29        2,746,966       2,229,528  

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

     19        2,218,701       2,928,424  

Liabilities for Insurance Contracts

     20        1,468,635       1,697,110  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     30        17,070,098       17,646,932  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

        568,684,040       781,228,951  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity

     31       

Capital Stock

        1,426,765       1,426,765  

Paid-in capital

        10,951,132       10,951,132  

Capital Adjustments

        41,243,535       41,243,535  

Profit Reserves

        93,468,632       67,191,177  

Retained Deficit

        (57,261,059     (22,991,245

Other Comprehensive Income

        404,831       2,160  

Income / (Loss) for the Year

     43        23,708,123       (5,331,559

Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Parent Company’s Owners

        113,941,959       92,491,965  

Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

     50        2,893,012       2,649,815  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

        116,834,971       95,141,780  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

FOR THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

Items

   Notes    12.31.19     12.31.18     12.31.17  

Interest Income

   32      130,505,867       120,410,448       84,136,666  

Interest Expense

   32      (95,676,156     (69,086,632     (38,180,721

Net Income from Interest

        34,829,711       51,323,816       45,955,945  

Fee Income

   32      35,145,091       37,530,202       37,567,216  

Fee related Expenses

   32      (7,061,448     (4,655,118     (5,003,914

Net Fee Income

        28,083,643       32,875,084       32,563,302  

Net Income from Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

   32      72,830,225       26,694,103       13,016,280  

Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

        219,480       340,953       —    

Exchange rate differences on gold and foreign currency

   33      8,690,613       5,810,359       5,351,615  

Other Operating Income

   34      21,132,149       16,059,120       15,343,582  

Income from Insurance Business

   35      3,673,312       4,413,942       5,099,409  

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

   36      (22,203,274     (25,074,262     (11,220,314

Net Operating Income

        147,255,859       112,443,115       106,109,819  

Personnel Expenses

   37      (24,448,962     (26,191,885     (26,287,914

Administrative Expenses

   38      (24,316,921     (24,734,949     (22,188,104

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

   39      (5,064,576     (2,541,273     (2,214,325

Other Operating Expenses

   40      (25,769,551     (25,996,238     (22,467,570

Loss on net monetary position

        (30,798,238     (27,787,774     (10,496,441

Operating Income

        36,857,611       5,190,996       22,455,465  

Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures

        —         —         494,082  

Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations

        36,857,611       5,190,996       22,949,547  

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

   41      (13,038,494     (10,633,705     (11,259,035

Net Income / (Loss) from Continuing Operations

        23,819,117       (5,442,709     11,690,512  

Loss from Discontinued Operations

   22      —         (399,589     —    

Income Tax from Discontinued Operations

   41      —         (48,726     (494,971
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income / (Loss) for the Year

        23,819,117       (5,891,024     11,195,541  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income / (Loss) for the Year Attributable to parent company’s owners

        23,708,123       (5,331,559     10,450,740  

Net Income / (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

   50      110,994       (559,465     744,801  

Items

   Notes    12.31.19     12.31.18     12.31.17  

Earnings per Share

   43       

Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to parent company’s owners

        23,708,123       (5,331,559     10,450,740  

Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to parent company’s owners Adjusted by dilution effects

        23,708,123       (5,331,559     10,450,740  

Weighted-Average of Ordinary Shares Outstanding for the Year

        1,426,765       1,426,765       1,332,617  

Diluted Weighted-Average of Ordinary Shares Outstanding for the Year

        1,426,765       1,426,765       1,332,617  

Basic Earnings per Share

        16.62       (3.74     7.84  

Diluted Earnings per Share

        16.62       (3.74     7.84  

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE YEARS IN THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

Items

   Notes    12.31.19      12.31.18     12.31.17  

Net Income / (Loss) for the Year

        23,819,117        (5,891,024     11,195,541  

Items of Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) that may be Reclassified to Profit or Loss for the Year

          

Income or Loss from Financial Instruments at Fair Value through OCI (Item 4.1.2a, IFRS 9)

          

Income / (Loss) for the Year from Financial Instruments at Fair Value with Changes through OCI (*)

   32      402,671        (134,580     (668,759

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) that may be Reclassified to Profit or Loss for the Year

        402,671        (134,580     (668,759

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

        402,671        (134,580     (668,759
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Income / (Loss)

        24,221,788        (6,025,604     10,526,782  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Income / (Loss) Attributable to Parent company’s owners

        24,110,794        (5,466,139     9,781,981  

Total Comprehensive Income / (Loss) Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

   50      110,994        (559,465     744,801  

 

(*)

Net of Income Tax.

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2019 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

          Capital
Stock
     Paid-in
Capital
            Other Comprehensive
Income
     Profit Reserves                            

Changes

   Notes    Outstanding      Share
Premium
     Equity
Adjustments
     Accumulated
Profit

(Loss) from
Financial
Instruments
at Fair Value
through OCI
     Other      Legal
Reserve
     Others
Reserves
     Retained
Earnings
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to parent
company’s
owners
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to  Non-
Controlling
Interests
     Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balances as of 12.31.18

        1,426,765        10,951,132        41,243,535        2,160        —          952,238        66,238,939        (28,322,804     92,491,965       2,649,815        95,141,780  

Capital Contribution from Non-controlling Interest

   50      —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —         —         132,203        132,203  

Distribution of Profits

                                 

- Cash Dividends

   42      —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (2,660,800     (2,660,800     —          (2,660,800

- Other Reserves

        —          —          —          —          —          —          26,277,455        (26,277,455     —         —          —    

Total Comprehensive Income for the Year

                                    —    

Net Income for the Year

   43      —          —          —          —          —          —          —          23,708,123       23,708,123       110,994        23,819,117  

Other Comprehensive Income for the Year

        —          —          —          402,671        —          —          —          —         402,671       —          402,671  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances as of 12.31.19

        1,426,765        10,951,132        41,243,535        404,831        —          952,238        92,516,394        (33,552,936     113,941,959       2,893,012        116,834,971  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-6


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2019 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

          Capital
Stock
     Paid-in
Capital
            Other Comprehensive
Income
     Profit Reserves                           

Changes

   Notes    Outstanding      Share
Premium
     Equity
Adjustments
     Accumulated
Profit

(Loss) from
Financial
Instruments
at Fair Value
through OCI
    Other      Legal
Reserve
     Others
Reserves
     Retained
Earnings
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to parent
company’s
owners
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to  Non-
Controlling
Interests
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balances as of 12.31.17

        1,426,765        10,951,132        41,243,535        136,740       —          894,775        48,918,234        (4,311,076     99,260,105       4,543,410       103,803,515  

Purchase of Non-controlling Interests

   50      —          —          —          —         —          —          1,185,236          1,185,236       (1,185,236     —    

Dividends Distribution from Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

   50      —          —          —          —         —          —          —          —         —         (148,894     (148,894

Distribution of Profits

                               

- Cash Dividends

   42      —          —          —          —         —          —             (2,487,237     (2,487,237     —         (2,487,237

- Other Reserves

        —          —          —          —         —          57,463        16,135,469        (16,192,932     —         —         —    

Total Comprehensive Income for the Year

                                  —    

Net Loss for the Year

   43      —          —          —          —         —          —          —          (5,331,559     (5,331,559     (559,465     (5,891,024

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Year

        —          —          —          (134,580     —          —          —          —         (134,580     —         (134,580
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances as of 12.31.18

        1,426,765        10,951,132        41,243,535        2,160       —          952,238        66,238,939        (28,322,804     92,491,965       2,649,815       95,141,780  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

F-7


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2019 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

          Capital
Stock
     Paid-in
Capital
            Other Comprehensive
Income
     Profit Reserves                          

Changes

   Notes    Outstanding      Share
Premium
     Equity
Adjustments
     Accumulated
Profit

(Loss) from
Financial
Instruments
at Fair Value
through OCI
    Other      Legal
Reserve
     Others
Reserves
    Retained
Earnings
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to parent
company’s
owners
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Attributable
to  Non-
Controlling
Interests
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balances as of 01.01.17

        1,300,265        219,596        278,131        —         —          315,679        12,221,152       6,017,877       20,352,700       —         20,352,700  

Impact of first-time adoption of IFRS

        —          —          25,698,161        805,499       —          579,096        22,418,994       (3,778,345     45,723,405       4,183,580       49,906,985  

Balances as of 01.01.17

        1,300,265        219,596        25,976,292        805,499       —          894,775        34,640,146       2,239,532       66,076,105       4,183,580       70,259,685  

Disposal of Equity Interest in Tarjeta del Mar S.A.

        —          —          —          —         —          —          —         —         —         (141,327     (141,327

Purchase of Non-controlling Interests

   50      —          —          —          —         —          —          (2,098,970     —         (2,098,970     (8,750     (2,107,720

Dividends Distribution from Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

   50      —          —          —          —         —          —          —         —         —         (234,894     (234,894
Distribution of
Profits
                                                                            

- Cash Dividends

   42      —          —          —          —         —          —          —         (624,290     (624,290     —         (624,290

- Other Reserves

        —          —          —          —         —          —          16,377,058       (16,377,058     —         —         —    

Capital Increase

        126,500        10,731,536        15,267,243        —         —          —          —         —         26,125,279       —         26,125,279  

Total Comprehensive Income for the Year

                              

Net Income for the Year

   43      —          —          —          —         —          —          —         10,450,740       10,450,740       744,801       11,195,541  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Year

        —          —          —          (668,759     —          —          —         —         (668,759     —         (668,759
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances as of 12.31.17

        1,426,765        10,951,132        41,243,535        136,740       —          894,775        48,918,234       (4,311,076     99,260,105       4,543,410       103,803,515  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

F-8


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2019 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Argentine Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Provided

 

Items

   Notes      12.31.19     12.31.18     12.31.17  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

         

Income before Taxes from Continuing Operation

        36,857,611       5,190,996       22,949,547  

Adjustment to Obtain the Operating Activities Flows:

         

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

        22,203,274       25,074,262       11,220,314  

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

        5,064,576       2,541,273       2,214,325  

Loss on Net Monetary Position

        30,798,238       27,787,774       10,496,441  

Other Operations

        42,150,670       (27,980,614     8,083,355  

Net Increases/(Decreases) from Operating Assets:

         

Debt securities measured at fair value through profit or loss

        1,400,612       18,379,932       (5,383,338

Derivative Financial Instruments

        417,819       (1,553,655     (840,290

Repo Transactions

        (3,060,443     461,265       (2,141,780

Other Financial Assets

        2,011,201       2,418,304       (6,278,465

Net Loans and Other Financing

         

- Non-financial Public Sector

        13,140       (4,992     37,705  

- Other Financial Institutions

        (788,373     5,570,160       (5,895,179

- Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

        53,239,351       (21,299,981     (67,534,701

Other Debt Securities

        3,169,363       (15,754,896     (1,536,299

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

        5,090,222       (2,262,419     1,151,905  

Investments in Equity Instruments

        (4,306,700     (75,579     115,701  

Other Non-financial Assets

        (1,622,985     (1,736,682     (2,625,493

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

        896,316       15,771,013       90,801  

Net Increases/(Decreases) from Operating Liabilities:

         

Deposits

         

- Non-financial Public Sector

        (11,249,347     10,538,444       (1,024,969

- Financial Sector

        (643,948     833,341       83,092  

- Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

        (148,317,590     86,665,483       30,615,828  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

        (1,877,031     3,299,188       —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

        (1,942,940     1,522,107       855,225  

Other Financial Liabilities

        (29,681,420     12,128,517       (2,682,801

Provisions

        517,438       849,252       289,278  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

        (805,307     (15,019,196     4,088,838  

Income Tax Collections/Payments

        (10,102,682     (11,415,284     (10,158,748
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH (USED IN)/GENERATED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES (A)

        (10,568,935     121,928,013       (13,809,708
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

         

Payments:

         

Purchase of PP&E, Intangible Assets and Other Assets

        (7,897,101)       (5,673,271     (5,014,929

Purchase of Non-controlling Interests

     50        —         —         (2,249,045

Collections:

         

Sale of PP&E, Intangible Assets and Other Assets

        2,679,732       156,424       1,309,202  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH USED IN INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES (B)

        (5,217,369     (5,516,847     (5,954,772
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

         

Payments:

         

Unsubordinated Debt Securities

        (16,883,724     —         (2,412,654

Subordinated Debt Securities

        —         —         (557,008

Loans from Local Financial Institutions

        (7,190,606     —         (1,691,806

Dividends

     42        (2,660,800     (2,636,131     (859,184

Leases payment

        (1,000,344     —         —    

Collections:

         

Unsubordinated Debt Securities

        —         14,928,649       —    

Loans from Local Financial Institutions

        —         12,041,577       —    

Subordinated Debt Securities

        473,057       4,060,434       —    

Capital increase

     50        132,203       —         26,125,279  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH (USED IN)/GENERATED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES (C)

        (27,130,214     28,394,529       20,604,627  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXCHANGE INCOME ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (D)

        51,075,864       69,162,423       10,970,172  

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (A+B+C+D)

        8,159,346       213,968,118       11,810,319  

MONETARY LOSS RELATED TO CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

        (123,499,266     (69,503,742     (29,777,542

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

     5        347,458,867       202,994,491       220,961,714  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR

     5        232,118,947       347,458,867       202,994,491  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes and Schedules are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2019 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, PRESENTED IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.) and Thousands of U.S. Dollars (USD), Except as Otherwise Stated

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.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

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.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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:

 

F-20


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

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.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

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.

NOTE 2. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Directors to exercise their judgment in applying the accounting standards to define the Group’s accounting policies.

The Group has identified the following areas involving a greater degree of judgment or complexity, or areas in where the assumptions and estimates are significant for the consolidated financial statements and which are essential to understand the underlying accounting/financial reporting risks.

 

a.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair value of financial instruments not listed in active markets is determined by using valuation techniques. Such techniques are periodically validated and reviewed by qualified personnel independent from the area which developed them. All models are assessed and adjusted before they are used, to ensure that their results reflect the current information and comparable market prices. To the extent possible, the models rely only on observable inputs; however, certain factors such as discount rates, volatilities and correlations relating to interest rates and spreads require the use of estimates. Changes in the assumptions about these factors can affect the reported fair value of the financial instruments.

 

b.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The Group recognizes the allowance for loan losses under the expected credit losses method included in IFRS 9. The most significant judgments of the model relate to defining what is considered a significant increase in credit risk, developing parameters such as the probabilities of default and the loss given default and making assumptions about macroeconomic scenarios. A high degree of uncertainty is involved in making estimations using assumptions that are highly subjective and very sensitive to the risk factors.

 

c.

IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

Intangible assets with finite useful lives and property, plant and equipment are amortized or depreciated on a straight-line basis during their estimated useful life. The Group monitors the conditions related to these assets to determine whether the events and circumstances require a review of the remaining amortization or depreciation term, and whether there are factors or circumstances indicating impairment in the value of the assets that cannot be recovered.

The Group has applied judgment to identify impairment indicators for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. The Group has concluded that there were no impairment indicators for any of the years reported in its consolidated financial statements.

 

d.

INCOME TAX AND DEFERRED TAX

Significant judgment is required when determining current and deferred tax assets and liabilities. The current income tax is accounted according to the amounts expected to be paid; while deferred income tax is accounted on the basis of temporary differences between carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their tax base, at the rates expected to be in force at the time of their reversal.

A deferred tax asset is recognized when future taxable income is expected to exist to offset such temporary differences, based on Management’s assumptions about the amounts and timing of such future taxable income. Then, management needs to determine whether deferred tax assets are likely to be used and offset against future taxable income. Actual results may differ from these estimates, for instance, changes in the applicable tax laws or the outcome of the final review of the tax returns by the tax authorities and tax courts.

Future taxable income and the number of tax benefits likely to be available in the future are based on a medium-term business plan prepared by management, on the basis of expectations which are deemed reasonable.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 3. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Schedule P “Categories of Financial Assets and Liabilities”, discloses the measurement categories and fair value hierarchies for financial instruments.

As of the indicated dates, the Group maintains the following portfolios of financial instruments:

 

Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.2019

   Fair Value
through Profit
or Loss
     Amortized Cost      Fair Value
through OCI
 

Assets

        

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes

     58,141,095        —          —    

Government Securities

     6,700,187        —          —    

Corporate Securities

     849,178        —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     2,329,074        —          —    

Repurchase Transactions

     —          30,075,478        —    

Other Financial Assets

     5,024,505        5,890,829        —    

Loans and Other Financing

     —          358,558,869        —    

Other Debt Securities

     —          3,103,324        15,916,306  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     1,735,692        9,814,894        —    

Investment in Equity Instruments

     4,554,453        —          —    

Liabilities

        

Deposits

     —          393,735,406        —    

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     1,422,157        —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     881,099        —          —    

Repurchase Transactions

     —          —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     —          71,362,718        —    

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     —          22,723,687        —    

Debt Securities

     —          29,240,851        —    

Subordinated Debt Securities

     —          15,499,212        —    

 

Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.2018

   Fair Value
through Profit
or Loss
     Amortized Cost      Fair Value
through OCI
 

Assets

        

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes

     107,833,074        —          —    

Government Securities

     7,229,824        —          —    

Corporate Securities

     1,749,987        —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     2,746,893        —          —    

Repurchase Transactions

     —          3,181,371        —    

Other Financial Assets

     6,620,071        7,298,580        —    

Loans and Other Financing

     —          434,899,689        —    

Other Debt Securities

     —          8,171,631        14,017,361  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     5,322,158        11,318,650        —    

Investments in Equity Instruments

     247,753        —          —    

Liabilities

        

Deposits

     —          553,946,288        —    

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     3,299,188        —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     2,824,038        —          —    

Repurchase Transactions

     —          2,997,515        —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     —          97,275,984        —    

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     —          29,914,292        —    

Debt Securities

     —          46,124,574        —    

Subordinated Debt Securities

     —          15,026,155        —    

NOTE 4. FAIR VALUES

 

The Group classifies the fair values of the financial instruments in 3 levels, according to the quality of the data used for their determination

Fair Value Level 1: The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (as publicly traded derivative instruments, debt securities or instruments available for sale) is based on the quoted market prices as of the date of the reporting period. If the quoted price is available and there is an active market for the instrument, this will be included in Level 1. Otherwise, it will be included in Level 2.

Fair Value Level 2: The fair value of financial instruments not traded in active markets, for example, over-the-counter derivatives, is determined using valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and rely to the lower extent possible in the Group’s specific estimates. If all the significant inputs required to obtain the fair value of a financial instrument are observable, the instrument is included in Level 2. If the inputs required to determine the price are not observable, the instrument will be included in Level 3.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Fair Value Level 3: If one or more relevant inputs are not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in Level 3. This is the case of unlisted financial instruments.

When observable market prices are no longer available, the instrument will be included in Level 3. The instrument will return to Level 1 only when it has observable market price, and it will maintain that Level if it continues quoting. This is called transfer between levels.

Valuation Techniques

The valuation techniques to determine fair values include:

 

 

Market prices for similar instruments.

 

 

Determining the estimated present value of instruments.

The valuation technique to determine the fair value Level 2 is based on data other than the quoted price included in Level 1, which are directly observable for assets or liabilities (i.e., prices). For those instruments with no secondary market and which, if having to reverse positions, the Group would have to sell them to the Argentine Central Bank at the rate originally agreed in accordance with the provisions of the controlling authority, the price has been prepared based on such rate accrual.

The valuation technique to determine the fair value of Level 3 financial instruments is based on a method that compares the existing spread between the curve of sovereign bonds and the average yield of primary offerings, for different segments, according to the different risk ratings. If there are no representative primary offerings during the month, the following alternatives will be used:

 

(i)

Secondary market prices of instruments under the same conditions, which had quoted in the evaluation month.

 

(ii)

prior-month bidding and/or secondary market prices, which will be taken based on their representativeness.

 

(iii)

prior month spread applied to the sovereign curve.

 

(iv)

A specific margin is applied, defined according to historical yields of instruments under the same conditions.

As stated above, the rates and spreads to be used to discount future cash flows and originate the price of the instrument are determined.

All the modifications to the valuation methods are previously discussed and approved by the Group’s key personnel.

The Group’s financial instruments measured at fair value at the end of the reporting period are detailed below:

 

Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.19

   Fair Value Level
1
     Fair Value Level
2
     Fair Value Level
3
 

Assets

        

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes

     —          58,141,095        —    

Government Securities

     1,507,757        —          5,192,430  

Corporate Securities

     664,317        —          184,861  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          1,398,539        930,535  

Other Financial Assets

     4,987,105        37,400        —    

Other Debt Securities (*)

     15,916,306        —          —    

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     703,669        —          1,032,023  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     162,003        —          4,392,450  

Liabilities

        

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     1,422,157        —          —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          881,099        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     22,519,000        58,695,935        11,732,299  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

It relates to Government Securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Portfolio of Instruments as of 12.31.18

   Fair Value Level
1
     Fair Value Level
2
     Fair Value Level
3
 

Assets

        

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes

     —          107,833,074        —    

Government Securities

     4,541,662        1,966,052        722,110  

Corporate Securities

     474,965        55,795        1,219,227  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          2,746,893        —    

Other Financial Assets

     6,560,076        59,995        —    

Other Debt Securities (*)

     14,017,361        —          —    

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     4,898,556        423,602        —    

Investments in Equity Instruments

     41,219        —          206,534  

Liabilities

        

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     2,102,558        1,196,630        —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          2,824,038        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     28,431,281        109,064,743        2,147,871  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

It relates to Government Securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income.

The evolution of instruments included in Level 3 Fair Value is detailed below:

 

Level 3

   12.31.18      Transfers(*)     Recognition      Derecognition     Income
(Loss)
    Inflation
Effect
    12.31.19  

Government Securities

     722,110        6,629,757       18,222,949        (19,385,862     (916,017     (80,507     5,192,430  

Corporate Securities

     1,219,227        21,564       6,504,969        (7,274,290     273,460       (560,069     184,861  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          —         1,280,629        —         —         (350,094     930,535  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     —          2,176,092       954,328        (1,747,082     (364,877     13,562       1,032,023  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     206,534        (21,612     5,287,224        —         322,256       (1,401,952     4,392,450  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     2,147,871        8,805,801       32,250,099        (28,407,234     (685,178     (2,379,060     11,732,299  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

They include the movements of levels of financial instruments classified as fair value Level 3, as described above.

 

Level 3

   12.31.17      Transfers(*)      Recognition      Derecognition     Income
(Loss)
     Inflation
Effect
    12.31.18  

Government Securities

     375,245        1,931,447        15,972,335        (17,099,270     230,078        (687,725     722,110  

Corporate Securities

     2,218,346        598,866        9,772,177        (10,898,949     572,780        (1,043,993     1,219,227  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     128,742        —          —          —         133,739        (55,947     206,534  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     2,722,333        2,530,313        25,744,512        (27,998,219     936,597        (1,787,665     2,147,871  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

They include the movements of levels of financial instruments classified as fair value Level 3, as described above.

The Group’s policy is to recognize transfers between the fair value levels only at the end of the reporting period. Transfers occurred because the instruments without observable market prices were reclassified at Level 3, and the instruments with observable market prices at the end of the year were reclassified at Level 1.

The Group included below the fair value of the instruments not carried at fair value as of the year-end.

 

Items of Assets/(Liabilities) as of 12.31.19

   Book Value      Fair Value      Fair Value
Level 1
     Fair
Value

Level 2
     Fair Value
Level 3
 

Assets

              

Cash and Due from Banks

     130,649,061        130,649,061        130,649,061        —          —    

Repurchase Transactions

     30,075,478        30,075,478        30,075,478        —          —    

Loans and Other Financing

     358,558,869        357,853,860        —          —          357,853,860  

Other Financial Assets

     5,890,829        6,461,047        6,778        —          6,454,269  

Other Debt Securities

     3,103,324        3,109,828        —          —          3,109,828  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     9,814,894        9,814,894        9,814,894        —          —    

Liabilities

              

Deposits

     393,735,406        393,891,789        —          —          393,891,789  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     22,723,687        21,709,108        —          —          21,709,108  

Debt Securities

     29,240,851        29,626,673        29,626,673        —          —    

Subordinated Debt Securities

     15,499,212        14,972,940        —          —          14,972,940  

Other Financial Liabilities

     71,362,718        70,894,505        —          —          70,894,505  

 

F-28


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Items of Assets/(Liabilities) as of 12.31.18

   Book Value      Fair Value      Fair Value
Level 1
     Fair
Value

Level 2
     Fair Value
Level 3
 

Assets

              

Cash and Due from Banks

     220,456,335        220,456,335        220,456,335        —          —    

Repurchase Transactions

     3,181,371        3,181,371        3,181,371        —          —    

Loans and Other Financing

     434,899,689        445,470,066        —          —          445,470,066  

Other Financial Assets

     7,298,580        7,298,580        7,298,580        —          —    

Other Debt Securities

     8,171,631        8,464,945        1,173,935        —          7,291,010  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     11,318,650        11,318,650        11,318,650        —          —    

Liabilities

              

Deposits

     553,946,288        553,604,395        —          —          553,604,395  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     29,914,292        27,211,986        —          —          27,211,986  

Debt Securities

     46,124,574        45,025,338        45,025,338        —          —    

Subordinated Debt Securities

     15,026,155        13,095,846        —          —          13,095,846  

Repurchase Transactions

     2,997,515        2,991,986        —          —          2,991,986  

Other Financial Liabilities

     97,275,984        97,276,093        —          —          97,276,093  

NOTE 5. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

Cash equivalents are held to meet short-term payment commitments, rather than for investment or similar purposes. A financial asset is classified as cash equivalent, if it can be readily convertible into a certain amount of cash and its risk of changes in value is immaterial. Accordingly, an investment with original maturity of three months or less is classified as cash equivalent. Equity interests are excluded from cash equivalents.

Cash and cash equivalents break down as follows:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

Cash and Due from Banks

     130,649,061        220,456,335        133,903,229  

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills and Notes Maturing up to 90 Days

     58,141,095        107,862,909        38,430,053  

Reverse repurchase Transactions Debtors

     29,996,370        3,165,191        21,927,992  

Loans to Financial Institutions

     —          1,442,948        2,123,635  

Overnight Placements in Foreign Banks

     7,874,718        8,154,165        656,375  

Mutual Funds

     4,968,775        5,937,360        5,505,532  

Time Deposits

     488,928        439,959        447,675  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents

     232,118,947        347,458,867        202,994,491  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The risk analysis for cash and cash equivalents is presented in Note 45. The information with related parties is disclosed in Note 51.

NOTE 6. DEBT SECURITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

 

The Group’s debt securities at fair value through profit or loss are detailed in Schedule A.

The credit quality of debt securities is disclosed in Note 45.

NOTE 7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

FORWARD EXCHANGE CONTRACT WITH NO DELIVERY OF THE UNDERLYING ASSET

The Electronic Open Market (Mercado Abierto Electrónico, MAE) and the Rosario Forward Market (ROFEX) have trading areas for the closing, recording and settlement of forward financial transactions between their Agents, including Banco Galicia. In general, the settlement of these transactions is made without delivering the underlying asset. The settlement is carried out daily in Argentine pesos for the difference, if any, between the closing price traded of the underlying asset and the closing price or value of the underlying asset of the previous day, the price difference impacting on Income.

The transactions are recorded in Off-balance Sheet Items The accrued balances pending settlement are disclosed in the “Derivative Financial Instruments” line, in Assets and/or Liabilities, as appropriate.

INTEREST RATE SWAPS

These transactions are traded within the scope of the MAE, and feature the daily or monthly settlement in Argentine pesos of the variation between the cash flows calculated at a variable rate (Private Badlar for a period of 30 to 35 days) and the cash flows calculated at a fixed rate or vice versa on the notional agreed, the price difference impacting on Income.

The amounts of transactions as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

 

F-29


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Underlying Asset      Type of Settlement      12.31.19(*)      12.31.18(*)  

Currency Forward Transactions

           

Purchases

     Foreign currency        Daily difference        18,207,108        59,781,682  

Sales

     Foreign currency        Daily difference        12,652,852        49,653,059  

Customers´ Purchases

     Foreign currency        Daily difference        9,939,003        5,651,732  

Customers´ Sales

     Foreign currency        Daily difference        15,469,476        15,624,173  

Interest Rate Swaps

           

Swaps

     Others        Other        360,242        708,001  

Other Currency Swaps

     Others        Other        —          2,401  

Repurchase Transactions

           

Forward Purchases

     Government Securities       
With delivery of the
underlying asset
 
 
     —          3,024,074  

Forward Sales

     Government Securities       
With delivery of the
underlying asset
 
 
     29,968,733        3,171,280  

Call Options Bought and Written on Futures

           —          —    

Call Options Written on Dollar

     Dollar           —          —    

Call Options Purchase on Gold

     Gold           —          —    

Call Options Written on Gold

     Gold           —          —    

 

(*)

Notional values.

For further details, refer to Schedule O.

NOTE 8. REPURCHASE TRANSACTIONS

 

As of the indicated dates, the Group maintains the following repurchase transactions:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Debtors for Reserve Repurchase Transactions of Government Securities

     29,996,370        3,165,191  

Interest Accrued Receivable for Reserve Repurchase Transactions

     79,108        16,180  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Repurchase Transactions - Assets

     30,075,478        3,181,371  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Creditors for Repurchase Transactions of Government Securities

     —          2,990,202  

Interest Accrued Payable for Repurchase Transactions

     —          7,313  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Repurchase Transactions - Liabilities

     —          2,997,515  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At the closing of previous fiscal year, the Group maintained Repurchase Transactions, for which it carried out cash sales transactions of a security, agreeing upon the forward purchase transaction, thereby retaining substantially all the risks and benefits associated with the instruments, recognizing them in “Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral”, for not meeting the provisions of point 3.4.2 (Derecognition of assets), of IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”.

The residual values of the assets transferred in repurchase transactions are presented in Note 7 and Schedule O.

