EX-2.1 2 y37397exv2w1.htm EX-2.1: INDENTURE EX-2.1
 

Exhibit 2.1
EXECUTION COPY
BANCO MACRO S.A.
as Issuer,
HSBC Bank USA, National Association
as Trustee, Co-Registrar,
Principal Paying Agent and Transfer Agent,
and
HSBC Bank Argentina S.A.
as Registrar, Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and
Representative of the Trustee in Argentina
INDENTURE
Dated as of December 18, 2006
US$400,000,000 Global Medium-Term Note Program
For Medium Term Notes Due No Less Than 30 Days
From Date of Original Issue

 


 

Certain Sections of this Indenture relating to Sections 310
through 318, inclusive, of the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939:
         
  U.S. Trust    
  Indenture Act    
  Section   Indenture Section
  § 310 (a)(1)  
5.9
  (a )(2)  
5.9
  (a )(3)  
Not Applicable
  (a )(4)  
Not Applicable
  (b )  
5.4
       
5.10
  § 311 (a)  
5.7
  (b )  
5.7
  § 312 (a)  
6.7
       
6.8
  (b )  
6.8
  (c )  
6.8
  § 313 (a)  
6.9
  (b )  
6.9
  (c )  
6.9
  (d )  
6.9
  § 313 (a)  
6.10
  (a )(4)  
1.1
       
3.13
  (b )  
Not Applicable
  (c )(1)  
12.6
  (c )(2)  
12.6
  (c )(3)  
Not Applicable
  (d )  
Not Applicable
  (e )  
12.6
  § 315 (a)  
5.1
  (b )  
5.13
  (c )  
5.1
  (d )  
5.1
  (e )  
4.10
  § 316 (a)  
1.1
  (a )(1)(A)  
4.1
       
4.9
  (a )(1)(B)  
4.10
  (a )(2)  
Not Applicable
  (b )  
4.7
  (c )  
6.2
  § 317 (a)(1)  
4.2
       
4.3
  (a )(2)  
4.4
  (b )  
3.4
  § 318 (a)  
12.1
 
Note:   This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture. This reconciliation and tie shall only apply subsequent to qualification of this Indenture under the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page  
ARTICLE I GENERAL
       
SECTION 1.1. Definitions
    2  
SECTION 1.2. Agents
    13  
 
       
ARTICLE II SECURITIES
       
 
       
SECTION 2.1. Forms
    14  
SECTION 2.2. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication
    17  
SECTION 2.3. Maximum Aggregate Principal Amount of Securities; Terms of Securities
    17  
SECTION 2.4. Authentication and Delivery of Securities
    19  
SECTION 2.5. Execution of Securities
    20  
SECTION 2.6. Certificate of Authentication
    20  
SECTION 2.7. Global Securities
    21  
SECTION 2.8. Denomination and Date of Securities
    21  
SECTION 2.9. Payments of Principal and Interest
    22  
SECTION 2.10. Registration, Transfer and Exchange of Securities
    24  
SECTION 2.11. Mutilated, Defaced, Destroyed, Stolen and Lost Securities; Cancellation and Destruction of Securities
    30  
SECTION 2.12. Purchase and Cancellation
    31  
SECTION 2.13. Exchange Offer
    31  
 
       
ARTICLE III COVENANTS OF THE BANK
       
 
       
SECTION 3.1. Payment of Principal and Interest
    31  
SECTION 3.2. Offices for Payments, etc.
    32  
SECTION 3.3. Appointment to Fill a Vacancy in Office of Trustee
    32  
SECTION 3.4. Payments and Paying Agents
    32  
SECTION 3.5. Taxation
    34  
SECTION 3.6. Maintenance of Books and Records
    35  
SECTION 3.7. Status and Ranking
    35  
SECTION 3.8. Listing
    36  
SECTION 3.9. Maintenance of Corporate Existence; Properties
    36  
SECTION 3.10. Compliance with Law
    37  
SECTION 3.11. Reports to Trustee
    37  
SECTION 3.12. Other Information
    37  
SECTION 3.13. Notice of Default
    38  
SECTION 3.14. Negative Pledge
    38  
SECTION 3.15. Further Actions
    38  

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    Page  
ARTICLE IV DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT
       
 
       
SECTION 4.1. Events of Default
    38  
SECTION 4.2. Collection of Indebtedness by Trustee
    41  
SECTION 4.3. Application of Proceeds
    42  
SECTION 4.4. Suits for Enforcement
    42  
SECTION 4.5. Restoration of Rights on Abandonment of Proceedings
    43  
SECTION 4.6. Limitations on Suits by Securityholders
    43  
SECTION 4.7. Unconditional Right of Securityholders to Institute Certain Suits
    43  
SECTION 4.8. Powers and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver of Default
    43  
SECTION 4.9. Control by Securityholders
    44  
SECTION 4.10. Waiver of Past Defaults
    44  
SECTION 4.11. Payments after a Default
    44  
SECTION 4.12. Notice of Events of Default
    45  
 
       
ARTICLE V CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
       
 
       
SECTION 5.1. Duties and Responsibilities of the Trustee
    45  
SECTION 5.2. Certain Rights of the Trustee
    46  
SECTION 5.3. Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, Disposition of Securities or Application of Proceeds Thereof
    47  
SECTION 5.4. Trustee and Agents May Hold Securities; Collections, etc.
    47  
SECTION 5.5. Moneys Held By Trustee
    47  
SECTION 5.6. Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee and Its Prior Claim
    48  
SECTION 5.7. Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Bank
    48  
SECTION 5.8. Right of Trustee to Rely on Officers’ Certificate, etc.
    48  
SECTION 5.9. Persons Eligible for Appointment as Trustee
    48  
SECTION 5.10. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor Trustee
    49  
SECTION 5.11. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor Trustee
    50  
SECTION 5.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business of Trustee
    50  
SECTION 5.13. Representative of the Trustee in Argentina
    51  
SECTION 5.14. Application to Agents and to the Representative of the Trustee in Argentina
    51  
 
       
ARTICLE VI CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
       
 
       
SECTION 6.1. Evidence of Action Taken by Securityholders
    51  
SECTION 6.2. Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Securities; Record Date
    51  
SECTION 6.3. Holders to Be Treated as Owners
    52  
SECTION 6.4. Securities Owned by Bank Deemed Not Outstanding
    52  
SECTION 6.5. Right of Revocation of Action Taken
    52  
SECTION 6.6. Securityholders’ Meetings
    53  
SECTION 6.7. The Bank to Furnish the Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders
    55  

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    Page  
SECTION 6.8. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders
    56  
SECTION 6.9. Reports by the Trustee
    56  
SECTION 6.10. Reports by the Bank
    56  
 
       
ARTICLE VII SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
       
 
       
SECTION 7.1. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Securityholders
    57  
SECTION 7.2. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders
    58  
SECTION 7.3. Effect of Supplemental Indenture
    59  
SECTION 7.4. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act
    60  
SECTION 7.5. Documents to Be Given to the Trustee
    60  
SECTION 7.6. Notation on Securities in Respect of Supplemental Indentures
    60  
SECTION 7.7. Conformity with Negotiable Obligations Law
    60  
 
       
ARTICLE VIII MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
       
 
       
SECTION 8.1. Bank May Consolidate, etc. on Certain Terms
    60  
SECTION 8.2. Successor Person Substituted
    61  
SECTION 8.3. Documents to Trustee
    61  
 
       
ARTICLE IX SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS
       
 
       
SECTION 9.1. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture
    62  
SECTION 9.2. Application by Trustee of Funds Deposited for Payment of Securities
    63  
SECTION 9.3. Repayment of Moneys Held by Paying Agent
    63  
SECTION 9.4. Return of Moneys Held by Trustee and Paying Agent Unclaimed for Two Years
    63  
 
       
ARTICLE X REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SECURITIES
       
 
       
SECTION 10.1. Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions
    63  
SECTION 10.2. Payment of Securities Called for Redemption
    65  
SECTION 10.3. Exclusion of Certain Securities from Eligibility for Selection for Redemption
    66  
SECTION 10.4. Redemption at the Option of the Bank for Taxation Reasons
    66  
SECTION 10.5. Redemption at the Option of Holders
    66  
 
       
ARTICLE XI DEFEASANCE
       
 
       
SECTION 11.1. The Bank’s Option to Effect Total Defeasance or Partial Defeasance
    67  
SECTION 11.2. Total Defeasance
    67  
SECTION 11.3. Partial Defeasance
    67  
SECTION 11.4. Conditions to Total Defeasance and Partial Defeasance
    68  
SECTION 11.5. Deposit in Trust; Miscellaneous
    70  
SECTION 11.6. Reinstatement
    71  

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    Page  
ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS
       
 
       
SECTION 12.1. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act
    71  
SECTION 12.2. Shareholders, Officers and Directors of Bank Exempt from Individual Liability
    71  
SECTION 12.3. Provisions of Indenture for the Sole Benefit of Parties and Securityholders
    72  
SECTION 12.4. Successors and Assigns of Bank Bound by Indenture
    72  
SECTION 12.5. Notices and Demands on Bank, Trustee and Securityholders
    72  
SECTION 12.6. Officers’ Certificates and Opinions of Counsel; Statements to Be Contained Therein
    73  
SECTION 12.7. Payments Due on Non-Business Days
    74  
SECTION 12.8. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Immunity; Currency Indemnity
    75  
SECTION 12.9. Waiver of Jury Trial
    76  
SECTION 12.10. Severability
    76  
SECTION 12.11. Counterparts
    76  
SECTION 12.12. Effect of Headings
    76  
EXHIBITS
     
A
  Form of Global Security
B
  Form of Certificate Security
C
  Form of Reverse of Securities — Terms and Conditions
D
  Form of Certificate for Exchange or Transfer from Rule 144A Global Security to Regulation S Global Security during the Restricted Period
E
  Form of Certificate for Exchange or Transfer from Rule 144A Global Security to Regulation S Global Security after the Restricted Period
F
  Form of Certificate for Exchange or Transfer from Regulation S Global Security to Rule 144A Global Security

v


 

     THIS INDENTURE, dated as of December 18, 2006 (this “Indenture”), among BANCO MACRO S.A., a sociedad anónima organized under the laws of the Republic of Argentina (“Argentina”) and domiciled at Sarmiento 447, Buenos Aires, Argentina (the “Bank”), HSBC BANK USA, National Association, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”), co-registrar (in such capacity, the “Co-Registrar”), principal paying agent (in such capacity, the “Principal Paying Agent”, and together with any other paying agents appointed by the Bank in their respective capacities as such, the “Paying Agents”) and transfer agent (in such capacity, a “Transfer Agent”, and together with any other transfer agents appointed by the Bank in their respective capacities as such, the “Transfer Agents”), and HSBC BANK ARGENTINA S.A., a bank duly incorporated and existing under the laws of Argentina, as registrar (in such capacity, the “Registrar”), Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and representative of the Trustee in Argentina (in such capacity, the “Representative of the Trustee in Argentina”).
W I T N E S S E T H :
     WHEREAS, the Bank has duly authorized, by resolution of its shareholders at a meeting held on September 1, 2006 and resolution of its Board of Directors at a meeting held on September 19, 2006, its Global Medium-Term Note Program (the “Program”) for the issuance from time to time of up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time of US$400,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) of notes (the “Securities”) in one or more series as may be determined by the Bank from time to time;
     WHEREAS, the Program has been authorized by the Argentine Comisión Nacional de Valores (“CNV”) by its Resolution No.15,480 dated September 28, 2006;
     WHEREAS, the Securities will qualify as “obligaciones negociables” under Argentine Law No. 23,576, as amended (the “Negotiable Obligations Law”), and Joint Resolution No. 470-1738/2004 (the “Joint Resolution 470-1738/2004”) issued by the CNV and the Argentine Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (the “AFIP”);
     WHEREAS, the main corporate purpose of the Bank is to engage, in or outside of Argentina, in any banking transaction contemplated and authorized under Argentine Law No. 21,526, as amended (the “Financial Institutions Law”), and other laws, rules and regulations governing banking activities in the place of performance, under the guidelines and with prior authorization, when so required, of the Banco Central de la República Argentina (the “Central Bank”). The Bank also has the corporate power to act as an agent in connection with securities transactions in the open market, and in any exchange transactions, in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, under the guidelines and with the prior authorization, when so required, of the CNV. To that effect, the Bank has full legal capacity to incur obligations and exercise rights, and to execute any kind of act and transaction related thereto. In addition, the Bank is capable of owning interests in other domestic or foreign financial institutions with the prior authorization of the Central Bank. Furthermore, the Bank has the corporate power and authority to establish the Program, execute and deliver this Indenture and issue from time to time Securities hereunder;


 

2

     WHEREAS, the capital stock and the shareholders’ equity of the Bank, as of June 30, 2006, was Ps. 683,943,437 and Ps. 2,062,209, respectively, in accordance with the accounting rules of the Central Bank (the “Central Bank Rules”);
     WHEREAS, the Bank has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide, among other things, for the authentication, delivery and administration of Securities issued on and after the date hereof;
     WHEREAS, the Trustee has agreed to act as Trustee under this Indenture on the following terms and conditions;
     WHEREAS, the Trustee has reviewed the English translation of the resolutions of the shareholders and the Board of Directors of the Bank mentioned above authorizing the Program, and hereby confirms that the terms and conditions of the Program as described in the Offering Circular (as defined below) and herein substantially reflect the terms of said resolutions; and
     WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid indenture and agreement according to its terms have been done.
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the purchases of the Securities by the Holders (as defined below) thereof, the Bank and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and proportionate benefit of the Holders from time to time of the Securities as follows:
ARTICLE I
GENERAL
     SECTION 1.1.Definitions. The following terms (except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise clearly requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section. References to the schedules and exhibits shall be construed to refer to the schedules and exhibits to this Indenture. The words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision. The terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular. All other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein.
     “Additional Amounts” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5.
     “Additional Interest” has the meaning set forth in any Registration Rights Agreement.
     “Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified


 

3

Person means the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
     “AFIP” has the meaning set forth in the third recital to this Indenture.
     “Agent” or “Agents” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2.
     “Amortized Face Amount” means, with respect to the optional redemption of an original issue discount Security, an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Issue Price (as defined therein) of such Security and (ii) the product of the accrual yield specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or indenture supplemental hereto related to the Series of such Security (compounded annually) and the Issue Price from (and including) the issue date to (but excluding) the Optional Redemption Date (or, in the case of an early redemption for taxation reasons, the date fixed for redemption) and computed in accordance with generally accepted United States bond yield computation principles, but in no event will the Amortized Face Amount exceed the principal amount of such Security due at Stated Maturity thereof, together with any accrued but unpaid interest and any Additional Amounts to the date fixed for redemption (which date may be required to be an Interest Payment Date if so specified in the terms of such Securities).
     “Argentina” means the Republic of Argentina.
     “Argentine Business Companies Law” means the Argentine Law No. 19,550, as amended (Ley de Sociedades Comerciales).
     “Argentine GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in Argentina as in effect from time to time.
     “Argentine Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5.
     “Authorized Person” means (i) in the case of the execution of any Security on behalf of the Bank, a member of the Board of Directors and a member of the Supervisory Committee of the Bank, and (ii) in the case of any other action to be taken by or on behalf of the Bank pursuant hereto, any officer of the Bank duly authorized in writing to take actions under this Indenture on behalf of the Bank and notified to the Trustee in writing.
     “Bank” means Banco Macro S.A., a sociedad anónima organized under the laws of Argentina, incorporated on November 21, 1966 for a 99-year period and registered with the Public Registry of Commerce of the City of Buenos Aires under No. 1154, Book No. 2, Volume 75 of Sociedades Anónimas, and, subject to Article VIII, its successors and assigns.
     “Bank Order” means a written statement, request or order of the Bank signed in its name by any two Authorized Persons of the Bank, and delivered to the Trustee.
     “BASE” means the Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires.


 

4

     “Board of Directors” means either the Directorio (Board of Directors) of the Bank or any committee of such Directorio, or officers of the Bank, duly authorized to act for it in respect hereof.
     “Business Day” means, with respect to any Security, unless otherwise specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or indenture supplemental hereto related to the Series of such Security, any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in New York City or the City of Buenos Aires; provided, however, that, with respect to Securities denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars, “Business Day” shall also not be a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in the principal financial center of the country issuing the Specified Currency (or, if the Specified Currency is the Euro, such day is also a day on which the Trans-European Automated Real Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET) System is open, a “TARGET Settlement Date”); provided, further, that, with respect to a LIBOR Note (as defined in the applicable Security), “Business Day” shall also be a London Banking Day.
     “Calculation Agent” means, with respect to any applicable Securities, unless otherwise specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or indenture supplemental hereto for the Series of such Securities, the Trustee.
     “Capital Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations, warrants, options, rights or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated and whether voting or non-voting) corporate stock of a corporation and any and all equivalent ownership interests in a Person (other than a corporation), in each case whether now outstanding or hereafter issued, including any preferred stock.
     “Central Bank” has the meaning set forth in the fourth recital to this Indenture.
     “Central Bank Rules” has the meaning set forth in the fifth recital to this Indenture as in effect from time to time.
     “Certificated Security” means a Security issued in certificated form, substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto.
     “Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme.
     “CNV” has the meaning set forth in the second recital to this Indenture.
     “Common Depositary” means a bank or a bank branch outside of the United States as designated by Euroclear and Clearstream to serve as common depositary of any Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security.
     “Co-Registrar” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Indenture and any successors and assigns thereto.
     “Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee at which the corporate trust business of the Trustee shall, at any particular time, be principally administered, which


 

5

office is located on the date hereof at 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, Attention: Corporate Trust, or such other location as the Trustee may advise the Bank in writing.
     “Dealer” means any dealer, underwriter, selling or placement agent or similar entity named in any program, underwriting, subscription, distribution, syndicated trade or similar agreement executed in connection with any issuance and sale of Securities. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Dealer” shall be deemed to include any purchaser of a Security of any Series which is not otherwise a Dealer and purchases such Security directly from the Bank.
     “Defeasance Trustee” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4.
     “Dollar Equivalent” with respect to any currency other than U.S. dollars means the amount of U.S. dollars obtained by converting such other currency into U.S. dollars at the Exchange Rate for the applicable Payment Date or the date for which such amount is otherwise required to be determined.
     “DTC” means The Depository Trust Company (or its successors).
     “DTC Global Security” means a Global Security deposited with a custodian for, and registered in the name of a nominee of, DTC.
     “Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, and its successors.
     “Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security” means a Global Security deposited with a Common Depositary for, and registered in the name of a nominee of, Euroclear and/or Clearstream.
     “EuroMTF” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.
     “Event of Default” means any event or condition specified as such in Section 4.1.
     “Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     “Exchange Offer” has the meaning set forth in the applicable Registration Rights Agreement, if any.
     “Exchange Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
     “Exchange Rate Agent” means, with respect to Securities denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars, unless otherwise specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or indenture supplemental hereto related to the Series of such Securities, the Trustee and any successors and assigns thereto.
     “Exchange Securities” means notes with terms substantially identical to the Securities of a Series (other than with respect to transfer restrictions) issued pursuant to an Exchange Offer for the Securities of such Series.


 

6

     “Financial Institutions Law” has the meaning set forth in the fourth recital to this Indenture.
     “Global Security” means a Rule 144A Global Security, Regulation S Global Security or Unrestricted Global Security substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (whether such Security is a DTC Global Security or an Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security), as such Exhibit may be amended from time to time, which is exchangeable for a Certificated Security only in the limited circumstances described herein.
     “Government Agency” means any public legal entity or public agency, created by federal, state or local government, or any other legal entity now existing or hereafter created, or now or hereafter owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any public legal entity or public agency, including any central bank.
     “Guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person:
  (a)   to purchase or pay, or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of, such Indebtedness of such other Person, whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise, or
 
  (b)   entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof, in whole or in part,
provided that “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
     “Hedging Obligations” means with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person pursuant to any interest rate swap agreement, foreign currency exchange agreement, interest rate collar agreement, option or futures contract or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect such person against changes in interest rates or foreign exchange rates.
     “Holder”, “Holder of Securities”, “Securityholder” or other similar terms mean, with respect to any Security, the Person in whose name at the time such Security is registered in the Register.
     “Indebtedness” means with respect to any Person, without duplication:
  (a)   all obligations of such Person for borrowed money;
 
  (b)   all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments;


 

7

  (c)   all obligations of such Person under any lease that are required to be classified and accounted for as capital lease obligations under the Central Bank Rules;
 
  (d)   all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services, all conditional sale obligations and all obligations under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business);
 
  (e)   all letters of credit, banker’s acceptances or similar credit transactions, including reimbursement obligations in respect thereof;
 
  (f)   Guarantees and other contingent obligations of such Person in respect of Indebtedness referred to in clauses (a) through (e) above and clause (h) below;
 
  (g)   all Indebtedness of any other Person of the type referred to in clauses (a) through (f) which is secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person; and
 
  (h)   all obligations due and payable under Hedging Obligations of such Person; and
provided, however, that the term “Indebtedness” will not include any of the following liabilities or obligations incurred by the Bank or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business: (1) any deposits with or funds collected by the Bank or any of its Subsidiaries (but not funds borrowed or raised by the Bank or any of its Subsidiaries), (2) any check, note, certificate of deposit, draft or bill of exchange, issued, accepted or endorsed by the Bank or any of its Subsidiaries, (3) any transaction in which the Bank or any of its Subsidiaries act solely in a fiduciary or agency capacity, (4) any banker’s acceptance, (5) any agreement to purchase or repurchase securities or loans or currency or to participate in loans, and (6) letters of credit to the extent they are issued by the Bank or any of its Subsidiaries.
     “Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed and delivered or, if amended or supplemented as herein provided, as so amended or supplemented or both, and such term shall include the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument and any such amendment or supplement as well as the forms and terms of particular Securities established as contemplated hereunder.
     “Interest Payment Date” means, with respect to each Series of Securities, any date designated for the payment of interest on such Securities.
     “Joint Resolution 470-1739/2004” has the meaning set forth in the third recital to this Indenture.
     “Lien” means any mortgage, charge, security interest, pledge, hypothecation or similar encumbrance.


 

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          “London Banking Day” means any day on which dealings in deposits in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.
          “MAE” means the Mercado Abierto Electrónico S.A.
          “Negotiable Obligations Law” has the meaning set forth in the third recital to this Indenture.
          “Offering Circular” means (i) the Offering Circular and (ii) the Prospecto, each dated October 24, 2006 and prepared by the Bank in connection with the Program, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.
          “Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by any two Authorized Persons of the Bank and delivered to the Trustee.
          “Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion in writing signed by legal counsel who may be an employee of or counsel to the Bank, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
          “Optional Redemption Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.
          “Original Issue Date” of any Security (or portion thereof) means the earlier of (a) the date of such Security or (b) the date of any Security (or portion thereof) for which such Security was issued (directly or indirectly) on registration of transfer or exchange or in substitution.
          “Outstanding” when used with reference to Securities, subject to the provisions of Section 6.4, shall mean, as of any particular time, all Securities authenticated and delivered by the Trustee under this Indenture, except:
     (a) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
     (b) Securities or portions thereof that have been called for redemption in accordance with their terms or which have become due and payable at maturity or otherwise and with respect to which monies sufficient to pay the principal thereof and any premium, interest, Additional Amounts or other amount thereon shall have been therefor deposited with the Trustee; provided that if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made; or
     (c) Securities in lieu of or in substitution for which other Securities shall have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to Section 2.11.
          “Paying Agents” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Indenture and any successors and assigns thereto.


 

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          “Payment Date” means, with respect to each Series, the date on which payment of principal, interest or any other amount is due or any date fixed for redemption of the Securities of such Series.
          “Permitted Lien” means:
  (a)   any Lien existing on the date hereof;
 
  (b)   any landlord’s, workman’s, carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, Liens in connection with any Indebtedness) that are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days, that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and that do not materially adversely affect the use of the property to which they relate;
 
  (c)   any Lien on any asset securing Indebtedness incurred or assumed solely for the purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of acquiring such asset, which Lien attached to such asset concurrently with or within 90 days after the acquisition thereof;
 
  (d)   any Lien required to be created in connection with: (i) special lines of credit or advances granted to the Bank by or through local or foreign governmental entities (including, without limitation, the Central Bank, Banco de Inversión y Comercio Exterior S.A. (“BICE”), Fondo Fiduciario para la Reconstrucción de Empresas (“FFR”), Seguro de Depósitos S.A. (“SEDESA”), and banks and export credit agencies) or international multilateral lending organizations (including, without limitation, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Inter-American Development Bank), directly or indirectly, in order to promote or develop the Argentine economy (the “líneas especiales de crédito”); or (ii) rediscount loans (redescuentos) or advances granted by the Central Bank and by other Argentine Government entities (including, without limitation, BICE, FFR and SEDESA) in response to circumstances of short-term, extraordinary illiquidity (the “redescuentos” or “adelantos”), each obtained in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Central Bank or such other applicable rules and regulations governing líneas especiales de crédito or redescuentos or adelantos;
 
  (e)   any Lien on any property existing thereon at the time of acquisition of such property and not created in connection with such acquisition;
 
  (f)   any Lien securing an extension, renewal or refunding of Indebtedness secured by a Lien referred to in (a), (c), (d) or (e) above, provided that such new Lien is limited to the property which was subject to the prior Lien immediately before such extension, renewal or refunding and


 

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      provided that the principal amount of Indebtedness secured by the prior Lien immediately before such extension, renewal or refunding is not increased;
  (g)   (i) any inchoate Lien for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies not yet due (including any relevant extensions) or (ii) any Lien in the form of a tax or other statutory Lien or any other Lien arising by operation of law, provided that any such Lien shall be discharged within 30 days after the date it is created or arises (unless contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been established, in which case it shall be discharged within 30 days after final adjudication); or
 
  (h)   any other Lien on the Bank’s assets or those of any Subsidiary, provided that on the date of the creation or assumption of such Lien, the Indebtedness secured by such Lien, together with all other indebtedness of the Bank or any Subsidiary secured by any Lien under this clause shall have an aggregate amount outstanding of no greater than 10% of the total consolidated assets as set forth in the Bank’s most recent consolidated financial statements.
          “Person” means any individual, corporation (including a business trust), limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity, or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
          “Pricing Supplement” means a pricing supplement to the Offering Circular setting forth details of the terms of the Securities to be issued, which may be in (i) the form annexed to the Offering Circular or (ii) such other form as may be agreed between the Bank and the relevant Dealers (and, to the extent that their respective duties or obligations are affected thereby, the Trustee and Agents).
          “principal” whenever used with reference to the Securities or any Security or any portion thereof, shall be deemed to include premium, if any, and redemption amount, if any, and in the case of original issue discount Securities, the Amortized Face Amount or other amount payable in respect thereof.
          “Principal Paying Agent” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Indenture and any successors and assigns thereto.
          “Process Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.8.
          “Program” has the meaning set forth in the first recital of this Indenture.
          “Qualified Institutional Buyer” means a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule 144A.
          “Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10.


 

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          “Registrar” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Indenture and any successors and assigns thereto.
          “Registration Rights Agreement” means, with respect to each Series of Securities, the registration rights agreement, if any, between the Bank and the applicable Dealers.
          “Regular Record Date” means, with respect to each Series of Securities, each date designated in the Securities for the determination of the Holders to whom interest shall be payable on the subsequent Interest Payment Date, and, if no such date is so designated, as defined in Section 2.9.
          “Regulation S” means Regulation S under the Securities Act.
          “Regulation S Global Security” means a Global Security initially sold in reliance on Regulation S, deposited (a) in the case of a DTC Global Security, with the Trustee, as custodian for DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC and (b) in the case of an Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security, with the specified Common Depositary of Euroclear and Clearstream, and registered in the name of Euroclear, Clearstream or their nominee, and in each case bearing the applicable Restrictive Legend.
          “Representative of the Trustee in Argentina” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Indenture.
          “Resale Registration Statement” means a shelf registration statement under the Securities Act filed by the Bank, if required by, and meeting the requirements of, a Registration Rights Agreement, registering the Securities of a Series for resale.
          “Responsible Officer” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any vice president, any assistant vice president, the secretary, any assistant secretary, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, any trust officer or assistant trust officer, assigned to the Trustee’s Corporate Trust Office or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
          “Restrictive Legend” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10 hereof.
          “Restricted Period” means, with respect to any Security, the period of 40 days after the completion of the distribution of all Securities of the same Series.
          “Rule 144” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
          “Rule 144A” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
          “Rule 144A Global Security” means a Global Security initially sold in the United States in reliance on Rule 144A, deposited with the Trustee, as custodian for DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, and bearing the applicable Restrictive Legend.


 

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          “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
          “Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
          “Security” or “Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture, or, as the context may require, means Securities that have been authenticated and delivered under this Indenture. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “Security” or “Securities” shall include any Exchange Securities. The terms “Note” and “Notes” shall mean the same as “Security” or “Securities”, respectively.
          “Series” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
          “Significant Subsidiary” means, at any relevant time, any Subsidiary of the Bank which would be a “significant subsidiary” of the Bank within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.
          “Specified Currency” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
          “Stated Maturity” means the date, shown on the face of a Security, on which the principal of such Security and the other Securities of the same Series is payable or, if the principal of such Security is payable in installments, on which the last installment of principal of such Security and the other Securities of the same Series is payable, falling no less than 30 days from the Original Issue Date of such Security, as specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or indenture supplemental hereto related to the Series of such Securities.
          “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the voting power of the Capital Stock thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof.
          “Supervisory Committee” means the Comisión Fiscalizadora of the Bank.
          “Transfer Agents” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Indenture and any successors and assigns thereto.
          “Trust Indenture Act” means the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (including any successor act thereto), as it may be amended from time to time, and (unless the context otherwise requires) includes the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
          “Trustee” means the Person identified as the “Trustee” in the preamble to this Indenture and, subject to the provisions of Article V, shall also include any successor trustee.
          “Unrestricted Certificated Security” means one or more Certificated Securities that do not bear and are not required to bear the Restrictive Legend.
          “Unrestricted Global Security” means a Global Security representing Securities that do not bear the Restrictive Legend.


 

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          “U.S. GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time.
          “US$” and “U.S. dollars” means the currency of the United States of America which at the relevant time is legal tender for the payment of public or private debts.
          SECTION 1.2.Agents. The Bank hereby appoints each of the Registrar, the Co-Registrar, the Exchange Rate Agent, the Calculation Agent, the Transfer Agents and the Paying Agents (collectively, the “Agents” and individually, an “Agent”) as its agent in relation to the Securities for the purposes specified in this Indenture and in the terms of the Securities applicable thereto and all matters incidental thereto. Each of the Agents shall have the powers and authority granted to and conferred upon it herein and in the Securities, and such further powers and authority to act on behalf of the Bank as the Bank and such Agent may hereafter agree in writing. By execution of this Indenture, each of the Agents accepts its appointment as agent of the Bank in relation to the Securities and shall comply with the provisions of this Indenture and the Securities applicable thereto.
          Subject to Section 3.2, the Bank may terminate the appointment of any Agent at any time and from time to time upon giving at least 30 days written notice to such Agent and to the Trustee. Each Agent may at any time resign by giving no less than 30 days written notice to the Bank of such intention on its part, specifying the date on which its desired resignation shall become effective. In the event that the Bank fails to appoint a new Agent to succeed the resigning Agent within 30 days after receiving notice of such resignation, the resigning Agent shall have the power to appoint a successor Agent.
          In acting under this Indenture and in connection with the Securities, the Agents are each acting solely as an agent of the Bank and do not assume any responsibility for the correctness of the recitals in the Securities or this Indenture, or the offering materials related thereto or any obligation or relationship of agency for or with any of the Holders of the Securities.
          Each of the Agents shall be protected and shall incur no liability for or in respect of any action taken or thing suffered by it in reliance upon any Security, notice, direction, consent, certificate, affidavit, statement or other document to the extent that such communication conforms to the provisions set forth herein, and is believed by it, in good faith, to be genuine and to have been passed or signed by the proper parties.
          Each of the Agents may become the owner of, or acquire any interest in, any Securities, with the same rights that it would have if it were not acting in such capacity, and may engage or be interested in any financial or other transaction with the Bank.
          The Bank agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend each of the Agents against any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand or expense (including reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel) arising out of or in connection with its appointment, or the exercise of its powers and rights and performance of its duties hereunder, or performance of any other duties pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof, except such as may result from its negligence or willful misconduct or that of its officers or employees. The indemnity set forth in this paragraph


 

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shall survive the payment of the Securities, the resignation or removal of any Agent and/or the termination of this Indenture.
          None of the Agents shall be liable for any action taken or omitted by it without negligence or willful misconduct.
          Each Agent may execute any of its powers or perform any of its duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys not regularly in its employ and such Agent shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.
          The Bank covenants and agrees to pay to each Agent from time to time, and each Agent shall be entitled to, such compensation as shall be agreed upon in writing by the Bank and such Agent for all services rendered by it hereunder. The Bank covenants and agrees promptly to pay all such compensation and to reimburse each of the Agents for reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel) incurred by it in connection with the services rendered by it hereunder, including, without limitation, any payments made in connection with taxes or other charges.
          None of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require any of the Agents to expend, advance or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
          The duties and obligations of each Agent with respect to the Securities and this Indenture shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and each Agent shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against each such Agent. The duties and obligations of each Agent are several and not joint.
ARTICLE II
SECURITIES
          SECTION 2.1.Forms. (a) Generally. The form of any Security to be authenticated hereunder shall be designated in the Bank Order in respect thereof delivered by the Bank to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.4, and the Trustee shall have no liability for the Bank’s designation so made notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2.1. The Securities shall be issued as registered Securities without interest coupons; provided that if permitted by applicable law, the Securities may be issued as bearer Securities if in connection with the issuance thereof the Bank and the Trustee shall have entered into an indenture supplemental hereto providing for the issuance of bearer Securities. The Bank shall ensure that such supplemental indenture shall provide for compliance by the Bank with United States, Argentine and any other laws applicable to bearer Securities, and the Trustee shall have no duty whatsoever, express or implied, to ensure compliance of such supplemental indenture with the laws of any jurisdiction. The Securities


 

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may be issued in the form of one or more Global Securities in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Securities of a Series, which shall be exchangeable for Certificated Securities only in the limited circumstances set forth in Section 2.10, or Securities may be issued in the form of Certificated Securities, which shall be exchangeable for beneficial interests in a Global Security only in the limited circumstances set forth in Section 2.10. The Securities initially sold within the United States to U.S. Persons that are Qualified Institutional Buyers will be issued in the form of one or more Rule 144A Global Securities. The Securities initially sold outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act will be issued in the form of one or more Regulation S Global Securities. Any Securities exchanged pursuant to an Exchange Offer will be issued in the form of one or more Unrestricted Global Securities. In each case, Securities may be issued in such other form (not inconsistent with this Indenture) as shall be established by or pursuant to resolutions of the Board of Directors, and, if necessary or desirable pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, or one or more indentures supplemental hereto, with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture and may have imprinted or otherwise reproduced thereon such legend or legends, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, as may be required to comply with any law or with any rules or regulations pursuant thereto, or with any rules of any securities exchange or to conform to general usage, all as may be determined by the Authorized Persons executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities, and all of which shall not affect the rights, duties or obligations of the Trustee or the Agents. The Securities shall be numbered, lettered, or otherwise distinguished in such manner or in accordance with such plan as the Authorized Persons executing the same may determine with the approval of the Trustee as evidenced by the execution and authentication thereof.
          The Certificated Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner permitted by the rules of any securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed and subject to the prior approval of the CNV where applicable, all as determined by the Authorized Persons executing such Securities as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
          The Bank agrees to cause the Securities to comply with Article 7 of the Negotiable Obligations Law.
          (b) DTC Global Securities. The Trustee shall hold on deposit each DTC Global Security executed and authenticated as provided herein as custodian for DTC, acting as the depositary for such DTC Global Security, for credit on the date of settlement (i) in the case of any Regulation S Global Security, to the account of the relevant Dealer or Dealers at Euroclear or Clearstream or such other accounts as they may direct and (ii) in the case of any Rule 144A Global Security, to the account of the relevant Dealer or Dealers at DTC or such other accounts as they may direct, in each case against payment in immediately available funds. Each DTC Global Security to be deposited with DTC shall be registered in the name of Cede & Co, as DTC’s nominee, and shall bear legends substantially to the following effect:
“UNLESS (1) THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”) TO BANCO MACRO S.A. OR ITS DEALER FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER,


 

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EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, (2) ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC AND (3) ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC, ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL BECAUSE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
TRANSFERS OF THIS NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO DTC, NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE, AND TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS IN THIS NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO HEREIN.”
Upon the issuance of any DTC Global Security, the Trustee or its respective duly appointed agent shall record Cede & Co., as DTC’s nominee, as the registered Holder of such DTC Global Security.
          (c) Euroclear/Clearstream Global Securities. The Common Depositary specified by Euroclear and Clearstream shall hold on deposit each Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security executed and authenticated as provided herein as custodian for Euroclear and Clearstream for credit on the date of settlement to the account of the relevant Dealer or Dealers at Euroclear or Clearstream or such other accounts as they may direct against payment in immediately available funds. Any Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security shall be a Regulation S Global Security. Each Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security to be deposited with the specified Common Depositary of Euroclear and Clearstream shall be registered in the name of the Common Depositary or a nominee specified by Euroclear and/or Clearstream. Upon the issuance of any Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security, the Registrar or Co-Registrar shall record such nominee as the registered Holder of such Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security.
          (d) Certificated Securities. The Trustee shall deliver or make available each Certificated Security executed and authenticated as provided herein to the relevant Dealer or Dealers or its or their designee, for the benefit of the purchaser of such Security, against delivery by such Dealer or Dealers of a receipt therefor, or, if so instructed and upon confirmation from the Bank that proper payment by the purchaser has been made, the Trustee shall deliver the Securities directly to the Bank or its designee for the benefit of the purchaser of such Securities against delivery of a receipt therefor. On the Original Issue Date, the relevant Dealer or Dealers, if any, will deliver payment for Securities delivered to it or them, if any, in immediately available funds to the Trustee, for credit to the Bank’s account, or directly to the Bank’s account with the Trustee, in an amount equal to the issue price of the Securities less the applicable Dealer’s or Dealers’ commission. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Trustee is so instructed by the Bank, delivery of the Securities may be made before actual receipt of payment in accordance with the custom prevailing in the market. Once the Trustee has delivered Securities to the relevant Dealer or Dealers or its or their designee, the Trustee shall not be responsible for any failure by such Dealer or Dealers or such designee either to remit payment for the Securities


 

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or to return the Securities to the Trustee. If the Trustee has delivered Securities directly to the Bank or its consignee pursuant to written instructions from the Bank, the Trustee shall not be responsible for any failures by the purchaser either to remit payment for the Securities or to return the Securities to the Trustee. Upon the issuance of any Certificated Security, the Registrar or Co-Registrar shall record the Person who is designated by the Dealer or Dealers or the Bank, as the case may be, as the registered Holder of such Certificated Security.
          SECTION 2.2. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication. The Trustee’s certificate of authentication on all Securities shall be in substantially the following form:
          This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
             
    HSBC Bank USA, National Association,
as Trustee
   
 
           
 
  By        
 
           
 
      Authorized Signatory    
          SECTION 2.3. Maximum Aggregate Principal Amount of Securities; Terms of Securities. (a) The maximum aggregate principal amount of Securities of all Series (as defined below) that may be Outstanding at any one time under this Indenture is US$400,000,000 (which will include, in the case of Securities not denominated in U.S. dollars, the Dollar Equivalent of such Securities as determined on the respective Original Issue Date thereof). For purposes of the foregoing limitation, the Dollar Equivalent of any Securities denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars will be determined (i) in the case of interest payments, on the basis of the Exchange Rate Agent’s bid (U.S. dollar offer) quotation for such Specified Currency, and, in the case of principal payments, on the basis of Exchange Rate Agent’s offer (U.S. dollar bid) quotation for such Specified Currency, in each case at or prior to 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the applicable Payment Date or date for which the Dollar Equivalent is required to be determined or (ii) if no such rate is quoted for any reason, the rate determined by the Exchange Rate Agent based on an average of quotations given to the Exchange Rate Agent by commercial banks which conduct foreign exchange operations or based on such other method as the Exchange Rate Agent may reasonably determine to calculate a market exchange rate on the second Business Day next preceding the applicable Payment Date or date for which the Dollar Equivalent is required to be determined (the rate determined in accordance with clause (i) or (ii) above, the “Exchange Rate”) (or, if such Exchange Rate is not then available, the Exchange Rate most recently available prior thereto). The Exchange Rate Agent shall not be liable for any determination, bid or offer made or omitted by it hereunder in the absence of manifest error on its part.
     (b) Securities may be issued from time to time hereunder by the Bank. All Securities having the same maturity, interest rate and other terms shall constitute a single Series of Securities (each, a “Series”). If specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or indenture supplemental hereto relating to a Series of Securities, the Bank may from time to time, without the consent of Holders of Securities Outstanding, create and issue additional Securities of such Series; provided that such additional Securities have the same terms and conditions as


 

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the Securities of such Series in all respects (except for the Original Issue Date, the issue price, the applicable legends and, if applicable, the first payment of interest), and the additional Securities shall form a single Series with the previously outstanding Series of Securities.
          (c) There shall be established (i) in or pursuant to resolutions of the Board of Directors and a Bank Order or (ii) in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of any Series of Securities, the following terms of the Securities of such Series:
     (1) the coin or currency (including composite currencies) in which the Securities of such Series shall be denominated (the “Specified Currency”), and, if other than the Specified Currency of denomination, the Specified Currency or Currencies in which the principal and any interest in respect of the Securities of such Series is payable;
     (2) the Stated Maturity of the Securities of such Series, which will be no less than 30 days from the Original Issue Date, and, if applicable, the method by which such Stated Maturity shall be determined;
     (3) the rate or rates, if any, at which the Securities of such Series shall bear interest, or the method by which such rate shall be determined (including, where applicable, the Interest Rate Basis, the Calculation Agent, the Index Maturity, the Spread or Spread Multiplier, the Maximum Rate, the Minimum Rate, Calculation Dates, Interest Determination Dates, the Interest Reset Period and Interest Reset Dates (as defined in the applicable Security)), the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the date or dates on which such interest shall be payable, the record dates for the determination of the Holders to whom interest shall be payable and the basis upon which interest shall be calculated if other than a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;
     (4) if the amount of payments of principal of and interest on the Securities of such Series may be determined with reference to an index, formula or otherwise, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;
     (5) the place or places where the principal of and any interest on the Securities of such Series shall be payable (if other than as provided in Section 3.2);
     (6) the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which the Securities of such Series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Bank, pursuant to any sinking fund or otherwise;
     (7) the right or obligation, if any, of the Bank to redeem, repurchase or repay the Securities of such Series at the option of the Holder thereof and the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which the Securities of such Series shall be redeemed, repurchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such right or obligation;
     (8) the denomination or denominations in which the Securities of such Series shall be issuable;