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Reverse Repurchase Transactions recorded in Off-Balance Sheet Items

     29,968,733        3,171,280  

Repurchase Transactions recorded in Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     —          3,024,074  

NOTE 9. OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS

 

As of the indicated dates, the balances of “Other Financial Assets” correspond to:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Receivables from Spot Sales of Foreign Currency Pending Settlement

     79,227        2,995,400  

Receivables from Spot Sales of Government Securities Pending Settlement

     179,091        2,473,011  

Sundry Debtors

     4,624,201        1,247,207  

Mutual Funds

     4,987,105        6,560,077  

Premiums from financial guarantee contracts

     643,334        319,942  

Others

     518,365        323,014  

Minus: Allowances

     (115,989      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     10,915,334        13,918,651  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Related-party information is disclosed in Note 51.

The credit rating quality analysis of Other Financial Assets as of December 31, 2019 was as follows:

 

F-30


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Debtors
for Sale of
Foreign
Currency
     Debtors for
Cash sale of
Government
Securities to
be Settled
     Sundry
Debtors
    Mutual
Funds
     Premiums
from
financial
guarantee
contracts
     Other  

To de Due

     79,227        179,091        4,509,961       4,987,105        643,334        518,365  

Past-due without Impairment

     —          —          —         —          —          —    

Impaired/Uncollectible

     —          —          114,240       —          —          —    

Allowances

     —          —          (115,989     —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     79,227        179,091        4,508,212       4,987,105        643,334        518,365  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 10. LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING

 

The composition of the Loans and Other Financing portfolio as of the indicated dates is detailed below:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Non-financial Public Sector

     6,829        18,117  

Argentine Central Bank

     22,374        820  

Financial Institutions

     10,795,553        12,217,957  

Loans

     10,795,553        12,217,957  

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     373,578,178        446,748,042  

Loans

     362,075,866        436,182,119  

Advances

     15,892,268        22,198,905  

Overdrafts

     75,080,343        55,410,836  

Mortgage Loans

     15,052,635        18,141,466  

Pledge Loans

     3,208,665        1,535,183  

Personal Loans

     27,645,893        44,834,347  

Credit Card Loans

     149,459,966        174,438,809  

Other Loans

     61,782,565        115,056,334  

Accrued Interest, Adjustments and Quotation Differences Receivable

     15,245,566        8,288,948  

Documented Interest

     (1,292,035      (3,722,709

Financial Leases

     2,225,646        3,381,308  

Other Financing

     9,276,666        7,184,615  

Less: Allowances

     (25,844,065      (24,085,247
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     358,558,869        434,899,689  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Classification of Loans and Other Financing as per situation and guarantees received, is detailed in Schedule B.

The concentration of Loans and Other Financing is detailed in Schedule C.

The breakdown for term of Loans and Other Financing is detailed in Schedule D.

The risk analysis for Loans and Other Financing is presented in Note 45.

The information with related parties is disclosed in Note 51.

NOTE 11. OTHER DEBT SECURITIES

 

The Group’s “Other Debt Securities” are detailed in Schedule A.

NOTE 12. FINANCIAL ASSETS PLEDGED AS COLLATERAL

 

The Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral valuated in accordance with their underlying asset for the years under analysis are detailed below:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Deposits as Collateral

     4,025,086        5,635,649  

Special Accounts as Collateral—Argentine Central Bank

     7,525,500        7,981,085  

Forward Purchases of Monetary Regulatory Instruments

     —          82,663  

Others

     —          2,941,411  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     11,550,586        16,640,808  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The restricted availability assets are detailed in Note 53.2.

NOTE 13. CURRENT INCOME TAX ASSETS

 

As of the indicated dates, the balances of Current Income Tax Assets correspond to:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Tax Advances

     40,089        145,378  

Minimum Notional Income Tax – Tax Credit

     414        637  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     40,503        146,015  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-31


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 14. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INSTRUMENTS

 

The Group’s “Investments in Equity Instruments” are detailed in Schedule A.

NOTE 15. EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

 

Equity Investments in Subsidiaries

The basic information regarding Grupo Financiero Galicia’s consolidated subsidiaries is detailed as follows:

 

     Direct and Indirect
Shareholding
     Equity Investment %  

Company

   12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.19      12.31.18  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     668,549,353        668,549,353        100        100  

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

     8,300        8,300        83        83  

Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A.

     20,000        20,000        100        100  

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A.

     71,310        71,310        99.99        99.99  

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.

     7,727,271        7,727,271        100        99.99  

Galicia Seguros S.A.

     1,830,883        1,830,883        100        99.99  

Galicia Valores S.A.

     1,000,000        1,000,000        100        100  

Galicia Warrants S.A.

     1,000,000        1,000,000        100        100  

IGAM LLC

     73,996,713        —          100        —    

Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.

     541,631,025        —          83        —    

Nargelon S.A.

     12,000        —          100        —    

Ondara S.A.

     12,955,140        13,636,990        83.85        83.85  

Sudamericana Holding S.A.

     185,653        185,653        100        100  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     2,344        2,344        83        83  

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

     894,552,668        894,552,668        83        83  

The following are the balances of subsidiaries, according to IFRS as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19  

Company

   Assets      Liabilities      Shareholders’
Equity
     Net
Income(*)
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     616,356,204        520,058,711        96,297,493        22,283,115  

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

     515,742        232,518        283,224        (220,198

Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A.

     449,556        72,094        377,462        222,004  

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. (**)

     49,949        28,586        21,363        32,422  

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A. (**)

     359,069        281,300        77,769        (20,150

Galicia Seguros S.A. (**)

     3,218,853        1,998,800        1,220,053        584,514  

Galicia Valores S.A.

     2,245,459        2,111,959        133,500        (14,390

Galicia Warrants S.A.

     582,705        125,248        457,457        125,761  

IGAM LLC

     2,248,455        2,113,455        135,000        52,664  

Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.

     877,786        260,657        617,129        (88,672

Nargelon S.A.

     822        —          822        (17

Ondara S.A.

     35,405        1,062        34,343        (5,308

Sudamericana Holding S.A. (**)

     4,454,535        2,465,348        1,989,187        633,806  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     63,841,837        48,135,731        15,706,106        1,354,380  

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

     66,115,999        49,096,623        17,019,376        652,906  

 

(*)

Income attributable to the shareholders of the parent. Not including “Other Comprehensive Income”.

(**)

Net income for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2019.

 

     12.31.18  

Company

   Assets      Liabilities      Shareholders’
Equity
     Net
Income(*)
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     793,229,582        717,628,223        75,601,359        (3,149,535

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

     169,393        104,221        65,172        10,594  

Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A.

     764,532        80,602        683,930        592,487  

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A. (**)

     40,727        20,586        20,141        38,544  

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A. (**)

     383,149        287,322        95,827        37,371  

Galicia Seguros S.A.(**)

     4,158,837        2,545,391        1,613,446        837,036  

Galicia Valores S.A.

     398,327        61,344        336,983        102,572  

Galicia Warrants S.A.

     680,711        349,015        331,696        175  

Ondara S.A.

     34,629        34        34,595        2,517  

Sudamericana Holding S.A.(**)

     4,998,084        3,007,467        1,990,617        310,366  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     78,753,854        64,417,444        14,336,410        3,182,312  

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

     81,090,411        65,501,337        15,589,074        (3,290,972

 

(*)

Income attributable to the shareholders of the parent. Not including “Other Comprehensive Income”.

(**)

Net income for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2018.

 

F-32


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 16. LEASES

 

This Note provides information for leases where the Grupo is the lessee:

 

(i)

Amounts recognized in the Statement of Financial Position:

 

     12.31.19  

Right-of-use asset (1)

     3,681,146  

Real estate

     3,681,146  

Lease Liabilities (2)

     3,768,154  
(1)

Recorded in the Property, Plant and Equipment item, for right of use of real property, see Note 17.

(2)

Recorded in the item Other Financial Liabilities, see Note 25.

In the previous year, the Grupo only recognized lease assets and liabilities in relation to leases that were classified as “finance leases” according to IAS 17 Leases. The Assets were presented in the item Property, Plant and Equipment, and the liabilities in the item Other Non-financial Liabilities. For the adjustments recognized in the adoption of IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019, refer to Note 1.1.(d).

Additions to the right-of-use assets during the 2019 financial year were Ps.184,634.

The maturity of lease liabilities is disclosed in Note 45.

 

(ii)

Amounts recognized in the Statement of Income:

 

     12.31.19  

Charge for depreciation of right-of-use assets (1)(2)

     964,519  

Interest Expenses (3)

     375,449  

Expenses related to short-term leases (4)

     24,298  

Expenses related to low-value assets leases (4)

     75,447  

Sublease Income (5)

     1,576  
(1)

Depreciation for right of use of Real Property.

(2)

Recorded in the item Depreciation and Impairment of assets, see Note 39.

(3)

Recorded in the item Other Operating Expenses, Lease Interest, see Note 40.

(4)

Recorded in the item Administrative Expenses, see Note 38.

(5)

Recorded in the item Other Operating Income, see Note 34.

The evolution of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities during the year 2019 is as follows:

 

Right-of-use assets

   2019  

Balances at the beginning of the year

     —    

Adjustment on adoption of IFRS 16

     4,461,031  
  

 

 

 

Adjusted balances at the beginning of the period

     4,461,031  

Additions

     184,634  

Depreciation of the year

     (964,519
  

 

 

 

Balances at the end of the year

     3,681,146  
  

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities

   2019  

Balances at the beginning of the year

     —    

Adjustment on adoption of IFRS 16

     4,461,031  
  

 

 

 

Adjusted balances at the beginning of the period

     4,461,031  

New contracts

     184,634  

Lease payments

     (1,000,344

Leases financial cost

     375,449  

Translation differences and inflation adjustment

     (252,616
  

 

 

 

Balances at the end of the year

     3,768,154  
  

 

 

 

The total cash flows related to leases was Ps.1,000,344.

NOTE 17. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Changes in “Property, Plant and Equipment” are detailed in Schedule F.

The carrying amounts of “Property, Plant and Equipment” do not exceed their recoverable values.

NOTE 18. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Changes in “Intangible Assets” are detailed in Schedule G.

The carrying amounts of “Intangible Assets” do not exceed their recoverable values.

NOTE 19. DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS/LIABILITIES

 

Changes in “Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities” during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are as follows:

Deferred Tax Assets

 

Item

   12.31.18     Charge to
Income
    Allowance
for
Impairment
     Others     12.31.19  

Valuation of Securities

     1,429       37,194       —          (994     37,629  

Loans and Other Financing

     4,468,356       (1,325,435     —          —         3,142,921  

Tax Loss Carryforwards

     5,920       43,011       —          —         48,931  

Other Non-financial Assets

     52,295       (40,937     —          —         11,358  

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     1,280       (1,280     —          —         —    

Allowance for Impairment

     38,473       (31,465     —          —         7,008  

Provisions

     679,573       1,057,860       —          —         1,737,433  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     651,116       (198,334     —          —         452,782  

Foreign Currency Quotation Differences

     8,070       (8,070     —          —         —    

Inflation adjustment deferral

     —         5,813,416       —          —         5,813,416  

Others

     35,220       30,764       —          —         65,984  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

     5,941,732       5,376,724       —          (994     11,317,462  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets in subsidiaries with net liability position

     (4,444,981     (4,065,544     —          —         (8,510,525
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

     1,496,751       1,311,180       —          (994     2,806,937  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-33


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Deferred Tax Liabilities

 

Item

   12.31.18     Charge to
Income
    Allowance
for
Impairment
     Others      12.31.19  

Valuation of Securities

     (193,640     172,643       —          —          (20,997

Other Financial Assets

     (75,983     23,802       —          —          (52,181

Loans and Other Financing

     (15,214     15,214       —          —          —    

Property, Plant and Equipment

     (6,067,770     (1,530,065     —          —          (7,597,835

Intangible Assets

     (269,674     (461,476     —          —          (731,150

Other Non-financial Assets

     (581,085     (38,469     —          —          (619,554

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     —         (1,544,067     —          —          (1,544,067

Other Financial Liabilities

     (24,507     (963     —             (25,470

Subordinated Negotiable Obligations

     (27,070     15,285       —          —          (11,785

Provision

     —         (109,081     —          —          (109,081

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     —         (13,352     —          —          (13,352

Foreign Currency Quotation Differences

     —         (2,950     —          —          (2,950

Others

     (118,462     117,658       —          —          (804
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     (7,373,405       (3,355,821     —          —          (10,729,226
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities in subsidiaries with net asset position

     4,444,981       4,065,544       —          —          8,510,525  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

     (2,928,424     709,723       —          —          (2,218,701
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred Tax Assets

 

Item

   12.31.17     Charge to
Income
    Allowance
for
Impairment
    Others      12.31.18  

Valuation of Securities

     66,740       (65,311     —         —          1,429  

Loans and Other Financing

     1,934,613       2,533,743       —         —          4,468,356  

Intangible Assets

     397,226       (397,226     —         —          —    

Tax Loss Carryforwards

     —         11,710       (5,790     —          5,920  

Other Non-financial Assets

     61,736       (9,441     —         —          52,295  

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     3,237       (4,843     2,886       —          1,280  

Allowance for Impairment

     7,090       31,383       —         —          38,473  

Other Financial Liabilities

     1,403       (1,403     —         —          —    

Provisions

     334,264       345,309       —         —          679,573  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     767,716       (116,600     —         —          651,116  

Foreign Currency Quotation Differences

     8,535       (465     —         —          8,070  

Others

     75       35,145       —         —          35,220  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     3,582,635       2,362,001       (2,904     —          5,941,732  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets in subsidiaries with net liability position

     (2,409,555     (2,035,426     —         —          (4,444,981
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

     1,173,080       326,575       (2,904     —          1,496,751  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred Tax Liabilities

 

Item

   12.31.17     Charge to
Income
    Allowance
for
Impairment
     Others      12.31.18  

Valuation of Securities

     (33,485     (160,155     —          —          (193,640

Other Financial Assets

     (58,349     (17,634     —          —          (75,983

Loans and Other Financing

     (12,605     (2,609     —          —          (15,214

Property, Plant and Equipment

     (4,626,114     (1,441,656     —          —          (6,067,770

Intangible Assets

     —         (269,674     —          —          (269,674

Other Non-financial Assets

     (237,386     (343,699     —          —          (581,085

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

     (589,089     589,089       —          —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     —         (24,507     —          —          (24,507

Subordinated Negotiable Obligations

     (31,276     4,206       —          —          (27,070

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     (820     820       —          —          —    

Others

     (33,282     (85,180     —          —          (118,462
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     (5,622,406     (1,750,999     —          —          (7,373,405
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities in subsidiaries with net asset position

     2,409,555       2,035,426       —          —          4,444,981  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

     (3,212,851     284,427       —          —          (2,928,424
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

In addition, the expiration dates of tax loss carryforwards are as follows:

 

Year of Generation

   Amount      Year
Due
     Deferred Tax
Assets
 

2018

     19,733        2023        5,920  

2019

     143,370        2024        43,011  
           48,931  

NOTE 20. ASSETS/LIABILITIES FOR INSURANCE CONTRACTS

 

Assets related to insurance contracts as of the indicated dates are detailed as follows:

 

F-34


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Assets from Insurance Contracts

   12.31.19      12.31.18  

Premiums Receivable

     1,157,672        1,483,274  

Credits with Reinsurers

     641        8,247  

Fees Receivables

     3,714        3,777  

Others

     19,485        16,108  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,181,512        1,511,406  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities related to insurance contracts as of the indicated dates are detailed as follows:

 

Liabilities from Insurance Contracts

   12.31.19      12.31.18  

Debts with Insured Persons

     597,791        574,718  

Debts with Reinsurers

     3,350        14,925  

Debts with Co-insurers

     1,468        4,060  

Debts with Producers

     302,402        286,020  

Technical Commitments

     817,418        878,729  

Pending Claims in charge of Reinsures

     (253,794      (61,342
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,468,635        1,697,110  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Debts with Insured Persons

   12.31.19      12.31.18  

Property & Casualty Insurance

     396,514        162,318  

Direct Administrative Insurance

     320,483        92,481  

Direct Insurance in Lawsuits

     11,255        15,331  

Direct Insurance in Mediation

     1,604        654  

Settled Claims Payable

     5,608        2,475  

Pending Claims, Active Reinsurance and Retrocession

     2,107        1,597  

Claims Incurred but not Reported (IBNR)

     55,457        49,780  

Life Insurance

     201,096        412,386  

Direct Administrative Insurance

     175,748        375,120  

Direct Insurance in Lawsuits

     5,523        7,310  

Direct Insurance in Mediation

     6,538        1,028  

Settled Claims Payable

     417        2,191  

Pending Claims, Active Reinsurance and Retrocession

     6,900        6,769  

Claims Incurred but not Reported (IBNR)

     5,861        19,558  

Redemptions Payable

     109        408  

Creditors for Premiums to be Refunded

     —          2  

Retirement Insurance

     181        14  

Annuities Payable in Arrears

     8        14  

Others

     173        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     597,791        574,718  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Debt with Reinsurers and Coinsurance

   Current
Account
     Reinstatement
Premiums
     Minimum Deposit
Premium to
Be Accrued
    Deposits
as

Collateral
     Unpaid Losses
to Be Borne
by Reinsurers
    Total  

IBNR in charge of Reinsurers

     21,026        —          (17,676     —          (253,794     (250,444

Debts with Co-insurers

     1,468        —          —         —          —         1,468  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of 12.31.19

     22,494        —          (17,676     —          (253,794     (248,976
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of 12.31.18

     24,491        —          (12,150     —          (39,876     (27,535
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Debts with Producers

   12.31.19      12.31.18  

Checking Account—Producers

     81,497        69,571  

Fees for Premiums Receivable

     190,342        174,196  

Production Expenses Payable

     30,563        42,253  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     302,402        286,020  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Technical Commitments

   12.31.19      12.31.18  

Ongoing and Similar Risk

     448,501        503,635  

Premiums and Surcharges

     434,639        487,144  

Premiums on Passive Reinsurance

     (14,490      (22,330

Active Reinsurance

     28,259        38,821  

Insufficient Premiums

     93        —    

Mathematical Reserves

     368,917        375,094  

Mathematical Reserves for Individual Life Insurance

     115,376        123,904  

Mathematical Reserves for Individual Retirement Insurance

     67,731        103,203  

Mathematical Reserves of Life Annuities

     135,007        146,416  

Provision for the Mathematical Reserve Recomposition

     28        11  

Fluctuation Funds

     50,775        1,560  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     817,418        878,729  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Insurance liabilities were recorded according to the liability adequacy test, using the current estimates of future cash flows derived from insurance contracts. The assumptions used are as follows:

 

F-35


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

    

12.31.19

  

12.31.18

Mortality Table    GAM 94    GAM 94
Investment (Discount) Rate    2.74%    3.38%
Life Insurance Reference Rate    Projection of Life Insurance Reference Rate based on CER proportion, starting from 1.19% for voluntary retirement, and 0.88% for Annuities.    Projected benchmark rate based on a share of CER starting with 1.36% in the case of voluntary retirement and 1.63% in the case of life annuities.
Administrative Expenses    453 for voluntary retirement and 620 for annuities    682 in the case of voluntary retirement and 620 in the case of life annuities

NOTE 21. OTHER NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

 

“Other Non-financial Assets” break down as follows:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Payments on behalf of thirds parties

     279,299        —    

Advances of fee to Directors and Syndics

     4,564        3,186  

Advance to Personnel

     2,064        77,508  

Tax Credits

     481,751        177,766  

Payments made in Advance

     970,268        690,008  

Advances for Purchase of Assets

     2,961,867        1,755,403  

Investment properties (*)

     435,792        447,489  

Other Sundry Assets Measured at Cost

     1,026,207        1,072,206  

Assets Taken in Defense of Credits

     3,802        50,537  

Others

     285,794        71,307  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     6,451,408        4,345,410  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Changes in “Investment Properties” are detailed in Schedule F.

Related-party information is disclosed in Note 51.

NOTE 22. NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

The Group has classified the following assets as “Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations”:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Interest in Companies

     —          638,063  

Prisma Medios de Pago S.A.

     —          638,063  

Other Debt Securities

     —          290,662  

Financial Trust Crecere III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII

     —          290,662  

Property, Plant and Equipment

     39,008        6,599  

Real Estate

     39,008        6,599  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     39,008        935,324  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Prisma Medios de Pago S.A.:

In the previous fiscal year, the interest in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. was classified as Assets Held for Sale, with a book value as of December 31,2018 amounting to Ps.638,063.

Under the framework of the divestment commitment assumed by Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. and its shareholders before the National Commission of Competence Defense, on February 1, 2019, the Group transferred 3,182,444 ordinary shares, representing 7.7007% capital stock of Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. in favor of AL ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V. (a related party of Advent International Global Private Equity).

The total price of the transaction amounted to USD 104,469 thousand, composed of USD 63,073 thousand received on transaction date and USD 41,396 thousand will be paid during the next 5 years.

Additionally, the Group has a put option related to Banco Galicia’s right to sell its interest in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. to AL ZENITH (Netherlands) B.V., the exercise date being 34 months from the date of the transaction.

The Group´s remaining holding in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. has been classified as Investment in equity securities and measured at fair value through profit or loss.

 

F-36


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 23. DEPOSITS

 

Deposits break down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

In Pesos

     250,537,893        303,710,875  

Checking Accounts

     67,565,801        61,308,936  

Savings Accounts

     59,493,868        94,035,691  

Time Deposits

     116,003,459        137,225,899  

Time Deposits – UVA

     750,248        3,052,878  

Others

     1,696,681        1,959,117  

Interest and Adjustments

     5,027,836        6,128,354  

In Foreign Currency

     143,197,513        250,235,413  

Savings Accounts

     117,866,173        211,923,669  

Time Deposits

     24,329,623        37,018,326  

Others

     938,188        1,219,597  

Interest and Adjustments

     63,529        73,821  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     393,735,406        553,946,288  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The concentration of deposits is detailed in Schedule H.

The breakdown of deposits by remaining term is detailed in Schedule I.

The breakdown of deposits by sector is detailed in Schedule P.

Related-party information is disclosed in Note 51.

NOTE 24. LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

 

“Liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss” are detailed in Schedules I and P. They include liabilities for transactions with third-party government securities.

NOTE 25. OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Creditors for Purchase to be Settled

     56,331        2,326,249  

Collections and Other Transactions on Behalf of Third Parties

     11,735,939        11,763,391  

Obligations for Purchase Financing

     48,034,052        56,755,829  

Creditors for Purchase of Foreign Currency to be Settled

     1,643,463        22,167,223  

Accrued Fees Payable

     507,847        530,060  

Sundry Items Subject to Minimum Cash

     647,130        780,086  

Sundry Items not Subject to Minimum Cash

     4,110,845        2,463,907  

Lease Liabilities

     3,768,154        —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     858,957        489,239  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     71,362,718        97,275,984  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 26. LOANS FROM THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Argentine Central Bank Financing

     22,449        44,111  

Correspondents

     373,901        2,436,148  

Financing from Local Financial Institutions

     5,597,950        8,798,571  

Financing from Foreign Financial Institutions

     10,469,987        11,497,540  

Financing from International Financial Institutions

     6,259,400        7,137,922  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     22,723,687        29,914,292  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table details the credit lines with local and international financial institutions and entities as of the indicated dates:

 

F-37


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Financial Institutions and/or Agencies

   Placement Date    Currency    Term(*)      Rate(*)      Maturity    Amount as
of

12.31.19(**)
 

Local Institutions

                    5,620,399  

BICE

   Sundry Dates    Ps.      1,778 days        47      Sundry Dates      1,941,272  

BICE

   Sundry Dates    USD      1,762 days        5.8      Sundry Dates      887,961  

Call Taken

   12.30.19    Ps.      3 days        41.6      01.01.20      501,000  

Argentine Central Bank

   12.30.19    Ps.      3 days        —        01.01.20      22,449  

Other Lines (1)

   Sundry Dates    Ps.      364 days        53.9      Sundry Dates      2,267,717  

International Institutions

                    17,103,288  

Correspondents

   12.31.19    USD      2 days        —        01.01.20      373,901  

IFC

   Sundry Dates    USD      1.355 days        4.74      Sundry dates      5,561,679  

Prefinancing

   Sundry Dates    USD      167 days        6.03      Sundry dates      10,667,529  

IDB

   Sundry Dates    USD      361 days        5.73      Sundry dates      500,179  
                 

 

 

 

Total

                    22,723,687  
                 

 

 

 

 

(*)

Weighted average.

(**)

It includes principal and interest.

(1)

Relates to regional credit-card companies’ credit lines.

 

Financial Institutions and/or Agencies

   Placement Date    Currency    Term(*)      Rate(*)      Maturity    Amount as
of

12.31.18(**)
 

Local Institutions

                    8,842,682  

BICE

   Sundry Dates    Ps.      1,838 days        50.88      Sundry Dates      4,375,835  

BICE

   Sundry Dates    USD      1,792 days        4.36      Sundry Dates      178,136  

Call Taken

   12.28.18    Ps.      5 days        55.94      01.02.19      1,236,900  

Argentine Central Bank

   12.28.18    Ps.      5 days        —        01.02.19      42,582  

Argentine Central Bank

   12.18.18    USD      5 days        —        01.02.19      1,529  

Other Lines (1)

   Sundry Dates    Ps.      364 days        45.89      Sundry Dates      3,007,700  

International Institutions

                    21,071,610  

Correspondents

   12.31.18    USD      2 days        —        01.02.19      2,436,148  

IFC

   Sundry Dates    USD      945 days        5.78      Sundry Dates      7,062,458  

Prefinancing

   Sundry Dates    USD      235 days        3.96      Sundry Dates      8,682,236  

IDB

   Sundry Dates    USD      351 days        4.44      Sundry Dates      2,890,768  
                 

 

 

 

Total

                    29,914,292  
                 

 

 

 

 

(*)

Weighted average.

(**)

It includes principal and interest.

(1)

Relates to regional credit-card companies’ credit lines.

NOTE 27. DEBT SECURITIES

 

The following is a breakdown of the Global Programs for the Issuance of Debt securities outstanding:

 

F-38


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Company

   Authorized
Amount (*)
  

Type of Debt Securities

   Program
Term
     Approval Date
by

Shareholders’
Meeting
  

CNV Approval

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.

   USD
100,000
   Simple debt securities not convertible into shares      5 years      03.09.09
confirmed on
08.02.12
   Resolution No. 16113 dated 04.29.09 and extended by Resolution No. 17343 dated 05/08/14 and Provision No. DI-2019-63-APN-GE#CNV dated 08.06.19. Authorization of Increase, Resolution No. 17064 dated 04.25.13

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

   USD
2,100,000
   Simple debt securities, not convertible into shares, subordinated or not, to be adjusted or not, secured or unsecured.      5 years      04.28.05,
04.14.10,
04.29.15 and
11.09.16
   Resolution No. 15228 dated 11.04.05 and extended through Resolution No. 16454 dated 11.11.10 and Resolution No. 17883 dated 11.20.15. Increase of the amount approved by Resolutions Nos. 17883 dated 11.20.15, No. 18081 dated 06.10.16, No. 18480 dated 01.26.17 and No. 19520 dated 05.17.18

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

   USD
2,100,000
   Simple debt securities not convertible into shares       04.25.19    Frequent Issuer Registration No. 11, granted by Resolution No. RESCFC-2019-2055-APN-DIR#CNV, dated 11/13/19 of CNV´s Board of Directors

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   USD
650,000
   Simple debt securities, not convertible into shares      5 years      03.08.12    Resolution No. 16822 dated 05.23.12 and extended through Resolution No. 17676 dated 05.21.15.

Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

   USD
250,000
   Simple debt securities, not convertible into shares      5 years      03.30.10
confirmed on
04.06.10 and
02.15.13
   Resolution No. 16328 dated 05.18.10 Authorization of the increase, Resolution No. 17072 dated 05.02.13

 

(*)

Or its equivalent in any other currency.

The Company has the following Unsubordinated Debt securities outstanding issued under the Global Programs detailed in the table above as of December 31, 2019, net of repurchases of Own Debt:

 

F-39


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Company

   Placement
Date
     Currency    Class
    Face Value     Type(**)      Term      Maturity
Date
     Rate     Issuance
Authorized by
the CNV
     Book
Value(*) as

of 12.31.19
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     02.17.17      Ps.      Class III       USD150,537 (1)      Simple       
36
Months
 
 
     02.17.20        (2)       02.06.17        1,060,496  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     05.18.17      Ps.      IV       2,000,000       Simple       
36
Months
 
 
     05.18.20        (3)       05.08.17        1,731,308  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     04.26.18      Ps.     

V

Series I

 

 

    4,209,250       Simple       
24
Months
 
 
     04.26.20        (4)       04.18.18        3,867,585  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     04.26.18      Ps.     

V

Series II

 

 

    2,032,833       Simple       
36
Months
 
 
     04.26.21        (5)       04.18.18        1,802,598  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     11.25.19      Ps.      VII (6)       4,182,280       Simple       
6
Months
 
 
     05.25.20        (7)       11.13.19        4,271,544  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     06.29.16      Ps.     
XXXIV
Series II
 
 
    475,397       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     06.29.20       



Minimum
32%
Rate/
Badlar
+4.67%
 
 

 
 
    06.21.16        395,853  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     09.27.16      Ps.     
XXXV
Series II
 
 
    774,389       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     09.27.20       



Minimum
26%
Rate/
Badlar
+3.99%
 
 

 
 
    09.15.16        655,174  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     04.11.17      Ps.      XXXVII       3,845,700       Simple       
1,826
days
 
 
     04.11.22       



Minimum
15%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.50%
 
 

 
 
    03.30.17        4,341,930  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     04.10.18      Ps.     
XL
Series II
 
 
    1,402,500       Simple       
914
days
 
 
     10.10.20       



Minimum
27%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.69%
 
 

 
 
    03.27.18        1,463,896  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     11.15.18      Ps.     
XLI
Series II
 
 
    343,555       Simple       
547
days
 
 
     05.15.20       
Badlar +
10%
 
 
    —          351,555  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     02.19.19      Ps.      XLIII       1,583,895       Simple       
547
days
 
 
     08.18.20       
Badlar +
7%
 
 
    —          1,482,756  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     07.26.16      Ps.      XXV       400,000       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     07.26.20       



Minimum
30%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.94%
 
 

 
 
    07.13.16        424,009  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     10.24.16      Ps.     
XXVI
Series II
 
 
    350,237       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     10.24.20       



Minimum
26%
Rate/
Badlar +
4.00%
 
 

 
 
    10.14.16        372,994  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     02.10.17      Ps.     
XXVII
Series II
 
 
    500,000       Simple       
1,095
days
 
 
     02.10.20       



Minimum
23.5%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.50%
 
 

 
 
    02.02.17        475,731  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     06.09.17      Ps.     
XXVIII
Series II
 
 
    371,825       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     06.09.21       



Minimum
25%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.70%
 
 

 
 
    05.29.17        373,802  
                          

 

 

 

Total

                             23,071,231  
                          

 

 

 

 

(*)

It includes principal and interest.

(**)

Not convertible into shares.

(***)

Negotiable Obligations merged into by Tarjeta Naranja S.A. following its merger with Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

(1)

In accordance with the issuance conditions, they were converted into Ps. 2,360,360. The foreign exchange risk is assumed by the investor because the services of interest and principal are calculated based on the amount of principal in Argentine pesos and converted into payments in US dollars on each payment date.

(2)

Variable rate equivalent to simple arithmetical average of private Badlar rates plus 2.69%, to be paid quarterly from May 17, 2017 onwards.

(3)

Variable rate equivalent to simple arithmetical average of private Badlar rates plus 2.98%, to be paid quarterly from August 18, 2017 onwards.

(4)

25.98% Fixed Annual Nominal Rate, interest and amortization will be paid fully at maturity.

(5)

Variable rate equivalent to simple arithmetical average of private Badlar rates plus 3.5%, to be paid quarterly from July 26, 2018 onwards. The amortization of this series will be made at maturity.

(6)

Issued under the Frequent Issuer Regime.

(7)

Variable rate equivalent to simple arithmetical average of private Badlar rates plus 4%, to be paid on February 25 and May 25.

On June 21, 2018, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. issued the “Green Bond” which was entirely acquired by the International Finance Corporation. The Green Bond is a 7-year facility, with interest payable every six months. The Green Bond has a 36-month grace period in respect of the repayment of principal, followed by payments in 9 installments due every six months. As of December 31, 2019, the carrying amount of the Green Bond totals Ps.6,169,620.

 

F-40


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The Company has the following Unsubordinated Debt Securities outstanding issued under the Global Programs detailed in the table above as of December 31, 2018, net of repurchases of Own Debt:

 

Company

   Placement
Date
     Currency    Class
     Face Value     Type(**)      Term      Maturity
Date
     Rate     Issuance
Authorized by
the CNV
     Book
Value(*) as

of 12.31.18
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     02.17.17      Ps.      Class III        USD150,537 (1)      Simple       
36
Months
 
 
     02.17.20        (2)        02.06.17        3,802,199  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     05.18.17      Ps.      IV        2,000,000       Simple       
36
Months
 
 
     05.18.20        (3)        05.08.17        3,271,281  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     04.26.18      Ps.     

V

Series I

 

 

     4,209,250       Simple       
24
Months
 
 
     04.26.20        (4)        04.18.18        7,535,403  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

     04.26.18      Ps.     

V

Series II

 

 

     2,032,833       Simple       
36
Months
 
 
     04.26.21        (5)        04.18.18        3,345,830  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     04.13.16      Ps.     
XXXIII
Series II
 
 
     366,908       Simple       
1,095
days
 
 
     04.13.19       



Minimum
37%
Rate/
Badlar
+5.40%
 
 

 
 
    03.28.16        635,025  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     06.29.16      Ps.     
XXXIV
Series II
 
 
     475,397       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     06.29.20       



Minimum
32%
Rate/
Badlar
+4.67%
 
 

 
 
    06.21.16        832,396  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     09.27.16      Ps.     
XXXV
Series II
 
 
     774,389       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     09.27.20       



Minimum
26%
Rate/
Badlar
+3.99%
 
 

 
 
    09.15.16        1,119,900  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     12.07.16      Ps.     
XXXVI
Series II
 
 
     636,409       Simple       
1,095
days
 
 
     12.07.19       



Minimum
25.25%
Rate/
Badlar +
4%
 
 

 
 
    11.23.16        997,903  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     04.11.17      Ps.      XXXVII        3,845,700       Simple       
1,826
days
 
 
     04.11.22       



Minimum
15%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.50%
 
 

 
 
    03.30.17        6,281,663  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     11.13.17      Ps.      XXXVIII        503,333       Simple       
546
days
 
 
     05.13.19       



Minimum
29.05%
Rate/
MR20 +
4%
 
 

 
 
    11.07.17        827,704  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     02.14.18      Ps.      XXXIX        754,538       Simple       
546
days
 
 
     08.14.19       


Minimum
26.75%
Rate/MR
20 +3.4%
 
 
 
 
    02.02.18        1,236,540  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     04.10.18      Ps.     
XL
Series I
 
 
     597,500       Simple       
548
days
 
 
     10.10.19       

25.98%
Fixed
Rate
 
 
 
    03.27.18        1,090,259  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     04.10.18      Ps.     
XL
Series II
 
 
     1,402,500       Simple       
914
days
 
 
     10.10.20       



Minimum
27%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.69%
 
 

 
 
    03.27.18        2,380,956  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     11.15.18      Ps.     
XLI
Series I
 
 
     854,102       Simple       
365
days
 
 
     11.15.19       

54%
Fixed
Rate
 
 
 
    —          1,392,920  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     11.15.18      Ps.     
XLI
Series II
 
 
     343,555       Simple       
547
days
 
 
     05.15.20       
Badlar +
10%
 
 
    —          533,452  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     12.17.18      Ps.      XLII        1,266,303       Simple       
287
days
 
 
     09.30.19       

58%
Fixed
Rate
 
 
 
    —          1,898,518  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     05.05.16      Ps.     
XXIV
Series II
 
 
     234,309       Simple       
1,095
days
 
 
     05.05.19       



Minimum
37%
Rate/
Badlar +
4.98%
 
 

 
 
    04.22.16        264,984  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     07.26.16      Ps.      XXV        400,000       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     07.26.20       



Minimum
30%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.94%
 
 

 
 
    07.13.16        662,255  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     10.24.16      Ps.     
XXVI
Series II
 
 
     350,237       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     10.24.20       



Minimum
26%
Rate/
Badlar +
4.00%
 
 

 
 
    10.14.16        551,586  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     02.10.17      Ps.     
XXVII
Series II
 
 
     500,000       Simple       
1,095
days
 
 
     02.10.20       



Minimum
23.5%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.50%
 
 

 
 
    02.02.17        769,865  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     06.09.17      Ps.     
XXVIII
Series I
 
 
     128,175       Simple       
730
days
 
 
     06.09.19       



Minimum
25%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.05%
 
 

 
 
    05.29.17        194,990  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(***)

     06.09.17      Ps.     
XXVIII
Series II
 
 
     371,825       Simple       
1,461
days
 
 
     06.09.21       



Minimum
25%
Rate/
Badlar +
3.70%
 
 

 
 
    05.29.17        575,333  
                           

 

 

 

Total

                              40,200,962  
                           

 

 

 

 

(*)

It includes principal and interest.

(**)

Not convertible into shares.

(***)

Negotiable Obligations merged into by Tarjeta Naranja S.A. following its merger with Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

(1)

In accordance with the issuance conditions, they were converted into Ps. 2,360,360. The foreign exchange risk is assumed by the investor because the services of interest and principal are calculated based on the amount of principal in Argentine pesos and converted into payments in US dollars on each payment date.

(2)

Variable rate equivalent to simple arithmetical average of private Badlar rates plus 2.69%, to be paid quarterly from May 17, 2017 onwards.

(3)

Variable rate equivalent to simple arithmetical average of private Badlar rates plus 2.98%, to be paid quarterly from August 18, 2017 onwards.

(4)

25.98% Fixed Annual Nominal Rate, interest and amortization will be paid fully at maturity.

(5)

Variable rate equivalent to simple arithmetical average of private Badlar rates plus 3.5%, to be paid quarterly from July 26, 2018 onwards. The amortization of this series will be made at maturity.

 

F-41


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The repurchases of Own Debt securities as of the indicated dates are as follows:

 

Company

  

ON Class

   Nominal Value as of
12.31.19
     Book Value (*) as of
12.31.19
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

   Class V – Series II      5,000        5,384  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XXXV Series II      38,500        37,074  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XXXVII      1,468        25,029  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XL Serie II      34,500        31,978  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XLI Series II      15,000        15,951  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XLIII      16,500        13,397  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

   Class XXV      8,000        8,314  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

   Class XXVI Series II      10,000        11,276  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

   Class XXVII Series II      17,442        18,606  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

   Class XXVIII Series II      8,254        8,473  
        

 

 

 

Total

           175,482  
        

 

 

 

 

(*)

It includes principal and interest.

(**)

Debt securities merged into by Tarjeta Naranja S.A. following its merger with Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

 

Company

  

ON Class

   Nominal Value as of
12.31.18
     Book Value (*) as of
12.31.18
 

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

   Class III      59,644        56,052  

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

   Class V – Series II      73,840        72,575  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XXXV Series II      79,224        76,582  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XXXVI Series II      15,383        16,223  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XXXVII      18,126        283,875  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XXXVIII      5,953        6,361  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XXXIX      7,692        8,232  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XL      24,613        26,927  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XLI Series I      1,538        1,440  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XLI Series II      29,228        31,116  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Class XLII      76,916        83,668  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

   Class XXIV Series II      123,066        127,599  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

   Class XXV Series II      13,845        13,820  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

   Class XXVI Series II      38,458        41,576  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

   Class XXVII Series I      56,550        57,352  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

   Class XXVII Series II      8,442        8,856  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.(**)

   Class XXVIII Series II      12,697        13,077  
        

 

 

 

Total

           925,331  
        

 

 

 

 

(*)

It includes principal and interest.

(**)

Debt securities merged into by Tarjeta Naranja S.A. following its merger with Tarjetas Cuyanas S.A.

Related-party information is disclosed in Note 51.

NOTE 28. SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

 

The Company has the following subordinated debt securities not convertible into shares issued under the Global Programs detailed in Note 27 as of the close of the fiscal year:

 

Company

   Placement
Date
   Currency    ON
Class
     Nominal Value      Term     Maturity
Date
     Rate   Issuance
Authorized
by the
CNV
   Book Value
as of
12.31.19(*)
 

Banco de Galicia y Bs. As. S.A.U.

   07.19.16    USD      II        USD 250,000        120 months (1)      07.19.26      (2)(3)    06.23.16      15,499,212  

 

Company

   Placement
Date
   Currency    ON
Class
     Nominal Value      Term     Maturity
Date
     Rate   Issuance
Authorized
by the
CNV
   Book Value
as of
12.31.18(*)
 

Banco de Galicia y Bs. As. S.A.U.

   07.19.16    USD      II        USD 250,000        120 months (1)      07.19.26      (2)(3)    06.23.16      15,026,155  

 

(*)

It includes principal and interest.

(1)

Amortization shall be fully made upon maturity, on July 19, 2026, unless redeemed, at the issuer’s option, fully at a price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal plus accrued and unpaid interest.

(2)

Fixed 8.25% rate p.a. (as from the issuance date to July 19, 2021, inclusively); and margin to be added to the nominal Benchmark Readjustment Rate of 7.156% p.a. to the due date of Debt securities. Such interest shall be payable semiannually on January 19 and July 19 as from 2017.

(3)

The net proceeds from this issuance of debt securities was applied to investments in working capital, loans, other loans and other uses envisaged by the provisions of the Law on Debt securities and the Argentine Central Bank regulations.

 

F-42


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 29. PROVISIONS

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

For Administrative, Disciplinary and Criminal Penalties

     5,306        8,162  

For Termination Benefits

     171,358        133,720  

Others

     2,570,302        2,087,646  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     2,746,966        2,229,528  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Changes in the “Provisions” account for fiscal year 2019 are detailed in Schedule J.

See Note 46 for further details.

NOTE 30. OTHER NON-FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Creditors for sale of assets

     442,164        412,052  

Tax withholdings and collections payable

     3,815,161        4,463,297  

Payroll and Social Contributions Payable

     4,735,172        4,371,740  

Withholdings on Payroll Payable

     269,554        285,551  

Fess to Directors and Syndics

     71,128        84,299  

Value-Added Tax

     637,492        811,563  

Sundry Creditors

     3,010,004        2,463,113  

Taxes Payable

     2,644,861        2,969,079  

Obligations Arising from Contracts with Customers

     1,215,370        1,648,523  

Retirement payment orders pending settlement

     74,145        57,223  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     155,047        80,492  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     17,070,098        17,646,932  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred income resulting from contracts with customers includes the liabilities for the “Quiero” Customers Loyalty Program. The Group estimates the fair value of the points assigned to customers under the above-mentioned program. This value is estimated by means of the use of a mathematical model that considers certain assumptions of redemption rates, the fair value for the exchanged points based on the combination of available products and the customers’ preferences, as well as breakage. As of December 31, 2019, Ps.1,017,081 was recorded for non-exchanged points, whereas as of December 31, 2018, such amount totaled Ps.1,412,759

The following table shows the estimated use of the liabilities recorded as of this fiscal year-end.

 

     Terms         

Item

   Up to 12
Months
     Up to 24
Months
     Over 24
Months
     Total  

Liabilities – “Quiero” Customers Loyalty Program

     437,687        367,414        211,980        1,017,081  

NOTE 31. CAPITAL STOCK

 

The capital stock structure is detailed in Schedule K.

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. held on August 15, 2017 decided to approve an increase in capital stock by means of the issuance of up to 150,000,000 ordinary book-entry Class “B” shares, entitled to one vote per share and with a face value of Ps.1 each. These shares are entitled to dividends with the same rights to the shares outstanding at the time of the issuance.

On September 7, 2017, the Board of Directors of the CNV, by means of Joint Resolution No. RESFC-2017-18927-APN-DIR#CNV, decided to authorize the public offering of 130,434,600 ordinary book-entry Class “B” shares, with a face value of Ps.1 and one vote per share and, in case of over-subscription, an increase in such offering up to 19,565,190 ordinary book-entry Class “B” shares, with a face value of Ps.1 and one vote each to be offered for public subscription, with preemptive and accretion rights.

The primary offering year ended on September 26, 2017, with 109,999,996 Class “B” shares having been subscribed at a price of USD5 each. On September 29, 2017, such shares were issued and integrated.

The Company granted over-subscription rights to international placement agents who, on October 2, 2017, enforced such rights and were awarded additional 16,500,004 Class “B” shares at a price of USD5 each, the issuance and payment of which took place on October 4, 2017.

The capital increase amounted to Ps.11,004,383 (which is equal to Ps.26,478,106 as of December 31, 2019), the expenses related thereto amounted to Ps.146,347 (which is equal to Ps.352,827 as of December 31, 2019) and were deducted from additional paid-in capital.

On November 8, 2017, the capital increase was registered with the Public Registry of Commerce.

 

F-43


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The Company has no own shares in portfolio.

The Company’s shares are listed on Bolsas y Mercados Argentinos (BYMA), Mercado Abierto Electrónico S.A. (MAE) and the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (NASDAQ).

NOTE 32. INCOME STATEMENT BREAKDOWN

 

Breakdown of: Interest Income, Fee Income and Net Income from Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss are detailed in Schedule Q.

NOTE 33. EXCHANGE RATE DIFFERENCES ON GOLD AND FOREIGN CURRENCY

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

Arising from:

   12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

For Purchase sale of foreign currency

     12,644,347        9,213,575        4,527,072  

For Valuation of Assets and Liabilities in Foreign Currency

     (3,953,734      (3,403,216      824,543  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     8,690,613        5,810,359        5,351,615  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 34. OTHER OPERATING INCOME

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

Fees for Product Package

     4,175,578        4,200,971        4,312,840  

Other Adjustments and Interest on sundry Credits

     2,284,616        2,460,486        701,835  

Rental of Safety Deposit Boxes

     742,212        793,964        788,112  

Other Financial Income

     1,159,068        259,317        89,397  

Other Income from Services

     2,454,260        4,536,925        6,390,361  

Income for sale of non-currents assets held for sale(1)

     7,107,613        754,383        —    

Others

     3,208,802        3,053,074        3,061,037  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     21,132,149        16,059,120        15,343,582  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes the profit on sale of the interest in Prisma Medios de Pago S.A. See Note 22.

NOTE 35. UNDERWRITING INCOME FROM INSURANCE BUSINESS

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

Premiums and Surcharges Accrued

     5,587,765        7,210,497        8,092,972  

Claims Accrued

     (773,291      (824,369      (930,545

Redemptions

     (13,422      (8,876      (11,636

Fixed and Periodic Annuities

     (11,575      (13,139      (14,125

Production and Operating Expenses

     (1,113,211      (1,976,757      (1,999,063

Other Income and Expenses

     (2,954      26,586        (38,194
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     3,673,312        4,413,942        5,099,409  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 36. LOAN LOSS PROVISION

 

The changes in the loss allowance between the beginning and the end of the annual period are detailed in Note 45.

NOTE 37. PERSONNEL EXPENSES

 

The following are the items included in the account as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

Payroll

     15,061,255        17,933,497        17,711,915  

Social Contributions on Payroll

     3,305,975        2,639,136        2,831,205  

Personnel Compensations and Rewards

     4,718,902        4,199,697        4,474,386  

Services for Personnel

     714,502        829,066        689,832  

Other Short-term Personnel Expenses

     548,454        504,650        580,576  

Other Long-term Personnel Expenses

     99,874        85,839        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     24,448,962        26,191,885        26,287,914  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 38. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 

The Group presented its statement of comprehensive income by function. Under this method, expenses are classified according to their function as part of the item “Administrative Expenses”.

 

F-44


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The table below provides the required additional information about expenses by nature and function as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

Fees and Remunerations for Services

     2,923,608        1,871,436        798,039  

Directors’ and Syndics’ Fees

     163,364        267,962        206,878  

Advertising and Publicity

     2,173,881        1,966,072        1,904,029  

Taxes

     5,179,599        5,183,223        5,419,465  

Maintenance and Repairs of Assets and Systems

     3,607,570        2,177,628        1,593,519  

Electricity and Communications

     1,824,628        1,478,977        1,415,347  

Representation and Travel Expenses

     126,518        157,411        200,791  

Stationery and Office Supplies

     377,536        323,991        310,353  

Rentals

     99,745        1,271,205        1,135,870  

Administrative Services under Contract

     2,475,088        1,990,585        1,979,453  

Security

     978,697        859,185        961,166  

Insurance

     132,172        699,131        700,491  

Armored Transportation Services

     2,058,926        —          —    

Others

     2,195,589        6,488,143        5,562,703  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     24,316,921        24,734,949        22,188,104  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 39. DEPRECIATION AND IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment

     3,657,951        1,716,267        1,600,530  

Amortization of Organization and Development Expenses

     1,402,530        820,588        526,741  

Others

     4,095        4,418        87,054  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     5,064,576        2,541,273        2,214,325  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 40. OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

 

The account breaks down as follows as of the indicated dates:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

Turnover Tax

     13,084,958        13,302,835        10,732,219  

Contributions to the Deposit Insurance Scheme

     863,094        785,842        674,535  

Charges for Other Provisions

     1,700,413        1,624,733        554,612  

Claims

     336,242        477,505        306,392  

Other Financial Expenses

     1,835,429        840,757        491,700  

Interest on leases

     375,449        —          —    

Credit-card-relates expenses

     4,441,287        4,525,663        4,029,551  

Other Expenses from Services

     2,188,046        3,273,064        3,349,536  

Others

     944,633        1,165,839        2,329,025  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     25,769,551        25,996,238        22,467,570  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 41. INCOME TAX/DEFERRED TAX

 

The following is a reconciliation of income tax charged to income as of December 31, 2019, as compared to the previous fiscal year:

 

     12.31.19     12.31.18     12.31.17  

Income Before Income Tax for the Year

     37,495,487       4,656,827       22,280,788  

Current Tax Rate

     30     30     35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income for the Year at Tax Rate

     (11,248,648     (1,397,048     (7,798,276

Permanent Differences at Tax Rate

      

- Income for Equity Instruments

     —         319,075       143,862  

- Untaxed Income

     95,629       277,803       144,977  

- Donations and Other Non-deductible Expenses

     (15,886     (101,408     (126,623

- Other

     (61,030     (625,517     (466,095

- Allowance for Impairment

     —         (2,904     324,971  

- Fines

     —         —         (98

- Inflation effect

     (9,006,078     (9,861,918     (5,082,304

- Tax Adjustment under Law 27430

     (85,798     709,486       1,105,580  

- Tax inflation adjustment

     1,234,696       —         —    

- Tax inflation adjustment deferral

     5,813,416       —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Income Tax Charge for the Year

     (13,273,699     (10,682,431     (11,754,006
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-45


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

Current Income Tax

     (15,248,932      (10,647,356      (10,724,669

Deferred Tax Charge(*)

     2,020,903        611,002        (1,123,121

Allowance for Impairment(*)

     —          (2,904      324,971  

Tax Return adjustment from previous fiscal year

     (45,670      (126,666      (233,050

Law 27430 adjustment

     —          (516,507      1,863  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Income Tax Charge for the Year

     (13,273,699      (10,682,431      (11,754,006
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

See Note 19.

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

Current Income Tax

     (15,248,932      (10,647,356      (10,724,669

Tax Advances

     4,934,422        5,328,433        5,219,732  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current Income Tax Liabilities

     (10,314,510      (5,318,923      (5,504,937
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, several claims for refund of the Income Tax paid in excess for the fiscal years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, for the amounts of Ps.433,815, Ps.459,319, Ps.944,338, Ps.866,842 and Ps.3,646,842, respectively, were submitted to the Federal Administration of Public Revenue (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos, AFIP). These presentations are based on Argentine jurisprudence that establishes the unconstitutionality of the rules disabling the application of the adjustment for tax inflation, resulting in confiscatory situations. As the AFIP delayed its resolution, the corresponding judicial claims were filed. At the closing of these Financial Statements, Banco Galicia does not record assets related to the contingent assets derived from the aforementioned presentations.

Tax Reform

On December 29, 2017, the National Government enacted Income Tax Law No. 27430. This law has introduced several changes to the previous income tax treatment. Some of the key changes involved in the reform include:

 

 

Income Tax Rate: The income tax rate for Argentine companies shall be gradually reduced from 35% to 30% for fiscal years commencing on January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2019, and to 25% for fiscal years commencing on, and including, January 1, 2020.

 

 

Tax on Dividends: The law has introduced a tax on dividends or profits distributed by Argentine companies or permanent establishments, among others, to: individuals, undivided interests or foreign beneficiaries, subject to the following considerations: (i) dividends distributed out of the profits made during fiscal years commencing on January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2019 shall be subject to withholding at a 7% rate; and (ii) dividends distributed out of the profits made during fiscal years commencing on January 1, 2020 onwards shall be subject to withholding at a 13% rate.

Dividends distributed from profits earned until the fiscal year before that commenced on January 1, 2018 shall remain subject, in respect of all beneficiaries, to withholding at the 35% rate on the amount in excess of tax-free distributable accumulated profits (equalization tax transition period).

 

 

Optional Tax Revaluation: Regulations establish that, at the companies’ option, the tax revaluation of assets located in the country and that are used for generating taxable income may be made. The special tax on the revaluation amount depends on the asset: 8% is for real estate that does not qualify as inventories, 15% for real estate that qualifies as inventories and 10% for personal property and the remaining assets. Once the option for a given asset is exercised, all the other assets of the same category should be revalued. Taxable income resulting from the revaluation is not subject to income tax and the special tax on the revaluation amount will not be deductible from such tax.

On December 23, 2019, the Argentine Government enacted Law 27,541, which introduced several changes for processing the Income Tax:

 

 

Income tax rate: the reduction is suspended of the tax rate for fiscal years commenced up to January 1, 2021; therefore, for fiscal years closing on December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, the rate is established at 30%.

 

 

Inflation adjustment: The inflation adjustment for the first and second fiscal year commenced January 1, 2019, must be charged one sixth (1/6) in that fiscal period, and the remaining five sixths (5/6), in equal parts, in the following five immediate fiscal periods.

As of the closing date of these consolidated financial statements, the Group verified that the parameters established by the Law on Income Tax for the application of the tax inflation adjustment are met; consequently, this adjustment has been considered to determine the income tax for the fiscal year. The effect of the deferral of five-sixths of the inflation taxable income has been recognized as a deferred tax asset. (See Note 19).

 

F-46


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 42. DIVIDENDS

 

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 25, 2019 approved the financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and the treatment of income for the fiscal year then ended.

The dividends approved by such Shareholders’ Meeting amounted to Ps.2,000,000 (which is equal to Ps.2,660,800 as of December 31, 2019) and represented Ps.0.84 (figure stated in Pesos) per share. The dividends mentioned above were paid to the Group’s shareholders on May 9, 2019.

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 24, 2018 approved the financial statements as of December 31, 2017 and the treatment of income for the fiscal year then ended.

The dividends approved by such Shareholders’ Meeting amounted to Ps.1,200,000 (which is equal to Ps.2,487,237 as of December 31, 2019) and represented Ps.1.40 (figure stated in Pesos) per share. The dividends mentioned above were paid to the Group’s shareholders on May 9, 2018.

NOTE 43. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Earnings per share are calculated by dividing income attributable to parent company’s owners by the weighted average number of outstanding ordinary shares during the year. As the Group does not have preferred shares or debt convertible into shares, basic earnings are equal to diluted earnings per share.

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company’s Owners

     23,708,123        (5,331,559      10,450,740  

Weighted Average Ordinary Shares

     1,426,765        1,426,765        1,332,617  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per Share

     16.62        (3.74      7.84  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 44. SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The Group determines segments based on management reports that are reviewed by the Board of Directors and updated as they show changes.

Reportable segments are one or more operating segments with similar economic characteristics, distribution channels and regulatory environments.

Below there is a description of each business segment’s composition:

 

a.

Banks: It represents the banking business operation results.

 

b.

Regional Credit Cards: This segment represents the results of operations of the regional credit card business and includes the results of operations of Tarjetas Regionales S.A. consolidated with its subsidiaries, as follows: Cobranzas Regionales S.A., Ondara S.A., Naranja Digital Companía Financiera S.A.U. and Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

 

c.

Insurance: This segment represents the results of operations of the insurance companies’ business and includes the results of operations of Sudamericana Holding S.A. consolidated with its subsidiaries, as follows: Galicia Retiro Cía. de Seguros S.A., Galicia Seguros S.A. and Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A.

 

d.

Other Businesses: This segment shows the results of operations of Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A., Galicia Warrants S.A., IGAM LLC, Galicia Valores S.A., Nargelon S.A. and Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A., the last two net of eliminations of the income from equity investments.

 

e.

Adjustments: This segment includes consolidation adjustments and eliminations of transactions among subsidiaries.

The operating income (loss) of the Group’s different operating segments is monitored separately in order to make decisions on resource allocation and the evaluation of each segment’s performance. Segment performance is evaluated based on operating income or losses and is consistently measured with the operating income and losses of the consolidated income statement.

Intersegment transactions are at arm’s length similarly to transactions performed with third parties. Income, expenses and income (losses) resulting from the transfers among operating segments are then eliminated from consolidation.

The Group operates in one geographic segment, Argentina.