 

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     (9) the applicability, non-applicability, or variation, of Article XI with respect to the Securities of such Series;
     (10) any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants, financial or otherwise, of the Bank with respect to the Securities of such Series;
     (11) any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars or any other agents with respect to the Securities of such Series (if other than as provided in Section 3.2);
     (12) the form of the Securities of such Series; provided that if (as permitted by applicable law) bearer Securities are to be issued, the Bank and the Trustee shall have entered into an indenture supplemental hereto providing for the issuance of bearer Securities; and provided further that the Bank shall ensure that such supplemental indenture shall provide for compliance by the Bank with United States, Argentine and any other laws applicable to bearer Securities, and the Trustee shall have no duty whatsoever, express or implied, to ensure compliance of such supplemental indenture with the laws of any jurisdiction;
     (13) the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such Securities may be exchanged for or converted into other securities issued by the Bank or any other Person; and
     (14) any other terms and conditions of the Securities of such Series.
     SECTION 2.4. Authentication and Delivery of Securities. At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Bank may deliver one or more Securities executed by the Bank to the Trustee for authentication together with the applicable documents referred to below in this Section, and the Trustee shall thereafter authenticate and deliver such Securities to or upon the order of the Bank (contained in the Bank Order referred to below in this Section 2.4) or pursuant to such procedures as may be specified from time to time by a Bank Order. Such Bank Order may be transmitted via facsimile (with the original to be delivered by mail) and may provide written instructions or provide for further instructions from the Bank as to the form and terms of such Securities. In authenticating such Securities and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and shall be fully protected in relying upon:
     (1) a Bank Order requesting such authentication setting forth instructions as to delivery (if the Securities are not to be delivered to the Bank) and completion of any terms not set forth in such Securities as executed by the Bank or setting forth procedures as to such completion and delivery;
     (2) any resolutions of the Board of Directors and a Bank Order, or, if applicable, an executed supplemental indenture referred to in Sections 2.1 and 2.3 by or pursuant to which the forms and terms of such Securities were established;


 

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          (3) to the extent the forms and terms of such Securities are determined pursuant to (and are not set forth in) resolutions or supplemental indentures pursuant to Sections 2.1 and 2.3, an Officers’ Certificate, prepared in accordance with Section 12.6, either setting forth the form or forms and terms of the Securities; and
          (4) an Opinion of Counsel, prepared in accordance with Section 12.6, which shall also state (a) that the form or forms and terms of such Securities have been or will, when established in compliance with procedures therein described, be duly authorized in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; (b) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Bank in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will have been duly executed and delivered and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Bank, enforceable against the Bank in accordance with and subject to such matters as counsel may therein specify; and (c) such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request.
          The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Securities under this Section if the Trustee, (x) being advised by counsel, and after having consulted with counsel to the Bank, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken, (y) acting in good faith through its board of directors or board of trustees, executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or trustees or Responsible Officers shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability to existing Holders or (z) determines that such action will affect its rights, duties, obligations or immunities hereunder in a manner not reasonably acceptable to it.
          SECTION 2.5. Execution of Securities. The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Bank by each of (a) a member of its Board of Directors and (b) a member of its Supervisory Committee. Such signatures, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, may be the manual signatures of the present or any future such Authorized Persons. Typographical and other minor errors or defects in any such signature shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any Security that has been duly authenticated and delivered by the Trustee.
          In case any Authorized Person of the Bank who shall have signed any of the Securities shall cease to be such Authorized Person before the Security so signed shall be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or disposed of by or on behalf of the Bank, such Security nevertheless may be authenticated and delivered or disposed of as though the Person who signed such Security had not ceased to be such Authorized Person of the Bank; and any Security may be signed on behalf of the Bank by such Persons as, at the actual date of the execution of such Security, shall be proper Authorized Persons of the Bank, although at the date of the execution and delivery of this Indenture any such Person was not such an Authorized Person.
          SECTION 2.6. Certificate of Authentication. Only such Securities as shall bear thereon a certificate of authentication substantially in the form hereinbefore recited, executed by the Trustee by the manual signature of one of its authorized signatories, shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. Such certificate by the Trustee upon any Security executed by or on behalf of the Bank shall be conclusive evidence that the Security so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that the


 

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Holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Bank, and the Bank shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation together with a written statement of an Authorized Person (which need not comply with Section 12.6 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued and sold by the Bank, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
     SECTION 2.7. Global Securities. Global Securities shall be subject to the following terms:
          (a) Interests in a Global Security deposited with DTC or Euroclear and/or Clearstream pursuant to this Section 2.7 hereof shall be exchanged for Certificated Securities only if such exchange complies with Section 2.10 hereof and (i) in the case of a DTC Global Security, DTC notifies the Bank and the Trustee that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for such Global Security or if at any time DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary so registered is not appointed by the Bank within 90 days of such notice, (ii) in the case of a Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security, if the clearing system(s) through which it is cleared and settled is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention to cease business permanently or does in fact do so, (iii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (iv) the Bank in its sole discretion notifies the Trustee in writing that Certificated Securities shall be delivered in exchange for such Global Security.
          (b) If interests in any Global Security are to be exchanged for Securities in the form of Certificated Securities pursuant to Section 2.10, such Global Security shall be surrendered by the relevant clearing system to the Trustee to be so exchanged, without charge, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, upon such exchange of interests in such Global Security, an equal aggregate principal amount of Certificated Securities. The Certificated Securities exchanged pursuant to this Section 2.7 shall be registered by the Registrar in such names as the relevant clearing system shall direct in writing in accordance with its records. Any Certificated Security delivered in exchange for any interest in any Rule 144A Global Security shall, except as provided by Section 2.10, bear the legends as set forth on the face of the form of the Certificated Securities set forth in Exhibit B hereto.
          (c) Until exchanged in full, a Global Security of a Series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as Certificated Securities of such Series authenticated and delivered hereunder. If, after any presentation thereof to the Trustee, the principal amount of Securities represented by any Global Security of a Series is reduced to zero, such Global Security shall be immediately cancelled and destroyed by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11.
          SECTION 2.8. Denomination and Date of Securities. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, Securities shall be issued in such denominations as are set forth in the terms of such Securities established pursuant to Section 2.3 and in a Bank Order relating to such Securities.


 

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     Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
     SECTION 2.9. Payments of Principal and Interest. Interest (and principal, if any, payable other than at Stated Maturity or upon acceleration or redemption) shall be paid in immediately available funds to the Person in whose name a Security is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date next preceding each Interest Payment Date notwithstanding the cancellation of such Securities upon any transfer or exchange thereof subsequent to such Regular Record Date and prior to such Interest Payment Date; provided, however, that interest payable at Stated Maturity or upon acceleration or redemption shall be paid to the Person to whom principal will be payable; provided, further, that if and to the extent the Bank defaults in the payment of the interest, including any Additional Amounts, due on such Interest Payment Date, such defaulted interest, including any Additional Amounts, shall be paid to the Person in whose names such Securities are registered at the end of a subsequent record date established by the Bank by notice given by mail by or on behalf of the Bank to the Holders of the Securities not less than 15 days preceding such subsequent record date, such record date to be not less than 15 days preceding the date of payment in respect of such defaulted interest. Unless otherwise specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or indenture supplemental hereto related to the Series of such Securities, the first payment of interest on any Security originally issued between a Regular Record Date and an Interest Payment Date shall be made on the Interest Payment Date following the next succeeding Regular Record Date to the registered owner at the close of business on such next succeeding Regular Record Date. Unless otherwise specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or in an indenture supplemental hereto related to the Series of such Securities, the “Regular Record Date” with respect to any Security will be the date 15 calendar days prior to each Interest Payment Date, whether or not such date is a Business Day.
     Payments of the principal of and any premium, interest, Additional Amounts and other amounts on or in respect of any Security at Stated Maturity or upon acceleration or redemption shall be made to the registered Holder on such date in immediately available funds upon surrender of such Security at the Corporate Trust Office or at the specified office of any other Paying Agent, provided that the Security is presented to the Paying Agent in time for the Paying Agent to make such payments in such funds in accordance with its normal procedures. Payments of the principal of and any premium, interest, Additional Amounts and other amounts on or in respect of Securities to be made other than at Stated Maturity or upon redemption shall be made by check mailed on or before the due date for such payments to the address of the Person entitled thereto as it appears in the Register; provided that (a) DTC and the Common Depositary, as Holders of the Global Securities, shall be entitled to receive payments of interest by wire transfer of immediately available funds, (b) a Holder of U.S. $1,000,000 (or the approximate equivalent thereof in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars) in aggregate principal or face amount of Securities of the same Series shall be entitled to receive payments of interest by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account maintained by such Holder at a bank located in the United States as may have been appropriately designated by such Holder to the Trustee in writing no later than 15 days prior to the date such payment is due and (c) to the extent that the Holder of a Security issued and denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars elects to receive payment of the principal of and any premiums, interest, Additional Amounts and other amounts on or in respect of such Security at Stated Maturity or upon redemption in such Specified Currency, such payment, except in circumstances described in the


 

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resolutions of the Board of Directors or in an indenture supplemental hereto related to the relevant Series, shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account specified in writing not less than 15 days prior to the date such payment is due by the Holder to the Trustee. Unless such designation is revoked, any such designation made by such Holder with respect to such Securities shall remain in effect with respect to any future payments with respect to such Securities payable to such Holder.
          If the principal of or any premium, interest, Additional Amounts or other amounts on any Security is payable in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars and such Specified Currency is not available due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the Bank’s control, or is no longer used by the government of the country issuing such currency or for settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the international banking community, then the Bank, until such currency is again available or so used, will be entitled, to the extent permitted by Argentine law, to satisfy its obligations to the Holder of such Securities by making such payment in U.S. dollars at the Exchange Rate for such Specified Currency on the Payment Date. The making of any payment in respect of any Security in U.S. dollars under the foregoing circumstances will not constitute an Event of Default under such Security.
          If so specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or indenture supplemental hereto related to a Series of Securities denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars, payments of principal, interest, Additional Amounts or other amounts on or in respect of any such Security shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be made in U.S. dollars, calculated at the Exchange Rate for the Payment Date, if the Holder of such Security on the relevant Regular Record Date or at Stated Maturity, as the case may be, has transmitted a written request for such payment in U.S. dollars to the Trustee and the applicable Paying Agent on or prior to such Regular Record Date or the date that is 15 days prior to the Stated Maturity, as the case may be. Such request may be in writing (mailed or hand delivered) or by facsimile transmission. Any such request made with respect to any Security by a Holder will remain in effect with respect to any further payments of principal, interest, Additional Amounts or other amounts on or in respect of such Security payable to such Holder, unless such request is revoked on or prior to the relevant Regular Record Date or the date that is 15 days prior to the Stated Maturity, as the case may be.
          The U.S. dollar amount to be received by a Holder of a Security denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars who elects to receive payment in U.S. dollars will be based on the Exchange Rate, on the second Business Day next preceding the applicable Payment Date. If Exchange Rate quotations are not available on the second Business Day preceding the applicable Payment Date, such payment will be made in the Specified Currency. All currency exchange costs associated with any payment in U.S. dollars on any Security denominated in a Specified Currency other that U.S. dollars will be borne by the Holder thereof by deductions from payment of the currency exchange being effected on behalf of the Holder by the Exchange Rate Agent.
          Unless otherwise specified in the terms of a Series of Securities, Securities denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars will provide that, in the event of an official redenomination of the currency, the obligations of the Bank with respect to payments on


 

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such Securities shall, in all cases, be deemed immediately following such redenomination to provide for payment of that amount of the redenominated currency representing the amount of such obligations immediately before such redenomination.
          SECTION 2.10. Registration, Transfer and Exchange of Securities. (a) The Registrar will keep a register (the “Register”) at its office in the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina located at Av. De Mayo 701, Piso 23, for the registration of ownership, exchange and transfer of Securities. In the case of the replacement of any of the Securities, the Register will include notations of the Security so replaced, and the Security issued in replacement thereof. In the case of the cancellation of any of the Securities, the Register will include notations of the Security so cancelled and the date on which such Security was cancelled. The Co-Registrar shall also maintain a record of all registrations of ownership, exchange and transfer of Securities at its office in New York City. The Co-Registrar shall give prompt notice to the Registrar and the Registrar shall likewise give prompt notice to the Co-Registrar of any registration of ownership, exchange or transfer of Securities. The Register will show the amount of the Securities, the date of issue, all subsequent transfers and changes of ownership in respect thereof and the names, tax identification numbers (if relevant to a specific Holder) and addresses of the Holders of the Securities and any payment instructions with respect thereto (if different from a Holder’s registered address). The Registrar and the Co-Registrar shall at all reasonable times during office hours make the Register available to the Bank or any Person authorized by the Bank in writing for inspection and for taking copies thereof or extracts therefrom, and at the expense and written direction of the Bank, the Registrar and the Co-Registrar shall deliver to such Persons all lists of Holders of Securities, their addresses and amounts of such holdings as the Bank may request.
          The Registrar shall maintain the Register in written or electronic form in the Spanish language, and the Co-Registrar shall maintain duplicates thereof in the English language.
          (b) (i) Subject to Section 2.10(b)(ii) and such reasonable and customary regulations as the Bank may from time to time prescribe, transfers of any Certificated Security in whole or in part pursuant to this Section 2.10(b) must be made at the relevant office of the Registrar or Co-Registrar or at the office of any other Transfer Agent that may be appointed by the Bank, by delivery of such Certificated Security with the form of transfer thereon duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Bank and the Registrar or Co-Registrar or any other Transfer Agent, as the case may be, duly executed by the registered Holder thereof or such registered Holder’s attorney-in-fact duly authorized in writing. In exchange for any Certificated Security properly presented for transfer, the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and deliver or cause to be authenticated and delivered at the Corporate Trust Office or at the office of the Registrar or Co-Registrar or at the office of any Transfer Agent, as the case may be, to the transferee or send by mail (at the risk of the transferee) to such address as the transferee may request, a Certificated Security or Securities in the name of such transferee and for the same aggregate principal amount as shall have been transferred. Subject to the minimum denomination requirements, if any, set forth in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or indenture supplemental hereto related to a particular Series, in the case of the transfer of any Certificated Security in part, the Trustee shall also promptly authenticate and deliver or cause to be authenticated and delivered at the Corporate


 

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Trust Office or at the office of the Registrar or Co-Registrar or at the office of any Transfer Agent, as the case may be, to the transferor or send by mail (at the risk of the transferor) to such address as the transferor may request, a Certificated Security or Securities registered in the name of the transferor and for the aggregate principal amount that was not transferred. Certificated Securities may also be exchanged for other Certificated Securities of the same Series in any authorized denominations and of equal aggregate principal amount of Securities of such Series, subject to, if any, the minimum denomination requirements set forth in the applicable resolution of the Board of Directors or indenture supplemental hereto. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable resolution of the Board of Directors or indenture supplemental hereto, Certificated Securities held by Qualified Institutional Buyers may be exchanged for beneficial interests in a Rule 144A Global Security representing Securities of the same Series. In exchange for any such Certificated Security, the Trustee will increase the amount of the relevant Rule 144A Global Security by the amount of such Certificated Security and will cause the Registrar or Co-Registrar to make the appropriate entries in the Register indicating a transfer of a beneficial interest to such Qualified Institutional Buyer or to a participant in the relevant clearing system specified by such Qualified Institutional Buyer. Except as specified in this paragraph and in Section 2.13 hereof, Certificated Securities will not be exchangeable for interests in Global Securities.
          (ii) In the case of any Certificated Securities issued in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Rule 144A, issued upon transfer or exchange of any such Security (other than in accordance with clause 2 of this Section 2.10(b)(ii)) or issued upon exchange of a Rule 144A Global Security pursuant to Section 2.7 hereof, prior to the date which is two years after the Original Issue Date of any such Security (or of such Rule 144A Global Security, as the case may be) (provided that the Bank or any affiliate thereof has not acquired such Security during such two-year period) or in the case of any other “restricted security” (as defined in Rule 144), the Registrar and Co-Registrar, as Transfer Agents, shall not register the transfer or exchange of such Security (other than pursuant to Section 2.13 hereof) unless:
     1. either (A) the registered Holder presenting such Security for transfer, or its attorney-in-fact, shall have advised the Registrar or Co-Registrar in writing that such registered Holder intends to rely or is relying on the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Rule 144A thereunder in making such transfer or (B) the Person presenting such Security for transfer (if other than the registered Holder or its attorney-in-fact), or its attorney-in-fact, shall have advised the Registrar or Co-Registrar in writing that the Person in whose name the Security is to be registered in the Register upon transfer (and each beneficial owner of such Security) is a Qualified Institutional Buyer and that such Person or Persons have been advised that the Security has been sold or transferred to it in reliance upon Rule 144A; or
     2. either (A) the registered Holder presenting such Security for transfer, or its attorney-in-fact, shall have advised the Registrar or Co-Registrar in writing that the registered Holder intends to rely or is relying on the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Regulation S or (B) the Person presenting such Security for transfer (if other than the registered Holder or its attorney-in-fact), or its attorney-in-fact, shall have advised the Registrar or Co-Registrar in writing that the Security has been sold or transferred to it in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Regulation S; or


 

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     3. such Security is to be registered in the Register upon transfer in the name of a Dealer, its nominee or the Bank; or
     4. the Person presenting the Security for transfer, or its attorney-in-fact, shall have advised the Trustee in writing that another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available, including the exemption provided by Rule 144, which is confirmed in an opinion of counsel, and the Registrar or Co-Registrar has received the written consent of the Bank to the registration of such transfer, in which event the Registrar or Co-Registrar shall register such transfer only in accordance with the conditions of such consent.
For purposes of this Section 2.10(b)(ii), any such advice to the Trustee in writing may be in the form of a letter, notice or other written document, including, with respect to clauses 1, 2 and 3 above, by appropriate notation on the transfer notice set forth on such Security.
     Neither the Registrar or Co-Registrar nor any Transfer Agent shall register the transfer of or exchange of Certificated Securities for a period of 15 days preceding the due date for any payment of interest on the Security or during the period of 30 days ending on the due date for any payment of principal on the Security. Neither the Registrar or Co-Registrar nor any Transfer Agent shall register the transfer of or exchange any Securities previously called for redemption.
     (c) (i) DTC Global Securities — DTC Book-Entry Provisions. Interests in DTC Global Securities will be transferable in accordance with the rules and procedures from time to time of DTC. Members of, or participants in, DTC shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any DTC Global Security held on their behalf by DTC, and DTC or its nominee may be treated by the Bank, any Agent or any other agent hereunder as the absolute owner of such DTC Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Bank, any Agent or any other agent hereunder from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or impair, as between DTC and its agent members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of any Security.
     (ii) Global Securities — Euroclear and Clearstream Book-Entry Provisions. Insofar as interests in any Global Security are held by the agent members of Euroclear or Clearstream, the provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” and the “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Participants” of Euroclear and Clearstream, respectively, shall be applicable to such Global Security. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Bank, any Agent or any other agent hereunder from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by Euroclear or Clearstream (in the case of any Regulation S Global Security) or DTC (in the case of any DTC Global Security, whether such Security is an Unrestricted Global Security, a Regulation S Global Security or a Rule 144A Global Security) or impair, as between Euroclear or Clearstream or DTC, as the case may be, and their respective agent members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of any Security.


 

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          (iii) Transfers of Global Securities in Whole. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(d), transfers of a Global Security shall be limited to (i) transfers of a DTC Global Security in whole, but not in part, to DTC, nominees of DTC or to a successor of DTC or such successor’s nominee (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 2.10(d)(iv), or (ii) transfers of a Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security in whole, but not in part, to Euroclear, Clearstream, nominees of Euroclear and Clearstream or to a successor to Euroclear or Clearstream or such successor’s nominee (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 2.10(d)(v)).
          (iv) Transfer of DTC Global Security to Euroclear and/or Clearstream. If the Securities of any Series are at any time represented by both a DTC Global Security and an Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security and an authorized representative of DTC presents the DTC Global Security to the Trustee or any Transfer Agent, accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to such Agent, executed by DTC or by DTC’s attorney thereunto duly authorized in writing, for the purpose of registration of transfer of all or any portion of such DTC’s interest in such DTC Global Security to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, such DTC Global Security or the relevant interest therein shall be transferred upon the Register, and the Trustee shall endorse the DTC Global Security to reflect the reduction of its principal amount by the aggregate principal amount so transferred, and the appropriate Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security shall be endorsed by the Trustee to reflect the increase of its principal amount by the aggregate principal amount so transferred. The Trustee is hereby authorized on behalf of the Bank (A) to endorse or to arrange for the endorsement of the relevant DTC Global Security to reflect the reduction in the principal amount represented thereby by the amount so transferred and to endorse the appropriate Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security to reflect the increase in the principal amount represented thereby by the amount so transferred and, in either case, to sign in the relevant space on the relevant Security recording such reduction or increase and (B) in the case of a total exchange, to cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the DTC Global Security.
          (v) Transfer of Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security to DTC. If the Securities of any Series are for the time being represented by both a DTC Global Security and a Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security and an authorized representative of Euroclear or Clearstream presents the Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security to the Trustee or any Transfer Agent, accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustee or such Transfer Agent, executed by Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, or by Euroclear’s or Clearstream’s attorney thereunto duly authorized in writing, for the purpose of registration of transfer of all or any portion of Euroclear’s or Clearstream’s interest in such Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security to DTC, such Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security or the relevant interest therein shall be transferred upon the Register, and the Trustee shall endorse the Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security to reflect the reduction of its principal amount by the aggregate principal amount so transferred, and the appropriate DTC Global Security shall be endorsed by the Trustee to reflect the increase of its principal amount by the aggregate principal amount so transferred. The Trustee are hereby authorized on behalf of the Bank (i) to endorse or to arrange for the endorsement of the relevant Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security to reflect the reduction in the principal amount represented thereby by the amount so transferred and to endorse the appropriate DTC Global Security to reflect the increase in the principal amount represented thereby by the amount so transferred, and in either case, to sign in the relevant space on the relevant Security recording such reduction or increase and (ii) in the case of a total exchange, to cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security.


 

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          (d) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, so long as Global Securities of a Series remain outstanding and are held by or on behalf of DTC or Euroclear and Clearstream, transfers or exchanges of interests between Global Securities of a Series, in whole or in part, shall only be made in accordance with this Section 2.10(d) or Section 2.13.
     (i) Transfers From Rule 144A Global Security to Regulation S Global Security. If Securities of a Series are issued in the form of a Regulation S Global Security and a Rule 144A Global Security, and if a holder of a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security deposited with the relevant clearing system or its custodian wishes at any time to exchange its interest in such Rule 144A Global Security for an interest in the Regulation S Global Security of the same Series, or to transfer its interest in such Rule 144A Global Security to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of an interest in the Regulation S Global Security, such holder may, subject to the rules and procedures of DTC and, to the extent applicable, Euroclear and Clearstream, exchange or cause the exchange or transfer or cause the transfer of such interest for an equivalent beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Security of the same Series. Upon receipt by the Trustee, of (1) written instructions given in accordance with procedures of DTC and/or, to the extent applicable, Euroclear and Clearstream from a participant, directing the Trustee to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Security of the same Series in an amount equal to the beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security to be exchanged or transferred, (2) an order given by the holder of such beneficial interest given in accordance with procedures of DTC and/or, to the extent applicable, Euroclear and Clearstream, containing information regarding the participant account of DTC or, to the extent applicable, Euroclear or Clearstream, to be credited with such increase and (3) a certificate which:
     (i) for exchanges made during the Restricted Period, is in the form of Exhibit D hereto given by the holder of such beneficial interest stating that the exchange or transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Securities and pursuant to, and in accordance with, Regulation S; or
     (ii) for exchanges made after the expiration of the Restricted Period, is in the form of Exhibit E hereto given by the holder of such beneficial interest stating that the exchange or transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Securities and (A) that such transfer or exchange has been made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Regulation S or (B) that such transfer or exchange has been made in a transaction permitted by Rule 144.
The Trustee or Transfer Agents shall instruct DTC to reduce the Rule 144A Global Security by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interest to be so exchanged or transferred, and the Trustee shall instruct DTC or, to the extent applicable, Euroclear or Clearstream, concurrently with such reduction, to increase the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Security of the same Series by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security to be so exchanged or transferred, and to credit or cause to


 

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be credited to the account of the Person specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Security equal to the reduction in the principal amount of the Rule 144A Global Security of the same Series.
     (ii) Transfers From Regulation S Global Security to Rule 144A Global Security. If Securities of any Series are issued in the form of a Regulation S Global Security and a Rule 144A Global Security, and if a holder of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Security deposited with the relevant clearing system or its custodian wishes at any time to exchange its interest in such Security for an interest in the Rule 144A Global Security of the same Series, or to transfer its interest in such Regulation S Global Security to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of an interest in the Rule 144A Global Security of the same Series, such holder may, subject to the rules and procedures of DTC or, to the extent applicable, Euroclear and Clearstream, exchange or transfer such interest for an equivalent beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security of the same Series. Upon receipt by the Trustee of (1) written instructions from a participant in DTC or Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, directing the Trustee to credit a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security equal to the beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Security of the same Series to be exchanged or transferred, such instructions to contain information regarding the participant’s account with DTC to be credited with such increase, and information regarding the participant’s account with DTC or, to the extent applicable, Euroclear or Clearstream, to be debited with such decrease, and (2) with respect to an exchange or transfer of an interest in the Regulation S Global Security during the Restricted Period for an interest in the Rule 144A Global Security of the same Series, a certificate in the form of Exhibit F hereto given by the holder of such beneficial interest and stating that the Person transferring such interest in the Regulation S Global Security reasonably believes that the Person acquiring such interest in the Rule 144A Global Security of the same Series is a Qualified Institutional Buyer and is obtaining such beneficial interest in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, the Trustee shall instruct DTC or, to the extent applicable, Euroclear or Clearstream, to reduce the Regulation S Global Security by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interest in such Security, and the Trustee shall instruct DTC, concurrently with such reduction, to increase the principal amount of the Rule 144A Global Security of the same Series by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Security to be so exchanged or transferred, and to credit the account of the Person specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security equal to the reduction in the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Security of the same Series.
     (e) If Securities are issued upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Securities not bearing the restrictive legends set forth in the respective applicable form of Security attached hereto (collectively, a “Restrictive Legend”), the Securities so issued shall not bear a Restrictive Legend. If Securities are issued upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Securities bearing a Restrictive Legend, or if a request is made to remove a Restrictive Legend of a Security, the Securities so issued shall bear a Restrictive Legend as set forth on the applicable form of Security attached hereto, or the Restrictive Legend shall not be removed, as the case may be, (other than pursuant to Section 2.13 hereof) unless:


 

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     (i) in the case of Certificated Securities issued pursuant to Section 2.10(b)(ii), the provisions of clause 2 thereof shall have been satisfied; or
     (ii) in any other case there is delivered to the Bank and the Trustee such satisfactory evidence, which may include an opinion of New York counsel, as may be reasonably required by the Bank (at the Holder’s expense) that neither the Restrictive Legend nor the restrictions on transfer set forth therein are required to ensure that transfers thereof comply, as the case may be, with the provisions of Rule 144A, Rule 144 or Regulation S or that such Securities are not “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144.
In the case of either clause (i) or (ii), the Trustee, at the written direction of the Bank, shall authenticate and deliver a Security that does not bear the Restrictive Legend. If the Legend is removed from the face of a Security and such Security is subsequently held by the Bank or an Affiliate of the Bank and the Trustee subsequently obtains actual knowledge that such Security is a “restricted security” within the meaning of Rule 144, the Restrictive Legend shall be reinstated.
          (f) Prior to satisfaction of the applicable requirements in this Section 2.10 for registration of transfer, the Bank, the Trustee and each Paying Agent, if any, may deem and treat the registered Holder as appears in the Register of any Security as the absolute owner of such Security, in each case for the purpose of receiving payment of the principal and any interest in respect of such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever.
          (g) Transfer, registration and exchange of any Security or Securities shall be permitted and executed as provided in this Section 2.10 without any charge to the Holder of any such Security or Securities, other than any taxes or governmental charges payable on transfers or any expenses of delivery (other than delivery by regular mail), including, without limitation, insurance, postage and transportation.
          SECTION 2.11. Mutilated, Defaced, Destroyed, Stolen and Lost Securities; Cancellation and Destruction of Securities. (a) The Bank shall execute and deliver to the Trustee Certificated Securities in such amounts and at such times as to enable the Trustee to fulfill its responsibilities under this Indenture and the Securities.
          (b) The Trustee shall, in accordance with any terms and conditions set forth in the Securities, and upon provision of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee and to the Bank that any Security was mutilated, defaced, destroyed, stolen or lost, together with such indemnity as the Trustee and the Bank may require to hold each of them harmless, authenticate and deliver from time to time such Securities in exchange for or in lieu of such Securities that become mutilated, defaced, destroyed, stolen or lost. Each Security delivered in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry all the rights to interest (including rights to accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts) that were carried by such other Security.
          (c) All Securities surrendered for payment, transfer or exchange shall be delivered to the Trustee. The Trustee shall cancel and destroy all such Securities surrendered for payment, transfer or exchange, in accordance with its security destruction policy, and shall, upon written request, deliver a certificate of destruction to the Bank.


 

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          (d) Upon the issuance of any substitute Security, the Holder of such Security, if so requested by the Bank, will pay a sum sufficient to cover any stamp duty, tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expense (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee, its counsel and its agents) in connection with the preparation and issuance of the substitute Security.
          (e) All Securities issued upon any transfer or exchange of Securities shall be valid obligations of the Bank, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
          SECTION 2.12. Purchase and Cancellation. The Bank and its Subsidiaries may at any time purchase or otherwise acquire any Security in the open market or otherwise at any price and may resell or otherwise dispose of such Security at any time; provided that in determining at any time whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Securities Outstanding have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under this Indenture, Securities then owned by the Bank or any Subsidiary of the Bank shall be disregarded and deemed not Outstanding.
          SECTION 2.13. Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of an Exchange Offer in accordance with a Registration Rights Agreement, the Bank may (1) issue and deliver, and upon receipt of a Bank Order in accordance with Section 2.3 hereof the Trustee shall authenticate, (i) one or more Unrestricted Global Securities in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Global Securities tendered for exchange in the Exchange Offer by Persons that certify in the applicable letters of transmittal or via the depositary’s book-entry system that (A) they are not broker-dealers, (B) they are not participating in a distribution of Exchange Securities and (C) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) of the Bank and (ii) Unrestricted Certificated Securities in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Certificated Securities accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer or (2) deliver a Bank Order to the Trustee instructing the Trustee to remove the Restrictive Legends from such Securities and replace the CUSIP, ISIN, Common Code and other identifying codes to permit the Securities to become freely tradeable. Upon the effectiveness of a Resale Registration Statement in accordance with a Registration Rights Agreement, the Bank may deliver a Bank Order to the Trustee instructing the Trustee to remove the Restrictive Legends from the Securities covered by such registration statement. All Exchange Securities issued pursuant to an Exchange Offer for the Securities of a Series shall, for all purposes under this Indenture, be deemed to be part of and constitute a single Series with such Securities that were not tendered in such Exchange Offer, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall vote together as one Series of Securities under this Indenture.
ARTICLE III
COVENANTS OF THE BANK
          SECTION 3.1. Payment of Principal and Interest. The Bank covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities that it will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of and interest on each of the Securities (including Additional Amounts),


 

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and any other payments to be made by the Bank under the Securities and this Indenture, at the place or places, at the respective times and in the manner provided in such Securities and this Indenture. The Bank shall also pay all Additional Interest, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in the amounts set forth in the applicable Registration Rights Agreements.
          SECTION 3.2. Offices for Payments, etc. So long as any of the Securities remain Outstanding, the Bank will maintain in New York City the following: an office or agency (a) where the Securities may be presented for payment, (b) where the Securities may be presented for exchange, transfer or registration of transfer as in this Indenture provided and (c) where notices and demands to or upon the Bank in respect of the Securities or of this Indenture may be served. Unless otherwise specified in accordance with Section 2.3, the Bank hereby initially appoints the Trustee at its office or agency for each such purpose and designates the Corporate Trust Office as the office to be maintained by it for each such purpose. In case the Bank shall fail to so designate or maintain any such office or agency or shall fail to give such notice of the location or of any change in the location thereof, presentations and demands may be made and notices may be served at all times at the Corporate Trust Office and the Bank hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, demands and notices. If and for so long as any Series of Securities are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange for trading on the EuroMTF, the alternative market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (the “EuroMTF”), and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange so requires, the Bank will maintain a Paying Agent and a Transfer Agent in Luxembourg. Dexia Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, société anonyme, at its office at 69, Route d’Esch L-2953, Luxembourg, Attention: Transaction Execution Group, will initially act as such Paying Agent and Transfer Agent in Luxembourg. So long as it is required by Argentine law or by the CNV, the Bank will maintain a Registrar, a Paying Agent and a Transfer Agent in Argentina. HSBC Bank Argentina S.A. at its office at Av. De Mayo 701, Piso 23, Buenos Aires, Argentina, will initially act as such Registrar, Paying Agent and Transfer Agent in Argentina. The Registrar, the Co-Registrar, each of the Paying Agents and each of the Transfer Agents may change their respective specified offices set forth herein to some other specified offices in the same city. The Bank will promptly give to the Trustee and the Holders (and, if so required, the CNV, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, the BASE or such other securities exchange on which a Series of Securities may be listed) written notice of any change of location of specified offices, or of any resignation, termination or appointment of the Registrar, Co-Registrar, any Paying Agent or any Transfer Agent.
          SECTION 3.3. Appointment to Fill a Vacancy in Office of Trustee. The Bank, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee, will appoint, in the manner provided in Section 5.10, a Trustee, so that there shall at all times be a Trustee with respect to the Securities.
          SECTION 3.4. Payments and Paying Agents. (a) The Bank will, on or before 10:00 AM (New York City time) at least one Business Day prior to each due date of the principal or premium or interest on any Securities (including Additional Amounts), deposit with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay such principal, premium or interest (including Additional Amounts) so becoming due. The Bank shall request that the bank through which any such payment is to be made agree to supply to the Trustee two Business Days prior to the due date for any such payment an irrevocable confirmation (by tested telex or authenticated SWIFT) of its intention to make such payment.


 

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          (b) At least five Business Days prior to the first Payment Date of interest or principal and, if there has been any change with respect to the matters set forth in the below-mentioned certificate, at least five Business Days prior to each Payment Date of interest or principal thereafter, the Bank shall furnish the Trustee with a certificate signed by any two Authorized Persons instructing the Trustee as to any circumstances in which payments of principal of or interest on any Securities (including Additional Amounts) due on such date shall be subject to deduction or withholding for or on account of any taxes and the rate of any such deduction or withholding. If any such deduction or withholding shall be required and if the Bank therefore becomes liable to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to the terms of such Securities, then at least five Business Days prior to each Payment Date of interest or principal, the Bank will furnish the Trustee with a certificate that specifies the amount required to be withheld on such Payment Date to Holders of such Securities and the Additional Amounts due to Holders of such Securities and that the Bank shall pay in a timely manner such amount to be withheld to the appropriate governmental authority, and the Bank will pay to the Trustee such Additional Amounts as shall be required to be paid to such Holders. The Bank agrees to indemnify the Trustee and each Paying Agent for, and to hold each harmless against, any loss, liability or expense reasonably incurred by them without negligence or willful misconduct on their respective parts, arising out of or in connection with actions taken or omitted by them in reliance on any certificate furnished pursuant to this Section 3.4(b) or the failure to furnish any such certificate. The obligations of the Bank under the preceding sentence shall survive the payment of the Securities, the resignation or removal of the Trustee or any Paying Agent and/or the termination of this Indenture.
          (c) Each of the Paying Agents hereby agrees (and whenever the Bank shall appoint a Paying Agent with respect to the Securities other than those specified in Section 3.2, it will cause such Paying Agent to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Agent shall agree), subject to the provisions of this Section,
          (i) that it will hold all sums received by it as such agent for the payment of the principal of or interest on any Securities (whether such sums have been paid to it by or on behalf of the Bank or by any other obligor on the Securities) in trust for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities or of the Trustee,
          (ii) that it will give the Trustee written notice of any failure by the Bank (or by any other obligor on the Securities) to make any payment of the principal of or interest on any Securities (including Additional Amounts) and any other payments to be made by or on behalf of the Bank under this Indenture or such Securities when the same shall be due and payable, and
          (iii) that it will pay any such sums so held in trust by it to the Trustee upon the Trustee’s written request at any time during the continuance of the failure referred to in clause (ii) above.
          The Bank shall give, at its expense, notice of the appointment of any Paying Agents (other than those specified in Section 3.2) to the Holders as specified in Section 12.5, and to the CNV if required under Argentine law.


 

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          The Trustee, in its capacity as the Principal Paying Agent, shall arrange with all such Paying Agents for the payment, from funds furnished by the Bank to the Trustee pursuant to this Indenture, of the principal of and interest on the Securities (including Additional Amounts).
          If the Bank shall act as its own paying agent with respect to any Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of or interest on such Securities, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities a sum sufficient to pay such principal or interest (including Additional Amounts) so becoming due. The Bank will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any failure to take such action.
          Anything in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding, the Bank may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a satisfaction and discharge with respect to any Securities hereunder, or for any other reason, pay or cause to be paid to the Trustee all sums held in trust for such Securities by the Bank or any Paying Agent hereunder, as required by this Section, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the trusts herein contained.
          Anything in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding, the agreements to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section are subject to the provisions of Sections 9.3 and 9.4.
          SECTION 3.5. Taxation. (a) All payments of principal, premium or interest by the Bank in respect of each Security shall be made without deduction or withholding for or on account of any present or future taxes, penalties, fines, duties, assessments or other governmental charges of whatsoever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of Argentina or by or within any political subdivision thereof or any authority therein having power to tax (“Argentine Taxes”), unless the Bank is compelled by law to so deduct or withhold. In any such event, the Bank shall pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) in respect of Argentine Taxes as may be necessary to ensure that the amounts received by the Holders of such Securities after such withholding or deduction shall equal the respective amounts that would have been receivable in respect of such Security in the absence of such withholding or deduction, except that no such Additional Amounts shall be payable:
          (i) to or on behalf of a Holder or beneficial owner of a Security that is liable for Argentine Taxes in respect of such Security by reason of having a present or former connection with Argentina other than merely the holding or owning of such Security or the enforcement of rights with respect to such Security or the receipt of income or any payments in respect thereof;
          (ii) to or on behalf of a Holder or beneficial owner of a Security in respect of Argentine Taxes that would not have been imposed but for the failure of the Holder or beneficial owner of a Security to comply with any certification, identification, information, documentation or other reporting requirement (within 30 calendar days following a written request from the Bank to the Holder for compliance) if such compliance is required by applicable law, regulation, administrative practice or an applicable treaty as a precondition to exemption from, or reduction in the rate of deduction or withholding of, Argentine Taxes;


 

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          (iii) to or on behalf of a Holder or beneficial owner of a Security in respect of any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, transfer, personal assets or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
          (iv) to or on behalf of a Holder or beneficial owner of a Security in respect of Argentine Taxes payable otherwise than by withholding from payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities;
          (v) to or on behalf of a Holder or beneficial owner of a Security in respect of Argentine Taxes that would not have been imposed but for the fact that the Holder presented such Security for payment (where presentation is required) more than 30 days after the later of (x) the date on which such payment became due and (y) if the full amount payable has not been received by the Trustee on or prior to such due date, the date on which, the full amount having been so received, notice to that effect shall have been given to the Securityholders by the Trustee; or
          (vi) for any combination of items (i) through (v) above;
nor shall Additional Amounts be paid with respect to any payment of the principal of, or any premium or interest on, any Securities to any Holder or beneficial owner of a Security who is a fiduciary or partnership or limited liability company or other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of Argentina to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member of such partnership, limited liability company or beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such Additional Amounts had it been the Holder of such Securities.
All references in this Indenture to principal, premium or interest payable hereunder shall be deemed to include references to any Additional Amounts payable under this Section with respect to such principal, premium or interest. The Bank will provide the Trustee with documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing the payment of any amounts deducted or withheld in accordance with this Section promptly upon the Bank’s payment thereof, and copies of such documentation will be made available by the Trustee to Holders upon written request to the Trustee.
          (b) The Bank will pay promptly when due any present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes or any excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies that arise in any jurisdiction from the execution, delivery or registration of each Security or any other document or instrument referred to herein or therein, excluding any such taxes, charges or similar levies imposed by any jurisdiction outside Argentina except those resulting from, or required to be paid in connection with, the enforcement of such Security after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default with respect to the Security in default.
          SECTION 3.6. Maintenance of Books and Records. The Bank will maintain books, accounts and records in accordance with Argentine GAAP and Central Bank Rules.
          SECTION 3.7. Status and Ranking. (a) The Bank will ensure that its obligations under each Security will at all times rank at least pari passu in right of payment with all other


 

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existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Bank (other than obligations preferred by statute or by operation of law).
          (b) The Bank will ensure that each Security will at all times qualify as “obligaciones negociables” under the Negotiable Obligations Law and Joint Resolution No. 470-1738/2004, be entitled to the benefits set forth therein and subject to the procedural requirements thereof.
          SECTION 3.8. Listing. The Bank will ensure that the Securities (that are “restricted securities” under Rule 144A(d)(3)) meet the eligibility requirements of Rule 144A(d)(3) under the Securities Act. The Bank will use all reasonable efforts to assist the relevant Dealers in arranging to cause the Securities to be eligible for settlement through the facilities of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, as applicable, and, if so specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or the indenture supplemental hereto relating to a Series of Securities, to be accepted for trading in the PORTAL Market and the MAE, as applicable. In connection with any Series of Securities to be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange for trading on the EuroMTF, the BASE or on another securities exchange or securities exchanges, the Bank will use all reasonable efforts to have such Series of Securities accepted for listing and/or trading on such securities exchange or securities exchanges no later than the date on which the Securities of such Series are to be issued and sold (or as soon thereafter as possible in accordance with the requirements of such securities exchange or securities exchanges); and the Bank will use all reasonable efforts to cause such listing to be continued for so long as any of the Securities of such Series are Outstanding and to furnish to each specified securities exchange all documents, information and undertakings that may be reasonably necessary in order to effect or continue such listing; provided that if, as a result of the European Union regulated market amended Directive 2001/34/EC (the “Transparency Directive”) or any legislation implementing the Transparency Directive or other directives or legislation, the Bank could be required to publish financial information either more regularly than it otherwise would be required to or according to accounting principles which are materially different from the accounting principles which the Bank would otherwise use to prepare its published financial information, the Bank may delist the Securities from trading on the EuroMTF in accordance with the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and seek an alternative admission to listing, trading and/or quotation for the Securities on a different market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange or by such other listing authority, securities exchange and/or quotation system inside or outside the European Union as the Board of Directors of the Bank may decide.
          SECTION 3.9. Maintenance of Corporate Existence; Properties. The Bank will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (a) maintain in effect its corporate existence and all registrations necessary therefore (except for transactions not otherwise prohibited by Article VIII), (b) take all actions to maintain all rights, privileges, titles to property or franchises necessary in the normal conduct of its business and (c) keep all its property used or useful in the conduct of its business in good working order and condition; provided that this covenant shall not require the Bank to maintain any such right, privilege, title to property or franchises, or to preserve the corporate existence of any Subsidiary, if in each case the Board of Directors of the Bank shall determine in good faith that the maintenance or preservation thereof is no longer necessary or desirable in the conduct of business of the Bank.