 

F-47


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The relevant segment reporting as of the indicated dates is as follows:

 

    Banks     Regional
Credit
Cards
    Insurance     Other
Businesses
    Adjustments     Total as of
12.31.19
 

Net Income from interest

    23,829,880       9,745,998       840,755       52,958       360,120       34,829,711  

Net fee Income (Expense)

    15,983,558       12,982,524       —         363       (882,802     28,083,643  

Net Income from Financial Instruments measured at fair value through Profit or Loss

    69,892,812       2,574,730       71,614       291,069       —         72,830,225  

Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

    219,480       —         —         —         —         219,480  

Exchange rate Differences on Gold and Foreign Currency

    8,299,399       121,859       (2,767     272,122       —         8,690,613  

Other Operating Income (Expense)

    17,428,097       3,615,370       395,803       850,648       (1,157,769     21,132,149  

Income from Insurance Business

    —         —         1,918,113       —         1,755,199       3,673,312  

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

    (16,327,637     (5,941,434     65,797       —         —         (22,203,274

Personnel Expenses

    (17,851,851     (5,541,262     (814,634     (241,215     —         (24,448,962

Administrative Expenses

    (17,544,667     (6,058,295     (522,677     (319,490     128,208       (24,316,921

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

    (3,688,592     (1,144,637     (214,065     (17,282     —         (5,064,576

Other Operating Expenses

    (20,974,990     (4,685,071     (368     (115,940     6,818       (25,769,551

Loss on net monetary position

    (24,755,675     (4,632,130     (760,942     (649,491     —         (30,798,238
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

    34,509,814       1,037,652       976,629       123,742       209,774       36,857,611  

Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures

    57,473       —         —         —         (57,473     —    

Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations

    34,567,287       1,037,652       976,629       123,742       152,301       36,857,611  

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

    (12,284,172     (384,481     (342,823     (27,018     —         (13,038,494

Net Income from Continuing Operations

    22,283,115       653,171       633,806       96,724       152,301       23,819,117  

Income from Discontinued Operations

    —         —         —         —         —         —    

Income Tax from Discontinued Operations

    —         —         —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) for the Year

    22,283,115       653,171       633,806       96,724       152,301       23,819,117  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

    413,387       —         (10,716     —         —         402,671  

Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

    —         265       —         —         110,729       110,994  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company’s Owners

    22,696,502       652,906       623,090       96,724       41,572       24,110,794  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Banks     Regional
Credit
Cards
    Insurance     Other
Businesses
    Adjustments     Total as of
12.31.18
 

Net Income from interest

    36,321,873       14,118,849       651,111       188,948       43,035       51,323,816  

Net fee Income (Expense)

    19,194,255       13,737,370       —         (3,669     (52,872     32,875,084  

Net Income from Financial Instruments measured at fair value through Profit or Loss

    24,593,481       1,361,704       33,535       705,383       —         26,694,103  

Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

    340,953       —         —         —         —         340,953  

Exchange rate Differences on Gold and Foreign Currency

    5,675,217       (78,136     6,367       206,911       —         5,810,359  

Other Operating Income (Expense)

    10,690,164       5,664,346       251,961       1,423,299       (1,970,650     16,059,120  

Income from Insurance Business

    —         —         2,480,269       —         1,933,673       4,413,942  

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

    (16,726,059     (8,228,337     (119,866     —         —         (25,074,262

Personnel Expenses

    (17,742,469     (7,370,447     (884,221     (194,748     —         (26,191,885

Administrative Expenses

    (16,086,816     (7,622,837     (628,655     (444,303     47,662       (24,734,949

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

    (1,567,989     (820,951     (140,717     (11,616     —         (2,541,273

Other Operating Expenses

    (19,724,535     (6,160,489     (618     (110,596     —         (25,996,238

Loss on net monetary position

    (20,007,090     (5,914,357     (862,275     (1,004,052     —         (27,787,774
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

    4,960,985       (1,313,285     786,891       755,557       848       5,190,996  

Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures

    29,265       —         —         —         (29,265     —    

Income / (Loss) before Taxes from Continuing Operations

    4,990,250       (1,313,285     786,891       755,557       (28,417     5,190,996  

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

    (7,706,460     (1,978,259     (476,525     (472,461     —         (10,633,705

Net Income from Continuing Operations

    (2,716,210     (3,291,544     310,366       283,096       (28,417     (5,442,709

Loss from Discontinued Operations

    (386,705     —         —         (12,884     —         (399,589

Income Tax from Discontinued Operations

    (46,620     —         —         (2,106     —         (48,726
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) for the Year

    (3,149,535     (3,291,544     310,366       268,106       (28,417     (5,891,024

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

    (118,343     —         (16,237     —         —         (134,580

Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

    —         (572     —         —         (558,893     (559,465
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company’s Owners

    (3,267,878     (3,290,972     294,129       268,106       530,476       (5,466,139
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-48


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

    Banks     Regional
Credit
Cards
    Insurance     Other
Businesses
    Adjustments     Total as of
12.31.17
 

Net Income from interest

    30,343,208       14,692,244       658,322       205,239       56,932       45,955,945  

Net fee Income (Expense)

    18,710,757       16,239,409       —         (4,379     (2,382,485     32,563,302  

Net Income from Financial Instruments measured at fair value through Profit or Loss

    10,346,176       948,513       (25,758     1,747,349       —         13,016,280  

Income from Derecognition of Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

    —         —         —         —         —         —    

Exchange rate Differences on Gold and Foreign Currency

    5,101,331       27,139       3,055       220,090       —         5,351,615  

Other Operating Income (Expense)

    7,818,416       5,429,379       112,112       2,111,479       (127,804     15,343,582  

Income from Insurance Business

    —         —         2,633,978       —         2,465,431       5,099,409  

Loan and other Receivables Loss Provisions

    (6,162,426     (5,034,644     (23,244     —         —         (11,220,314

Personnel Expenses

    (17,468,835     (7,708,187     (848,259     (262,633     —         (26,287,914

Administrative Expenses

    (14,286,964     (6,947,580     (692,419     (314,250     53,109       (22,188,104

Depreciation and Impairment of Assets

    (1,411,511     (708,236     (74,354     (20,224     —         (2,214,325

Other Operating Expenses

    (16,162,844     (6,183,421     (2,482     (118,823     —         (22,467,570

Loss on net monetary position

    (4,757,368     (3,247,894     (529,766     (1,961,413     —         (10,496,441
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

    12,069,940       7,506,722       1,211,185       1,602,435       65,183       22,455,465  

Share of profit from Associates and Joint Ventures

    3,167,771       —         5,104       —         (2,678,793     494,082  

Income before Taxes from Continuing Operations

    15,237,711       7,506,722       1,216,289       1,602,435       (2,613,610     22,949,547  

Income Tax from Continuing Operations

    (5,662,856     (4,268,291     (630,965     (696,923     —         (11,259,035

Net Income from Continuing Operations

    9,574,855       3,238,431       585,324       905,512       (2,613,610     11,690,512  

Income from Discontinued Operations

    —         —         —         —         —         —    

Income Tax from Discontinued Operations

    (494,971     —         —         —         —         (494,971
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) for the Year

    9,079,884       3,238,431       585,324       905,512       (2,613,610     11,195,541  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

    (704,222     —         35,463       —         —         (668,759

Net Income for the Year Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

    —         161       —         —         744,640       744,801  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss) for the Year Attributable to Parent Company’s Owners

    8,375,662       3,238,270       620,787       905,512       (3,358,250     9,781,981  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    Banks     Regional
Credit
Cards
    Insurance     Other
Businesses
    Adjustments     Total as of
12.31.19
 

ASSETS

           

Cash and Due from Banks

    129,142,190       4,127,303       75,769       707,662       (3,403,863     130,649,061  

Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

    65,697,956       —         36,607       51       (44,154     65,690,460  

Derivative Financial Instruments

    2,329,074       —         —         —         —         2,329,074  

Repurchase Transactions

    30,075,478       —         —         —         —         30,075,478  

Other Financial Assets

    5,715,140       4,544,284       319,821       343,721       (7,632     10,915,334  

Loans and Other Financing

    309,328,800       48,426,980       263,419       2,518,246       (1,978,576     358,558,869  

Other Debt Securities

    16,131,914       1,312,367       1,706,677       —         (131,328     19,019,630  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

    11,541,906       7,064       408       1,616       (408     11,550,586  

Current Income Tax Assets

    —         15,413       —         25,090       —         40,503  

Investments in Equity Instruments

    4,554,453       —         —         —         —         4,554,453  

Equity Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

    307,997       —         —         —         (307,997     —    

Property, Plant and Equipment

    29,062,077       3,405,766       456,269       39,874       —         32,963,986  

Intangible Assets

    7,124,074       1,465,570       103,068       913,732       (913,732     8,692,712  

Deferred Income Tax Assets

    —         2,518,351       190,979       97,607       —         2,806,937  

Assets for Insurance Contracts

    —         —         1,181,512       —         —         1,181,512  

Other Non-financial Assets

    5,306,137       292,901       120,006       734,533       (2,169     6,451,408  

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

    39,008       —         —         —         —         39,008  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

    616,356,204       66,115,999       4,454,535       5,382,132       (6,789,859     685,519,011  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

           

Deposits

    397,839,586       —         —         —         (4,104,180     393,735,406  

Liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

    1,422,157       —         —         —         —         1,422,157  

Derivative Financial Instruments

    881,099       —         —         —         —         881,099  

Other Financial Liabilities

    37,931,718       31,891,050       —         2,089,640       (549,690     71,362,718  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

    20,455,970       2,937,657       3,089       —         (673,029     22,723,687  

Debt Securities

    18,908,535       10,507,798       —         —         (175,482     29,240,851  

Current Income Tax Liabilities

    9,214,324       918,094       149,212       32,880       —         10,314,510  

Subordinated Debt Securities

    15,499,212       —         —         —         —         15,499,212  

Provisions

    2,482,074       108,360       128,532       28,000       —         2,746,966  

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

    1,893,122       —         238,590       86,989       —         2,218,701  

Liabilities for Insurance Contracts

    —         —         1,472,643       —         (4,008     1,468,635  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

    13,530,914       2,733,664       473,282       393,979       (61,741     17,070,098  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

    520,058,711       49,096,623       2,465,348       2,631,488       (5,568,130     568,684,040  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-49


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

    Banks     Regional
Credit
Cards
    Insurance     Other
Businesses
    Adjustments     Total as of
12.31.18
 

ASSETS

           

Cash and Due from Banks

    218,518,059       2,098,969       84,891       143,075       (388,659     220,456,335  

Debt Securities at fair value through profit or loss

    116,776,939       —         128,413       125,375       (217,842     116,812,885  

Derivative Financial Instruments

    2,746,893       —         —         —         —         2,746,893  

Repurchase Transactions

    3,181,371       —         —         —         —         3,181,371  

Other Financial Assets

    7,211,668       5,656,445       360,977       769,422       (79,861     13,918,651  

Loans and Other Financing

    369,596,412       67,764,567       655,571       1,680,212       (4,797,073     434,899,689  

Other Debt Securities

    21,034,476       —         1,357,216       —         (202,700     22,188,992  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

    16,633,127       7,681       —         —         —         16,640,808  

Current Income Tax Assets

    —         18,366       126,149       1,500       —         146,015  

Investments in Equity Instruments

    245,520       —         —         2,233       —         247,753  

Equity Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

    625,879       —         —         —         (625,879     —    

Property, Plant and Equipment

    26,540,970       2,779,156       452,976       12,828       —         29,785,930  

Intangible Assets

    5,925,269       993,111       138,138       —         —         7,056,518  

Deferred Income Tax Assets

    —         1,336,297       153,628       6,826       —         1,496,751  

Assets for Insurance Contracts

    —         —         1,511,406       —         —         1,511,406  

Other Non-financial Assets

    3,411,690       435,818       28,719       469,185       (2     4,345,410  

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

    935,324       —         —         —         —         935,324  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

    793,383,597       81,090,410       4,998,084       3,210,656       (6,312,016     876,370,731  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

           

Deposits

    556,020,723       —         —         —         (2,074,435     553,946,288  

Liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss

    4,131,124       —         —         —         (831,936     3,299,188  

Derivative Financial Instruments

    2,824,038       —         —         —         —         2,824,038  

Repurchase Transactions

    2,997,515       —         —         —         —         2,997,515  

Other Financial Liabilities

    63,035,067       36,027,422       —         55,858       (1,842,363     97,275,984  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

    26,906,505       3,007,701       86       —         —         29,914,292  

Debt Securities

    23,886,735       23,042,955       —         —         (805,116     46,124,574  

Current Income Tax Liabilities

    4,830,013       58,667       312,506       117,737       —         5,318,923  

Subordinated Debt Securities

    15,026,155       —         —         —         —         15,026,155  

Provisions

    1,921,364       99,986       120,494       87,684       —         2,229,528  

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities

    2,594,429       —         164,153       169,842       —         2,928,424  

Liabilities for Insurance Contracts

    —         —         1,763,712       —         (66,602     1,697,110  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

    13,611,942       3,264,605       646,516       165,138       (41,269     17,646,932  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

    717,785,610       65,501,336       3,007,467       596,259       (5,661,721     781,228,951  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 45. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND RISK POLICIES

 

The tasks related to risk information and internal control of each of the companies controlled by Grupo Financiero Galicia are defined and carried out rigorously by each of them.

Apart from applicable local regulations, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A., in its capacity as a listed company in the United States of America, complies with the certification of its internal controls pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act (Sarbanes Oxley). Corporate risk management is monitored by the Audit Committee, which as well gathers and analyzes the information submitted by the main controlled companies.

As concerns risks, Banco Galicia embraces a policy that takes into consideration several aspects of the business and operations, abiding by the main guidelines of internationally accepted standards.

The specific function of the comprehensive management of Banco Galicia’s risks has been allocated to the Risk Division, guaranteeing its independence from the rest of the business areas since it directly reports to the Bank’s General Division and, at the same time, is involved in the decisions made by each area. In addition, the control and prevention of risks related to money laundering, funding of terrorist activities and other illegal activities are allocated to the Prevention of Asset Laundering Division, which reports to the Board of Directors. The aim of both divisions is to guarantee the Board of Directors is fully aware of the risks that the Bank is exposed to, and to design and propose policies and procedures necessary to identify, assess, follow up, control and mitigate such risks.

A Risk Appetite framework has been specified, which has risk acceptance levels, both on an individual and a consolidated basis. Metrics have been defined within such framework, which are monitored in order to detect situations that may affect the normal course of business, the noncompliance with the strategy and undesired results and/or situations of vulnerability in the face of changes in market conditions. The Risk and Capital Allocation Committee considers and controls the Bank’s risk profile through a risk appetite report and defines the actions to be carried out in case of potential deviations from the thresholds set.

 

F-50


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Capital Management

The Company’s goals are to generate returns to its shareholders, benefits to other groups of interest and keep the best capital structure. The latter will be given by the needs for investment in subsidiaries and new ventures, keeping the expected profitability levels and complying with the liquidity and solvency goals set.

Banco Galicia’s subsidiary determines the minimum capital requirement for each risk, in accordance with Argentine Central Bank regulations. The capital risk management is cross-sectional with respect to the other risks. Senior management is responsible for monitoring, overseeing, adjusting and ensuring compliance with its stated goals concerning capital management.

The Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (Proceso de Evaluación de Suficiencia de Capital - PESC) (reflected in the Capital Adequacy Report - IAC, as per its acronym in Spanish) enables to assess the relationship between own resources available and necessary resources to maintain an appropriate risk profile. This process also allows for the identification of both the economic capital needs and the sources to meet such needs.

To perform stress tests, four scenarios with different likelihood of occurrence are defined, which could affect the solvency and liquidity. The most likely to occur scenarios are used in management stress testing and are referred to when defining Risk Appetite thresholds. The least-likely to occur or least-severe scenarios are used in developing the Recovery Plan, which specifies the protocol defined for situations or events that may compromise the Bank’s operational capacity.

As of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, Banco Galicia complied with the minimum capital requirement established by the Argentine Central Bank regulations.

Computable Regulatory Capital (RPC, as per the initials in Spanish) is made up of Core Capital and Supplementary Capital. Banco Galicia’s balance for such items as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Basic Shareholders’ Equity

     74,314,620        64,400,349  

Equity Tier 1

     (12,922,467      (8,121,802

(Deductible Items)

     87,237,087        72,522,151  

Additional Tier 1 Capital

     61,392,153        56,278,547  

Complementing shareholders’ Equity

     19,392,341        19,606,143  

Equity Tier 2

     19,392,341        19,606,143  

Regulatory Capital (RPC)

     80,784,494        75,884,690  

The breakdown of the minimum capital requirement determined for the Group is shown below:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Credit Risk

     29,148,582        34,105,523  

Market Risk

     904,939        1,490,984  

Operational Risk

     7,608,102        6,189,359  

Minimum Capital Requirement

     37,661,623        41,785,866  

Integration

     80,784,494        75,884,690  

Excess

     43,122,871        34,098,824  

Financial Risks

Financial risk is a phenomenon inherent to the financial brokerage activity. The exposure to the different financial risk factors is a natural circumstance that cannot be completely avoided without affecting the Group’s long-term economic viability. However, the lack of management regarding risk exposures is one of the most significant short-term threats. Risk factors need to be identified and managed within a specific policy framework that envisages the profile and the level of risk it has been decided to take to achieve long-term strategic goals.

Market Risk

The “price risk” is the possibility of incurring losses as a consequence of the variation of the market price of financial assets whose value is subject to negotiation. Financial assets subject to “trading” or allocated to “own positions” will be government and private debt securities, shares, currencies, derivatives and debt instruments issued by the Argentine Central Bank.

Brokerage/trading transactions that are allowed and regulated by the Policy are as follows:

 

 

Brokerage of Government and Provincial Securities.

 

 

Brokerage of Currencies on the Spot and Futures Markets

 

 

Brokerage of Interest Rate Derivatives. Interest Rate Futures and Interest Rate Swaps.

 

 

Brokerage of Debt Instruments Issued by the Argentine Central Bank.

 

 

Brokerage of Third-party Debt securities.

 

 

Brokerage of Shares.

 

F-51


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

For the fiscal year 2018, the following limits were established, within which the estimated risk for each type of instrument described above should be classified:

 

Risk

   Policy on Limits  

Currency

   Ps.  250 million  

Fixed-Income

   Ps.  680 million  

Interest Rate Derivatives

   Ps.  70 million  

The “price risk” (market) is daily managed according to the strategy approved, the purpose of which is to keep the Group present in the different currencies, variable- and fixed-income and derivatives markets, while obtaining the maximum return as possible on brokerage, without exposing the latter to excessive risk levels. Finally, the designed policy contributes to providing transparency and facilitates the perception of the risk levels to which it is exposed. In order to measure and monitor risks derived from the variation in the price of financial instruments that form the trading or brokerage securities portfolio, a model known as “Value at Risk” (also known as “VaR”) is used. This model determines the possible loss that could be generated by different financial instruments at each time under the following critical parameters.

Currency Risk

The Group’s exposure to the foreign exchange risk as of year-end by type of currency is shown below:

 

     Balances as of 12.31.19  

Currency

   Monetary
Financial
Assets
     Monetary
Financial
Liabilities
     Derivatives      Net Position  

US Dollar

     195,115        (196,431      22        (1,294

Euro

     2,281        (293      —          1,988  

Canadian Dollar

     85        (4      —          81  

Real

     1        —          —          1  

Swiss Franc

     32        (17      —          15  

Others

     76        (4      —          72  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     197,590        (196,749      22        863  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Balances as of 12.31.18  

Currency

   Monetary
Financial
Assets
     Monetary
Financial
Liabilities
     Derivatives      Net Position  

US Dollar

     299,229        (302,431      155        (3,047

Euro

     3,058        (857      —          2,201  

Canadian Dollar

     65        (14      —          51  

Real

     46        —          —          46  

Swiss Franc

     32        (20      —          12  

Others

     75        (3      —          72  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     302,505        (303,325      155        (665
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

           Balances as of 12.31.19     Balances as of 12.31.18  

Currency

   Change     Income
(Loss)
    Shareholders’
Equity
    Income
(Loss)
    Shareholders’
Equity
 

US Dollar

     10     129       (1,423     305       (3,350
     -10     (129     (1,164     (305     (2,741

Euro

     10     199       2,187       220       2,423  
     -10     (199     1,789       (220     1,983  

Canadian Dollar

     10     8       89       5       55  
     -10     (8     73       (5     46  

Real

     10     —         1       5       51  
     -10     —         1       (5     42  

Swiss Franc

     10     1       16       2       14  
     -10     (1     13       (2     11  

Others

     10     7       79       8       82  
     -10     (7     65       (8     66  

Interest Rate Risk

The different sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in “market interest rates” exposes the Group to the “interest rate risk”. It is the risk that the financial margin and the economic value of equity may vary as a consequence of fluctuations in market interest rates. The magnitude of such variation is associated with the sensitivity to interest rates of the structure of the Group’s assets and liabilities.

 

F-52


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

This risk factor (the change in interest rates) has an impact on two key variables: the “Net Financial Income (Expense)” and the “Present Value of Shareholders’ Equity”.

These methodologies imply a “short-term” approach for which a “base scenario” is subject to an increase in “interest rates” estimating the variation in “Financial Income (Expense)”. Caps on such changes in variables subject to control are fixed. As regards the “long-term” approach, statistical interest rate simulations are made and a “critical” scenario results from the interest rate risk exposure presented by the financial statements structure. The economic capital arises from the resulting difference between the “critical” scenario and the market value as per the financial statements.

The Group’s exposure to the interest rate risk is detailed below. This table shows the residual value of assets and liabilities, classified by the sooner of the interest renegotiation date or the maturity date.

 

     Term (in Days)         

Assets and Liabilities at Variable Rate

   Up to 30     30 to 90      90 to 180      180 to 365      Over 365      Total  

As of 12.31.19

                

Total Financial Assets

     201,696,219       51,089,507        51,228,446        44,962,192        250,198,194        599,174,558  

Total Financial Liabilities

     277,333,453       45,123,367        24,609,169        3,436,256        155,808,144        506,310,389  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Amount

     (75,637,234     5,966,140        26,619,277        41,525,936        94,390,050        92,864,169  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of 12.31.18

                

Total Financial Assets

     316,460,745       48,662,684        50,924,880        66,637,848        259,062,217        741,748,374  

Total Financial Liabilities

     488,425,962       38,452,081        11,210,698        6,693,691        139,462,459        684,244,891  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Amount

     (171,965,217     10,210,603        39,714,182        59,944,157        119,599,758        57,503,483  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The table below shows the sensitivity to potential additional changes in interest rates in the next fiscal year, considering the breakdown as of December 31, 2019. The percentage change budgeted by the Group for fiscal year 2019 was determined considering 100 bps and changes are considered reasonably possible on the basis on an observation of market conditions.

 

     Additional
Changes to the
Interest Rate
     Increase/(Decrease)
in Income before
Income Tax in
Pesos
     Increase/(Decrease)
in Shareholders’
Equity in Pesos
 

Decrease in Interest Rate

     -100 pb        (260,051      -0.3

Increase in Interest Rate

     +100 pb        260,051        0.3

Liquidity Risk

It contemplates the risk that the Group is unable to offset or liquidate a position at market value because:

 

 

the assets that are part thereof do not have a sufficient secondary market; or

 

 

market changes.

In measuring and daily following up the “stock liquidity” an internal model is used, which contemplates the characteristics of behavior of the Group’s main funding sources. Based on the Group’s experience in connection with the changes in deposits and other liabilities, this model determines the “liquidity requirements” applied to liabilities subject to the policy and give rise to the “Management Liquidity Requirement”. In determining these liquid resources, the remaining term of liabilities is also contemplated, as well as the currency in which they are denominated. The resulting liquidity requirement is allocated to “eligible assets” set by the policy. The management liquidity requirement, along with the legal minimum cash requirements, are part of the total liquidity available.

Daily liquidity management is supplemented by the estimated available funds or needs for the day, considering the opening balance of Argentine Central Bank’s account, deducting the daily minimum requirement and including the main movements for the day. The latter results in the overestimated/underestimated balance that will be considered by operators in order to place funds or meet the financing needs.

The monthly liquidity follow-up and control from the “flow” standpoint, called “liquidity mismatch/liquidity gap”, are performed by estimating the accumulated mismatches within the first year as a percentage of total liabilities. The gap methodology used (contractual gaps) is consistent with the best international practices in the field.

In addition, the concentration of deposits is followed up and measured. In order to mitigate this risk factor, the policy designed restricts the involvement of two groups of customers to the total deposits: the first 10 customers and second 50 customers.

 

F-53


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The table below shows an analysis of maturities of assets and liabilities, determined based on the remaining period as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, based on undiscounted cash flows:

 

                                                                                                                             
     Less than 1
Month
     1 to 6
Months
     6 to 12
Months
     12 Months
to 5 Years
     More than
5 Years
     Total as of
12.31.19
 

Assets

                 

Debt Securities measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     64,916,862        879,594        14,428        155,733        5,257        65,971,874  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     1,398,539        —          —          —          —          1,398,539  

Repurchase Transactions

     30,724,621        —          —          —          —          30,724,621  

Other Financial Assets

     8,242,578        —          —          —          —          8,242,578  

Loans and Other Financing

     132,248,533        130,902,612        59,409,315        96,240,488        26,439,424        445,240,372  

Other Debt Securities

     20,672,074        —          —          —          —          20,672,074  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     11,550,586        —          —          —          —          11,550,586  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     2,497,466        —          —          —          —          2,497,466  

Liabilities

                 

Deposits

     358,461,867        41,752,103        2,184,736        77,374        32        402,476,112  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     1,422,157        —          —          —          —       

Derivative Financial Instruments

     881,099        —          —          —          —          881,099  

Repurchase Transactions

     —          —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     67,627,472        —          —          —          —          67,627,472  

Lease Liabilities

     61,417        319,109        398,394        1,932,180        1,057,054        3,768,154  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     3,720,364        10,793,401        4,281,429        6,204,079        —          24,999,273  

Debt Securities

     3,468,325        18,258,388        4,152,415        10,134,085        683,635        36,696,848  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     607,968        —          607,968        5,346,737        16,892,186        23,454,859  

 

                                                                                                                             
     Less than 1
Month
     1 to 6
Months
     6 to 12
Months
     12 Months
to 5 Years
     More than
5 Years
     Total as of
12.31.18
 

Assets

                 

Debt Securities measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     118,219,287        383,455        575,061        1,592,696        241,620        121,012,119  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     2,746,893        —          —          —          —          2,746,893  

Repurchase Transactions

     3,249,325        —          —          —          —          3,249,325  

Other Financial Assets

     13,931,355        —          —          —          —          13,931,355  

Loans and Other Financing

     143,233,020        157,499,423        86,106,886        101,280,744        14,625,657        502,745,730  

Other Debt Securities

     22,292,815        —          —          —          —          22,292,815  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     16,640,808        —          —          —          —          16,640,808  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     247,769        —          —          —          —          247,769  

Liabilities

                 

Deposits

     514,108,186        45,511,607        4,904,758        118,053        55        564,642,659  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     3,299,188        —          —          —          —          3,299,188  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     2,824,038        —          —          —          —          2,824,038  

Repurchase Transactions

     2,997,515        —          —          —          —          2,997,515  

Other Financial Liabilities

     97,014,823        41,646        51,326        224,872        10,991        97,343,658  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     10,789,666        12,535,930        4,893,824        11,468,973        111,565        39,799,958  

Debt Securities

     2,001,407        11,779,292        20,402,461        40,344,981        1,938,714        76,466,855  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     591,573        —          591,573        5,197,625        17,570,746        23,951,517  

Credit Risk

Credit risk arises from the possibility of suffering losses due to a debtor’s or counterparty’s noncompliance with its contractual obligations. It is the one that requires the greatest need for capital, including that arising from the risk of individual and sectorial concentration, which represents supplementary approximations to the intrinsic credit risk.

Accordingly, the Group uses credit assessment and risk monitoring tools that allow the entity to manage risks in a streamlined and controlled manner and that foster the adequate diversification of portfolios, both on an individual basis and by economic sector, thus controlling its exposure to potential risks.

 

F-54


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The credit quality of debt securities as of December 31, 2019 is as follows:

 

     Government Securities                       

Rating

   Government
Bonds
     Provincial
Bonds
     Autonomous
City of
Buenos

Aires Bonds
     Treasury
Bills
     Argentine
Central
Bank’s Bills
     Private
Securities
     Total  

AAA

     310,150        —          —          6,232,989        —          —          6,543,139  

AA+

     —          —          44,295        —          —          5,310        49,605  

AA

     —          —          —          —          —          95,913        95,913  

AA-

     —          —          —          —          —          10,959        10,959  

A+

     —          —          —          —          —          129,010        129,010  

A1+

     —          —          —          —          —          469,378        469,378  

A-

     —          —          —          —          —          35,891        35,891  

A3

     —          —          —          —          —          75,278        75,278  

Baa1

     —          —          76,146        —          —          —          76,146  

BBB

     9,457        —          —          —          —          15,117        24,574  

B-

     —          —          —          —          —          4,654        4,654  

C

     —          —          —          —          —          7,668        7,668  

CC

     27,150        —          —          —          58,141,095        —          58,168,245  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     346,757        —          120,441        6,232,989        58,141,095        849,178        65,690,460  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The credit quality of debt securities as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

     Government Securities                       

Rating

   Government
Bonds
     Provincial
Bonds
     Autonomous
City of
Buenos

Aires Bonds
     Treasury
Bills
     Argentine
Central
Bank’s Bills
     Private
Securities
     Total  

AAA

     2,266,493        —          —          3,256,546        —          121,001        5,644,040  

Aaa

     —          —          —          —          —          56,337        56,337  

Aaa.ar

     —          —          —          —          —          302,242        302,242  

AA+

     —          —          57,173        —          —          32,113        89,286  

AA

     —          —          —          —          —          435,690        435,690  

AA(arg)

     —          —          —          —          —          17,169        17,169  

raAA

     —          689,080        —          —          —          —          689,080  

AA-

     —          —          —          —          —          425        425  

A+

     —          —          —          1,648        —          217,096        218,744  

A1.ar

     —          —          —          —          —          21,633        21,633  

A

     —          —          —          108,221        —          4,687        112,908  

A(arg)

     —          —          —          —          —          45,304        45,304  

A-

     —          —          —          —          —          63,134        63,134  

A3.ar

     —          226,129        —          —          —          —          226,129  

BBB+

     —          —          —          —          —          2,040        2,040  

Baa1.ar

     —          —          7,804        —          —          15,037        22,841  

BBB

     17,758        14,014        —          —          —          41,467        73,239  

BBB(arg)

     —          —          —          —          —          47,954        47,954  

BBB-

     —          409,546        —          —          —          —          409,546  

Baa3.ar

     —          174,626        —          —          —          —          174,626  

B+

     787        —          —          —          —          —          787  

B-

     —          —          —          —          —          4,766        4,766  

CCC(arg)

     —          —          —          —          —          321,891        321,891  

No Rating

     —          —          —          —          107,833,074        —          107,833,074  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     2,285,038        1,513,395        64,977        3,366,415        107,833,074        1,749,986        116,812,885  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Summary of credit risk

The following disclosures present the gross carrying amount of financial instruments to which the impairment requirements in IFRS 9 are applied and the associated allowance for loan losses.

Loans classified as uncollectible for 7 months are eliminated from the Group’s assets and are recognized in “Off-Balance Sheet Items”.

The credit quality related to loans granted is detailed in Schedule B.

The breakdown by term of “Net Loans and Other Financing” is detailed in Schedule D.

Impairment of financial assets

The “Expected Credit Loss” (“ECL”) model applies to financial assets which are valued at both amortized cost and fair value through OCI.

 

F-55


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The standard establishes three categories to classify financial instruments, primarily considering the credit risk evolution over time. Stage 1 includes financial assets with normal or no significant risk associated; Stage 2 includes financial assets for which a significant increase in credit risk (“SICR”) has been identified but they are not yet deemed to be credit-impaired and Stage 3 comprises financial assets which are impaired and/or subject to serious risk of impairment.