 

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          SECTION 3.10. Compliance with Law. The Bank will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders and resolutions of each Government Agency having jurisdiction over it or its business except where the failure to so comply would not have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, operations or financial condition of the Bank and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
          SECTION 3.11. Reports to Trustee.
          The Bank will furnish to the Trustee the following reports:
          (a) within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Bank (or, if later, the date on which the Bank is required to deliver to the CNV or to the Central Bank financial statements for the relevant fiscal period), a copy of the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Bank and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such year and the related consolidated statements of income and statements of shareholders’ equity and statements of cash flows for such fiscal year, prepared in accordance with Central Bank Rules applied consistently throughout the periods reflected therein (except as otherwise expressly noted therein) and delivered in both the English and Spanish languages;
          (b) within 60 days after the end of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Bank (or, if later, the date on which the Bank is required to deliver to the CNV or to the Central Bank financial statements for the relevant fiscal period), a copy of the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Bank and its Subsidiaries as of the end of each such quarter and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income and statements of shareholders’ equity and statements of cash flows for such quarter, prepared in accordance with Central Bank Rules applied consistently throughout the periods reflected therein (except as otherwise expressly noted therein) and delivered in both the English and Spanish languages; and
          (c) within 195 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Bank, an English language version of the Bank’s annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP (or, if the Bank is not preparing consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, a reconciliation of the Bank’s financial statements described in clause (i) above to U.S. GAAP), together with a “management’s discussion and analysis” thereof, in form and substance to the effect generally required of foreign private issuers subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; provided that, in the event the Bank is no longer required to submit reports to the SEC, the Bank shall not be required to provide a reconciliation of its financial statements to U.S. GAAP.
          SECTION 3.12. Other Information. For so long as any of the Securities remain Outstanding and are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, the Bank will, during any period in which it is neither subject to Section 13 or 15(d) under the Exchange Act nor exempt from reporting under the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) thereunder, make available to any Holder or any owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Security, to a prospective purchaser of a Security or beneficial interest therein who is a Qualified Institutional Buyer, or to the Trustee for delivery, at the Bank’s expense, to such


 

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Holder or beneficial owner or prospective purchaser, as the case may be, in connection with any sale thereof, in each case at the Holder’s written request to the Bank, the information specified in, and meeting the requirements of, Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
          SECTION 3.13. Notice of Default. The Bank will notify the Trustee in writing promptly after the Bank becomes aware of the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default. Each notice pursuant to this Section shall state that it constitutes a “notice of default” hereunder and shall be accompanied by an officers’ certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank setting forth the details of such Event of Default and stating what action the Bank proposes to take with respect thereto.
          SECTION 3.14. Negative Pledge. The Bank will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist any Lien, except a Permitted Lien, upon any of its present or future assets to secure any Indebtedness unless, at the same time or prior thereto, the Bank’s obligations under the Securities and this Indenture are secured equally and ratably therewith.
          SECTION 3.15. Further Actions. The Bank will use its reasonable best efforts to take any action, satisfy any condition or do anything (including the obtaining or effecting of any necessary consent, approval, authorization, exemption, filing, license, order, recording or registration) at any time required in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations to be taken, fulfilled or done in order (a) to enable it lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and comply with its payment obligations under the Securities and this Indenture, as the case may be, (b) to ensure that those obligations are legally binding and enforceable and (c) to make the Securities and this Indenture admissible in evidence in the courts of Argentina.
ARTICLE IV
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND
SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT
          SECTION 4.1. Events of Default. In case one or more of the following events (each an “Event of Default”) shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to the Securities of any Series:
          (a) the Bank shall fail to pay any principal or interest (or Additional Amounts, if any) on the Securities of such Series on the date when it becomes due and payable in accordance with the terms thereof, and such failure shall continue for a period of seven days (in the case of principal) or fourteen days (in the case of interest or Additional Amounts, if any); or
          (b) the Bank shall fail duly to perform or observe any other covenant or obligation applicable to such Series under this Indenture or contained in such Securities, and such failure shall continue for a period of 30 days after written notice to that effect is received by the Bank or by the Bank and the Trustee from the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such Series; or


 

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          (c) the Bank or any of its Subsidiaries shall fail to pay when due interest on or principal of any Indebtedness of the Bank or such Subsidiary in an aggregate amount of at least US$20,000,000 (or the then equivalent thereof in another currency) and such failure shall continue after the grace period, if any, applicable thereto; or any other event of default shall occur under any agreement or instrument relating to any such Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount of at least US$20,000,000 (or the then equivalent thereof in another currency) which results in the acceleration of the maturity thereof; or
          (d) one or more final judgments or decrees for the payment of money in excess of US$20,000,000 (or the then equivalent thereof in another currency) in the aggregate are rendered against the Bank or any of its Subsidiaries and are not discharged and, in the case of each such judgment or decree, either (a) an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree and is not dismissed within 30 days following commencement of such enforcement proceedings or (b) there is a period of 60 days following such judgment during which such judgment or decree is not discharged, waived or the execution thereof stayed; or
          (e) (i) a court having jurisdiction enters a decree or order for (1) relief in respect of the Bank or any of its Significant Subsidiaries in an involuntary case under the Financial Institutions Law, Argentine Law No. 24,522, as amended (the “Bankruptcy Law”), or any other applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or (2) appointment of an administrator, receiver, trustee or intervenor for the Bank or any of its Significant Subsidiaries for all or substantially all of the property of the Bank or any of its Significant Subsidiaries and, in each case, such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of sixty consecutive days or (ii) the Central Bank (1) initiates a proceeding under Article 34, 35 or 35(bis) of the Financial Institutions Law, requesting the Bank or any of its Significant Subsidiaries to submit a plan under such Article or (2) orders a temporary, total or partial suspension of the activities of the Bank or any of its Significant Subsidiaries pursuant to Article 49 of the charter of the Central Bank; or
          (f) the Bank or any of its Significant Subsidiaries (a) commences a voluntary case under the Financial Institutions Law, the Bankruptcy Law or any other applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, (b) consents to the appointment of or taking possession by an administrator, receiver, trustee or intervenor for the Bank or any of its Significant Subsidiaries for all or substantially all of the property of the Bank or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or (c) effects any general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or
          (g) a resolution is passed or adopted by the Bank’s Board of Directors or shareholders, or an order is adopted by the Central Bank, or a ruling or judgment of a Government Agency or court of competent jurisdiction is made, that the Bank be wound up or dissolved (other than pursuant to merger, consolidation, amalgamation or other transaction otherwise not prohibited by Section 8.1); or


 

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          (h) it becomes unlawful for the Bank to perform or comply with any of its payment obligations under the Securities of such Series; or
          (i) this Indenture for any reason ceases to be in full force and effect in accordance with its terms, or the Bank shall deny that it has any further liability or obligation hereunder or in respect hereof; or
          (j) a moratorium is agreed or declared in respect of any of the Bank’s Indebtedness;
then the Trustee shall, upon the request of the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such Series, by written notice to the Bank, declare all the Securities of such Series then Outstanding to be immediately due and payable; provided that in the case of any of the Events of Default described in paragraphs (e), (f) and (g) above with respect to the Bank, all Securities shall, without any notice to the Bank or any other act by the Trustee or any Holder of any Securities, become immediately due and payable. Upon any such declaration of acceleration, the principal of the Securities so accelerated and the interest accrued thereon and all other amounts payable with respect to such Securities shall become and be immediately due and payable.
          If an Event of Default set forth in Section 4.1(c) above has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities of any Series, such Event of Default shall be automatically rescinded and annulled once the event of default or payment default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to Section 4.1(c) shall be remedied or cured by the Bank and/or the relevant Subsidiary or waived by the holders of the relevant Indebtedness. No such rescission and annulment shall affect any subsequent Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereto.
          At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made with respect to the Securities of any Series and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such Series, by written notice to the Bank and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if (i) the Bank has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay (A) all overdue installments of interest on the Securities of such Series, (B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of such Series which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, and interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefore by the terms of the Securities of such Series, to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, (C) interest upon overdue installments of interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefore by the terms of the Securities of such Series, to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful and (D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee and the Agents hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, the Agents and their respective agents and counsel; and (ii) all Events of Default with respect to such Series of Securities, other than the nonpayment of the principal, premium or interest on the Securities of such Series that has become due solely because of such acceleration, have been cured or waived. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereto.


 

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          SECTION 4.2. Collection of Indebtedness by Trustee. The Bank covenants that (a) in case there shall be a default in the payment of any installment of interest (including Additional Amounts) on any of the Securities of any Series when such interest (including Additional Amounts) shall have become due and payable, and such default shall have continued for a period of fourteen days or (b) in case there shall be a default in the payment of all or any part of the principal of any of the Securities of any Series when the same shall have become due and payable, whether upon maturity or by declaration or otherwise, and such default continues for a period of seven days; then upon demand by the Trustee, the Bank will pay to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of any such Security the whole amount that then shall have become due and payable on any such Security for principal or interest (including Additional Amounts), as the case may be (with interest to the date of such payment upon the overdue principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law, on overdue installments of interest at the rate or rates of interest specified in any such Security); and in addition thereto, the Bank will pay such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including reasonable compensation to, and reimbursement of the expenses of, the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and any expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, as provided in Section 5.6, except as a result of its negligence or willful misconduct.
          In case the Bank shall fail forthwith to pay such amounts upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceedings to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Bank or other obligor upon the Securities of such Series and collect in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Bank or other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated, the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable.
          All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture or under the Securities of any Series may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities of such Series or the production thereof on any trial or other proceedings relative thereto, and any such action or proceedings instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment, subject to the payment of the expenses, disbursements and compensation of the Trustee, each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents and attorneys, shall be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities of the Series in respect of which such action was taken.
          In any proceedings brought by the Trustee (and also any proceedings involving the interpretation of any provision of this Indenture to which the Trustee shall be a party), the Trustee shall be held to represent all the Holders of the Securities of the Series in respect to which such action was taken, and it shall not be necessary to make any Holders of such Securities parties to any such proceedings.
          Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities of any Series or the rights of any Holder


 

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thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
          SECTION 4.3. Application of Proceeds. Any moneys collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article in respect of a Series of Securities shall be applied in the following order at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such moneys on account of principal (including Additional Amounts), upon presentation of the Securities of such Series in respect of which moneys have been collected and stamping (or otherwise noting) thereon the payment, or issuing Securities in reduced principal amounts in exchange for the presented Securities if only partially paid, or upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
     FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due to the Trustee and/or any predecessor Trustee under Section 5.6; except for any such amounts that result from negligence or willful misconduct;
     SECOND: To the payment of all amounts due to the Agents under Section 1.2;
     THIRD: In case the principal of the Securities in respect of which moneys have been collected shall not have become and be then due and payable, to the payment of overdue interest (including Additional Amounts) on such Securities in default in the order of the maturity of the installments of such interest (including Additional Amounts), with interest upon the overdue installments of interest (including Additional Amounts) at the rate or rates of interest specified in such Securities, such payments to be made ratably to the Persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or preference;
     FOURTH: In case the principal of the Securities of such Series in respect of which moneys have been collected shall have become and shall be then due and payable, to the payment of the whole amount then owing and unpaid upon all such Securities for principal and interest (including Additional Amounts), with interest upon the overdue principal, and upon overdue installments of interest (including Additional Amounts), at the rate or rates of interest specified in such Securities; and in case such moneys shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amount so due and unpaid upon such Securities of such Series, then to the payment of such principal and interest (including Additional Amounts), without preference or priority of principal over interest (including Additional Amounts), or of interest over principal, or of any installment of interest over any other installment of interest, or of such Security over any other such Security, ratably to the aggregate of such principal and accrued and unpaid interest (including Additional Amounts); and
     FIFTH: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Bank or any other Person lawfully entitled thereto of which the Trustee has received written notice.
          SECTION 4.4. Suits for Enforcement. In case an Event of Default has occurred, has not been waived and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion (but is not required to) proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific


 

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enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.
          SECTION 4.5. Restoration of Rights on Abandonment of Proceedings. In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case the Bank, the Holders and the Trustee shall, subject to applicable law, be restored respectively to their former positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Bank, the Trustee and the Securityholders shall continue as though no such proceedings had been taken.
          SECTION 4.6. Limitations on Suits by Securityholders. Except as provided in Section 4.7, no Holder of any Security of any Series shall have any right by virtue or by availing itself of any provision of this Indenture or of the Securities of such Series, to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise upon or under or with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official or for any other remedy hereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of default and of the continuance thereof, and unless also the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such Series then Outstanding shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action or proceedings in its own name as trustee hereunder and shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity as it may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby and the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity shall have failed to institute any such action or proceeding and no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.9; it being understood and intended that no one or more Holders of Securities of such Series shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue or by availing itself of any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holder of Securities of such Series, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all Holders of Securities of such Series.
          SECTION 4.7. Unconditional Right of Securityholders to Institute Certain Suits. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture and any provision of any Security, the right of any Holder of any Security to receive payment of the principal of and interest on such Security (including Additional Amounts) on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security, or to institute suit, including a summary judicial proceeding (acción ejecutiva individual) in Argentina pursuant to Article 29 of the Negotiable Obligations Law, for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.
          SECTION 4.8. Powers and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver of Default. Except as provided in Section 4.6, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Securityholders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law


 

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or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
          No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Securityholder to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall impair any such right or power or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein; and, subject to Section 4.6, every power and remedy given by this Indenture or by law to the Trustee or to the Securityholders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Securityholders.
          SECTION 4.9. Control by Securityholders. Subject to Section 5.1(e) hereof, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any Series at the time Outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such Series by this Indenture; provided that such direction shall not be otherwise than in accordance with law and the provisions of this Indenture and shall not expose the Trustee to personal liability and shall not be unduly prejudicial to the interests of Holders of the Securities of such Series not joining in the giving of said direction, it being understood that (subject to Section 5.1) the Trustee shall have no duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearance are unduly prejudicial to such Holders.
          Nothing in this Indenture shall impair the right of the Trustee in its discretion to take any action deemed proper by the Trustee and which is not inconsistent with such direction or directions by Securityholders.
          SECTION 4.10. Waiver of Past Defaults. At a meeting duly convened at which a quorum is present as provided in Section 6.6, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such Series represented and voting at such meeting may, on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such Series, waive any past or present default or Event of Default with respect to such Series and its consequences, except a default in respect of a covenant or provision hereof that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each Holder of Securities of such Series affected as provided in Section 7.2. In the case of any such waiver, the Bank, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities of such Series shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively.
          Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist and be deemed to have been cured and not to have occurred with respect to such Series, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, and not to have occurred with respect to such Series for every purpose of this Indenture, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon or affect any other Series of Securities.
          SECTION 4.11. Payments after a Default. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a Series and the subsequent declaration by the Trustee that the principal amount of all the Securities of such Series is due and payable immediately, the Trustee may by notice in writing: (a) to the Bank and any Paying Agent, require each Paying


 

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Agent to deliver all Securities of such Series and all moneys, documents and records held by it with respect to the Securities of such Series to the Trustee or as the Trustee otherwise directs in such notice; and (b) require any Paying Agent to act as agent of the Trustee under this Indenture and the Securities of such Series, and thereafter to hold all Securities of such Series and all moneys, documents and records held by it in respect to such Securities of such Series to the order of the Trustee; provided that the Trustee shall not thereby become obligated, or have any obligation, to compensate or indemnify such Paying Agent or to reimburse such Paying Agent for any expense.
          SECTION 4.12. Notice of Events of Default. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders a notice of the Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs unless such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived. Except in the case of a default in payment on any Security, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders.
ARTICLE V
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
          SECTION 5.1. Duties and Responsibilities of the Trustee. (a) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default,
     (1) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and in the Trust Indenture Act, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
     (2) in the absence of negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any statements, certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such statements, certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture;
          (b) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent man would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.
          (c) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligence or willful misconduct, except that
     (1) this Subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of Subsection (a) of this Section;


 

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     (2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
     (3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any Series relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture; and
     (4) none of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend, advance or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
          (d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee is subject to this Section 5.1.
          (e) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the trusts or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Securityholders pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby.
          SECTION 5.2. Certain Rights of the Trustee. Subject to Section 5.1:
          (a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, Officers’ Certificate or any other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon, security or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
          (b) any request, direction, order or demand of the Bank mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Bank Order (unless other evidence in respect thereof is herein specifically prescribed); and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be evidenced to the Trustee by a copy thereof certified by the secretary of the Board of Directors of the Bank;
          (c) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion, rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;
          (d) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, appraisal, bond, debenture, guarantee, note, coupon, security, or other paper or document unless requested in writing so to do by the Holders of not less than a

 


 

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majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding; provided that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee, not satisfactorily assured to the Trustee, the Trustee may require from the Securityholders indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against such costs, expenses or liabilities as a condition to proceeding; the reasonable costs, expenses and liabilities of every such investigation shall be paid by the Bank or, if paid by the Trustee or any predecessor trustee, shall be repaid by the Bank promptly upon demand;
          (e) the Trustee may consult with counsel at the Bank’s expense and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
          (f) the Trustee may execute any of its powers or perform any of its duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys not regularly in its employ and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any negligence or willful misconduct on the part of any such agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder; and
          (g) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its rights to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder as Co-Registrar, Principal Paying Agent, Exchange Rate Agent and Transfer Agent.
          SECTION 5.3. Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, Disposition of Securities or Application of Proceeds Thereof . The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificates of authentication and the seventh and eighth recitals to this Indenture, shall be taken as the statements of the Bank, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same. The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture, of any offering materials or of the Securities, except for the seventh and eighth recitals to this Indenture. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Bank of any of the Securities or of the proceeds thereof.
          SECTION 5.4. Trustee and Agents May Hold Securities; Collections, etc. The Trustee or any agent of the Bank or the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of the Securities with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee or such agent and may otherwise deal with the Bank and receive, collect, hold and retain collections from the Bank with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee or such agent. If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. To the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to Securities of more than one Series.
          SECTION 5.5. Moneys Held By Trustee . Subject to the provisions of Section 9.4, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in


 

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trust as provided in the Trust Indenture Act for the purposes for which they were received, but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Neither the Trustee nor any agent of the Bank or the Trustee shall be under any liability for interest on or investment of any moneys received by it hereunder.
          SECTION 5.6. Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee and Its Prior Claim . The Bank covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee from time to time, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, (a) US$5,000 or such other amount as shall be agreed in writing by the Bank and the Trustee (such compensation not to be limited by any provision of law in regards to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust) and (b) reimbursement of its reasonable, documented and invoiced out-of-pocket expenses, disbursements and advances (including the reasonable fees and expenses, disbursements and advances of its agents and counsel) incurred by it in connection with the services rendered by it hereunder.
          The Bank also covenants to indemnify and defend the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its counsel) arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Indenture or the trusts hereunder and the performance of its duties and the exercise of its rights hereunder, including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending itself against or investigating any claim of liability in the premises, except to the extent such loss, liability or expense is due to its own negligence or willful misconduct. The obligations of the Bank under this Section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder and shall survive payment of the Securities, the resignation or removal of such Trustee and/or the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture. As security for the performance of the Bank’s obligations under this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on particular Securities.
          SECTION 5.7. Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Bank . If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Bank (or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Bank (or any such other obligor).
          SECTION 5.8. Right of Trustee to Rely on Officers’ Certificate, etc. Whenever in the administration of the trusts of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof shall be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee, and such certificate, in the absence of negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warranty to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof.
          SECTION 5.9. Persons Eligible for Appointment as Trustee . The Trustee for the Securities hereunder shall at all times be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture


 

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Act to act as such, having a combined capital and surplus of at least US$50,000,000, authorized under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is doing business to exercise corporate trust powers, and subject to supervision or examination by federal, state, territorial or other governmental authority. If such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to the law or to the requirements of such federal, state, territorial or other governmental authority, then for the purposes of this Section and to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published.
          SECTION 5.10. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor Trustee. (a) Subject to Section 5.10(d), the Trustee, or any trustee or trustees hereafter appointed, may at any time resign with respect to the Securities of any Series by giving 30 days’ written notice of resignation to the Bank. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.9, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Section 5.10. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Bank shall promptly appoint a successor trustee or trustees with respect to the Securities of such Series by written instrument in duplicate, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to the successor trustee or trustees. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed with respect to the Securities of such Series and have accepted appointment within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee, or the Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such Series may petition any such court for the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and as it may prescribe, appoint a successor trustee.
          (b) In case at any time any of the following shall occur:
          (i) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.9 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by or on behalf of the Bank or by any Securityholder; or
          (ii) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting with respect to the Securities of any Series, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver or liquidator of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed, or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation;
then, in any such case, (i) the Bank may, by a resolution of the Board of Directors, remove the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such Series and appoint a successor trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and one copy to the successor trustee, or (ii) the Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such Series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to such Securities. Such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and as it may prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee.