To calculate the provisions for credit impairment risk, IFRS 9 differentiates between each of the three stages. The resulting concepts are explained as follows:

 

   

Expected Credit Losses within a 12-month period: possible events of default within the 12 months following the date of the presentation of financial statements. Assets included in Stage 1 have their ECL measured at 12-month ECL.

 

   

Lifetime Expected Credit Losses: ECL during the active period of the financial asset, which results of calculating the probability of impairment of an asset throughout its duration, up until its maturity. Instruments in Stage 2 or 3 have their ECL measured based on lifetime ECL.

A pervasive concept in measuring ECL in accordance with IFRS 9 is that it should consider forward looking information. The Group has included below an explanation on how it has incorporated this in its ECL models.

Grouping of instruments for losses measured on a collective basis

For expected credit loss provisions modelled on a collective basis, a grouping of exposures is performed based on shared risks characteristics, such that risk exposures within group are homogeneous. In performing this grouping, there must be sufficient information for the group to be statistically credible. Where sufficient information is not available internally, the Group has considered benchmarking internal/external supplementary data to use for modelling purposes. The Group has identified four groupings: Retail, Retail-like, Wholesale and Tarjeta Naranja, amongst these four segments the Group estimates parameters in a more granular way based on the shared risk characteristics.

Stage classification

Each subsidiary of Grupo Galicia classifies financial instruments subject to impairment under IFRS 9 in stages, as follows:

 

   

Stage 1: in the case of retail portfolios, it includes every operation up to 31 days past due. In the case of wholesale portfolios, it considers every client whose BCRA situation indicates a normal status (A1) (i.e. low risk of bankruptcy).

 

   

Stage 2: considers two groups:

 

   

Portfolios between 31 and 90 days past due.

 

   

Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score with impairment risk.

 

   

For wholesale, it considers credit ratings for which the risk of default has increased significantly.

 

   

Stage 3: For retail portfolios, it includes every operation amounting 90 or more days past due. For wholesale portfolios, it considers every client whose BCRA situation indicates serious risk of bankruptcy (C, D, E, F).

 

1 

The analysis of the customer’s cash flow shows that it is capable of attend adequately all its financial commitments.

 

F-56


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Significant Increase in credit risk

The Group considers a financial instrument to have experienced a significant increase in credit risk when any of the following conditions exist:

 

Retail Portfolio

  

BCRA Situation

  

Extra conditions to be considered stage 2

A, B1

   - Cure
   - Between 30 and 90 past due days
   - Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score with impairment risk

C

   - It does not apply to defaulted clients
Retail-like Portfolio   

BCRA Situation

  

Extra conditions to be considered stage 2

A, B1

   - Cure
   - Between 30 and 90 past due days
   - Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score with impairment risk

C

   - It does not apply to defaulted clients
Wholesale Portfolio   

BCRA Situation

  

Extra conditions to be considered stage 2

A

   - Cure
   - BCRA situation B1
   - Probability of Default (“PD”) or Score with impairment risk

C

   - It does not apply to defaulted clients

Definition of Default

A financial asset is in default whenever a payment is more than 90 days past due, or if the Company considers the payment will not be fully reimbursed.

However, given the credit analysis for wholesale loans is not managed and classified the same way as retail loans, the default definition associated to wholesale portfolios is ultimately linked to the individual analysis provided by credit analysts.

The default definition has been applied consistently to model the Probability of Default (PD), Exposure at Default (EAD) and Loss given Default (LGD) throughout the Group’s expected loss calculations:

 

   

Probability of Default (“PD”): it represents the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on its financial obligation (as per the definition of default included above), either over the next 12 months or the remaining lifetime of the obligation.

 

   

Exposure at the moment of Default (“EAD”): it is based on the amounts the Group expects to be owed at the time of default, over the next 12 months or over the remaining lifetime. For example, for a revolving commitment, the Group includes the current draw down balance plus any further amount that it is expected to be drawn up to the current contractual limit by the time of default, should it have occurred.

 

   

Loss given Default (“LGD”): represents the Group´s expectation of the extent of loss on a defaulted exposure. LGD varies by type of counterparty, type of seniority of claim and availability of collateral or other credit support. LGD is expressed as a percentage loss per unit of exposure at the time of default. LGD is calculated on a 12 month or lifetime basis, where 12-month LGD is the percentage of loss expected to be made if a default occurs in the next 12 months and Lifetime LGD is the percentage of loss expected to be made if a default occurs over the remaining expected lifetime of the loan.

An instrument is considered to no longer be in default when it no longer meets any of the default criteria above mentioned.

Methodology for Expected Credit Loss estimation

Expected credit loss impairment allowances recognized in the financial statements reflect the effect of a range of possible economic outcomes, calculated on a probability-weighted basis, based on the economic scenarios described below. The recognition and measurement of expected credit losses (‘ECL’) involves the use of significant judgment and estimation. It is necessary to formulate multiple forward-looking economic forecasts and incorporate them into the ECL estimates. Grupo Galicia uses a standard framework to form economic scenarios to reflect assumptions about future economic conditions, supplemented with the use of management judgment, which may result in using alternative or additional economic scenarios and/or management adjustments.

IFRS 9 establishes the following standards regarding the estimation of credit loss:

 

   

An unbiased weighted probability index determined by the evaluation of different outcomes.

 

F-57


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

   

Time value of money

 

   

Reasonable and sustainable information available at no additional cost or effort that provides evidence to support forecasts, as well as present conditions and past events.

According to IFRS 9, the company prepared three different scenarios with different probabilities: a central scenario with 70 % probability of occurrence, a downside scenario with 15 % probability of occurrence and an upside scenario with 15 % probability of occurrence.

In order to account for time value of money, the Company assumes expected losses will take place according to the PD behavior.

The ECL is determined by projecting the PD, EAD and LGD for each future month or collective segment. These three components are multiplied together and adjusted for forward looking information. This effectively calculates an ECL for each future month, which is then discounted back to the reporting date and summed. The discount rate used in the ECL calculation is the original effective interest rate or an approximation thereof.

Key macroeconomic variables used in the scenarios described below are shown in the table:

 

Macroeconomic Variable Projections

        QI - 2020     QII - 2019     QIII - 2019     QIV - 2019  

Monthly Estimator of Economic Activity (EMAE)

   Base      -1.0     0.0     2.4     6.5
   Optimistic      -2.2     -0.5     1.5     4.7
   Pessimist      -4.4     -5.8     -6.0     -4.7

Inflation Rate (IPC)

   Base      52.4     51.8     45.6     40.0
   Optimistic      47.1     43.4     36.1     30.0
   Pessimist      57.3     64.0     66.5     70.0

Exchange Rate

   Base      61.7     62.1     33.4     27.0
   Optimistic      58.4     55.6     25.4     17.0
   Pessimist      78.8     98.3     80.4     90.0

Unemployment Rate

   Base      11.1     10.1     10.1     1.9
   Optimistic      15.8     -3.4     4.6     -11.8
   Pessimist      25.3     19.2     40.1     29.9

International Reserve

   Base      -50.1     -48.3     -34.8     -1.4
   Optimistic      -51.0     -45.9     -27.4     17.6
   Pessimist      -61.9     -65.7     -59.0     -39.5

Real Salary

   Base      -7.0     -6.0     -0.7     1.4
   Optimistic      -3.3     -3.0     0.0     3.1
   Pessimist      -5.5     -7.3     -6.6     -5.9

Real Exchange Rate

   Base      8.4     11.2     -3.2     -6.5
   Optimistic      9.8     12.6     -3.1     -7.8
   Pessimist      15.9     25.5     13.9     14.5

Monetary Base

   Base      31.9     43.1     55.5     55.4
   Optimistic      30.0     39.2     49.5     46.0
   Pessimist      33.1     47.5     60.7     62.0

Badlar

   Base      -25.6     -47.9     -53.3     -36.9
   Optimistic      -37.6     -47.0     -58.3     -45.2
   Pessimist      20.0     -1.8     -16.6     19.0

These variations were calculated on annual basis.

 

Scenario Probabilities

   Base     Optimistic     Pessimistic  

Retail, Retail like and Wholesale

     70     15     15
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tarjeta Naranja

     70     15     15
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Grupo Galicia has also carried out sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of volatility on macroeconomic variables on the result of the expected credit losses.

 

Scenario 1 (change in the probability

of the macroeconomic scenarios)

   Base scenario     Sensitivity  

Regular scenario

     70     45

Positive scenario

     15     10

Negative scenario

     15     45

GFG ECL

     26,610,485       26,674,968  

Retail, Retail like and Wholesale ECL

     19,197,292       19,241,671  

Naranja ECL

     7,413,193       7,433,297  

 

Scenario 2 (change in forecast PIB, inflation, nominal

exchange rate, unemployment, current account)

   Regular scenario     Positive scenario     Negative scenario  

Macroeconomic scenario probability

     70     15     15
           Sensitivity        

Monthly estimator of economic activity

     8     6     -6

Inflation

     30     20     80

Nominal exchange rate

     23     12     110

Unemployment

     1     -13     35

Monetary base

     52     40     70

International reserves

     -1     25     -45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

GFG ECL

       27,363,700    

Retail, Retail like and Wholesale ECL

       19,923,662    

Naranja ECL

       7,440,038    

 

F-58


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Maximum exposure to credit risk

Unless identified at an earlier stage, all financial assets are deemed to have suffered a significant increase in credit risk when they are 30 days past due (“DPD”) and are transferred from stage 1 to stage 2. The following disclosure presents the ageing of stage 2 financial assets. It distinguishes those assets that are classified as stage 2 when they are less than 30 days past due (1-29 DPD) from those that are more than 30 DPD (30 and >DPD). Past due financial instruments are those loans where customers have failed to make payments in accordance with the contractual terms of their facilities.

The following table contains an analysis of the credit risk exposure of financial instruments for which an ECL allowance is recognized.

 

                                                                                                        
     Retail Portfolio         
     December 31, 2019      December
31, 2018
 
     ECL Staging         
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3      Total      Total  
     12-month      Lifetime      Lifetime     

 

    

 

 

Days past due

              

0

     78,566,753        28,797,042        912,351        108,276,146        139,233,133  

1-30

     1,562,357        1,520,196        185,361        3,402,141        3,267,914  

31-60

     —          1,262,208        163,053        1,291,034        1,425,261  

61-90

     —          528,261        274,967        803,228        1,213,539  

Default

     —          —          4,281,651        4,281,651        5,201,161  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     80,129,110        32,107,707        5,817,383        118,054,200        153,253,607  

Loss allowance

     4,050,243        1,876,438        4,576,479        10,503,160        11,502,798  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     76,078,867        30,231,269        1,240,904        107,551,040        141,750,809  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                        
     Retail like Portfolio         
     December 31, 2019      December
31, 2018
 
     ECL Staging         
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3      Total      Total  
     12-month      Lifetime      Lifetime     

 

    

 

 

Days past due

              

0

     33,043,232        4,297,615        497,111        37,837,958        49,804,857  

1-30

     1,306,745        532,729        165,470        2,004,944        2,037,768  

31-60

     —          159,963        64,134        224,097        517,274  

61-90

     —          172,306        147,679        319,985        402,899  

Default

     —          —          2,437,282        2,437,282        2,765,424  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     34,349,977        5,162,613        3,311,676        42,824,266        55,528,222  

Loss allowance

     352,917        146,516        2,514,583        3,014,016        2,656,347  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     33,997,060        5,016,097        797,093        39,810,250        52,871,875  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                        
     Wholesale Portfolio     

 

 
     December 31, 2019      December
31, 2018
 
     ECL Staging         
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3      Total      Total  
     12-month      Lifetime      Lifetime     

 

    

 

 

Days past due

              

A

     206,109,137        5,687,008        —          211,796,145        217,775,608  

B1

     —          377,715        —          377,715        (3,382,401

Default

     —          —          4,876,548        4,876,548        3,869,637  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     206,109,137        6,064,723        4,876,548        217,050,408        218,262,844  

Loss allowance

     540,249        179,755        4,492,730        5,212,734        1,954,981  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     205,568,888        5,884,968        383,818        211,837,674        216,307,863  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-59


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

                                                                                                        
     Naranja         
     December 31, 2019      December
31, 2018
 
     ECL Staging         
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3      Total      Total  
     12-month      Lifetime      Lifetime     

 

    

 

 

Days past due

              

0

     44,632,416        532,061        261,123        45,425,600        60,818,990  

1-30

     2,434,450        158,839        89,667        2,682,956        5,412,971  

31-60

     —          1,216,694        76,477        1,293,171        2,618,147  

61-90

     —          629,044        46,306        675,350        1,445,291  

Default

     —          —          5,580,546        5,580,546        5,825,679  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     47,066,866        2,536,638        6,054,119        55,657,623        76,121,078  

Loss allowance

     2,023,337        704,146        4,685,710        7,413,193        8,164,343  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     45,043,529        1,832,492        1,368,409        48,244,430        67,956,735  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                        
     Retail Portfolio         
     December 31, 2018      December
31, 2017
 
     ECL Staging         
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3      Total      Total  
     12-month
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
    

 

    

 

 

Days past due

              

0

     123,255,338        15,977,795        —          139,233,133        157,296,668  

1-30

     3,415,641        1,846,773        —          5,262,414        5,279,544  

31-60

     —          2,343,360        —          2,343,360        1,749,691  

61-90

     —          1,213,539        —          1,213,539        754,043  

Default

     —          —          5,201,161        5,201,161        4,009,264  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     126,670,979        21,381,467        5,201,161        153,253,607        169,089,210  

Loss allowance

     4,000,345        3,565,091        3,937,362        11,502,798        5,671,699  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     122,670,634        17,816,376        1,263,799        141,750,809        163,417,511  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                        
     Retail like Portfolio         
     December 31, 2018      December
31, 2017
 
     ECL Staging         
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3      Total      Total  
     12-month
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
    

 

    

 

 

Days past due

              

0

     45,031,870        4,772,987        —          49,804,857        47,071,424  

1-30

     1,333,592        704,176        —          2,037,768        1,093,756  

31-60

     —          517,274        —          517,274        210,169  

61-90

     —          402,899        —          402,899        150,521  

Default

     —          —          2,765,424        2,765,424        1,234,348  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     46,365,462        6,397,336        2,765,424        55,528,222        49,760,218  

Loss allowance

     410,651        430,926        1,814,770        2,656,347        1,485,036  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     45,954,811        5,966,410        950,654        52,871,875        48,275,182  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                        
     Wholesale Portfolio        
     December 31, 2018     December
31, 2017
 
     ECL Staging        
     Stage 1     Stage 2      Stage 3      Total     Total  
     12-month
ECL
    Lifetime
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
    

 

   

 

 

Days past due

            

A

     208,462,971       9,304,310        8,327        217,775,608       200,660,551  

B1

     (3,442,254     59,853        —          (3,382,401     118,967  

Default

     —         —          3,869,637        3,869,637       1,243,106  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     205,020,717       9,364,163        3,877,964        218,262,844       202,022,624  

Loss allowance

     808,785       119,011        1,027,185        1,954,981       1,154,685  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     204,211,932       9,245,152        2,850,779        216,307,863       200,867,939  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-60


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

                                                                                                        
     Naranja         
     December 31, 2018      December
31, 2017
 
     ECL Staging         
     Stage 1      Stage 2      Stage 3      Total      Total  
     12-month
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
     Lifetime
ECL
    

 

    

 

 

Days past due

              

0

     56,167,414        4,651,576        —          60,818,990        66,755,543  

1-30

     3,956,380        1,456,591        —          5,412,971        5,214,783  

31-60

     —          2,618,147        —          2,618,147        1,735,857  

61-90

     —          1,445,291        —          1,445,291        810,681  

Default

     —          —          5,825,679        5,825,679        4,514,973  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Carrying amount

     60,123,794        10,171,605        5,825,679        76,121,078        79,031,837  

Loss allowance

     2,117,634        2,834,539        3,212,170        8,164,343        5,965,182  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Carrying amount

     58,006,160        7,337,066        2,613,509        67,956,735        73,066,655  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Grupo Galicia employs a range of policies and practices to mitigate credit risk. The most common of these is accepting collateral for loans or funds advanced. The Group has internal policies on the acceptability of specific classes of collateral.

The Grupo Galicia policies regarding obtaining collateral have not significantly changed during the reporting period and there has been no significant change in the overall quality of the collateral held by the Group since the prior period.

This table provides information on balance sheet items and their collateral in offsets as well as loan and other credit-related commitments.

Assets Subject to Impairment

 

Item

   Carrying Amount      Loss Allowances      Gross Carrying
Amount
     Collateral´s Fair
Value
 

Advances

     15,892,268        315,666        15,576,602        —    

Mortgage Loans

     15,052,635        895,613        14,157,022        38,775,957  

Pledge Loans

     3,208,665        55,338        3,153,327        1,959,793  

Personal Loans

     27,645,893        3,077,729        24,568,164        —    

Credit Card Loans

     149,459,966        13,886,647        135,573,319        —    

Financial Leases

     2,225,646        62,010        2,163,636        —    

Overdrafts

     75,080,343        5,431,272        69,649,071        —    

Pre-financing export loans

     53,937,131        241,621        53,695,510        —    

Others

     88,747,362        2,148,550        86,598,812        4,599,439  

Public Securities

     2,336,588        28,657        2,307,931        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total as of December 31, 2019

     433,586,497        26,143,103        407,443,394        45,335,189  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table shows information about the mortgage portfolio LTV distribution.

 

Mortgages Portfolio -LTV  Distribution

   Exposure  

Lower than 50%

     8,646  

50 to 60%

     1,266  

60 to 70%

     1,103  

70 to 80%

     1,250  

80 to 90%

     1,145  

90 to 100%

     2,445  

Higher than 100%

     14,562  
  

 

 

 

Total

     30,417  
  

 

 

 

Reconciliation of changes in gross carrying/nominal amount and allowances for loans and advances to banks and customers including loan commitments and financial guarantees

The following disclosure provides a reconciliation by stage of the Group’s gross carrying/nominal amount and allowances for loans and advances to banks and customers, including loan commitments and financial guarantees. The transfers of financial instruments represent the impact of stage transfers upon the gross carrying/nominal amount and associated allowance for ECL. The net remeasurement of ECL arising from stage transfers represents the increase or decrease due to these transfers, for example, moving from a 12-month (stage 1) to a lifetime (stage 2) ECL measurement basis. This is captured, along with other credit quality movements in the ‘changes in PD/LGD/EAD’ line item. The ‘New financial assets originated or repurchased’ represent the gross carrying/nominal amount and associated allowance ECL impact from volume movements within the Group’s lending portfolio.

 

F-61


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The following tables explain the changes in the loss allowance between the beginning and the end of the annual period due to these factors:

 

                                                                                              
Retail Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     4,000,345       3,565,091       3,937,362       —          11,502,798  

Inflation effect

     (1,399,888     (1,247,575     (1,377,848     —          (4,025,311

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (541,650     541,650       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (55,913     —         55,913       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     462,714       (462,714     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (333,814     333,814       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         34,657       (34,657     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     21,195       —         (21,195     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     975,375       569,129       2,505,793       —          4,050,297  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     1,400,209       (896     630,489       —          2,029,802  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     (172,921     735,069       1,311,945       —          1,874,093  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     208,412       (204,306     33,793       —          37,899  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs

     (847,635     (1,319,853     (2,798,930     —          (4,966,418
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     4,050,243       1,876,438       4,576,479       —          10,503,160  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                              
Retail Like Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     410,651       430,926       1,814,770       —          2,656,347  

Inflation effect

     (143,704     (150,799     (635,064     —          (929,567

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (24,832     24,832       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (1,436     —         1,436       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     16,974       (16,974     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (29,246     29,246       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         9,317       (9,317     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     1,175       —         (1,175     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     238,020       70,572       2,017,956       —          2,326,548  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     91,006       8,924       427,620       —          527,550  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     (48,727     36,552       277,169       —          264,994  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     27,507       (11,193     (9,120     —          7,194  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs

     (213,717     (226,395     (1,398,938     —          (1,839,050
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     352,917       146,516       2,514,583       —          3,014,016  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-62


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

                                                                                              
Wholesale Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     808,785       119,011       1,027,185       —          1,954,981  

Inflation effect

     (283,028     (41,647     (359,455     —          (684,130

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (28,341     28,341       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (58     —         58       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     62,382       (62,382     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (1,027     1,027       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         41,499       (41,499     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     2       —         (2     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     385,304       93,976       211,464       —          690,744  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     19,099       30,508       4,293,694       —          4,343,301  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     (25,142     72,470       11,928       —          109,540  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     (9,847     (4,969     14,694       —          (122

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs

     (439,191     (96,025     (666,364     —          (1,201,580
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     540,249       179,755       4,492,730       —          5,212,734  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                              
Naranja    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     2,117,634       2,834,539       3,212,170       —          8,164,343  

Inflation effect

     (741,049     (991,924     (1,124,073     —          (2,857,046

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (51,051     51,051       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (107,274     —         107,274       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     680,513       (680,513     —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (680,583     680,583       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         2,767       (2,767     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     9,518       —         (9,518     —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     102,230       895,000       2,888,561       —          3,885,791  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     913,845       513,073       1,629,665       —          3,056,583  

Changes to model assumptions and methodologies

     (309,543     (693,866     (8,677     —          (1,012,086

Foreign exchange and other movements

     11,146       —         —         —          11,146  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Write-offs

     (602,632     (545,398     (2,687,508     —          (3,835,538
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2019

     2,023,337       704,146       4,685,710       —          7,413,193  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                              
Retail Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     1,682,312       1,410,750       2,578,637       —          5,671,699  

Inflation effect

     (542,887     (455,254     (832,132     —          (1,830,273

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (56,075     56,075       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (19,975     —         19,975       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     94,867       (94,867     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     1,046,545       2,117,334       2,485,839       —          5,649,718  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     2,057,322       1,450,069       2,883,617       —          6,391,008  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     71,851       40,839       (15,039     —          97,651  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (62,777     62,777       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         44,095       (44,095     —          —    

Write-offs

     (333,615     (941,173     (3,202,217     —          (4,477,005
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     4,000,345       3,565,091       3,937,362       —          11,502,798  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-63


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

                                                                                              
Retail Like Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     341,135       195,413       948,488       —          1,485,036  

Inflation effect

     (110,085     (63,061     (306,079     —          (479,225

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (6,016     6,016       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (1,143     —         1,143       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     14,729       (14,729     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     278,772       301,498       1,335,299       —          1,915,569  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     185,204       136,917       807,740       —          1,129,861  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     26,219       25,024       135,669       —          186,912  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (4,515     4,515       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         4,838       (4,838     —          —    

Write-offs

     (318,164     (156,475     (1,107,167     —          (1,581,806
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     410,651       430,926       1,814,770       —          2,656,347  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                              
Wholesale Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     325,779       69,546       759,360       —          1,154,685  

Inflation effect

     (105,131     (22,441     (245,045     —          (372,617

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (2,880     2,880       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (275     —         275       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     4,303       (4,303     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     613,038       66,376       —         —          679,414  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     227,367       60,418       117,553       —          405,338  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     (10,496     15,369       385,581       —          390,454  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (9,461     9,461       —          —    

Write-offs

     (242,920     (59,373     —         —          (302,293
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     808,785       119,011       1,027,185       —          1,954,981  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                              
Naranja    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     1,391,092       1,954,069       2,620,021       —          5,965,182  

Inflation effect

     (448,909     (630,583     (845,487     —          (1,924,979

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (170,994     170,994       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (61,988     —         61,988       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     331,577       (331,577     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     791,626       1,130,810       797,807       —          2,720,243  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     549,774       1,866,361       3,612,931       —          6,029,066  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     (197,790     (323,182     —         —          (520,972

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (431,289     431,289       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         16,777       (16,777     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     14,866       —         (14,866     —          —    

Write-offs

     (81,620     (587,841     (3,434,736     —          (4,104,197
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2018

     2,117,634       2,834,539       3,212,170       —          8,164,343  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-64


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

                                                                                              
Retail Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of January 01, 2017

     1,962,040       1,071,697       2,270,657       —          5,304,394  

Inflation effect

     (389,838     (212,936     (451,154     —          (1,053,928

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (57,318     57,318       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (19,387     —         19,387       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     210,006       (210,006     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     472,592       952,404       1,492,196       —          2,917,192  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     45,327       379,063       1,956,305       —          2,380,695  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     16,212       2,040       (17,809     —          443  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (52,291     52,291       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         44,873       (44,873     —          —    

Write-offs

     (557,322     (621,412     (2,698,363     —          (3,877,097
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     1,682,312       1,410,750       2,578,637       —          5,671,699  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                              
Retail Like Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of January 01, 2017

     88,123       291,080       573,340       —          952,543  

Inflation effect

     (17,508     (57,835     (113,918     —          (189,261

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (6,193     6,193       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (571     —         571       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     67,091       (67,091     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     278,455       126,703       617,965       —          1,023,123  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     (42,646     83,812       384,929       —          426,095  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     1,403       17,589       68,005       —          86,997  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (9,659     9,659       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         10,253       (10,253     —          —    

Write-offs

     (27,019     (205,632     (581,810     —          (814,461
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     341,135       195,413       948,488       —          1,485,036  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

                                                                                              
Wholesale Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of January 01, 2017

     255,997       164,428       343,945       —          764,370  

Inflation effect

     (50,865     (32,669     (68,339     —          (151,873

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (4,143     4,143       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (94     —         94       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     3,427       (3,427     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     262,500       45,105       —         —          307,605  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     101,102       98,366       72,726       —          272,194  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     16,878       (16,769     395,909       —          396,018  

Other movements with no P&L impact

           

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (15,025     15,025       —          —    

Write-offs

     (259,023     (174,606     —         —          (433,629
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     325,779       69,546       759,360       —          1,154,685  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-65


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

                                                                                              
Naranja    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Loss Allowance as of January 01, 2017

     1,193,141       2,409,363       2,797,419       —          6,399,923  

Inflation effect

     (237,065     (478,714     (555,817     —          (1,271,596

Movements with P&L Impact

           

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (93,181     93,181       —         —          —    

Transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (38,118     —         38,118       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     650,714       (650,714     —         —          —    

New Financial Assets Originated or Purchased

     375,465       684,637       103,474       —          1,163,576  

Changes in PDs/LGDs/EADs

     (336,547     1,051,645       1,915,058       —          2,630,156  

Foreign exchange and other movements

     (131,230     (252,550     —         —          (383,780

Other movements with no P&L impact

              —    

Transfers:

           

Transfer from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (395,389     395,389       —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         1,751       (1,751     —          —    

Transfer from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     56,383       —         (56,383     —          —    

Write-offs

     (48,470     (509,141     (2,015,486     —          (2,573,097
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss Allowance as of December 31, 2017

     1,391,092       1,954,069       2,620,021       —          5,965,182  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table further explains changes in the gross carrying amount of specific segment portfolio to help explain their significance to the changes in the loss allowance:

 

Retail like Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     46,365,462       6,397,336       2,765,424       —          55,528,222  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (3,669,945     3,669,945       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (180,232     —         180,232       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     608,803       (608,803     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (298,649     298,649       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         19,171       (19,171     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     5,565       —         (5,565     —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (15,036,031     (3,099,488     (1,680,196     —          (19,815,715

New financial assets originated or purchased

     20,951,735       1,472,562       2,735,514       —          25,159,811  

FX and other movements

     1,529,839       (150,764     4,527       —          1,383,602  

Inflation Effect

     (16,225,219     (2,238,697     (967,738     —          (19,431,654
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     34,349,977       5,162,613       3,311,676       —          42,824,266  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-66


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Retail Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     126,670,979       21,381,467       5,201,161       —          153,253,607  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (27,605,206     27,605,206       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (1,590,455     —         1,590,455       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     9,834,363       (9,834,363     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (1,406,826     1,406,826       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         54,517       (54,517     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     36,462       —         (36,462     —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (15,005,033     (3,686,530     (3,132,323     —          (21,823,886

New financial assets originated or purchased

     19,755,005       6,805,058       3,298,999       —          29,859,062  

FX and other movements

     12,360,478       (1,328,551     (636,652     —          10,395,275  

Inflation Effect

     (44,327,483     (7,482,271     (1,820,104     —          (53,629,858
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     80,129,110       32,107,707       5,817,383       —          118,054,200  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Wholesale Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     205,020,717       9,364,163       3,877,964       —          218,262,844  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (6,201,605     6,201,605       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (6,479     —         6,479       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     1,813,608       (1,813,608     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (21,051     21,051       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         90,874       (90,874     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     714       —         (714     —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (93,761,209     (4,481,824     (118,942     —          (98,361,975

New financial assets originated or purchased

     165,278,026       2,975,288       316,155       —          168,569,469  

FX and other movements

     3,473,035       (2,973,811     2,222,491       —          2,721,715  

Inflation Effect

     (69,507,670     (3,276,913     (1,357,062     —          (74,141,645
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     206,109,137       6,064,723       4,876,548       —          217,050,408  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Naranja    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     60,123,794       10,171,605       5,825,679       —          76,121,078  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (1,110,563     1,110,563       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (1,860,449     —         1,860,449       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     2,598,692       (2,598,692     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (2,258,668     2,258,668       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         5,664       (5,664     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     19,427       —         (19,427     —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (1,605,396     (1,165,656     (2,548,634     —          (5,319,686

New financial assets originated or purchased

     10,374,605       987,705       862,772       —          12,225,082  

FX and other movements

     (433,410     (156,413     (141,075     —          (730,898

Inflation Effect

     (21,039,834     (3,559,470     (2,038,649     —          (26,637,953
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2019

     47,066,866       2,536,638       6,054,119       —          55,657,623  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-67


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Retail like Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2017

     43,107,898       5,417,972       1,234,348       —          49,760,218  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (871,588     871,588       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (164,162     —         164,162       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     —         5,040       (5,040     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (94,558     94,558       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     547,402       (547,402     —         —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (9,541,426     (1,634,974     (551,549     —          (11,727,949

New financial assets originated or purchased

     26,884,407       4,121,250       2,032,195       —          33,037,852  

FX and other movements

     313,955       6,813       195,073       —          515,841  

Inflation effect

     (13,911,024     (1,748,393     (398,323     —          (16,057,740
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     46,365,462       6,397,336       2,765,424       —          55,528,222  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Retail Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2017

     143,080,464       21,999,482       4,009,264       —          169,089,210  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (3,273,027     3,273,027       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (1,058,724     —         1,058,724       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     —         49,385       (49,385     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (573,916     573,916       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     3,221,464       (3,221,464     —         —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (8,282,669     (2,478,551     (1,704,660     —          (12,465,880

New financial assets originated or purchased

     37,070,938       9,247,249       2,268,090       —          48,586,277  

FX and other movements

     2,084,944       185,542       339,011       —          2,609,497  

Inflation Effect

     (46,172,411     (7,099,287     (1,293,799     —          (54,565,497
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     126,670,979       21,381,467       5,201,161       —          153,253,607  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Wholesale Portfolio    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2017

     188,138,737       12,638,355       1,245,532       —          202,022,624  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (854,642     854,642       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (15,220     —         15,220       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     722,494       (722,494     —         —       

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (55,621,489     (5,040,182     —         —          (60,661,671

New financial assets originated or purchased

     124,006,193       6,954,157       2,421,789       —          133,382,139  

FX and other movements

     8,343,440       (1,241,887     597,359       —          7,698,912  

Inflation Effect

     (59,698,796     (4,078,428     (401,936     —          (64,179,160
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     205,020,717       9,364,163       3,877,964       —          218,262,844  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-68


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Naranja    Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3               
     12-month     Lifetime     Lifetime     Purchased
credit-
impaired
     Total  

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2017

     63,132,651       11,384,213       4,514,973       —          79,031,837  

Transfers:

           

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 2

     (6,051,219     6,051,219       —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 3

     (2,151,017     —         2,151,017       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 1

     1,735,099       (1,735,099     —         —          —    

Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 3

     —         (1,982,432     1,982,432       —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 2

     —         33,663       (33,663     —          —    

Transfers from Stage 3 to Stage 1

     28,825       —         (28,825     —          —    

Financial assets derecognized during the period other than write-offs

     (1,114,928     (1,119,775     (2,785,702     —          (5,020,405

New financial assets originated or purchased

     24,889,161       1,180,716       1,543,536       —          27,613,413  

FX and other movements

     28,281       32,816       (61,097     —          —    

Inflation Effect

     (20,373,059     (3,673,716     (1,456,992     —          (25,503,767
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2018

     60,123,794       10,171,605       5,825,679       —          76,121,078  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Use of information

Grupo Financiero Galicia, according to IFRS 9 standards, uses all information available, past, present and future to identify and estimate expected credit loss.

Operational Risk

The operational risk management is understood as the identification, assessment, monitoring, control and mitigation of this risk. It is an ongoing process carried out throughout the Group, which fosters a risk management culture at all organization levels through an effective policy and a program led by Senior Management.

Identification

The starting point of the operational risk management is the identification of risks and their association with the controls established to mitigate them, considering internal and external factors that may affect the process development. The results of this exercise are entered into a log of risks, which acts as a central repository of the nature and status of each risk and controls thereof.

Assessment

Once risks have been identified, the size in terms of impact, frequency and likelihood of risk occurrence is determined, considering the existing controls. The combination of impact with likelihood of occurrence determines the risk exposure level. Finally, the estimated risk levels are compared to pre-established criteria, considering the balance of potential benefits and adverse results.

Monitoring

The monitoring process allows detecting and correcting the possible deficiencies in operational risk management policies, processes and procedures and their update.

Risk Control and Mitigation

The control process ensures compliance with internal policies and analyzes risks and responses to avoid, accept, mitigate or share them, by aligning them with the risk tolerance defined.

IT Risk

The Group manages the IT risk inherent to its products, activities and business processes. It also manages the risk associated with the material information systems, technology and information security processes. It also covers the risks derived from subcontracted activities and from services rendered by providers.

Reputational Risk

The reputational risk may result from the materialization of other risks: Legal, Compliance, Operational, Technological, Strategic, Market, Liquidity, Credit, etc.

The groups of interest are at the core of management, being considered upon establishing any type of mitigation measure.

 

F-69


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Banco Galicia’s reputational risk management function was allocated to the Compliance Management Division, seeking to obtain a more comprehensive vision and be able to make immediate decisions that protect the entity’s image and reputation by using tools that enable to monitor and follow up to the perception of different groups of interest.

Banco Galicia defined an internal policy to reduce the occurrence of reputational events with negative impact, by defining a governance model with roles and responsibilities, and identifying critical scenarios that require management and visibility.

Contacts have been established with key business areas, devising a work scheme based on synergy and ongoing communication in order to spread the risk culture across the organization.

The Reputational Crisis Committee is in charge of becoming aware of the events that may affect the Bank’s reputation. In the face of an event of such characteristics, all the necessary information is gathered in the shortest time possible in order to be able to make assertive decisions, formally declare the crisis situation, if appropriate, and define the action plan to alleviate the crisis. In addition, such committee determines the communication strategy to be followed, considering the groups of interest involved. Finally, the strategy and related actions are followed to tackle the crisis.

Strategic Risk

Strategic risk is that which arises from an inappropriate business strategy or an adverse change in forecasts, parameters, goals and other functions that support such strategy.

It represents the possibility of fluctuations in placements that prevent Banco Galicia or its subsidiaries from obtaining the expected results of operations. These potential affected results of operations would give rise to lower income or higher costs regardless of what was budgeted.

Money Laundering Risk

As regards the control and prevention of asset laundering and funding of terrorist activities, Banco Galicia complies with the regulations set forth by the Argentine Central Bank, the Financial Information Unit and Law No. 25246, as amended, which creates the Financial Information Unit (UIF), within the purview of Argentina’s Ministry of Treasury and Public Finance with functional autarchy. The Financial Information Unit is in charge of analyzing, addressing and reporting the information received, in order to prevent and avoid both asset laundering and funding of terrorist activities.

The Bank has promoted the implementation of measures designed to fight against the use of the international financial system by criminal organizations. For such purposes, Banco Galicia has control policies, procedures and structures that are applied using a “risk-based approach”, which allow for the monitoring of transactions, pursuant to the “customer profile” (defined individually based on the information and documentation related to the economic and financial condition of the customer), in order to detect such transactions that should be considered unusual, and to report them to the UIF in applicable cases. The Anti-Money Laundering Management Division (“PLA”, as per its initials in Spanish) is in charge of managing this activity, through the implementation of control and prevention procedures as well as the communication thereof to the rest of the organization by drafting the related handbooks and training all employees. In addition, the management of this risk is regularly reviewed by Internal Audit.

The Bank has appointed a director as Compliance Officer, pursuant to Resolution 121/11, as amended, handed down by the UIF, who shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with and implementation of the proceedings and obligations on the issue.

The Bank contributes to the prevention and mitigation of risks from these transaction-related criminal behaviors, by being involved in the international regulatory standards adoption process.

Cybersecurity Risk

The use of technologies in place facilitates us a significant number of tools that expedite and improve the Bank’s processes, having a positive impact on our products and services. However, along with the above-mentioned benefits, risks and/or threats related to these new opportunities provided by digital technologies appear.

The cybersecurity-related risk is a matter inherent to the introduction of these new technologies. On one hand, such risk management stands out among Banco Galicia’s main goals, and, on the other, all the personnel’s as well as customers’ awareness of the considerations as regards the use of the above-mentioned technologies. In this respect, it is vital for the organization to understand thoroughly its internal processes, the tools used and the available techniques to mitigate cybersecurity-related risks.

 

F-70


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 46. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

 

a) Tax Issues

At the date of these consolidated financial statements, provincial tax collection authorities, as well as tax collection authorities from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, are in the process (in different degrees of completion) of conducting reviews and assessments mainly in respect of matters resulting from applying turnover tax.

These proceedings and their possible effects are constantly being monitored. Even though it is considered that it has complied with its tax liabilities in full pursuant to current regulations, the provisions deemed adequate pursuant to the evolution of each proceeding have been set up.

b) Consumer Protection Associations

Consumer Protection Associations, on behalf of consumers, have filed claims against Banco Galicia regarding the collection of certain financial charges.

The Group believes that the resolution of these controversies will not have a significant impact on its financial condition.

c) Penalties Imposed on Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. and Summary Proceedings Commenced by the Argentine Central Bank

The penalties imposed and the summary proceedings commenced by the Argentine Central Bank are detailed in Note 53.

The provisions for contingencies recorded are as follows:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Other Contingencies

     2,525,957        2,044,651  

For Commercial Lawsuits/Legal matters

     2,102,244        1,628,525  

For Labor Lawsuits

     169,013        148,157  

For Claims and Credit Cards

     1,097        1,688  

For Guarantees Granted

     1,142        1,757  

For Other Contingencies

     252,461        264,524  

For Termination Benefits

     171,358        133,720  

Difference for Dollarization of Judicial Deposits—Communication “A” 4686

     44,345        42,995  

Administrative, Disciplinary and Criminal Penalties

     5,306        8,162  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     2,746,966        2,229,528  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 47. OFFSETTING OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the statement of financial position where the Group currently has 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.

The disclosures in the following tables include financial assets and liabilities that:

 

 

are offset in the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position; or

 

 

are subject to a netting agreement or similar agreement that covers similar financial instruments, regardless of whether they are offset in the consolidated statement of financial position.

Financial instruments such as loans and deposits are not disclosed in the following tables since they are not offset in the consolidated statement of financial position.

The financial instruments subject to offsetting, master netting agreements and similar agreements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

 

     Offsetting effects on Statement
Financial Position
     Related amounts not
offset
 

12.31.19

   Gross
Amount
     Offset
Amount
     Net
amounts in
Statement
Financial
Position
     Subject to
netting
agreements
    Total
Net

Amount
 

Financial Assets

             

Derivate Instruments

     85,528        —          85,528        (72,810     12,718  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     85,528        —          85,528        (72,810     12,718  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

             

Derivate Instruments

     125,554        —          125,554        (72,810     52,744  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     125,554        —          125,554        (72,810     52,744  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-71


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

     Offsetting effects on Statement of
Financial Position
     Related amounts not
offset
 

12.31.18

   Gross
Amount
     Offset
Amount
     Net
amounts in
Statement
Financial
Position
     Subject to
netting
agreements
    Total Net
Amount
 

Financial Assets

             

Derivate Instruments

     2,065,435        —          2,065,435        (1,910,314     155,121  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     2,065,435        —          2,065,435        (1,910,314     155,121  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities

             

Derivate Instruments—Forward

     2,025,439        —          2,025,439        (1,910,314     115,125  

Derivate Instruments—Cross Currency Swaps

     42,616        10,045        32,571        —         32,571  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     2,068,055        10,045        2,058,010        (1,910,314     147,696  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 48. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ITEMS

 

In the normal course of business and in order to meet customers’ financing needs, off-balance sheet transactions are performed. These instruments expose the Group to the credit risk, in addition to loans recognized in assets. These financial instruments include credit lending commitments, letters of credit reserve, guarantees granted and acceptances.

The same credit policies for agreed credits, guarantees and loan granting are used. Outstanding commitments and guarantees do not represent an unusually high credit risk.

Agreed Credits

They are commitments to grant loans to a customer in a future date, subject to compliance with certain contractual agreements that usually have fixed maturity dates or other termination clauses and may require a fee payment.

Commitments are expected to expire without resorting to them. The total amounts of agreed commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer’s solvency is assessed case by case.

Guarantees Granted

The issuing bank commits to reimbursing the loss to the beneficiary if the secured debtor does not comply with its obligation upon maturity.

Export and Import Documentary Credits

They are conditional commitments issued by the Group to secure a customer’s compliance towards a third party.

Responsibilities for Foreign Trade Transactions

They are conditional commitments for foreign trade transactions.

Our exposure to credit loss upon the other party’s default in the financial instrument is represented by the contractual notional amount of the same investments.

The credit exposure for these transactions is detailed below.

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Agreed Credits

     19,951,554        22,993,896  

Documentary Export and Import Credits

     2,596,376        1,661,462  

Guarantees Granted

     16,133,160        25,063,345  

Liabilities for Foreign Trade Operations

     1,702,021        360,905  

The fees and commissions related to the items mentioned above as of the indicated dates were as follows:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

For Agreed Credits

     103,819        186,929  

For Documentary Export and Import Credits

     90,956        105,963  

For Guarantees Granted

     240,639        126,205  

The credit risk of these instruments is essentially the same as that involved in lending credit facilities to customers.

To grant guarantees to our customers, we may require counter-guarantees, which, classified by type, amount to:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Other Preferred Guarantees Received

     929,660        10,455,207  

Other Guarantees Received

     523,786        455,901  

Additionally, checks to be debited and credited, as well as other elements in the collection process, such as, notes, invoices and miscellaneous items, are recorded in memorandum accounts until the related instrument is approved or accepted.

 

F-72


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The risk of loss in these offsetting transactions is not significant.

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Values to be Debited

     5,370,342        5,304,698  

Values to be Credited

     6,755,857        6,836,124  

Values for Collection

     38,507,579        42,497,530  

The Group acts as trustee by virtue of trust agreements to secure obligations derived from several agreements between parties. The amounts of trust funds and securities held in custody as of the indicated dates are as follows:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Trust Funds

     6,963,520        9,027,701  

Securities Held in Escrow

     465,282,723        664,627,687  

These trusts are not included in the consolidation since the Group does not exert control on them.

NOTE 49. TRANSFER OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

 

All portfolio sales carried out by the Group are without recourse; therefore, they all qualify for the full derecognition of financial assets.

When this derecognition takes place, the difference between the book value and the value in the offsetting entry is charged to Income.

NOTE 50. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

 

The following tables provide information about each subsidiary that has a non-controlling interest.

The non-controlling equity investment percentages and votes as of the indicated dates are as follows:

 

Company

  

Place of Business

   12.31.19     12.31.18  

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

   Córdoba – Argentina      17.00     17.00

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A.

   Autonomous City of Buenos Aires – Argentina      0.01     0.01

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.

   Autonomous City of Buenos Aires – Argentina      0.00     0.00

Galicia Seguros S.A.

   Autonomous City of Buenos Aires – Argentina      0.00     0.00

Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.

   Autonomous City of Buenos Aires – Argentina      17.00     —    

Ondara S.A.

   Autonomous City of Buenos Aires – Argentina      16.15     16.15

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

   Córdoba – Argentina      17.00     17.00

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

   Autonomous City of Buenos Aires – Argentina      17.00     17.00

Changes in the Group’s non-controlling interests as of the indicated dates were as follows:

 

Company

   Balance as
of

12.31.18
     Purchases /
Contributions
/ Sales
     Cash
Dividends
     Profit
Sharing in
income
(loss)

for the
Year
    Balance as
of

12.31.19
 

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

     17,869        —          —          (37,434     (19,565

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A.

     3        —          —          —         3  

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.

     3        —          —          —         3  

Galicia Seguros S.A.

     4        —          —          —         4  

Naranja Digital Compañía Financiera S.A.U.

     —          —          —          (15,074     (15,074

Ondara S.A.

     9,299        —          —          (939     8,360  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     2,292,912        —          —          233,816       2,526,728  

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

     329,725        132,203        —          (69,375     392,553  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     2,649,815        132,203        —          110,994       2,893,012  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Company

   Balance as
of

12.31.17
     Purchases /
Contributions
/ Sales
    Cash
Dividends
    Profit
Sharing in
income
(loss)

for the
Year
    Balance as
of

12.31.18
 

Cobranzas Regionales S.A.

     20,430        —         —         (2,561     17,869  

Galicia Broker Asesores de Seguros S.A.

     3        —         —         —         3  

Galicia Retiro Compañía de Seguros S.A.

     3        —         —         —         3  

Galicia Seguros S.A.

     4        —         —         —         4  

Galicia Valores S.A.

     —          —         —         —         —    

Ondara S.A.

     10,882        —         80       (1,663     9,299  

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

     4,178,765        (1,185,236     (211,415     (489,202     2,292,912  

Tarjetas Regionales S.A.

     333,323        —         62,441       (66,039     329,725  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     4,543,410        (1,185,236     (148,894     (559,465     2,649,815  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-73


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Summary information on subsidiaries is detailed in Note 15.

NOTE 51. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Related parties are all those entities that directly, or indirectly through other entities, have control over another, are under the same controlling party or may have significant influence on another entity’s financial or operational decisions.

The Group controls another entity when it has the power over other entities’ financial and operating decisions and also has a share of profits thereof.

Additionally, the Group considers that it has joint control when there is an agreement between parties regarding the control of a common economic activity.

Finally, those cases where the Group has significant influence is due to the capacity to take part in decisions about the company’s financial policy and operations. Those shareholders who hold an equity investment equal to or higher than 20% of the total votes of the Group or its subsidiaries are considered to have significant influence. To determine those situations, not only the legal aspects are observed, but also the nature and substance of the relationship.

Furthermore, the key personnel of the Group’s Management (Board of Directors members and Managers of the Group and its subsidiaries), as well as the entities over which the key personnel may have significant influence or control are considered as related parties.

 

51.1.

Controlling Entity

The Group is controlled by:

 

Name

  

Nature

  

Principal Line of Business

  

Place of Business

   Equity Investment %  
EBA Holding S.A.    55.11% of voting rights   

Financial and Investment

Operations

   Autonomous City of Buenos Aires – Argentina      19.71

 

51.2.

Key Personnel’s Compensation

The compensation earned by the Group’s key personnel as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 amounts to Ps.976.364 and Ps.976.163, respectively.

 

51.3.

Key Personnel’s Structure

Key personnel’s structure as of the indicated dates is as follows:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Regular Directors

     74        67  

General Manager

     2        1  

Area Managers

     10        11  

Department Managers

     67        70  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     153        149  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

51.4.

Related Party Transactions

The following table shows the total credit assistance granted by the Group to key personnel, syndics, majority shareholders, as well as all individuals who are related to them by a family relationship of up to the second degree of consanguinity or first degree by affinity (pursuant to the Argentine Central Bank’s definition of related individual) and any entity affiliated with any of these parties, not required to be consolidated.

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Total Amount of Credit Assistance

     1,101,736        1,471,313  

Number of Addressees (quantities)

     283        329  

- Natural Persons

     229        269  

- Legal Entities

     54        60  

Average Amount of Credit Assistance

     3,893        4,472  

Maximum Assistance

     437,802        557,970  

Financial assistance, including the one that was restructured, was granted in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other non-related parties. Besides, this financial assistance did not involve more than the normal risk of loan losses or present other unfavorable features.

The information about the credit assistance granted to affiliates based on the quality of receivables, their documentation and preferred guarantees is stated in Schedule N.

 

F-74


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

51.5.

Amounts of Related Party Transactions

The amounts of related party transactions conducted as of the indicated dates are as follows:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Assets

     

Cash and Due from Banks

     3,403,863        388,659  

Debt Securities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     44,154        193,428  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     408        —    

Other Financial Assets

     7,632        79,861  

Loans and Other Financing

     1,978,576        4,797,073  

Other Debt Securities

     131,328        202,700  

Other Non-financial Assets

     2,169        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

     5,568,130        5,661,721  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Deposits

     4,104,180        2,074,435  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and other Financial Institutions

     673,029        —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     549,690        1,842,363  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     —          831,936  

Debt Securities Issued

     175,482        805,116  

Liabilities for Insurance Contracts

     4,008        66,602  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     61,741        41,269  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     5,568,130        5,661,721  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18      12.31.17  

Income (Loss)

        

Net Income (Loss) from Interest

     360,120        43,035        56,932  

Net Fee Income (Expense)

     (882,802      (52,872      (2,382,485

Income from Insurance Business

     1,755,199        1,933,673        2,465,431  

Other Operating Income (Expense)

     (1,157,769      (1,970,650      (127,804

Administrative Expenses

     128,208        47,662        53,109  

Other Operating Expenses

     6,818        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Income

     209,774        848        65,183  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 52. ACQUISITION OF DEBT SECURITIES UNDER SECTION 35 BIS OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS LAW

 

Banco Finansur S.A. was suspended to operate by the Argentine Central Bank from November 9, 2017 to February 9, 2018. On January 12, 2018, Banco Galicia reported about its participation in the process under Section 35 bis of Financial Institutions Law. In addition, on March 9, 2018, Banco Galicia reported that the Argentine Central Bank approved the transfer of certain secured liabilities of Banco Finansur S.A. in exchange for debt securities by creating a Private Financial Trust called Fidensur.

Said Trust has not been consolidated since the Group is not exposed to variable yields (its exposure is limited to the residual value of the fiduciary debt value), nor is it entitled to additional benefits at an annual nominal rate of 28% interest over the debt security residual value, nor does it have the capacity to influence on the increase in these yields.

The Group has fully provisioned the debt-representing securities as of December 31, 2019, while as of December 31, 2018, they were in the “Other Debt Securities” item, valuated at amortized cost for a value of Ps.115,025.

NOTE 53. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK

 

53.1. CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEPOSIT INSURANCE SYSTEM

Law No. 24485 and Decree No. 540/95 established the creation of the Deposit Insurance System to cover the risk attached to bank deposits, in addition to the system of privileges and safeguards envisaged in the Financial Institutions Law.

The National Executive Branch through Decree No. 1127/98 established the maximum amount for this insurance system to demand deposits and time deposits denominated either in Pesos and/or in foreign currency. Such limit was set at Ps.1,000 as from March 1, 2019.

This system does not cover deposits made by other financial institutions (including time deposit certificates acquired through a secondary transaction), deposits made by parties related to the Bank, either directly or indirectly, deposits of securities, acceptances or guarantees and those deposits set up at an interest rate exceeding the one established regularly by the Argentine Central Bank.

Deposits acquired through endorsement, placements made as a result of incentives other than interest rates and locked-up balances from deposits and other excluded transactions are also excluded. This system has been implemented through the creation of the Deposit Insurance Fund (“FGD”), which is managed by a company called Seguros de Depósitos S.A. (“SEDESA”). SEDESA’s shareholders are the Argentine Central Bank and the financial institutions in the proportion determined for each one by the Argentine Central Bank based on the contributions made to the fund.

 

F-75


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The monthly contribution institutions should make to the FGD is 0.015% on the monthly average of total deposits.

53.2. RESTRICTED ASSETS

As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, the ability to freely dispose of the following assets is restricted, as follows:

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

 

a)

Cash and Government Securities

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

For transactions in ROFEX

     1,309,372        583,034  

For repurchase transactions

     —          899,352  

For debit / credit cards transactions

     2,264,694        3,309,804  

For attachments

     9,410        325  

Liquid offsetting entry required to operate as CNV agent

     10,754        31,397  

For contribution to M.A.E.’ s Joint Guarantee Fund (Fondo de Garantía Mancomunada)

     89,850        400,287  

Collateral of the Inter-American Development Bank’s credit line

     —          130,861  

Guarantees for the Regional Economies Competitiveness Program (PROCER, as per its initials in Spanish)

     326,814        254,846  

For other transactions

     14,921        18,388  

 

b)

Special Guarantees Accounts

Special guarantee accounts have been opened at the Argentine Central Bank as collateral for transactions involving electronic clearing houses, checks for settling debts and other similar transactions as of the indicated dates, which amount to:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Escrow Accounts

     7,525,500        7,981,085  

 

c)

Deposits in favor of the Argentine Central Bank

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Unavailable deposits due to exchange transactions

     533        820  

 

d)

Equity Investments

The account “Equity Investments” includes 1,222,406 non-transferable non-endorsable registered ordinary shares in Electrigal S.A., the transfer of which is subject to approval by the national authorities, according to the terms of the previously executed concession contract.

 

e)

Contributions to Garantizar S.G.R.’s Risk Fund

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., in its capacity as sponsoring partner of Garantizar S.G.R.’s Risk Fund, is committed to maintaining the contributions made to the fund for two (2) years.

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Contributions to the Fund

     990,000        599,946  

 

f)

Guarantees Granted for Direct Obligations

Galicia Valores S.A.

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Liquid offsetting entry required to operate as CNV agents

     16,713        14,719  

Guarantees linked to surety bonds

     1,000        —    

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Attachments arising from judicial cases

     2,341        2,774  

Guarantees linked to rental contracts

     6,764        7,681  

Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A.

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Liquid offsetting entry required to operate as collective investment products administration agents of mutual funds, as required by CNV(*)

     10,139        13,991  

 

(*) 

As of December 31, 2019, it corresponds to 1,480,660 shares of Fima Premium Class “B” Mutual Fund.

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Total Restricted Assets

     12,578,805        14,249,310  

 

F-76


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

53.3. TRUST ACTIVITIES

 

a)

Trust Contracts for Purposes of Guaranteeing Compliance with Obligations:

Purpose: In order to guarantee compliance with contractual obligations, the parties to these agreements have agreed to deliver to Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., as fiduciary property, amounts to be applied according to the following breakdown:

 

Date of Contract

  

Trustor

   Balances of Trust Funds      Maturity (1)  

04.17.12

   Exxon Mobil      8,208        04.19.21  

09.12.14

   Port Workers Cooperative      1,156        09.12.20  

04.14.16

   Rios Belt      172        12.31.20  

05.24.17

   MSU      155        07.29.20  
     

 

 

    

Total

        9,691     
     

 

 

    

 

(1)

These amounts shall be released monthly until settlement date of trustor obligations or maturity date, whichever occurs first.

 

b)

Financial Trust Contracts:

Purpose: To administer and exercise the fiduciary ownership of the trust assets until the redemption of debt securities and participation certificates:

 

Contract date

  

Trust

   Balances of Trust Funds      Maturity(*)  

12.06.06

   Gas I      102,053        12.31.20  

05.14.09

   Gas II      6,784,669        12.31.22  

02.10.11

   Cag S.A.      389        12.31.20  

06.08.11

   Mila III      12,208        12.31.20  

09.01.11

   Mila IV      792        12.31.20  

09.14.11

   Cag S.A. II      607        12.31.20  

02.13.14

   Mila V      5        12.31.20  

06.06.14

   Mila VI      5        12.31.20  

06.18.14

   Red Surcos II      1,356        12.31.20  

10.03.14

   Mila VII      5        01.20.21  

01.13.15

   Red Surcos III      767        12.31.20  

01.27.15

   Mila VIII      5        12.31.20  

05.18.15

   Mila IX      260        09.15.21  

08.24.15

   Mila X      5        12.20.21  

10.30.15

   Mila XI      5        01.15.22  

01.14.16

   Mila XII      272        11.15.21  

02.05.16

   Red Surcos IV      870        12.31.20  

05.13.16

   Mila XIII      387        09.15.22  

09.01.16

   Mila XIV      387        01.31.23  

10.27.16

   Mila XV      5,890        03.31.23  

01.10.17

   Mila XVI      387        06.30.23  

02.24.17

   Mila XVII      18,758        09.30.23  

06.12.17

   Mila XVIII      23,559        01.31.24  

10.27.17

   Mila XIX      47        05.31.24  

02.16.18

   Mila XX      141        09.30.24  
     

 

 

    

Totals

        6,953,829     
     

 

 

    

 

(*)

Estimated date, since maturity date shall occur at the time of the distribution of all of trust assets.

 

c)

Activities as Security Agent:

 

c.1)

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. has been appointed Security Agent of the National Treasury’s endorsement guarantees in favor of ENARSA (Energía Argentina S.A.) that were assigned in favor of Nación Fideicomisos S.A. in its capacity as Trustee of the “ENARSA-BARRAGAN” and “ENARSA-BRIGADIER LOPEZ” financial trusts.

Said endorsement guarantees the secure payment of all obligations arising from the above-mentioned trusts.

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., in its capacity as Security Agent, will take custody of the documents regarding the National Treasury’s endorsement guarantees and will be in charge of managing all legal and notarial proceedings with respect to the enforcement thereof.

As of December 31, 2019, balances for such operations amounted to Ps.408, and they amounted to USD1,364,097 and Ps.628 as of December 31, 2018.

And Trust for Guarantee Purposes “Profertil S.A.”, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. was appointed security agent with regard to the Chattel Mortgage Agreement, a transaction that was completed on June 18, 2013, which additionally secures all the obligations undertaken.

As of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the balances recorded from these transactions amount to USD116,500.

All the transactions detailed above are recorded in off-balance sheet items - trust funds.

 

F-77


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

d)

Creation Up of Financial Trusts

As of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the Group records in its own portfolio, participation certificates and Debt Securities from financial trusts amounting to Ps.345,341 and Ps.7,139,883, respectively.

53.4. COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS

53.4.1. Agents – Minimum Liquidity requirement

Within the framework of CNV Resolution No. 622/13, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. has been duly registered with such agency in the following categories: Escrow Agent for Collective Investment Products in the Financial Trustors’ Registry No. 54, and Settlement and Integral Compensation Agent No. 22 (AlyC and AN - INTEGRAL).

As of December 31, 2019, for the Escrow Agent for Collective Investment Products in the Financial Trustors’ Registry, the required Shareholders’ Equity amounts to Ps.22,401, and the minimum required offsetting entry is Ps.11,200.

For AlyC and AN - INTEGRAL, such requirement amounts to Ps. 22,182, with the minimum required liquid offsetting entry of Ps. 11,091, which the Bank integrated with Treasury Bills linked to dollars (Lelinks), registered in escrow accounts of Caja de Valores (Principal 100100).

Likewise, Galicia Valores S.A.U. has been authorized to act as “Settlement and Compensation Agent and Trading Agent – Own Portfolio” as established in CNV General Resolution No. 622/13. In accordance with the expected requirements, the minimum Shareholders’ Equity required to operate in this category amounts to Ps. 22,182 and the minimum offsetting entry amounts to Ps. 11,091.

As of December 31, 2019, the offsetting entry is integrated in a demand account held at Banco Galicia for an amount of thousands of USD 280.

Galicia Administradora de Fondos S.A., Escrow Agent for Collective Investment Products, Mutual Funds, as of December 31, 2019 had integrated the minimum offsetting entry with 1,480,660 shares of Fima Premium B Mutual Fund.