 

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          (c) The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any Series at the time Outstanding may at any time remove the Trustee with respect to such Securities and appoint a successor trustee by delivering to the Trustee so removed, to the successor trustee so appointed and to the Bank the evidence provided for in Section 6.1 of the action in that regard taken by such Securityholders.
          (d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee with respect to any Securities and any appointment of a successor trustee pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section 5.10 shall not become effective prior to acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section 5.11.
          SECTION 5.11. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor Trustee . Any successor trustee appointed as provided in Section 5.10 shall execute and deliver to the Bank and to its predecessor trustee an instrument accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the predecessor trustee with respect to the Securities of such Series shall become effective and such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all rights, powers, duties and obligations with respect to the Securities of such Series of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as trustee for the Securities of such Series hereunder; but, nevertheless, on the written request of the Bank or of the successor trustee, upon payment of its charges then unpaid, the trustee ceasing to act shall, subject to Section 9.4, pay over to the successor trustee all moneys at the time held by it hereunder and shall execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor trustee all such rights, powers, duties and obligations. Upon request of any such successor trustee, the Bank shall execute any and all instruments in writing for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor trustee all such rights and powers. Any trustee ceasing to act shall, nevertheless, retain a prior lien upon all property or funds held or collected by such trustee to secure any amounts then due it pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.6.
          Upon acceptance of appointment by any successor trustee as provided in this Section 5.11, the Bank shall give, at its expense, notice thereof to the Securityholders as specified in Section 12.5 and the CNV, which notice shall include the name of the successor trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office. If the Bank fails to give such notice within ten days after acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be given at the expense of the Bank.
          No successor trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article, to the extent operative.
          SECTION 5.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business of Trustee . Any Person into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, including this transaction, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding; provided that such Person shall be eligible under the provisions of Section 5.9.


 

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          In case at the time such successor to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee and deliver such Securities so authenticated; and, in case at that time any of the Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor Trustee; and in all such cases such certificate shall have the full force as provided in the Securities or in this Indenture as the certificate of the Trustee shall have; provided that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate Securities in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation.
          SECTION 5.13. Representative of the Trustee in Argentina . As long as it is required by Argentine law or by the CNV, the Trustee will have a representative in Argentina for the sole purpose of receiving notices from the CNV and/or Holders. HSBC Bank Argentina S.A. will initially act as the Representative of the Trustee in Argentina for such purposes.
          SECTION 5.14. Application to Agents and to the Representative of the Trustee in Argentina . The Bank hereby agrees that the provisions of Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7 and 5.11 shall apply to the Agents and to the Representative of the Trustee in Argentina as if the Agents and the Trustee’s Representative in Argentina were expressly named therein.
ARTICLE VI
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
          SECTION 6.1. Evidence of Action Taken by Securityholders . Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by a specified percentage in principal amount of the Securityholders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such specified percentage of Securityholders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments is or are delivered to the Trustee. Proof of execution of any instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Bank, if made in the manner provided in this Article.
          SECTION 6.2. Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Securities; Record Date . The execution of any instrument by a Securityholder or his agent or proxy may be proved in accordance with Section 6.6 and such reasonable applicable rules and regulations or in such manner as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee. The holding of Securities shall be proved by the Register maintained pursuant to Section 2.10. The Bank, by or pursuant to a resolution of its Board of Directors, may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders of Securities entitled to vote or consent to any action referred to in Section 6.1, which record date may be set at any time or from time to time by notice in writing to the Trustee, for any date or dates (in the case of any adjournment or reconsideration) not more than 60 days nor less than ten days prior to the proposed date of such vote or consent, and thereafter, notwithstanding any other


 

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provisions hereof, only Holders of Securities of record on such record date shall be entitled to so vote or give such consent or revoke such vote or consent.
          SECTION 6.3. Holders to Be Treated as Owners . The Bank, the Trustee, the Agents and any agent of the Bank, the Trustee or the Agents may deem and treat any Person in whose name any Security shall be registered upon the Register as the absolute owner of such Security (whether or not such Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of and, subject to the provisions of this Indenture, interest on such Security (including Additional Amounts) and for all other purposes; and none of the Bank, the Trustee, any Agent and any agent of the Bank, the Trustee or any Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary. All such payments so made to any such Person, or upon its order, shall be valid, and, to the extent of the sum or sums so paid, effectual to satisfy and discharge the liability for moneys payable upon any such Security. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Global Security, nothing herein shall prevent the Bank, the Trustee, the Agents or any agent of the Bank, the Trustee or any Agent, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by any depositary, as Holder of such Global Security, or impair, as between such depositary and owners of beneficial interests in such Global Security, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of such depositary (or its nominee), as Holder of such Global Security.
          SECTION 6.4. Securities Owned by Bank Deemed Not Outstanding. In determining whether the Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Securities have concurred in any request, consent or waiver under this Indenture, Securities that are owned by the Bank or any of its Subsidiaries or any other obligor on the Securities with respect to which such determination is being made shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such request, consent or waiver, only Securities that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Bank or any of its Subsidiaries or any other obligor upon such Securities. In case of a dispute as to such right, the advice of counsel shall be full protection in respect of any decision made by the Trustee in accordance with such advice. Upon request of the Trustee, the Bank shall furnish to the Trustee promptly an Officers’ Certificate listing and identifying all Securities, if any, known by the Bank to be owned or held by or for the account of any of the above-described Persons, and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such Officers’ Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and of the fact that all Securities not listed therein are Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination.
          SECTION 6.5. Right of Revocation of Action Taken . At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section 6.1, of the taking of any action by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities or of the percentage of votes cast, as the case may be, specified in this Indenture in connection with such action, any Holder of a Security the serial number of which is shown by the evidence to be included among the serial numbers of the Securities the Holders of which have consented to such action may, by


 

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filing written notice at the Corporate Trust Office and upon proof of holding as provided in this Article, revoke such action so far as concerns such Security. Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the Holder of any Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners of such Security and of any Securities issued in exchange or substitution therefor, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon any such Security. Any action taken by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities or of the percentage of votes cast, as the case may be, specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Bank, the Trustee and the Holders of all the Securities affected by such action.
          SECTION 6.6. Securityholders’ Meetings. (a) Each of the Bank (through the Board of Directors or the Supervisory Committee of the Bank) and the Trustee may at any time call a meeting of the Holders of the Securities of any Series for the purpose of entering into a supplemental indenture as provided in Section 7.2 or waiving a past default as provided in Section 4.10. In addition, a meeting of the Holders of Securities of a Series may be called by the Trustee or the Bank (through the Board of Directors or the Supervisory Committee of the Bank) at its discretion or upon the request of the Holders of at least 5% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a Series, pursuant to the Negotiable Obligations Law. In the case of a request to call a meeting by Holders, the Bank shall notify the Trustee in writing of such request. In the event the Board of Directors or the Supervisory Committee of the Bank shall fail to call a meeting requested by the Trustee or the Holders as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, the meeting may be called by the CNV or by a competent court. Meetings will be held simultaneously in the City of Buenos Aires and in New York City by any means of telecommunications which permits the participants to hear and speak to each other, and any such simultaneous meeting shall be deemed to constitute a single meeting for purposes of the quorum and voting percentages applicable to such meeting. If a meeting is being held pursuant to a request of Securityholders, the agenda for such meeting shall be that set forth in the request made by such Securityholders and such meeting shall be convened to be held within 40 days from the date such request is received by the Bank and the Trustee. Notice of any meeting of Securityholders, setting forth the date, time and place of such meeting and the agenda therefor (which shall describe in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting and the requirement for attendance) shall be given as specified in Section 12.5 not less than 10 nor more than 30 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting and shall be published for five business days in Argentina in the Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Official Gazette of Argentina), in a newspaper of general circulation in Argentina and in the Bulletin of the BASE (as long as the Securities are listed on the BASE). Meetings of Holders may be simultaneously convened for two dates, in case the initial meeting were to be adjourned for lack of quorum. However, for meetings that include in the agenda items requiring consent of each Holder of a Security, notice of a new meeting resulting from adjournment of the initial meeting for lack of quorum will be given not less than 8 days prior to the date fixed for such new meeting and will be published for three business days in the Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Official Gazette of Argentina), a newspaper of general circulation in Argentina and in the Bulletin of the BASE (as long as the Securities are listed on the BASE). To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Securityholders a Person shall be (i) a Holder of one or more Securities as of the relevant record date determined pursuant to Section 6.2 or (ii) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy by such a Holder of one or more Securities. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Securityholders shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such


 

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meeting and their counsel, any representatives of the Bank and its counsel and the Trustee and its counsel. With respect to all matters not contemplated in this Indenture, meetings of Securityholders will be held in accordance with Argentine Business Companies Law.
          (b) The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution will be persons holding or representing a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a Series and at any reconvened adjourned meetings will be the persons present at such reconvened adjourned meeting. At a meeting or a reconvened adjourned meeting duly convened and at which a quorum is present, any resolution to modify or amend, or to waive compliance with, any provision of the Securities of any Series (other than items requiring consent of each Holder of a Security) will be validly passed and decided if approved by the persons entitled to vote a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such Series then Outstanding represented and voting at the meeting. Any instrument given by or on behalf of any Holder of a Security in connection with any consent to any such modification, amendment or waiver will be irrevocable once given and will be conclusive and binding on all subsequent Holders of such Security. Any modifications, amendments or waivers to the Indenture or to the Securities of a Series will be conclusive and binding upon all Holders of Securities of such Series whether or not they have given such consent or were present at any meeting, and on all Securities of such Series, provided that no such modifications, amendments or waivers, without consent of each Holder of a Security of such Series at the time Outstanding, shall affect any of the items included in Section 7.02.
          (c) Any Securityholder who has executed an instrument in writing appointing a Person as proxy shall be deemed to be present for the purposes of determining a quorum and be deemed to have voted; provided that such Securityholder shall be considered as present or voting only with respect to the matters covered by such instrument in writing. Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Securityholders of a Series duly held in accordance with this Section shall be binding on all the Securityholders of such Series whether or not present or represented at the meeting.
          (d) The appointment of any proxy shall be proved by having the signature of the Person executing the proxy guaranteed or certified by any notary public, bank or trust company or judicially certified in the manner provided under Argentine law. The following persons may not act as proxies: members of the Board of Directors or of the Supervisory Committee of the Bank and managers and other employees of the Bank. The holding of Securities shall be proved by the Register maintained in accordance with Section 2.10; provided that the holding of a beneficial interest in a DTC Global Security shall be proved by a certificate or certificates of DTC and the holding of a beneficial interest in an Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security shall be proved by a certificate or certificates of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, or the Common Depositary therefor.
          (e) A representative of the Trustee shall act as the chairman of the meeting. If the Trustee fails to designate a representative to act as chairman of the meeting, the Bank shall designate a member of the Supervisory Committee to act as chairman of the meeting. If the Bank fails to designate such a person, the Chairman of the meeting shall be (i) a person elected by vote of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the relevant Series represented at the meeting, (ii) a representative of the CNV or (iii) a person


 

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appointed by a competent court. If the meeting is called by the CNV or by a competent court, the CNV or the competent court shall designate a person to act as chairman. The secretary of the meeting shall be elected by vote of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the relevant Series represented at the meeting. At any meeting of Securityholders of any Series, each Securityholder of such Series or proxy shall be entitled to cast one vote for each U.S. dollar or Dollar Equivalent in principal amount of the Securities held by such Holder or represented by such proxy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any meeting of Holders of more than one Series of Securities, a Holder of a Security which does not specify regular payments of interest, including without limitation, original issue discount Securities, shall be entitled to one vote at any such meeting for each U.S. dollar or Dollar Equivalent of the redemption value of such Security calculated as of the date of such meeting. Where Securities are denominated in one or more currencies other than U.S. dollars, the Dollar Equivalent of such Securities shall be calculated at the Exchange Rates on the date of such meeting or, in the case of written consents or notices, on such dates as the Bank shall designate for such purpose. No vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any Security challenged as not Outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting to be not Outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote except as a Holder or proxy. Any meeting of Holders duly called at which a quorum is present may be adjourned from time to time, and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.
          (f) The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Securityholders shall be by written ballot on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Securityholders or proxies and on which shall be inscribed the serial number or numbers of the Securities held or represented by them. The chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record in duplicate of the proceedings of each meeting of Securityholders shall be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was published as provided above. The record shall be signed and verified by the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one of the duplicates shall be delivered to the Bank and the other to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.
          (g) If and for so long as the Securities of any Series are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange for trading on the EuroMTF, the BASE or any other securities exchange, meetings of Holders of such Securities and notices thereof shall comply with the applicable rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, the BASE or such securities exchange, as applicable.
          SECTION 6.7. The Bank to Furnish the Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders . The Bank shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee
          (a) semi-annually, not more than 15 days after each Regular Record Date with respect to each Series of Securities, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of


 

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the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities of such Series as of such Regular Record Date; and
          (b) at such other times as the Trustee may reasonably request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Bank of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;
           excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Co- Registrar.
          SECTION 6.8. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

          (a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 6.7 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Co- Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 6.7 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
          (b) The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding rights and duties of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.
          (c) Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Bank and the Trustee that neither the Bank nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.
          SECTION 6.9. Reports by the Trustee . Subsequent to the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto. Subsequent to the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, if required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall, within sixty days after each May 15 following the date of this Indenture deliver to Holders a brief report, dated as of such May 15, which complies with the provisions of such Section 313(a).
          A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each securities exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the SEC and with the Bank. The Bank shall promptly notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any securities exchange.
          SECTION 6.10. Reports by the Bank . The Bank shall file with the Trustee and the SEC, and transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant to such Act.
          Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt thereof shall not constitute constructive


 

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notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Bank’s compliance with any of their respective covenants hereunder.
ARTICLE VII
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
          SECTION 7.1. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Securityholders. The Bank, when authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, for one or more of the following purposes:
          (a) adding to the covenants of the Bank such further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions as are for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of any Series;
          (b) surrendering any right or power conferred upon the Bank hereunder;
          (c) securing the Securities of any Series pursuant to the requirements thereof or otherwise;
          (d) evidencing the succession of another Person to the Bank and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants and obligations of the Bank in the Securities and in this Indenture pursuant to Article VIII;
          (e) establishing the form or terms of Securities of any new Series as permitted by Sections 2.1 and 2.3;
          (f) complying with any requirement of the CNV in order to effect and maintain the qualification of this Indenture;
          (g) complying with any requirements of the SEC in order to qualify this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
          (h) making any modification which is of a minor or technical nature or correcting or supplementing any ambiguous, inconsistent or defective provision contained in this Indenture or in the Securities of any Series, provided that any such modification, correction or supplement will not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of the Securities of such Series; or
          (i) making any other modification or granting any waiver or authorization of any breach or proposed breach hereunder of any of the terms and conditions of the Securities of any Series or any other provisions of this Indenture applicable to such Series in any manner which does not adversely affect the interest of the Holders of Securities of such Series in any material respect.
          The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Bank in the execution of any such supplemental indenture, to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained and to accept the conveyance, transfer, assignment, mortgage or pledge


 

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of any property thereunder, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such supplemental indenture that adversely affects the Trustee’s own or any Agent’s rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
          Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section may be executed without the consent of the Holders of any of the Securities at the time Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 7.2.
          Promptly after the execution by the Bank and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Bank at its expense shall give notice thereof to the Holders as specified in Section 12.5, and to the CNV, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture. If the Bank shall fail to give such notice to the Holders within 15 days after the execution of such supplemental indenture and a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have notice of such failure, the Trustee shall give notice to the Holders as provided in Section 12.5 and to the CNV at the expense of the Bank. Any failure of the Bank or the Trustee to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.
          SECTION 7.2. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders . Without limiting the provisions of Section 7.1, the Bank, when authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors, and the Trustee may, from time to time and at any time, enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Securities of any Series or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Securities of any Series, with the affirmative vote, at a meeting of Holders of such Series or an adjourned meeting duly convened at which a quorum is present as provided in Section 6.6, of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such Series then Outstanding represented and voting at such meeting; provided that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of each Holder of a Security of a Series adversely affected thereby:
          (a) extend the due date for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or any installment of interest on any such Security;
          (b) reduce the principal amount of, the portion of such principal amount which is payable upon acceleration of the maturity of, the rate of interest on or the premium payable upon redemption of any such Security;
          (c) reduce the obligation of the Bank to pay Additional Amounts on any such Security;
          (d) shorten the period during which the Bank is not permitted to redeem any such Security, or permit the Bank to redeem any such Security if, prior to such action, the Bank is not permitted to do so;
          (e) amend the circumstances under which the Securities of such Series may be redeemed;


 

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          (f) change the Specified Currency in which or the required places at which any such Security or the premium or interest thereon is payable;
          (g) reduce the percentage of aggregate principal amount of such Securities necessary to modify, amend or supplement this Indenture or such Securities, or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions thereof or for waiver of certain defaults;
          (h) reduce the percentage of aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Securities required for the adoption of a resolution or the quorum required at any meeting of Holders of such Securities at which a resolution is adopted; or
          (i) modify any of the provisions of this Section or Sections 4.10 or 6.6, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Security adversely affected thereby.
          Upon the request of the Bank and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Securityholders as aforesaid and other documents, if any, required by Section 6.1, the Trustee shall join with the Bank in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such supplemental indenture.
          It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
          Promptly after the execution by the Bank and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Bank at its expense shall give notice thereof to the Holders as provided in Section 12.5, and to the CNV, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture. If the Bank shall fail to give such notice to the Holders within 15 days after the execution of such supplemental indenture and a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have notice of such failure, the Trustee shall give notice to the Holders as provided in Section 12.5 and to the CNV at the expense of the Bank. Any failure of the Bank or the Trustee to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.
          SECTION 7.3. Effect of Supplemental Indenture. Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions hereof and upon receipt of any necessary approval of the CNV, this Indenture and the Securities of the applicable Series shall be and shall be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture with respect to the applicable Series of Securities of the Trustee, the Bank and the Holders of Securities of such Series shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and shall be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.