53.4.2. Custodial Agent of Collective Investment Products Corresponding to Mutual Funds

Furthermore, in compliance with Section 7 of Chapter II, Title V of that Resolution, in its capacity as custodial agent of collective investment products corresponding to mutual funds (depository) of the “FIMA ACCIONES”, “FIMA P.B. ACCIONES”, “FIMA RENTA EN PESOS”, “FIMA AHORRO PESOS”, “FIMA RENTA PLUS”, “FIMA PREMIUM”, “FIMA AHORRO PLUS”, “FIMA CAPITAL PLUS”, “FIMA ABIERTO PYMES”, “FIMA MIX I”, “FIMA RENTA DÓLARES I” and “FIMA RENTA DOLARES II” funds, as of December 31, 2019, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. holds a total of 11,045,967,403 units under custody for a market value of Ps.80,719,884, which is included in the “Depositors of Securities Held in Custody” account. As the closing of previous fiscal year, the securities held in custody totaled 9,623,110,829 units and their market value amounted to Ps.92,962,948

The balances of the Mutual Funds as of the indicated dates are detailed as follows:

 

Mutual Fund

   12.31.19      12.31.18  

FIMA Acciones

     403,081        504,763  

FIMA P.B. Acciones

     691,359        1,105,180  

FIMA Renta en pesos

     234,565        377,402  

FIMA Ahorro pesos

     2,664,049        15,217,061  

FIMA Renta Plus

     147,607        223,531  

FIMA Premium

     68,786,916        45,343,287  

FIMA Ahorro Plus

     2,731,723        15,333,412  

FIMA Capital Plus

     113,239        315,463  

FIMA Abierto PyMES

     584,054        481,169  

FIMA Mix I

     57,114        10,285  

FIMA Renta Dólares I (*)

     1,659,818        11,342,465  

FIMA Renta Dólares II (*)

     543,510        2,390,960  

FIMA Renta Fija Internacional

     2,009,672        297,847  

FIMA Acciones Latinoamericanas Dólares(*)

     93,177        20,124  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     80,719,884        92,962,949  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Stated at the reference exchange rate of the U.S. Dollar set by the Argentine Central Bank. See Note 1.6.(b).

All the transactions detailed above are recorded in off-balance sheet items—securities held in custody.

The mutual funds detailed above have not been consolidated as the Group is not a controlling company thereof, since the depository role does not imply in this case:

 

 

power over the trust to run material activities;

 

 

exposure or right to variable returns;

 

 

capacity to have influence on the amount of returns to be received for the involvement.

 

F-78


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

53.4.3. Storage of Documents

Pursuant to General Resolution No. 629 of the CNV, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. notes that it has supporting documents regarding accounting and management transactions, which are stored at AdeA (C.U.I.T. No. 30-68233570-6), Plant III located at Ruta Provincial 36 km 31.5 No. 6471 (CP 1888) Bosques, Province of Buenos Aires, with legal domicile at Av. Pte. Roque Sáenz Peña 832, 1st. floor, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

53.5. COMPLIANCE WITH MINIMUM CASH REQUIREMENTS:

As of December 31, 2019, the balances recorded as computable items are as follows:

 

     Currency      Government Securities  

Item

   Ps.      USD      Euros(*)      Ps.      USD  

Checking Accounts held in Argentine Central Bank

     29,950,825        745,161        28        —          —    

Escrow Accounts held in Argentine Central Bank

     6,680,980        14,100        —          —          —    

National Treasury Bonds in Argentine Pesos at Fixed Rate, maturity November 2020

     10,615,788        —          —          —          —    

Liquidity Bills

     14,732,766        —          —          —          —    

Sub-accounts 60 Minimum Cash in Settlement Central Office (Central de Registro de Liquidación, CRYL) of Government Securities and Debt Instruments Issued by the Argentine Central Bank

     —          —          —          68,000        1,431  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total for integration Minimum Cash

     61,980,359        759,261        28        68,000        1,431  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Stated in thousands of USD.

53.6. PENALTIES IMPOSED ON BANCO DE GALICIA Y BUENOS AIRES S.A.U. AND SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS COMMENCED BY THE ARGENTINE CENTRAL BANK

Penalties Imposed on Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. Existing as of December 31, 2019:

U.I.F.’s Summary Proceedings No. 68/09. Penalty notification date: February 25, 2010. Reason for the imposition of the penalty: Alleged omission to report suspicious activities, in possible infringement of Act No. 25246. As a consequence of the aforementioned summary proceedings, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., one of its directors and one of its officers were punished with a fine in the amount of Ps.4,483. Status of the proceedings: Division I of the Argentine Federal Court of Appeals in Administrative Matters partially revoked the penalties, releasing Eduardo A. Fanciulli from any liability and reducing the fines imposed. The UIF, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. and Mr. Enrique M. Garda Olaciregui filed federal extraordinary appeals before Argentine Supreme Court (CSJN). Accounting treatment: As of December 31, 2019, a provision for Ps.5,306 is recorded, whereas a provision for Ps.8,162 was recorded as of December 31, 2018

Summary Proceedings No. 1544: Penalty notification date: November 9, 2018. Reason for the imposition of the penalty: Alleged breach of the provisions set out in Argentine Central Bank’s Communiqué “A” 6242, SINAP 1—61. As a consequence of the aforementioned summary proceedings, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., three of its directors and certain relevant officers were punished with a fine in the amount of Ps.1,497. Status of the proceedings: The Bank will file an appeal against the penalty with the Argentine Federal Court of Appeals in Administrative Matters of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, under the terms of section 42 of Law No. 21526, as amended by Law No. 24144.

53.7. ISSUANCE OF DEBT SECURITIES

The issuance of debt securities is detailed in Notes 27 and 28.

53.8. RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS

Pursuant to Section 70 of the General Corporations Law, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. should transfer 5% of the net income for the year to the Legal Reserve until 20% of the capital stock is reached, plus the balance of the Capital Adjustment account.

With respect to Banco Galicia, the Argentine Central Bank regulations require that 20% of the profits shown in the Income Statement at fiscal year-end, plus (or less), the adjustments made in previous fiscal years and, less, if any, the loss accumulated at previous fiscal year-end, be allocated to the legal reserve.

This proportion applies regardless of the ratio of the Legal Reserve fund to Capital Stock. Should the Legal Reserve be used to absorb losses, earnings shall be distributed only if the value of the Legal Reserve reaches 20% of the Capital Stock plus the Capital Adjustment.

 

F-79


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

The Argentine Central Bank sets rules for the conditions under which financial institutions can make distributions of profits. According to these rules, profits can be distributed as long as results of operations are positive after deducting not only the Reserves, which may be legally and statutory required, but also the following items from Retained Income: The difference between the carrying amount and the market value of public sector assets and/or debt instruments issued by the Argentine Central Bank not valued at market price, the amounts capitalized for lawsuits related to deposits and any unrecorded adjustments required by the external auditors or the Argentine Central Bank.

Moreover, in order that a financial institution be able to distribute profits, such institution must comply with the capital adequacy rule, i.e. with the calculation of minimum capital requirements and the regulatory capital.

For these purposes, this shall be done by deducting from its assets and Retained Income all the items mentioned in the paragraph above. Moreover, in such calculation, a financial institution shall not be able to compute the temporary reductions that affect minimum capital requirements, computable regulatory capital or its capital adequacy.

Since January 2016, the Argentine Central Bank determined that banks shall meet an additional capital conservation buffer apart from the minimum capital requirement equal to 3.5% of risk-weighted assets. This shall be made up only of Tier 1 Common Capital, net of deductible items. Distribution of profits shall be restricted when the Bank’s computable regulatory capital level and structure is within the range of the capital conservation buffer.

Since August 30, 2019, the prior authorization of the Argentine Central Bank is required for the distributions of profits. Through the authorization process, the Superintendence of Financial and Exchange Institutions (Superintendencia de Entidades Financieras y Cambiarias, SEFyC) will consider, among other elements, the potential effects of the application of section 5.5. of IFRS 9, related to impairment loss of financial assets, and the restatement of financial statements due to inflation.

Tarjeta Naranja S.A.’s Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on March 16, 2006 decided to set the maximum limit for the distribution of dividends at 25% of the realized and liquid profits of each fiscal year. This restriction shall remain in force as long as the company’s Shareholders’ Equity is below Ps.300,000.

Pursuant to the Price Supplement of the Class XXXVII Notes, Tarjeta Naranja S.A. has agreed not to distribute dividends that may exceed 50% of the company’s net income. This restriction also applies in the event of any excess over certain indebtedness ratios.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, profits resulting from the first-time application of IFRS may not be distributed; instead, such profits, if any, will be appropriated to a special reserve recorded under equity which might only be released for capitalization purposes, or otherwise to offset potential losses.

The Group may pay dividends to the extent that it has distributable retained earnings and distributable reserves calculated in accordance with the rules of the Argentine Central Bank described in Note 1.1. Therefore, retained earnings included in the consolidated financial statements may not be wholly distributable.

Shareholders’ equity under the rules of the Argentine Central Bank comprise the following captions:

 

     12.31.19  

Share Capital

     1,426,765  

Additional paid in Capital

     10,951,132  

Adjustments to Shareholders’ equity

     278,131  

Legal reserve

     340,979  

Distributable reserves

     37,530,232  

Non distributable reserves

     2,970,193  

Profit for the year

     41,557,118  
  

 

 

 

Total Shareholder’s equity under the rules of the Argentine Central Bank

     95,054,550  
  

 

 

 

Plan for the distribution of profits under the rules of the Argentine Central Bank comprise the following captions:

 

     12.31.19  

Distributable Income (1)

     79,087,350  

Legal reserve

     —    

Distributable Balance

     79,087,350  

Distributable Income

  

To Optional Reserve for developing new businesses and supporting investees

     37,557,118  

To Optional Reserve for Future Distribution of Profits (2)

     4,000,000  
  

 

 

 

Appropriated Retained Earnings

     37,530,232  
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

It includes Retained Earnings, plus Discretionary Reserve, less purchase of minority interest.

(2)

According to the provisions of Communiqué “A” 6618, such reserve, which includes the amount of income resulting from the first-time application of IFRS, shall be set at the first Shareholders’ Meeting to be held after fiscal year-end.

Due to the regulations recently passed by the Argentine Central Bank within the framework of the measures taken by the government to respond to the COVID-19, the capacity of the Argentine financial system to pay cash dividends has been suspended until June 30, 2020.

 

F-80


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

53.9. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TRANSPARENCY POLICY

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.

Board of Directors

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.’s Board of Directors is the Company’s highest management body. It is made up of nine directors and three alternate directors, who must have the necessary knowledge and skills to clearly understand their responsibilities and duties within the corporate governance, and to act with the loyalty and diligence of a good businessman.

As set out in its bylaws, the term of office for both directors and alternate directors is three (3) years; they are partially changed every year and may be reelected indefinitely.

The Company complies with the appropriate standards regarding total number of directors, as well as the number of independent directors. Furthermore, its bylaws provide for the flexibility necessary to adapt the number of directors to the possible changes in the conditions in which the Company carries out its activities, from three (3) to nine (9) directors.

The Board of Directors complies, in every relevant respect, with the recommendations included in the Code on Corporate Governance as Schedule IV to Title IV of the regulations issued by the National Securities Commission (Text amended in 2013).

It also monitors the application of the corporate governance policies provided for by the regulations in force through the Executive Committee, the Audit Committee and the Committee for Information Integrity. Periodically, the Committees provide the Board of Directors with information, and the Board gets to know the decisions of each Committee. What is appropriate is transcribed in the minutes drafted at the Board of Directors’ meetings.

Executive Committee

In July 2018, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.’s Board of Directors approved the creation of the Executive Committee, along with its governing rules and regulations. It is made up of five directors, and the purpose of its creation is to contribute to the conduction of the Company’s ordinary business and the efficient performance of the Board of Directors’ duties.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee set by Capital Markets Law No. 26831 and the CNV’s regulations is formed by three directors, two of whom are independent, and meets the requirements set out in U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Such Committee’s mission is to provide the Board of Directors with assistance in overseeing the financial statements, as well as in the task of controlling Grupo Financiero Galicia and its subsidiaries.

Committee for Information Integrity

The Committee for Information Integrity was created in compliance with the recommendations of U.S. Sarbanes Oxley Act, and is made up of the General Manager, the Administrative and Finance Manager and two supervisors of the Administrative and Finance Division.

Its most important duties are monitoring the Company’s internal controls, reviewing the financial statements and other information published, preparing Board of Directors’ reports with the activities carried out by the Committee. Its operation has been adapted to local laws and it currently performs important administrative and reporting duties, which are used by the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee, contributing to the transparency of the information provided to markets.

Basic Holding Structure

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. is a company whose sole purpose is to conduct financial and investment activities as per Section 31 of the General Corporations Law. That is to say, it is a holding company whose activity involves managing its equity investments, assets and resources.

Within the group of companies in which the Company has an interest, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. stands out, which is its main asset and a wholly owned subsidiary. Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U., as a bank institution, is subject to certain regulatory restrictions imposed by the Argentine Central Bank. Among such restrictions, there is one that limits the equity interest to a maximum of 12.5% of the capital stock in companies that do not perform activities qualified as supplementary.

 

F-81


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Therefore, Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. directly and indirectly holds those equity interests in companies that carry out activities defined as non-supplementary.

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. has a reduced structure due to its nature as holding company of a group of financial services. Accordingly, certain typical organizational aspects of large operating companies are not applicable thereto.

To conclude, one should note that Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. is under the control of a pure holding company, EBA Holding S.A., which has the number of votes necessary to hold the majority of votes at the Shareholders’ Meetings, although it does not have any managerial functions over the former.

Compensation Systems

Directors’ compensation is defined by the General Shareholders’ Meeting and is fixed within the limits established by law and the corporate bylaws.

The Audit Committee expresses its opinion on whether compensation proposals for Directors are reasonable, taking into consideration market standards.

Business Conduct Policy

The Company has consistently shown respect for the rights of its shareholders, reliability and accuracy in the information provided, transparency as to its policies and decisions, and caution with regard to the disclosure of strategic business issues.

Code of Ethics

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. has a Code of Ethics formally approved that guides its policies and activities. It considers business objectivity and conflict-of-interests related-aspects, and how the employee should act upon identifying a breach of the Code of Ethics.

Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U.

Banco Galicia’s Board of Directors is the Company’s highest management body. As of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements, it is made up of seven directors and four alternate directors, who have the necessary knowledge and skills to clearly understand their responsibilities and duties within the corporate governance, and act with the loyalty and diligence of a good businessman.

Banco Galicia complies with the appropriate standards regarding total number of directors, as well as number of independent directors. Furthermore, its bylaws provide for the flexibility necessary to adapt from three (3) to nine (9) directors to the possible changes in the conditions in which the Bank carries out its activities.

The General Shareholders’ Meeting has the power to establish the number of directors, both independent and non-independent ones, and appoint them. Out of the seven directors, one of them is independent. In addition, two of the alternate directors are independent. The independence concept is defined in the regulations set forth by the CNV and the Argentine Central Bank regulations.

As regards prevention of conflicts of interest, the provisions set forth in the General Corporations Law and the Capital Markets Law are applicable.

As set out in the bylaws, the term of office for both directors and alternate directors is three years; two thirds of them (or a fraction of at least three) are changed every year and may be reelected indefinitely.

The Board of Directors’ meeting is held at least once a week and when required by any director. The Board of Directors is responsible for the Bank’s general management and makes all the necessary decisions to such end. The Board of Directors’ members also take part, to a greater or lesser extent, in the commissions and committees created. Therefore, they are continuously informed about the Bank’s course of business and become aware of the decisions made by such bodies, which are transcribed into minutes.

Additionally, the Board of Directors receives a monthly report prepared by the General Manager, the purpose of which is to report the material issues and events addressed at the different meetings held between the General Manager and Senior Management. The Board of Directors becomes aware of such reports, as evidenced in the minutes.

In connection with directors’ training and development, the Bank has a program, which is reviewed every nine months, whereby they regularly attend courses and seminars of different kinds and subjects.

According to the activities carried out by the Bank, effective laws and corporate strategies, the following committees have been created to achieve an effective control over all activities performed by the Bank:

 

 

Risk and Capital Allocation Committee

It is in charge of approving and analyzing capital allocation, establishing risk policies and monitoring the Bank’s risk.

 

F-82


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

   

High Credit Committee

This committee’s function is to approve and sign credit ratings and grant transactions related to high-risk groups and customers, i.e., greater than 2.5% of the Bank’s individual Computable Regulatory Capital, loans to financial institutions (local or foreign) and related customers, in which case two thirds of the Board of Directors is required to participate.

 

 

Low Credit Committee

This committee’s function is to approve and sign the credit ratings and grant transactions related to medium-risk groups and customers, equal to amounts greater than 1% of the Bank’s individual Computable Regulatory Capital.

 

 

Asset and Liability Management Committee

It is in charge of analyzing the fundraising and its placement in different assets, the follow-up and control of liquidity, interest-rate and currency mismatches, and management thereof.

 

 

Information Technology Committee

This Committee is in charge of supervising and approving the development plans of new systems and their budgets, as well as supervising these systems’ budget control. It is also responsible for approving the general design of the systems’ structure, the main processes thereof and the systems implemented, as well as monitoring the quality of the Bank’s systems, within the policies established by the Board of Directors.

 

 

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is responsible for helping the Board of Directors, in performing the control function of the Bank and its controlled companies and the companies in which it owns a stake, in order to fairly ensure the following objectives:

 

 

Effectiveness and efficiency of operations;

 

 

Reliability of the accounting information;

 

 

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and

 

 

Compliance with the goals and strategy set by the Board of Directors.

 

 

Committee for the Control and Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorist Activities (CPLA/FT, as per its initials in Spanish)

It is in charge of planning, coordinating and ensuring compliance with the policies on anti-money laundering and funding of terrorist activities set and approved by the Board of Directors.

 

 

Committee for Information Integrity

It is in charge of encouraging compliance with the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley (2002).

 

 

Human Resources and Governance Committee

It is in charge of presenting the succession of the General Manager and Division Managers, analyzing and establishing the General Manager’s and Division Managers’ compensation, and monitoring the performance matrix of Department and Division Managers.

 

 

Performance Reporting Committee

It is in charge of monitoring the performance and results of operations and evaluating the macro situation.

 

 

Liquidity Crisis Committee

It is in charge of evaluating the situation upon facing a liquidity crisis and deciding the steps to be implemented to tackle it.

 

 

Strategy and New Businesses Committee

It is in charge of analyzing new businesses.

 

 

Compliance Committee

It is in charge of instilling respect for Banco Galicia’s rules, code of conduct and ethics, and mitigating the risk of default, by defining policies and establishing controls and reports in the best interests of the Bank and its employees, shareholders and customers.

 

 

Committee for the Protection of Users of Financial Services

 

F-83


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

It is responsible for following up on the activities developed by Banco Galicia’s management involved in user protection internal processes to ensure adequate compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

The Bank considers the General Manager and Division Management reporting to the General Manager as Senior Management. These are detailed as follows:

 

 

Retail Banking Division

 

 

Wholesale Banking Division

 

 

Finance Division

 

 

Comprehensive Corporate Services Division

 

 

Organizational Development and Human Resources Division

 

 

Risk Management Division

 

 

Strategic Planning and Management Control Division

 

 

Customer’s Experience Division

Senior Management’s main duties are as follows:

 

 

Ensure that the Bank’s activities are consistent with the business strategy, the policies approved by the Board of Directors and the risks to be assumed.

 

 

Implement the necessary policies, procedures, processes and controls to manage operations and risks cautiously, meet the strategic goals set by the Board of Directors and ensure that the latter receives material, full and timely information so that it may assess management and analyze whether the responsibilities assigned are effectively fulfilled.

 

 

Monitor the managers from different divisions, in line with the policies and procedures set by the Board of Directors and establish an effective internal control system.

Basic Holding Structure

The Bank’s majority shareholder is Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A., which has full control of its shares and votes. In turn, the Bank holds equity investments in supplementary companies as shareholders of the parent, as well as minority interests in companies whose controlling company is its own shareholders of the parent. From a business point of view, this structure allows the Bank to take advantage of significant synergies that guarantee the loyalty of its customers and additional businesses. All business relationships with these companies, whether permanent or occasional in nature, are fostered under the normal and usual market conditions and this is true when the Bank holds either a majority or minority interest. Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.’s Board of Directors submits to the Shareholders’ Meeting’s vote which shall be the Company’s vote in its capacity as shareholders of the parent at the Bank’s Shareholders’ Meeting. The same method of transparency and information as to its controlled companies and the companies it owns a stake in is applied at the Bank’s Shareholders’ Meetings, which are always attended by directors and officers thereof and the Board of Directors always provides detailed information about the Company’s activities.

Business Conduct Policy and/or Code of Ethics

The Bank has a formally approved Code of Ethics that guides its policies and activities. It considers business objectivity and conflict of interest related aspects, and how the employee should act upon identifying a breach of the Code of Ethics, with the involvement of the Conduct Committee.

Information Related to Personnel Economic Incentive Practices

The Human Resources and Governance Committee, composed of two (2) Directors, the General Manager and the Organizational Development and Human Resources Division Manager, is in charge of establishing the compensation policy for Banco Galicia’s personnel.

It is the policy of Banco Galicia to manage the full compensation of its personnel based on the principles of fairness, meritocracy and justice, within the framework of the legal regulations in force.

The aim of this policy is to provide an objective and fair basis, through the design and implementation of tools for the management of the fixed and variable compensation paid to each employee, based on the scope and complexity of each position’s responsibilities, individual performance with regard to compliance thereof, contribution to the Bank’s results and conformity to market values, with the purpose of:

 

 

Attracting and creating loyalty with regard to quality personnel suitable for the achievement of the business strategy and goals.

 

F-84


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

Being an individual motivation means.

 

 

Easing the decentralized management of compensation administration.

 

 

Allowing the effective budget control of personnel costs.

 

 

Guaranteeing the internal fairness in order to monitor and ensure both external and internal fairness with regard to the payment of fixed and variable compensation. The Compensation area uses and puts at the disposal of the Senior Management and the Human Resources Committee market surveys published by consulting firms specialized in compensation issues, pursuant to the market positioning policies defined by the management division for the different corporate levels.

With the purpose of gearing individuals towards the achievement of attainable results that contribute to the global performance of the Bank/Area, and to the increase in motivation for the common attainment of goals, differentiating individual contribution, Banco Galicia has different variable compensation systems:

 

1)

Business Incentives and/or Incentives through Commissions system for business areas.

 

2)

Annual Bonus System for management levels, officers and the rest of the employees who are not included in the business incentives system. The annual bonus is determined based on individual performance and the Bank’s results and is paid in the first quarter of the next fiscal year. To determine the variable compensation for the Senior Management and Middle Management, the Bank uses the Management Performance Assessment System. This system has been designed including both qualitative and quantitative KPI (Key Performance Indicators). In particular, quantitative Key Performance Indicators are designed with respect to at least three minimum aspects:

 

  a)

Results.

 

  b)

Business volume or size.

 

  c)

Projections: Indicators that protect the business for the future (For example: Quality, internal and external customer satisfaction, risk coverage, work environment, etc.).

The significance or impact of each of them is monitored and adjusted yearly pursuant to the strategy approved by the Board of Directors.

The interaction among these three aspects seeks to make incentives related to results and growth consistent with the risk thresholds determined by the Board of Directors. In turn, there is no deferred payment of variable compensation subject to the occurrence of future events or in the long term, taking into consideration that the business environment in the Argentine financial system is characterized by being mainly transactional, with lending and borrowing transactions with a very short seasoning term.

Annual budget and management control – the latter carried out monthly in a general manner and quarterly in a more detailed manner—include different risk ratios, including the ratio between compensation and risks undertaken. Variable compensation is only paid in cash. There are no share-based payments. Every change to this policy is submitted to Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.’s Human Resources Committee for its consideration.

NOTE 54. ECONOMIC CONTEXT WHERE THE GROUP OPERATES

 

The Group operates in a complex context that results from a combination of the current state of the Argentine economy and the effect that the advance of the COVID-19 pandemic has had worldwide.

When the Fernandez Administration took office in December 2019, the economy was under a state of distress: last year, Argentina’s economy displayed a 2.2% contraction amidst considerable FX volatility, accelerating inflation, a steep fall in the price of its sovereign bonds and an increase in the risk of default. In order to cope with this situation, at the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020 the new government reinforced the exchange rate controls implemented by the previous administration and started a process of interest rate reduction in order to boost credit.

Regarding the fiscal front, the government passed a law that created new taxes and increased others, while at the same time bringing the tax-rate cut expected for this year to an end. At the same time, the government suspended the automatic indexation formula used on pensions and social plans and replaced it with discretionary increases. The aim was to achieve a similar fiscal primary deficit to the one in 2019 (-1.0% of GDP, once extraordinary revenues are removed) that was countercyclical but small enough to reach an understanding with debt creditors so as to avoid default.

However, the worldwide spread of COVID-19 during recent months and the need to implement preventive measures such as social isolation utterly altered the economic context. On the one hand, the international recession will have a negative impact on local activity through a contraction in Argentine exports—both through a shift in the demand curve as well as a through a fall in prices. On the other hand, the measures taken by the government are already showing a

 

F-85


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

direct negative impact on local production and consumption. In order to offset these effects, the government has foregone its fiscal deficit target for 2019 and is currently implementing a stimulus package that consists of an increase in government spending, tax abatements and subsidized credit.

This context continues on the date of issuance of these Financial Statements. The Group’s key personnel permanently monitors the evolution of the variables that affect their business, to define their course of action and identify the potential impacts on their financial position. These Financial Statements must be read taking into account the circumstances described above.

NOTE 55. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The outbreak and spread of a virus called “coronavirus” (or COVID-19) by the end of 2019 has given rise to various consequences in both business and economic activities throughout the world. Due to the exceptional nature of the virus and its rapid global spread, in March 2020 several governments around the world implemented drastic measures to contain the spread, including, but not limited to, the closure of borders and the ban on travel to and from certain parts of the world for a period of time, and, the mandatory isolation of its citizen on together with the cessation of non-essential commercial activities. On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

In Argentina, the National Government implemented a number of measures aimed at reducing the movement of the population, establishing the social, preventive and mandatory isolation from March 20 to May 10, 2020, (which could be extended if the government considers it necessary) where only individuals working in the rendering/production of essential services and products were allowed to leaves their homes.

The final significance of the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on both world and local economies is unknown, and the governments might take even stricter measures, which are not predictable at this time. As of the date of issuance of our Financial Statements, Grupo Financiero Galicia has not experienced significant impacts on their income as a result of this pandemic. Although the Argentine Central Bank established a series of measures in order to minimize physical contact between people, the most relevant being the limitation of customer service at our branches, the operations of our subsidiaries are maintained, and we expect them to continue in spite of the difficulties. However, the extent to which the coronavirus will affect the future of Grupo Financiero Galicia’s business, and the impact on the income from our operations cannot be reasonably quantified if this situation extends for a longer period of time.

The Board of Directors is closely monitoring this situation and taking all the required measures within their reach to preserve human life and our operations.

 

F-86


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE A – BREAKDOWN OF GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECURITIES

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

     Holdings  
                   Carrying Amount  

Item

   Fair Value      Fair Value
Level
     12.31.19     12.31.18  

DEBT SECURITIES AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

           65,690,460       116,812,885  

Argentine

           65,690,460       116,812,885  

Government Securities

           6,700,187       7,229,825  

Argentine Government Bonds

        Level 1        337,891       2,255,599  

Argentine Government Bonds

        Level 3        8,866       29,439  

Provincial Government Bonds

        Level 1        —         828,527  

Provincial Government Bonds

        Level 3        —         684,868  

City of Buenos Aires Bonds

        Level 1        120,441       57,173  

City of Buenos Aires Bonds

        Level 3        —         7,804  

Treasury Bills

        Level 1        1,049,425       1,400,363  

Treasury Bills

        Level 2        —         1,966,052  

Treasury Bills

        Level 3        5,183,564       —    

Argentine Central Bank’s Bills

           58,141,095       107,833,074  

Liquidity Bills

        Level 2        58,141,095       107,833,074  

Corporate Securities

           849,178       1,749,986  

Debt Securities

        Level 1        614,317       416,070  

Debt Securities

        Level 3        140,773       644,139  

Debt Securities of Financial Trusts

        Level 1        50,000       58,895  

Debt Securities of Financial Trusts

        Level 3        44,088       97,774  

Participation Certificates in Financial Trusts

        Level 2        —         55,795  

Participation Certificates in Financial Trusts

        Level 3        —         477,313  

OTHER DEBT SECURITIES

           19,019,630       22,188,992  

Measured at Fair Value through OCI

           15,916,306       14,017,361  

Argentine

           15,916,306       14,017,361  

Government Securities

           15,916,306       14,017,361  

Argentine Government Bonds

        Level 1        15,845,886       13,933,330  

City of Buenos Aires Bonds

        Level 1        70,420       84,031  

Measurement at Amortized Cost

           3,103,324       8,171,631  

Argentine

           3,103,324       8,168,814  

Government Securities

           2,307,931       342,412  

Argentine Government Bonds

           1,440       5,007  

Treasury Bills

           2,335,148       337,405  

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Risk

           (28,657     —    

Corporate Securities

           795,393       7,826,402  

Debt Securities

           427,675       747,507  

Debt Securities of Financial Trusts

           508,481       7,246,049  

Others

           13,629       —    

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Risk

           (154,392     (167,154

From Abroad

           —         2,817  

Government Securities

           —         2,817  

Treasury Bills

           —         2,817  

INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY INSTRUMENTS

           4,554,453       247,753  

Measured at Fair Value through profit or loss

           4,554,453       247,753  

Argentine

           4,512,290       204,349  

Shares

        Level 1        125,198       3,122  

Shares

        Level 3        4,387,092       201,227  

From Abroad

           42,163       43,404  

Shares

        Level 1        36,805       38,097  

Shares

        Level 3        5,358       5,307  

 

F-87


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE B – CLASSIFICATION OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING BY STATUS AND GUARANTEES RECEIVED

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Item

   12.31.19      12.31.18  

COMMERCIAL PORTFOLIO

     

In Normal Situation

     181,722,808        225,872,023  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     1,900,091        11,838,338  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     13,016,751        12,161,671  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     166,805,966        201,872,014  

With Special Follow-Up In Observation

     404,508        2,764,225  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     324,899        12,306  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     79,609        2,751,919  

With Problems

     —          718,748  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     —          675,435  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     —          43,313  

High Insolvency Risk

     2,682,021        309,698  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     759,369        44,683  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     1,922,652        265,015  

Uncollectible

     2,472,004        460  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     43,689        —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     166,337        —    

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     2,261,978        460  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMERCIAL PORTFOLIO

     187,281,341        229,665,154  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-88


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE B – CLASSIFICATION OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING BY STATUS AND GUARANTEES RECEIVED (Continued)

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Item

   12.31.19      12.31.18  

CONSUMER AND HOUSING PORTFOLIO

     

Normal Performance

     221,259,364        268,718,427  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     166,064        373,591  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     18,075,462        21,856,382  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     203,017,838        246,488,454  

Low Risk

     6,509,508        8,726,798  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     15,262        19,427  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     209,305        234,985  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     6,284,941        8,472,386  

Medium Risk

     4,215,825        6,509,557  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     7,404        3,484  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     162,521        167,035  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     4,045,900        6,339,038  

High Risk

     6,440,071        6,631,704  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     —          17,869  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     174,667        76,701  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     6,265,404        6,537,134  

Uncollectible

     5,209,980        1,782,318  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     11,932        15,254  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     119,688        98,856  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     5,078,360        1,668,208  

Uncollectible due to Technical Reasons

     904        10,456  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     904        10,456  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL CONSUMER AND HOUSING PORTFOLIO

     243,635,652        292,379,260  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

GRAND TOTAL(1)

     430,916,993        522,044,414  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Reconciliation between Schedule B and Statement of Financial Position:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Loans and Other Financing

     358,558,869        434,899,689  

Other Debt Securities

     19,019,630        22,188,992  

Agreed Credits and Guarantees Granted Accounted Off-Balance Sheet

     40,383,111        50,079,608  

Plus, Allowances for Uncollectible Accounts

     26,027,114        24,278,469  

Plus, Adjustments to the IFRS based accounting framework, not Computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position

     6,572,922        6,521,891  

Minus Others Non-computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position

     (3,728,347      (1,880,806

Minus Government Securities Measured at Fair Value through OCI

     (15,916,306      (14,043,429
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     430,916,993        522,044,414  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-89


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE C – CONCENTRATION OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

     LOANS  
     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Number of Customers

   Outstanding
Balance
     % of Total
Portfolio
     Outstanding
Balance
     % of Total
Portfolio
 

10 Largest Customers

     44,020,866        10        59,238,795        11  

next 50 Largest Customers

     65,756,034        15        80,346,482        15  

next 100 Largest Customers

     30,972,704        7        34,808,937        7  

Rest of Customers

     290,167,389        68        347,650,200        67  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL(1)

     430,916,993        100        522,044,414        100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Reconciliation between Schedule C and Statement of Financial Position:

 

     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Loans and Other Financing

     358,558,869        434,899,689  

Other Debt Securities

     19,019,630        22,188,992  

Agreed Credits and Guarantees Granted Accounted Off-Balance Sheet

     40,383,111        50,079,608  

Plus, Allowances for Uncollectible Accounts

     26,027,114        24,278,469  

Plus, Adjustments to the IFRS based accounting framework, not Computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position

     6,572,922        6,521,891  

Minus Others Non-computable for the Statement of Debtors’ Financial Position

     (3,728,347      (1,880,806

Minus Government Securities Measured at Fair Value through OCI

     (15,916,306      (14,043,429
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     430,916,993        522,044,414  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-90


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE D – BREAKDOWN BY TERM OF LOANS AND OTHER FINANCING

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2019 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

The following table shows contractual cash flows, including interest and other expenses to be accrued until contractual maturity.

 

          Terms Remaining to Maturity        

Item

  Past-due
Loan
Portfolio
    1 Month     3 Months     6 Months     12 Months     24 Months     Over 24
Months
    Total  

Non-financial Public Sector

    —         769,997       —         —         —         —         —         769,997  

Financial Sector

    —         5,548,063       2,591,417       1,139,878       2,554,012       2,742,300       771,816       15,347,486  

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

    18,845,456       171,455,652       70,939,228       73,747,954       65,993,752       85,782,245       55,109,528       541,873,815  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

    18,845,456       177,773,712       73,530,645       74,887,832       68,547,764       88,524,545       55,881,344       557,991,298  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-91


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE F – CHANGES IN PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

      Depreciation     Net Book Value as of  

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Fiscal
Year
    Estimated
Useful
Life in
Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Disposals     For the
Fiscal
Year
    At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.19     12.31.18  

Measurement at Cost

                     

Real Estate

    22,559,451       50       1,136,278       (600,307     125,353       (2,102,860     573,989       (442,772     (1,971,643     21,249,132       20,456,591  

Furniture and Facilities

    4,312,889       10       289,317       (1,109,513     1,172,024       (2,841,845     273,922       (328,809     (2,896,732     1,767,985       1,471,044  

Machines and Equipment

    13,806,989       3 y 5       1,323,557       (771,661     9       (9,212,746     521,587       (1,637,710     (10,328,869     4,030,025       4,594,243  

Vehicles

    169,084       5       64,182       (58,982     —         (77,496     31,128       (27,492     (73,860     100,424       91,588  

Right of use of real property

    —         —         4,645,665       —         —         —         —         (964,519     (964,519     3,681,146    

Personal Property Acquired for Finance Leases

    67,892       5       —         —         —         (67,892     —         —         (67,892     —         —    

Sundry

    1,446,170       5 y 10       108,146       (227,578     215,544       (606,702     —         (244,952     (851,654     690,628       839,468  

Work in Progress

    2,332,996       —         624,580       —         (1,512,930     —         —         —         —         1,444,646       2,332,996  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    44,695,471         8,191,725       (2,768,041     —         (14,909,541     1,400,626       (3,646,254     (17,155,169     32,963,986       29,785,930  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      Depreciation     Net Book Value as of  

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Fiscal
Year
    Estimated
Useful
Life in
Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Disposals     For the
Fiscal
Year
    At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.18     12.31.17  

Measurement at Cost

                     

Real Estate

    22,339,358       50       29,411       (80,834     271,516       (1,821,584     61,647       (342,923     (2,102,860     20,456,591       20,517,774  

Furniture and Facilities

    3,678,847       10       376,448       (75,381     332,975       (2,708,777     54,714       (187,782     (2,841,845     1,471,044       970,070  

Machines and Equipment

    12,566,984       3 y 5       1,696,838       (285,318     (171,515     (8,452,820     235,380       (995,306     (9,212,746     4,594,243       4,114,164  

Vehicles

    131,569       5       48,408       (11,570     677       (66,512     6,121       (17,105     (77,496     91,588       65,057  

Personal Property Acquired for Finance Leases

    68,569       5       —         —         (677     (68,197     305       —         (67,892     —         372  

Sundry

    1,166,964       5 y 10       9,051       (4,744     274,899       (444,277     1,288       (163,713     (606,702     839,468       722,687  

Work in Progress

    1,621,239       —         1,435,202       (49,602     (673,843     —         —         —         —         2,332,996       1,621,239  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    41,573,530         3,595,358       (507,449     34,032       (13,562,167     359,455       (1,706,829     (14,909,541     29,785,930       28,011,363  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-92


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE F – CHANGES IN INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

Changes in investment properties recorded in the “Other Non-financial Assets” account are detailed below.

 

                                  Depreciation     Net Book Value as of  

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Fiscal
Year
    Estimated
Useful
Life in
Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Disposals     For the
Fiscal
Year
    At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.19     12.31.18  

Measurement at Cost

                     

Real Estate Leased

    472,833       50       —         —         —         (25,344     —         (11,697     (37,041     435,792       447,489  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    472,833         —         —         —         (25,344     —         (11,697     (37,041     435,792       447,489  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                                  Depreciation     Net Book Value as of  

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Fiscal
Year
    Estimated
Useful
Life in
Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Disposals     For the
Fiscal
Year
    At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.18     12.31.17  

Measurement at Cost

                     

Real Estate Leased

    471,893       50       6       —         934       (15,906     —         (9,438     (25,344     447,489       455,987  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    471,893         6       —         934       (15,906     —         (9,438     (25,344     447,489       455,987  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-93


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE G – CHANGES IN INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

                                  Amortization     Net Book Value as of  

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Year
    Estimated
Useful Life
in Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Disposals     For the
Fiscal
Year
    Transfers     At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.19     12.31.18  

Measurement at Cost

                       

Licenses

    5,674,596       5       1,783,633       (694,788     —         (3,423,333     783,177       (941,663     —         (3,581,819     3,181,622       2,251,263  

Intangible Assets Acquired through Finance Leases

    181,581       5       —         (181,581     —         (181,581     181,581       —         —         —         —         —    

Other Intangible Assets

    7,926,420       5       2,567,408       (3,741,361     —         (3,121,165     2,340,655       (460,867     —         (1,241,377     5,511,090       4,805,255  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    13,782,597         4,351,041       (4,617,730     —         (6,726,079     3,305,413       (1,402,530     —         (4,823,196     8,692,712       7,056,518  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                                  Amortization     Net Book Value as of  

Item

  Value at
Beginning
of Year
    Estimated
Useful Life
in Years
    Additions     Disposals     Transfers     Accumulated     Disposals     For the
Fiscal
Year
    Transfers     At Fiscal
Year-end
    12.31.18     12.31.17  

Measurement at Cost

                       

Licenses

    4,390,538       5       1,388,884       (422,704     317,878       (3,127,318     414,275       (682,659     (27,631     (3,423,333     2,251,263       1,263,220  

Intangible Assets Acquired through Finance Leases

    181,581       5       —         —         —         (179,121     —         (2,460     —         (181,581     —         2,460  

Other Intangible Assets

    4,402,894       5       689,023       (1,774     2,836,277       (3,015,101     1,774       (135,469     27,631       (3,121,165     4,805,255       1,387,793  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    8,975,013         2,077,907       (424,478     3,154,155       (6,321,540     416,049       (820,588     —         (6,726,079     7,056,518       2,653,473  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-94


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE H – CONCENTRATION OF DEPOSITS

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

     DEPOSITS ACCOUNTS  
     12.31.19     12.31.18  

Number of Customers

   Debt
Balance
     % on Total
Portfolio
    Debt
Balance
     % on Total
Portfolio
 

10 Largest Customers

     27,901,731        7.0     41,425,857        7.0

next 50 Largest Customers

     33,953,316        9.0     33,677,497        6.0

next 100 Largest Customers

     18,400,829        4.0     24,128,552        4.0

Rest of Customers

     313,479,530        80.0     454,714,382        83.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     393,735,406        100.0     553,946,288        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-95


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE I – BREAKDOWN OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES BY REMAINING CONTRACTUAL TERM

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

The following table shows the decline in contractual cash flows, including interest and other expenses to be accrued until undiscounted contractual maturity.

 

    Terms until Maturity        

Item

  1 Month     3 Months     6 Months     12 Months     24 Months     More than
24 Months
    Total  

Deposits (1)

    358,461,867       36,630,070       5,122,033       2,184,736       23,413       53,993       402,476,112  

Non-financial Public Sector

    1,642,786       313,363       —         —         —         —         1,956,149  

Financial Sector

    450,934       —         —         —         —         —         450,934  

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

    356,368,147       36,316,707       5,122,033       2,184,736       23,413       53,993       400,069,029  

Liabilities Measured at fair value through profit or loss

    1,422,157       —         —         —         —         —         1,422,157  

Derivative Financial Instruments

    881,099       —         —         —         —         —         881,099  

Repurchase Transactions

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Other Financial Liabilities

    71,226,543       14,266       11,853       28,766       49,396       64,802       71,395,626  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

    3,997,848       6,440,202       4,385,899       4,504,237       3,297,047       2,907,032       25,532,265  

Debt Securities

    3,118,083       5,344,144       13,240,531       4,176,371       5,682,640       6,289,406       37,851,175  

Subordinated Debt Securities

    607,968       —         —         607,968       1,215,935       21,022,988       23,454,859  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

    439,715,565       48,428,682       22,760,316       11,502,078       10,268,431       30,338,221       563,013,293  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Maturities in the first month include:

   

Checking Accounts Ps.64,981,553.

   

Savings Accounts Ps.180,314,499.

   

Time Deposit Ps.110,225,705.

   

Other Deposits Ps.2,939,696.

   

Interest to be Accrued Ps.414.

 

F-96


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE J – CHANGES IN PROVISIONS

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

                   Decreases           Balances as of      Balances as of  

Item

   Balances at
the Beginning

of the
Year
     Increases      Reversals     Charge
offs
    Inflation
Effect
    12.31.19      12.31.18  

FROM LIABILITIES

                 

For Administrative, Disciplinary and Criminal Penalties

     8,162        33        —         (31     (2,858     5,306        8,162  

Provisions for Termination Benefits

     133,720        112,548        —         (15,338     (59,572     171,358        133,720  

Others

     2,087,646        1,765,389        (50,265     (207,589     (1,024,879     2,570,302        2,087,646  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL PROVISIONS

     2,229,528        1,877,970        (50,265     (222,958     (1,087,309     2,746,966        2,229,528  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-97


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE K – CAPITAL STOCK STRUCTURE

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Shares

     Capital Stock  
                          Issued                              

Class

   Quantity      Nominal Value
per
Share(*)
     Votes per Share      Outstanding      Portfolio shares      Pending
Issuance or
Distribution
     Allocated      Paid-in      Not Paid-in  

Class “A”

     281,221,650        1        5        281,222        —          —          —          281,222        —    

Class “B”

     1,145,542,947        1        1        1,145,543        —          —          —          1,145,543        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,426,764,597              1,426,765        —          —          —          1,426,765        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Face value per share stated in Pesos.

 

F-98


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE L – FOREIGN CURRENCY BALANCES

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

                   12.31.19         

Items

   Headquarters
and

Branches in
the country
     12.31.19      Dollar      Euro      Real      Others      12.31.18  

ASSETS

                    

Cash and Due from Banks

     90,904,875        90,904,875        88,419,525        2,285,329        1,134        198,887        146,381,970  

Debt Securities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     5,562,978        5,562,978        5,562,978        —          —          —          2,244,898  

Other Financial Assets

     2,402,974        2,402,974        2,402,974        —          —          —          1,071,898  

Loans and Other Financing

     95,006,127        95,006,127        94,978,645        26,730        —          752        147,228,404  

Other Financial Institutions

     1,634,122        1,634,122        1,634,122        —          —          —          1,356,426  

To the Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     93,372,005        93,372,005        93,344,523        26,730        —          752        145,871,978  

Other Debt Securities

     5,315,314        5,315,314        5,315,314        —          —          —          6,740,225  

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     2,597,410        2,597,410        2,597,410        —          —          —          5,154,093  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     42,163        42,163        36,805        5,358        —          —          43,404  

Assets for Insurance Contracts

     —          —          —          —          —          —          4,146  

Other Non-financial Assets

     14,145        14,145        14,145        —          —          —          35,863  

TOTAL ASSETS

     201,845,986        201,845,986        199,327,796        2,317,417        1,134        199,639        308,904,901  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

                    

Deposits

     143,197,513        143,197,513        143,197,513        —          —          —          250,235,413  

Non-financial Public Sector

     77,779        77,779        77,779        —          —          —          9,577,556  

Financial Sector

     13,890        13,890        13,890        —          —          —          15,177  

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     143,105,844        143,105,844        143,105,844        —          —          —          240,642,680  

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     372,732        372,732        372,732        —          —          —          178,078  

Derivative Financial Instruments

     2,203        2,203        2,203        —          —          —          32,571  

Repurchase Transactions

     —          —          —          —          —          —          2,914,933  

Other Financial Liabilities

     12,902,325        12,902,325        12,602,546        272,381        —          27,398        12,311,681  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     17,991,249        17,991,249        17,917,356        73,893        —          —          21,251,276  

Debt Securities

     6,169,620        6,169,620        6,169,620        —          —          —          5,923,612  

Subordinated Debt Securities

     15,499,212        15,499,212        15,499,212        —          —          —          15,026,155  

Liabilities for Insurance Contracts

     2,457        2,457        2,457        —          —          —          4,564  

Other Non-financial Liabilities

     479,633        479,633        479,633        —          —          —          467,495  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     196,616,944        196,616,944        196,243,272        346,274        —          27,398        308,345,778  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-99


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE N – CREDIT ASSISTANCE TO AFFILIATES

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Situation                  With Problems /
Medium Risk
     With High Insolvency
Risk / High

Risk
                   Total  

Items

   Normal      With
Special
Follow-
up / Low
Risk
     Not Past
Due
     Past
Due
     Not Past
Due
     Past Due      Uncollectible      Uncollectible
due to
Technical
Reasons
     12.31.19      12.31.18  

Loans and Other Financing

     629,788        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          629,788        960,179  

- Advances

     42,222        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          42,222        565,165  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     42,222        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          42,222        565,165  

- Overdraft

     384,503        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          384,503        101,069  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Without Preferred Guarantees or

Counter-guarantees

     384,503        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          384,503        101,069  

- Mortgage and Collateral Loans

     35,185        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          35,185        53,251  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     25,004        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          25,004        47,453  

Without Preferred Guarantees or

Counter-guarantees

     10,181        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          10,181        5,798  

- Personal Loans

     1,288        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          1,288        3,154  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

     1,288        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          1,288        3,154  

 

F-100


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE N – CREDIT ASSISTANCE TO AFFILIATES (Continued)

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Situation               With Problems /
Medium Risk
    With High
Insolvency Risk / High

Risk
                Total  

Items

  Normal     With Special
Follow-
up / Low
Risk
    Not
Past

Due
    Past
Due
    Not
Past

Due
    Past
Due
    Uncollectible     Uncollectible
due to
Technical
Reasons
    12.31.19     12.31.18  

- Credit Cards

    149,919       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         149,919       224,911  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

    149,919       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         149,919       224,911  

- Other

    16,671       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         16,671       12,629  

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “A”

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

With Preferred Guarantees and Counter-guarantees “B”

    633       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         633       4,530  

Without Preferred Guarantees or Counter-guarantees

    16,038       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         16,038       8,099  

Debt Securities

    97,192       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         97,192       149,305  

Investments in Equity Instruments

    201,815       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         201,815       110,782  

Contingent Commitments

    172,941       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         172,941       251,047  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

    1,101,736       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         1,101,736       1,471,313  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ALLOWANCES

    7,270       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         7,270       11,094  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-101


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE O – DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

Type of Contract

 

Objective of the
Operations

 

Underlying

Asset

 

Type of

Settlement

  Scope of Negotiation
or

Counterpart
    Weighted
Average
Term
Originally-

Agreed
    Residual
Weighted
Average
Term
    Weighted
Average
Term to
Settle
Differences
    Amount(*)  

Forwards in Foreign Currency

               

OTC - Purchases

  Brokerage - own account   Foreign currency   Daily settlement of the difference     MAE       3       1       1       590,805  

OTC - Sales

  Brokerage - own account   Foreign currency   Daily settlement of the difference     MAE       2       1       1       466,425  

ROFEX - Purchases

  Brokerage - own account   Foreign currency   Daily settlement of the difference     ROFEX       4       2       1       17,616,303  

ROFEX - Sales

  Brokerage - own account   Foreign currency   Daily settlement of the difference     ROFEX       6       3       1       12,186,427  

Forwards with Customers

               

Purchases

  Brokerage - own account   Foreign currency  

Upon maturity

of differences

   


OTC - Residents in

Argentina -

Non-financial
sector

 

 

 
 

    4       3       133       9,939,003  

Sales

  Brokerage - own account   Foreign currency  

Upon maturity of

differences

   


OTC - Residents in

Argentina -

Non-financial
sector

 

 

 
 

    3       2       90       15,469,476  

Repurchase Transactions

               

Forward Sales

  Brokerage - own account  

Argentine

government

securities

  With delivery of the underlying asset     MAE       —         —         —         29,968,733  

Swaps with Customers

               

Swaps of Fixed Interest Rate for Variable Rate

  Brokerage - own account   Others   Others     MAE       27       4       1       360,242  

 

(*)

Relates to the notional amount.

 

F-102


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE P – CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

                   Fair Value
through Profit

or Loss
     Fair Value Hierarchy  

Items

   Amortized Cost      Fair Value
through OCI
     Mandatory
Measurement
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

FINANCIAL ASSETS

                 

Cash and Due from Banks

     130,649,061        —          —          —          —          —    

Cash

     52,728,463        —          —          —          —          —    

Financial Institutions and Correspondents

     77,920,598        —          —          —          —          —    

Debt Securities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

        —          65,690,460        2,172,074        58,141,095        5,377,291  

Derivative Financial Instruments

        —          2,329,074        —          1,398,539        930,535  

Repurchase Transactions

     30,075,478        —          —          —          —          —    

Argentine Central Bank

     30,075,478        —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Institutions

     —          —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Assets

     5,890,829        —          5,024,505        4,987,105        37,400        —    

Loans and Other Financing

     358,558,869        —          —          —          —          —    

Non-financial Public Sector

     4,977        —          —          —          —          —    

Argentine Central Bank

     22,374        —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Institutions

     10,612,457        —          —          —          —          —    

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     347,919,061        —          —          —          —          —    

Advances

     15,892,268        —          —          —          —          —    

Overdraft

     75,080,343        —          —          —          —          —    

Mortgage Loans

     15,052,635        —          —          —          —          —    

Pledge Loans

     3,208,665        —          —          —          —          —    

Personal Loans

     27,645,893        —          —          —          —          —    

Credit-card loans

     149,459,966        —          —          —          —          —    

Finance Leases

     2,181,712        —          —          —          —          —    

Others

     59,397,579        —          —          —          —          —    

Other Debt Securities

     3,103,324        15,916,306        —          15,916,306        —          —    

Financial Assets Pledged as Collateral

     9,814,894        —          1,735,692        703,669           1,032,023  

Investments in Equity Instruments

     —          —          4,554,453        162,003        —          4,392,450  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS

     538,092,455        15,916,306        79,334,184        23,941,157        59,577,034        11,732,299  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-103


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE P – CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Continued)

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

                   Fair Value
through Profit

or Loss
     Fair Value Hierarchy  

Items

   Amortized Cost      Fair Value
through OCI
     Mandatory
Measurement
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

                             

Deposits

     393,735,406        —          —          —          —          —    

Non-financial Public Sector

     1,933,141        —          —          —          —          —    

Financial Sector

     450,934        —          —          —          —          —    

Non-financial Private Sector and Residents Abroad

     391,351,331        —          —          —          —          —    

Checking Accounts

     66,169,034        —          —          —          —          —    

Savings Accounts

     177,130,116        —          —          —          —          —    

Time Deposit and Term Investments

     140,539,356        —          —          —          —          —    

Others

     7,512,825        —          —          —          —          —    

Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

     —          —          1,422,157        1,422,157           —    

Derivative Financial Instruments

     —          —          881,099        —          881,099        —    

Repurchase Transactions

     —          —          —          —          —          —    

Argentine Central Bank

     —          —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Institutions

     —          —          —          —          —          —    

Other Financial Liabilities

     71,362,718        —          —          —          —          —    

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     22,723,687        —          —          —          —          —    

Debt Securities

     29,240,851        —          —          —          —          —    

Subordinated Debt Securities

     15,499,212        —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

     532,561,874        —          2,303,256        1,422,157        881,099        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-104


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE Q – INCOME STATEMENT BREAKDOWN

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2019 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, PRESENTED IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

    Net Financial
Income/(Expense)
    Net Financial
Income/(Expense)
       

Items

  Originally
Designated or
According to Point
6.7.1 of IFRS 9
    Mandatory
Measurement
    OCI  

From Measurement of Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     

Income (loss) from Government Securities

    —         62,351,265       622,565  

Income (loss) from Corporate Securities

    —         9,327,165       —    

Income (Loss) from Derivative Financial Instruments

    —         1,282,202       —    

Repurchase Transactions

    —         1,282,202       —    

Interest Rate Swaps

    —         —         —    

Options

    —         —         —    

Income from other Financial Assets

      (21,067     15,311  

From Measurement of Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through in Profit or Loss

    —           —    

Income (Loss) from Derivative Financial Instruments

    —         (109,340     —    

Repurchase Transactions

    —           —    

Interest Rate Swaps

    —         (109,340     —    

Options

    —           —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of 12.31.19

    —         72,830,225       637,876  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Net Financial
Income/(Expense)
    Net Financial
Income/(Expense)
       

Items

  Originally
Designated or
According to Point
6.7.1 of IFRS 9
    Mandatory
Measurement
    OCI  

From Measurement of Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     

Income (loss) from Government Securities

    —         21,394,872       134,139  

Income (loss) from Corporate Securities

    —         2,377,171       —    

Income (Loss) from Derivative Financial Instruments

    —         3,213,577       —    

Repurchase Transactions

    —         3,213,577       —    

Income from Other Financial Assets

    —         15,739       —    

From Measurement of Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through in Profit or Loss

      —      

Income (Loss) from Derivative Financial Instruments

    —         (307,255     —    

Repurchase Transactions

    —         (137,966     —    

Interest Rate Swaps

    —         (169,289  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of 12.31.18

    —         26,694,104       134,139  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Net Financial
Income/(Expense)
    Net Financial
Income/(Expense)
       

Items

  Originally
Designated or
According to Point
6.7.1 of IFRS 9
    Mandatory
Measurement
    OCI  

From Measurement of Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss

     

Income (loss) from Government Securities

    —         11,519,265       668,759  

Income (loss) from Corporate Securities

    —         2,416,056       —    

Income (Loss) from Derivative Financial Instruments

    —         2,513       —    

Repurchase Transactions

    —         (2,991     —    

Interest Rate Swaps

    —         64       —    

Options

    —         5,440       —    

From Measurement of Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through in Profit or Loss

    —           —    

Income (Loss) from Derivative Financial Instruments

    —         (921,554     —    

Repurchase Transactions

    —         (911,603     —    

Interest Rate Swaps

    —         (14     —    

Options

    —         (9,937     —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of 12.31.17

    —         13,016,280       668,759  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-105


Table of Contents

GRUPO FINANCIERO GALICIA S.A.

SCHEDULE Q – INCOME STATEMENT BREAKDOWN (Continued)

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCED JANUARY 1, 2019 AND ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, PRESENTED IN COMPARATIVE FORMAT

Figures Stated in Thousands of Pesos (Ps.), Except as Otherwise Stated

 

Interest and Adjustments for Application of Effective Interest Rate of
Financial Assets Measured at Amortized Cost

   12.31.19     12.31.18     12.31.17  

Interest Income

      

On Cash and Due from Banks

     7,936       1,221       268  

On Corporate Securities

     390,267       507,644       383,999  

On Government Securities

     4,704,910       2,136,312       690,486  

On Loans and Other Financing

     118,267,695       116,617,600       81,087,994  

Non-financial Public Sector

     —         392       5,992  

Financial Sector

     3,158,649       3,236,249       1,702,372  

Non-financial Private Sector

     115,109,046       113,380,959       79,379,630  

Advances

     12,593,867       15,135,165       6,783,029  

Mortgage Loans

     12,852,517       9,154,279       1,447,174  

Pledge Loans

     702,390       654,828       283,625  

Personal Loans

     12,219,397       14,073,954       11,871,852  

Credit Card Loans

     47,673,677       45,163,267       38,309,818  

Finance Leases

     558,787       930,238       829,962  

Others

     28,508,411       28,269,228       19,854,170  

On Repurchase Transactions

     7,135,059       1,147,670       1,973,919  

Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     6,791,906       491,724       (12,288

Other Financial Institutions

     343,153       655,946       1,986,207  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     130,505,867       120,410,447       84,136,666  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest-related Expenses

   12.31.19     12.31.18     12.31.17  

On Deposits

     75,773,385       50,315,016       26,941,885  

Non-financial Private Sector

     75,773,385       50,315,016       26,941,885  

Checking Accounts

     —         —         1,615  

Savings Accounts

     6,300       8,173       8,579  

Time Deposit and Term Investments

     66,719,525       44,005,165       25,665,087  

Others

     9,047,560       6,301,678       1,266,604  

Financing Received from the Argentine Central Bank and Other Financial Institutions

     2,453,531       3,324,424       1,836,820  

On Repurchase Transactions

     676,703       339,591       550,909  

Other Financial Institutions

     676,703       339,591       550,909  

On Other Financial Liabilities

     1,306,000       1,196,588       1,543,563  

On Debt Securities

     14,241,539       12,786,217       6,445,796  

On Subordinated Debt Securities

     1,224,998       1,124,796       861,748  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     95,676,156       69,086,632       38,180,721  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fee Income

   12.31.19     12.31.18     12.31.17  

Fee Related to Credit cards

     15,869,038       15,010,387       16,327,030  

Fee related to Insurance

     1,320,659       1,375,811       334,226  

Fee related to Obligation

     9,131,806       9,916,480       8,501,691  

Fee Related to Credits

     4,936,279       7,231,286       9,290,159  

Fee Related to Loan Commitments and Financial Guarantees

     358,527       327,523       317,112  

Fee Related to Securities

     1,440,095       1,628,305       1,226,078  

Fee for Collections Management

     514,934       455,913       370,612  

Fee for Foreign and Exchange Transactions

     1,573,753       1,584,497       1,200,308  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     35,145,091       37,530,202       37,567,216  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fee-related Expenses

   12.31.19     12.31.18     12.31.17  

Fees Related to Transactions with Securities

     491,714       85,905       45,364  

Fees related to credit cards

     3,516,855       2,840,626       2,482,259  

Others

     3,052,879       1,728,587       2,476,291  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     7,061,448       4,655,118       5,003,914  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-106