 

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          SECTION 7.4. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act. Subsequent to the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, every supplemental indenture in respect of a Series registered or to be registered under the Securities Act executed pursuant to this Article VII shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.
          SECTION 7.5. Documents to Be Given to the Trustee. The Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate, an Opinion of Counsel and copies of resolutions of the Board of Directors as conclusive evidence that any supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article VII has been duly authorized by the Bank, complies with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and is authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture.
          SECTION 7.6. Notation on Securities in Respect of Supplemental Indentures. Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article may and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form and manner approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for by such supplemental indenture or as to any action taken at any such meeting. If the Bank or the Trustee shall so determine, new Securities modified so as to conform to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may be prepared by the Bank at its expense, authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Securities then Outstanding.
          SECTION 7.7. Conformity with Negotiable Obligations Law. Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Negotiable Obligations Law and Joint Resolution No. 470-1738/2004, as then in effect.
ARTICLE VIII
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
          SECTION 8.1. Bank May Consolidate, etc. on Certain Terms. The Bank covenants that it will not merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into, or convey or transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets, whether in one transaction or a series of transactions, to any Person, unless:
     (a) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
     (b) any Person formed by any such merger, consolidation or amalgamation, or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, such properties and assets (the “Successor Person”) (i) is a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of Argentina, the United States, or any other country that is a member country of the European Union or any political subdivision thereof and (ii) expressly assumes, by a supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee; the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and interest on (including Additional Amounts, if any, that may result due to withholding by any authority having the power to tax to which the Successor Person is or may be subject) all of the Securities and the due and punctual performance of all of the other


 

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obligations of the Bank under the Securities and this Indenture and any Registration Rights Agreement;
     (c) the Successor Person agrees to indemnify each Holder against any tax, assessment or governmental charge thereafter imposed on such Holder by a Government Agency solely as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, amalgamation, conveyance, transfer or lease with respect to the payment of principal of, or interest on, the Securities; and
     (d) the Successor Person (except in the case of leases), if any, succeeds to and becomes substituted for the Bank with the same effect as if it had been named in the Securities as the Bank.
          SECTION 8.2. Successor Person Substituted. In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, lease or other conveyance, such Successor Person shall succeed to and be substituted for the Bank, with the same effect as if it had been named herein. Such Successor Person may cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Bank, prior to such succession any or all of the Securities issuable hereunder that theretofore shall not have been signed by the Bank and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such Successor Person instead of the Bank and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall authenticate and shall deliver any Securities that previously shall have been signed and delivered by the Authorized Person of the Bank to the Trustee for authentication, and any Securities that such Successor Person thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose. All of the Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Securities theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Securities had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.
          In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, lease or conveyance, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
          In the event of any such sale or conveyance (other than a conveyance by way of lease) and assumption by the Successor Person, the Bank shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities to be performed by the Bank and may be liquidated and dissolved.
          No Successor Person shall have the right to redeem any Securities Outstanding unless the Bank would have been entitled to redeem such Securities pursuant to this Indenture in the absence of any such merger, consolidation, sale, transfer, lease or conveyance permitted under Section 8.1.
          SECTION 8.3. Documents to Trustee. The Trustee may request an Opinion of Counsel stating that any such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, lease or other conveyance or disposition, and any such liquidation or dissolution, complies with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, the Securities and applicable law and an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent (including the adoption of any appropriate


 

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resolution by the Board of Directors) relating to such transaction have been met in all material respects, and the Trustee may rely on such Opinion of Counsel and Officers’ Certificate as conclusive evidence of the matters described therein.
ARTICLE IX
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE;
UNCLAIMED MONEYS
       SECTION 9.1. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture. If at any time (a) the Bank shall have paid or caused to be paid the principal of and interest on all the Securities (including Additional Amounts) Outstanding hereunder (other than Securities that have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.11) as and when the same shall have become due and payable, or (b) the Bank shall have delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Securities theretofore authenticated (other than any Securities that shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that shall have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.11 or (c) (i) all the Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption, and (ii) the Bank shall have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in cash (other than moneys repaid by the Trustee or any Paying Agent to the Bank in accordance with Sections 9.3 or 9.4) sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all Securities (other than any Securities that shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that shall have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.11) not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including principal and interest (including Additional Amounts) due or to become due on or prior to such date of maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and if, in any such case, the Bank shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Bank with respect to the Securities, then this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect (except as to (i) rights of registration of transfer, exchange and replacement of Securities, and the Bank’s right of optional redemption, if any, (ii) substitution of mutilated, defaced, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities, (iii) rights of Holders to receive payments of principal thereof and interest thereon (including Additional Amounts), and remaining rights of the Holders to receive mandatory sinking fund payments, if any, (iv) the rights, protections, indemnities, obligations and immunities of the Trustee, each of the Agents and the Representative of the Trustee in Argentina hereunder and (v) the rights of the Securityholders as beneficiaries hereof with respect to the property so deposited with the Trustee payable to all or any of them), and the Trustee, on written demand of the Bank accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel and at the cost and expense of the Bank, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging such satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture; provided that the rights of Holders of the Securities to receive amounts in respect of principal of and interest on the Securities held by them shall not be delayed longer than required by then-applicable mandatory rules or policies of any securities exchange upon which the Securities are listed. The Bank agrees to reimburse the Trustee for any costs or expenses thereafter reasonably and properly incurred (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) and to compensate the Trustee for any services thereafter rendered by the Trustee in accordance with the terms of this Indenture or the Securities. Notwithstanding the satisfaction


 

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and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Bank to the Trustee under Sections 3.4(b) and 5.6 shall survive.
          SECTION 9.2. Application by Trustee of Funds Deposited for Payment of Securities. Subject to Section 9.4, all moneys deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 9.1 shall be held in trust and applied by it to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Bank acting as its own paying agent), to the Holders of the particular Securities for the payment or redemption of which such moneys have been deposited with the Trustee, of all sums due and to become due thereon as principal and interest (including Additional Amounts); but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law and the Trustee shall have no liability for interest thereon or the investment thereof.
          SECTION 9.3. Repayment of Moneys Held by Paying Agent. In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Securities, all moneys then held by any Paying Agent under the provisions of this Indenture with respect to the Securities shall, upon demand of the Bank, be repaid to it or paid to the Trustee and thereupon such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys.
          SECTION 9.4. Return of Moneys Held by Trustee and Paying Agent Unclaimed for Two Years. Any moneys deposited with or paid to the Trustee or any Paying Agent for the payment of the principal of or interest on any Security (including Additional Amounts) and not applied but remaining unclaimed for two years after the date upon which such principal or interest (including Additional Amounts) shall have become due and payable, shall, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property law, be repaid to the Bank, upon written request, by the Trustee or such Paying Agent, and the Holder of such Security shall, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property laws, thereafter look only to the Bank for any payment that such Holder may be entitled to collect, and all liability of the Trustee or any Paying Agent with respect to such moneys shall thereupon cease.
ARTICLE X
REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SECURITIES
          SECTION 10.1. Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions. Notice of redemption to the Holders of Securities to be redeemed as a whole or in part at the option of the Bank pursuant to the terms of such Securities established as contemplated by Section 2.3 shall be given to Holders as specified in Section 12.5 and to the CNV. Such notice shall specify the provision pursuant to which the redemption is being made, the principal amount of each Security held by such Holders to be redeemed, the date fixed for redemption (the “Optional Redemption Date”), the redemption price, the place or places of payment, the CUSIP, ISIN, Common Code or other identifying codes, if any, that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP, ISIN, Common Code or other identifying codes listed on such notice or printed on such Securities, that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Securities, that interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption and any Additional Amounts will be paid as specified in such notice, that on and after said date interest thereon or on the portions thereof to


 

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be redeemed will cease to accrue and any other matter required to be specified therein by Argentine law or regulation. In case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, upon surrender of such Security, a new Security or Securities in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued.
          The Bank shall deliver to the Trustee any notice of redemption specifying the information set forth above at least 30 days prior to the date on which such notice of redemption will be mailed (and 45 days prior to such date if the notice of redemption must be published) together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Securities to be redeemed. The notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the option of the Bank shall be given to Holders by the Bank or, at the Bank’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Bank at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the date of redemption (unless otherwise specified pursuant to the terms of such Securities established as contemplated by Section 2.3). Such notice shall be irrevocable.
          If and for so long as the Securities are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange for trading on the EuroMTF or any other securities exchange and the rules of the relevant securities exchange so require, the Bank shall, once in each year in which there has been a partial redemption of the Securities, cause to be published in a leading newspaper of general circulation in Luxembourg, which is expected to be the d’ Wort, or as specified by such other securities exchange, a notice specifying the aggregate principal amount of Securities Outstanding and a list of the Securities drawn for redemption but not surrendered.
          On or before 10:00 AM (New York City time) one Business Day prior to the redemption date specified in the notice of redemption given as provided in this Section, the Bank will deposit with the Trustee (or, if the Bank is acting as its own paying agent, set aside, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 3.4) an amount of money sufficient to redeem on the redemption date all the Securities so called for redemption at the appropriate redemption price, together with accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption and any Additional Amounts.
          If less than all the Securities of a Series are to be redeemed at the option of the Bank, the particular Securities of such Series to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trustee from the Outstanding Securities of such Series not previously called for redemption individually by lot (and in the case of Securities represented by a Global Security, in accordance with the provisions of DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be) not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption and a list of the Securities called for redemption will be notified to the Bank and the Holders in accordance with Section 12.5 not less than 30 days prior to such date. Upon any partial redemption of Securities of such Series, the Trustee shall (a) in the case of Securities represented by a DTC Global Security, cancel the existing DTC Global Security or Securities and authenticate and hold as custodian for DTC a new DTC Global Security or Securities, as applicable, to reflect the aggregate principal amount of Securities of such Series Outstanding after such redemption and (b) in the case of Certificated Securities, to the extent required, authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more Securities of such Series, of any authorized denomination as requested by the Holder thereof, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the principal of such partially redeemed Security. In


 

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the case of Securities represented by an Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security, the Common Depositary shall cancel the existing Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security or Securities, and the Trustee shall authenticate and the Common Depositary shall hold as custodian for Euroclear and Clearstream a new Euroclear/Clearstream Global Security or Securities, as applicable, to reflect the aggregate principal amount of Securities of such Series Outstanding after such redemption. Securities may be redeemed in part in multiples equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities or any multiple thereof. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Bank in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Security that has been or is to be redeemed.
          SECTION 10.2. Payment of Securities Called for Redemption. If notice of redemption has been given as above provided, the Securities or portions of Securities specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption and any Additional Amounts, and on and after said date (unless the Bank shall default in the payment of such Securities at the redemption price, together with interest accrued to said date and any Additional Amounts) interest on the Securities or portions of Securities so called for redemption shall cease to accrue and, except as provided in Sections 5.5 and 9.4, such Securities shall cease from and after the date fixed for redemption to be entitled to any benefit or security under this Indenture, and the Holders thereof shall have no right in respect of such Securities except the right to receive the redemption price thereof and unpaid interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption and any Additional Amounts. On presentation and surrender, pursuant to the terms of such Securities, of such Securities at a place of payment specified in said notice, said Securities or the specified portions thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Bank at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption and any Additional Amounts; provided that any payment of interest becoming due on the date fixed for redemption and any Additional Amounts shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities registered as such on the relevant record date subject to the terms and provisions of Section 2.4.
          From and after the redemption date, if moneys for the redemption of the Securities called for redemption shall have been made available as provided herein for redemption on the redemption date, such Securities shall cease to bear interest, and the only right of the Holders of such Securities shall be to receive payment of the redemption price and all unpaid interest accrued to the date of redemption and any Additional Amounts.
          Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Section 10.2, if any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal shall, until paid or duly provided for, bear interest from the date fixed for redemption at the rate specified in the Security.
          Upon presentation of any Security redeemed in part only, the Bank shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to or on the order of the Holder thereof, at the


 

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expense of the Bank, a new Security or Securities, of authorized denominations, in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security so presented.
          SECTION 10.3. Exclusion of Certain Securities from Eligibility for Selection for Redemption. Securities shall be excluded from eligibility for selection for redemption if they are identified by registration and certificate number in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee at least 30 days prior to the date on which notice of redemption will be given as being owned of record and beneficially by, and not pledged or hypothecated by either (a) the Bank or (b) a Person specifically identified in such written statement as directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Bank.
          SECTION 10.4. Redemption at the Option of the Bank for Taxation Reasons. The Securities of any Series may be redeemed at the option of the Bank in whole, but not in part, at any time, on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice (which shall be irrevocable) to the Trustee and the CNV, at the principal amount thereof (or, in the case of original issue discount Securities, at the Amortized Face Amount thereof), if, as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws (or any regulations or rulings issued thereunder) of Argentina or any political subdivision of or any taxing authority in Argentina or any change in the application, administration or official interpretation of such laws, regulations or rulings, including without limitation the holding of a court of competent jurisdiction, the Bank has or will become obligated to pay Additional Amounts on or in respect of such Securities, which change or amendment becomes effective on or after the date of issuance of the Securities of such Series, and the Bank determines in good faith that such obligation cannot be avoided by the Bank taking reasonable measures available to it. Prior to the distribution of any notice of redemption pursuant hereto, the Bank shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and, if so specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or an indenture supplemental hereto relating to the Securities of such Series, an opinion of an independent Argentine legal counsel of nationally recognized standing in such tax matters, stating that the Bank has or will become obligated to pay Additional Amounts as a result of such change or amendment and that such obligation cannot be avoided by the Bank taking reasonable measures available to it. The Trustee shall be entitled to accept such certificate and, if so specified in the resolutions of the Board of Directors or an indenture supplemental hereto relating to the Securities of such Series, opinion of counsel as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the conditions contained in the second preceding sentence.
         SECTION 10.5. Redemption at the Option of Holders. In the event that the terms of the Securities of any Series permit the Holders thereof, at their option, to cause the Bank to repurchase such Securities, upon the Holder of any Security giving to the Bank not more than 60 nor less than 30 days’ notice (or such other notice as is specified in the terms of such Securities) in accordance with Section 12.5, which notice shall be irrevocable, the Bank shall, upon the expiry of such notice, repurchase such Security, subject to, and in accordance with, the terms of such Security on the date and at the amount specified in or determined in the manner specified in such Securities, in whole but not in part, together with accrued interest (if any) to the date fixed for such repurchase. In accordance with the provisions hereof relating to payment on redemption at the option of the Bank, the Bank shall arrange with the Trustee (and each Paying Agent for such purpose, if applicable) for the provision of funds sufficient to make payments to such Holders in respect of such repurchases from time to time.


 

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ARTICLE XI
DEFEASANCE
          SECTION 11.1. The Bank’s Option to Effect Total Defeasance or Partial Defeasance. The Bank may at its option, by written notice executed by an Authorized Person of the Bank delivered to the Trustee, elect to have either Section 11.2 or Section 11.3 applied to any Series of Securities, or to any portion of such Series, as the case may be, unless otherwise designated pursuant to the terms of such Securities established as set forth in Section 2.3, in each case upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article XI; provided that the provisions of this Article XI shall apply only to Securities of a Series that are denominated in U.S. dollars and have a fixed rate of interest.
          SECTION 11.2. Total Defeasance. If the Bank shall exercise the option provided in Section 11.1 to have this Section 11.2 apply with respect to all Outstanding Securities of any Series of Securities denominated in U.S. dollars and having a fixed rate of interest, as the case may be, the Bank shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to such Securities on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied with respect to such Securities (hereinafter, “total defeasance”). For this purpose, total defeasance means (except as otherwise may be provided pursuant to the terms of the Securities established pursuant to Section 2.3) that the Bank shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Securities and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities are concerned (and the Bank and the Trustee, upon the written request of the Bank, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following, which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (i) the right of Holders of such Securities to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 11.4 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of and interest on such Securities when such payments are due, (ii) the Bank’s obligations under Sections 1.2, 2.10, 2.11, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4(b), 3.5, 3.13, 5.6, 5.10, 5.11 and 12.8; (iii) any other provisions specified pursuant to the terms of the Securities established pursuant to Section 2.3; and (iv) the provisions of Section 1.2, Article V and this Article XI. Subject to compliance with this Article XI, the Bank may exercise its option under Section 11.1 to have this Section 11.2 apply to any Securities notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 11.1 to have Section 11.3 apply to such Securities.
          SECTION 11.3. Partial Defeasance. Upon the Bank’s exercise of the option provided in Section 11.1 to have this Section 11.3 applied to all the Outstanding Securities of any Series denominated in U.S. dollars and having a fixed rate of interest, except as otherwise may be provided pursuant to the terms of the Securities established pursuant to Section 2.3: (i) the Bank shall be released from its obligations under Sections 3.14 and 3.15 and (ii) the occurrence of any event with respect to such Securities specified in Section 4.1(b) shall not be deemed an Event of Default (but only insofar as such event relates to the obligations under Sections 3.14 and 3.15 from which the Bank has been expressly released pursuant to Section 11.3(i)), in each case, on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 11.4 are satisfied (hereinafter, “partial defeasance”). For this purpose, partial defeasance means that the Bank may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such paragraph to the extent specified above, whether directly or indirectly by reason of any


 

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reference elsewhere herein or in the Securities to any such paragraph or by reason of any reference in any such paragraph to any other provision herein or in the Securities or in any other document, but the remainder of the Bank’s obligations shall be unaffected thereby.
          SECTION 11.4. Conditions to Total Defeasance and Partial Defeasance. The following shall be the conditions to application of either Section 11.2 or Section 11.3 to any Securities:
          (a) the Bank shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with a trustee, who may be the Trustee and who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Article XI applicable to it (the “Defeasance Trustee”), as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, (A) freely transferable U.S. dollars, or (B) U.S. Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms shall provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, money, or (C) a combination thereof, in each case in an amount sufficient, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Defeasance Trustee to pay and discharge, the principal of and each installment of interest on such Securities on the maturity of such principal or installment of interest (whether at the stated maturity or by acceleration, redemption or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of such Securities. For this purpose, “U.S. Government Obligations” means securities that are (x) direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit are pledged or (y) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof or any other obligor thereon, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation, or any specific payment of principal of or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligation, held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation, or the specific payment of principal of and premium or interest on the U.S. Government Obligation, evidenced by such depositary receipt.
          (b) the Bank shall have delivered to the Trustee a certificate from a firm of U.S. independent certified public accountants of nationally recognized standing expressing their opinion that the payments of principal and interest when due and without reinvestment of the deposited U.S. Government Obligations plus any deposited money without investment will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay principal and interest when due on all the Securities to maturity or redemption, as the case may be.
          (c) in the case of an election to have Section 11.2 apply to such Securities, the Bank shall have delivered to the Defeasance Trustee and the Trustee opinions of (A)


 

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independent U.S. counsel of nationally recognized standing experienced in such tax matters stating that (x) the Bank has received from, or there has been published by, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (y) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Securities shall not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, total defeasance and discharge and shall be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, total defeasance and discharge had not occurred and (B) independent Argentine counsel of nationally recognized standing experienced in such tax matters to the effect that the Holders of such Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for Argentine federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, total defeasance and discharge and will be subject to Argentine federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, total defeasance and discharge had not occurred.
          (d) in the case of an election to have Section 11.3 apply to such Securities, the Bank shall have delivered to the Defeasance Trustee and the Trustee opinions of independent U.S. and Argentine counsel of nationally recognized standing experienced in such tax matters to the effect that the Holders of such Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. or Argentine, as the case may be, federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and partial defeasance and will be subject to U.S. or Argentine, as the case may be, federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and partial defeasance had not occurred.
          (e) the Bank shall have delivered to the Defeasance Trustee and the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that payment of amounts deposited in trust with the Defeasance Trustee as provided in clause (a) will not be subject to future Argentine Taxes except to the extent that Additional Amounts in respect thereof shall have been deposited in trust with the Defeasance Trustee as provided in clause (a).
          (f) no Event of Default under such Securities or event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become such an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or at any time on or prior to the 123rd day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until such 123rd day).
          (g) such total defeasance or partial defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Bank is a party or by which it is bound, and the Bank shall have delivered to the Trustee and the Defeasance Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to that effect.
          (h) the Bank shall have delivered to the Trustee and the Defeasance Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent relating to either the total defeasance under Section 11.2 or the partial defeasance under Section 11.3, as the case may be, have been complied with.


 

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          (i) the Bank shall have delivered to the Trustee and the Defeasance Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (i) the trust resulting from the deposit does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) the Holders have a valid first priority perfected security interest in the trust funds, and (iii) after passage of 123 days following the deposit (except, with respect to any trust funds for the account of any Holder who may be deemed to be an “insider” for purposes of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, after one year following the deposit), the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of Section 547 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Law or Section 15 of the New York Debtor and Creditor Law in a case commenced by or against the Bank under either such statute, and either (A) the trust funds will no longer remain the property of the Bank (and therefore, will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally) or (B) if a court were to rule under any such law in any case or proceeding that the trust funds remained property of the Bank, assuming such trust funds remained in the possession of the Defeasance Trustee prior to such court ruling to the extent not paid to Holders, the Defeasance Trustee will hold, for the benefit of the Holders, a valid first priority perfected security interest in such trust funds that is not avoidable in bankruptcy or otherwise except for the effect of Section 552(b) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Law on interest on the trust funds accruing after the commencement of a case under such statute.
          (j) The Bank shall have delivered to the Trustee a certificate signed by an Authorized Person to the effect that such Securities, if then listed on any securities exchange, will not be delisted by such exchange as a result of such deposit.
          (k) The Bank shall have paid the Trustee, the Agents and the Representative of the Trustee in Argentina all amounts outstanding to the Trustee, the Agents and the Representative of the Trustee in Argentina (which may include the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) in connection with defeasance or otherwise.
          SECTION 11.5. Deposit in Trust; Miscellaneous. All money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Defeasance Trustee pursuant to Section 11.4 in respect of any Securities shall be held in trust and applied by the Defeasance Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent as the Defeasance Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Securities, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal and any premium and interest, and such money shall be segregated from other funds. Any money deposited with the Defeasance Trustee for the payment of the principal of and any premium or interest on any such Security and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall, upon the Bank’s written request, be paid to the Bank; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Bank for payment thereof, and all liability of the Defeasance Trustee with respect to such trust money shall thereupon cease.
          The Bank shall pay and indemnify the Defeasance Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations deposited by the Bank pursuant to Section 11.4 or the principal, premium and interest received in respect thereof,


 

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other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the Outstanding Securities.
          Anything in this Article XI to the contrary notwithstanding, the Defeasance Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Bank from time to time upon the written request of the Bank any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it on behalf of the Bank as provided in Section 11.4 which, in the opinion of a firm of U.S. independent certified public accountants of nationally recognized standing expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Defeasance Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent total defeasance or partial defeasance.
          SECTION 11.6. Reinstatement. If the Defeasance Trustee is unable to apply any money in accordance with Section 11.2 or 11.3 by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then all the obligations of the Bank under this Indenture and the Securities with respect to which such money was deposited shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article XI until such time as the Defeasance Trustee is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 11.2 or 11.3; provided that if the Bank makes any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any such Security following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Bank shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holder of such Security to receive such payment from the money held by the Defeasance Trustee and the Defeasance Trustee shall be entitled to promptly make such payment to the Bank.
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
          SECTION 12.1. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act. Subsequent to the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, if any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act that is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the latter provision shall control. Subsequent to the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, if any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.
          SECTION 12.2. Shareholders, Officers and Directors of Bank Exempt from Individual Liability. No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture, or in any Security, or because of any indebtedness evidenced thereby, shall be had against any incorporator, as such, or against any past, present or future shareholder, officer or director, as such, of the Bank or of any successor, either directly or through the Bank or any successor, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance of the Securities by the Holders thereof and as part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities; provided that under Section 34 of the Negotiable Obligations Law, the directors and members of the


 

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Supervisory Committee shall be jointly and severally liable for damages to the Securityholders arising from any violation of the Negotiable Obligations Law.
          SECTION 12.3. Provisions of Indenture for the Sole Benefit of Parties and Securityholders. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors and the Holders of the Securities, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture or under any covenant or provision herein contained, all such covenants and provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and of the Holders of the Securities.
          SECTION 12.4. Successors and Assigns of Bank Bound by Indenture. All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture contained by or on behalf of the Bank shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
          SECTION 12.5. Notices and Demands on Bank, Trustee and Securityholders. Any notice or demand that by any provision of this Indenture is required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by the Holders of Securities to or on the Bank shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if given or served by facsimile transmission or by courier (except as otherwise specifically provided herein) addressed (until another address of the Bank is filed by the Bank with the Trustee) to Banco Macro S.A., Sarmiento 447, (1041) City of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Attention: Roberto Eilbaum, Telephone: (5411) 5222-6500, Telecopy: (5411) 5222-6847. Any notice, direction, request or demand by the Bank or any Securityholder to or upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, upon actual receipt and if in writing and given or made at the Corporate Trust Office by an internationally recognized courier.
          All notices regarding the Securities will be deemed to have been duly given to the Holders of the Securities (i) if sent by first class mail to them (or, in the case of joint Holders, to the first-named in the Register) at their respective addresses as recorded in the Register, and will be deemed to have been validly given on the fourth Business Day after the date of such mailing, and for notices mailed to Holders of Securities located in Argentina, upon receipt, (ii) for so long as such Securities are listed on the BASE and MAE, upon publication in the City of Buenos Aires in the Bulletin of the BASE, MAE and in a widely circulated newspaper in Argentina, and (iii) for so long as such Securities are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange for trading on the EuroMTF, upon publication in a leading daily newspaper of general circulation in Luxembourg (if such publication is not practicable however, notice will be considered to be validly given if otherwise made in accordance with the rules of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange). It is expected that notices in Luxembourg will be published in the d’Wort and notices in the City of Buenos Aires will be published in La Nación or El Cronista Comercial. Any such notice will be deemed to have been given on the date of such publication or, if published more than once or on different dates, on the last date on which publication is required and made as so required. In the case of Global Securities, notices shall be sent to DTC, Euroclear, Clearstream or, if the Securities of such Series are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange for trading on the EuroMTF, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, as the case may be, or their nominees (or any successors), as the Holder thereof, and such clearing agency or agencies will communicate such notices to their participants in accordance with their standard procedures.


 

73

          In addition, the Bank shall be required to cause all such other publications of such notices as may be required from time to time by applicable law of Argentina.
          Any aforementioned notice (a) if sent by courier to the Bank as provided above shall be deemed to have been given, made or served on the day on which the courier confirms delivery to the address specified above, (b) if given by facsimile transmission, when such facsimile is transmitted to the telephone number specified in this Section and telephone confirmation of receipt thereof is received, and (c) if given by publication, or by mail, as provided above.
          Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
          Except as otherwise provided herein or in the Securities, the Bank agrees to give the Trustee the English text of any notice that the Bank is required to provide to the Securityholders pursuant hereto and to the Securities, at least two days prior to the earliest date on which such notice is required to be given.
          In case, by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in regular mail service, the temporary suspension of publication or general circulation of any newspaper or otherwise, it shall be, in the opinion of the Trustee, impracticable to mail or publish notice to the Bank and Securityholders when such notice is required to be given pursuant to any provision of this Indenture, then any manner of giving such notice as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee shall be deemed to be a sufficient giving of such notice.
          SECTION 12.6. Officers’ Certificates and Opinions of Counsel; Statements to Be Contained Therein. Upon any application or demand by or on behalf of the Bank to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Bank shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent have been complied with in all material respects, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished. Each such certificate or opinion shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in this Indenture.
          Any certificate, statement or opinion of an officer of the Bank may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of or representations by counsel, unless such officer knows that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate, statement or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know that the same are erroneous. Any certificate, statement or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, information with respect to which is in the possession of the Bank, upon the certificate, statement


 

74

or opinion of or representations by an officer of officers of the Bank, unless such counsel knows that the certificate, statement or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate, statement or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous.
          Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include substantially:
      (1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;
      (2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
      (3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
      (4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
          Any certificate, statement or opinion of an officer of the Bank or of counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to accounting matters, upon a certificate or opinion of or representations by an accountant or firm of accountants in the employ of the Bank, unless such officer or counsel, as the case may be, knows that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the accounting matters upon which his certificate, statement or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous.
          Any certificate or opinion of any independent firm of public accountants filed with the Trustee shall contain a statement that such firm is independent.
          The Trustee shall make available to any Securityholder as soon as practicable at the Corporate Trust Office or at the office of any Paying Agent, upon request and upon presentation by such Holder of such evidence of its ownership of its Securities as may be satisfactory to the Trustee, copies of all financial statements and certificates delivered to the Trustee by the Bank pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities; provided that the Trustee shall have no liability with respect to any information contained therein or omitted therefrom.
          SECTION 12.7. Payments Due on Non-Business Days. Unless otherwise set forth in the terms of the Securities of a Series, if the Stated Maturity of such Securities or the date fixed for redemption or repayment of such Securities shall not be a Business Day in the relevant locations specified in the terms of such Securities and the place of payment, then payments of interest or principal in respect of such Securities need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the Stated Maturity or the date fixed for redemption or repayment, and no interest shall accrue on such payment for the period after such date on account of such delay. Unless otherwise set forth in the terms of the Securities of a Series, if any date on which a payment of interest is due on such Securities shall not be a Business Day in the relevant locations specified in the terms of


 

75

such Securities and the place of payment, then such payment of interest in respect of such Securities need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on such date and no interest shall accrue on such payment for the period after such date on account of such delay.
          SECTION 12.8. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Immunity; Currency Indemnity. (a) This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York; provided that all matters relating to the due authorization, execution, issuance and delivery of the Securities by the Bank, and matters relating to the legal requirements necessary in order for the Securities to qualify as “obligaciones negociables” under Argentine law, shall be governed by the Negotiable Obligations Law, together with the Argentine Business Companies Law and other applicable Argentine laws and regulations.
          (b) The Bank hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, of any Argentine court sitting in the City of Buenos Aires, including the ordinary courts for commercial matters and the Tribunal de Arbitraje General de la Bolsa de Comercio de Buenos Aires (Permanent Arbitral Tribunal of the BASE) under the provisions of Article 38 of Argentine Decree No. 677/2001, and any competent court in the place of its corporate domicile for purposes of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or related to this Indenture or the Securities. The Bank hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The Bank also agrees that final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon such party and may be enforced in any court to the jurisdiction of which such party is subject by a suit upon such judgment; provided that service of process is effected upon such Person in the manner specified herein.
          (c) The Bank acknowledges and agrees that the activities contemplated by the provisions of this Indenture are commercial in nature rather than governmental or public and, therefore, acknowledges and agrees that it is not entitled to any right of immunity on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise with respect to any such activities or in any legal action or proceeding arising out of or in any way relating to this Indenture. The Bank, in respect of itself and its properties and revenues, expressly and irrevocably waives any such right of immunity (including any immunity from the jurisdiction of any court or from service of process or from any execution of judgment or from attachment prior to judgment or in aid of execution or otherwise) or claim thereto which may now or hereafter exist, and agrees not to assert any such right or claim in any such action or proceeding, whether in the United States or otherwise.
          (d) The Bank agrees that service of all writs, claims, process and summonses in any suit, action or proceeding described above against it in the State of New York may be made upon CT Corporation System, 111 Eight Avenue, New York, New York 10011 (the “Process Agent”), and the Bank irrevocably appoints the Process Agent as its agent and true and lawful attorneys-in-fact in its name, place and stead to accept such service of any and all such writs, claims, process and summonses, and agrees that the failure of the Process Agent to give


 

76

any notice to it of any such service of process shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or of any judgment based thereon. The Bank agrees to maintain at all times an agent with offices in New York City to act as its Process Agent. Nothing herein shall in any way be deemed (i) to limit the ability to serve any such writs, process or summonses in any other manner permitted by applicable law or (ii) to require the Bank to appoint such Process Agent prior to the issuance of the first Series of Securities hereunder.
          (e) If a judgment or order given or made by any court for the payment of any amount in respect of any Security is expressed in a currency (the “judgment currency”) other than the currency (the “denomination currency”) in which such Securities are denominated or in which such amount is payable, the Bank will indemnify the relevant Holder against any deficiency arising or resulting from any variation in rates of exchange between the date as of which the amount in the denomination currency is notionally converted into the amount in the judgment currency for the purposes of such judgment or order and the date of actual payment thereof. This indemnity will constitute a separate and independent obligation from the other obligations contained in the terms and conditions of the Securities, will give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, will apply irrespective of any indulgence granted from time to time and will continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a liquidated sum or sums in respect of amounts due in respect of the relevant Security or under any such judgment or order.
          SECTION 12.9. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY (BUT NO OTHER JUDICIAL REMEDIES) IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
          SECTION 12.10. Severability. If any provision of this Indenture shall be held or deemed to be or shall, in fact, be invalid, inoperative or unenforceable as applied in any particular case in any or all jurisdictions because its conflicts with any provision of any constitution, statute, rule or public policy or for any other reason, such circumstances shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question invalid, inoperative or unenforceable in any other case, circumstances or jurisdiction, or of rendering any other provision or provisions of this Indenture invalid, inoperative or unenforceable to any extent whatsoever.
          SECTION 12.11. Counterparts. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original; but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
          SECTION 12.12. Effect of Headings. The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.


 

 

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of December 18, 2006.
         
  BANCO MACRO S.A.
 
 
  By:   /s/ Roberto Julio Eilbaum  
    Name  Roberto Julio Eilbaum  
    Title:   Director    
 
  HSBC BANK USA, National Association, as
Trustee, Co-Registrar, Principal Paying Agent and
Transfer Agent
 
 
  By:   /s/ Frank J. Godino  
    Name  Frank J. Godino  
    Title:   Vice President  
 
  HSBC BANK ARGENTINA S.A., as Registrar,
Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and Representative
of the Trustee in Argentina
 
 
  By:   /s/ Florencia Perotti  
    Name  Florencia Perotti  
    Title:   Authorized Signatory  
 
     
  By:   /s/ Fernando Ares  
    Name  Fernando Ares  
    Title:   Authorized Signatory  
 
Signature Page to the Indenture


 

EXHIBIT A
FORM OF GLOBAL NOTE
Registered No.:                     
CUSIP No.:                     
ISIN No.:                     
Registered Holder:                     
BANCO MACRO S.A.
Banco Macro S.A. was organized as a corporation with limited liability (sociedad anónima) under the laws of Argentina for a term expiring on November 21, 2065 and was registered on November 21, 1966 under No. 1154, Book 2, Volume 75 of Sociedades Anónimas of the Public Registry of Commerce of the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and its registered domicile is at Sarmiento 447, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
GLOBAL NOTE
representing
[Currency] [Aggregate principal amount]
NOTES DUE [Stated Maturity Date]
       [INCLUDE FOR A RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTE (UNLESS SUCH LEGEND MAY BE REMOVED PURSUANT TO THE INDENTURE): THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY OTHER SECURITIES LAWS. THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY PURCHASING THIS NOTE, AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF BANCO MACRO S.A. (THE “BANK”) THAT THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY (I) TO THE BANK OR TO ANY DEALERS APPOINTED BY THE BANK WITH RESPECT TO A PARTICULAR SERIES OF NOTES (EACH, A “DEALER” AND COLLECTIVELY, THE “DEALERS”) OR BY, THROUGH OR IN A TRANSACTION APPROVED BY A DEALER, (II) SO LONG AS THIS NOTE IS ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A) IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 144A, (III) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 903 OR 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AFFORDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE) OR (V) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, AND IN EACH OF SUCH CASES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION. THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY PURCHASING THIS NOTE, REPRESENTS

A-1


 

AND AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BANK THAT IT WILL NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO ABOVE.
          THE FOREGOING LEGEND MAY BE REMOVED FROM THIS NOTE ON SATISFACTION OF THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO HEREIN.]
          [INCLUDE FOR A REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE (UNLESS SUCH LEGEND MAY BE REMOVED PURSUANT TO THE INDENTURE): THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY OTHER SECURITIES LAWS. THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY PURCHASING THIS NOTE, AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF BANCO MACRO S.A. THAT NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, SUCH REGISTRATION.
          THE FOREGOING LEGEND MAY BE REMOVED FROM THIS NOTE AFTER 40 CONSECUTIVE DAYS BEGINNING ON AND INCLUDING THE LATER OF (A) THE DAY ON WHICH THE NOTES ARE OFFERED TO PERSONS OTHER THAN DISTRIBUTORS (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) AND (B) THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THIS NOTE.]
          [INCLUDE FOR A DTC GLOBAL NOTE: UNLESS (1) THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”) TO BANCO MACRO S.A. OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, (2) ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC AND (3) ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC, ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL BECAUSE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
          TRANSFERS OF THIS NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO DTC, NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE, AND TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS IN THIS NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO HEREIN.]
          [INCLUDE FOR A EUROCLEAR/CLEARSTREAM GLOBAL NOTE: TRANSFERS OF THIS NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO EUROCLEAR, CLEARSTEAM, NOMINEES OF EUROCLEAR OR CLEARSTREAM OR TO A SUCCESSOR TO EUROCLEAR OR CLEARSTREAM OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE, AND TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS IN THIS NOTE

A-2


 

SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO HEREIN.]
          [IF APPLICABLE: THE “TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID” “YIELD TO MATURITY” AND “INITIAL ACCRUAL PERIOD” SET FORTH IN THE PRICING SUPPLEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPLYING THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT (“OID”) RULES.
          THIS NOTE HAS BEEN ISSUED WITH OID FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED SOLELY FOR PURPOSES OF APPLYING THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX OID RULES TO THIS NOTE:
ISSUE PRICE: $                     PER $1000 OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT: $                     PER $1000 OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
YIELD TO MATURITY:      .     %
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:                           ,           ]
SERIES:                     
SPECIFIED CURRENCY:                     
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT:                     
ISSUE DATE:                     
STATED MATURITY:                     
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT NOTE: YES o NO o
OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
                    
[If Note is a Fixed Rate Note:
FIXED RATE OF INTEREST:                     ]
[If Note is a Floating Rate Note:
INITIAL INTEREST RATE:                     
INTEREST DETERMINATION DATE(S):                     
INTEREST PERIOD:
                    ]
INTEREST COMMENCEMENT DATE:                     
INTEREST PAYMENT DATE(S):
                    
          THE TERMS OF THE PRICING SUPPLEMENT ATTACHED HERETO ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN IN THEIR ENTIRETY.
          This [Rule 144A] [Regulation S] Global Note (“Global Note”) is issued in accordance with the Indenture dated as of December 18, 2006, among Banco Macro S.A., as issuer (the “Bank”), HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), co-registrar, paying agent and transfer agent and HSBC Bank Argentina S.A., as registrar, paying agent, transfer agent and representative of the Trustee in Argentina (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Indenture”) and is subject to the Terms and Conditions set forth on

A-3


 

reverse hereof (the “Terms and Conditions”) and the terms and conditions set forth in the attached Pricing Supplement. Such provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth in this Note.
          Copies of the Indenture and the Terms and Conditions are on file and available for inspection at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee and at the office of the Registrar in the City of Buenos Aires and, if and for so long as the Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange for trading on the EuroMTF, and such Exchange shall so require, at the office of the Paying Agent in Luxembourg, in each case as specified in the Indenture. The Holder of this Note is entitled to the benefit of, is bound by, and is deemed to have notice of, all the provisions of the Indenture and the Terms and Conditions applicable to it.
          This Global Note is a global security representing an issue of duly authorized Notes of the Bank issued and to be issued in one or more Series pursuant to the Indenture. This Global Note has been issued in the initial Principal Amount shown above (as adjusted from time to time on Schedule A hereto, the “Principal Amount”) and with the Specified Currency, Issue Date, Stated Maturity, redemption and other provisions specified above and in the Pricing Supplement, and bearing interest on said Principal Amount at the rate of interest specified in the Pricing Supplement.
          In the event of any conflict between the provisions stated herein or the provisions of the Terms and Conditions incorporated by reference herein and the terms and conditions set forth in the attached Pricing Supplement, the terms and conditions in the attached Pricing Supplement will prevail. Terms used but not defined herein are used as defined in the Pricing Supplement or, if not defined therein, in the Indenture and the Terms and Conditions.
          The Bank, for value received, hereby promises to pay [IF DTC GLOBAL NOTE INSERT: Cede & Co.] [IF EUROCLEAR/CLEARSTREAM GLOBAL NOTE INSERT NAME OF APPLICABLE NOMINEE] or its registered assigns, the Principal Amount stated above (as adjusted pursuant to Schedule A hereto) or the redemption amount if specified in the attached Pricing Supplement, in the Specified Currency at the Stated Maturity specified above, unless earlier redeemed in accordance with the terms hereof, and unless this Global Note is an original issue discount Note, to pay interest from the Interest Commencement Date of this Global Note specified in the Pricing Supplement (or from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or made available for payment) on the unpaid Principal Amount (and, to the extent lawful, on overdue principal (including premium or redemption amount, if any, and if this is an original issue discount Note, the Amortized Face Amount, or other amount)) and any interest in respect hereof at (i) if this Note is a Fixed Rate Note, the Fixed Rate of Interest per annum specified in the Pricing Supplement on the Interest Payment Date or Dates specified in the Pricing Supplement in each year, commencing, unless otherwise specified in the Pricing Supplement, with the first such Interest Payment Date falling at least fifteen days after the Issue Date of this Global Note specified above and at Stated Maturity or any redemption date, until the principal hereof shall be paid or made available for payment, or (ii) if this Note is a Floating Rate Note, a rate per annum equal to the Initial Interest Rate specified in the Pricing Supplement until the first Interest Reset Date so specified, or if none is specified, until the first Interest Payment Date, following the Issue Date and thereafter at a rate determined in accordance with the provisions in the Terms and Conditions and the Pricing Supplement or (iii) otherwise as determined by the

A-4


 

method set forth in the Pricing Supplement, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Such interest on a Floating Rate Note shall be payable by the Bank monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, or at such other intervals, in each case as specified in the Pricing Supplement under “Interest Period”, on the dates specified in the Pricing Supplement under “Interest Payment Date(s)”, and at Stated Maturity or any redemption date, commencing, unless otherwise specified in the Pricing Supplement, with the first such Interest Payment Date falling at least 15 days after the Issue Date hereof.
          This Global Note is exchangeable in whole or in part for duly executed and issued Certificated Notes in the form set forth in the Indenture, with the applicable legends as marked thereon, only if such exchange complies with Section 2.10 of the Indenture. Interests in this Global Note are exchangeable or transferable in whole or in part for interests in a Regulation S Global Security of the same Series or an Unrestricted Global Security, only if such exchange or transfer complies with Section 2.10 of the Indenture.
          This Global Note is one of the Series designated above, which term shall mean each original issue of Notes and shall be deemed to include any other Global Notes in respect of such Series issued pursuant to the Indenture referred to on the face of this Note. These Notes, together with any other debt securities of the Bank issued under the Indenture (“Outstanding Notes”) are limited to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time of US$400,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in one or more Specified Currencies. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the U.S. dollar equivalent of any Note or Outstanding Note denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars will be determined on the basis of the Exchange Rate as set forth in the Indenture and the Terms and Conditions.
          Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by or on behalf of the Trustee by manual signature of one of its authorized signatures, this Global Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
          This Global Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York; provided that all matters relating to the due authorization, execution, issuance and delivery of the Notes by the Bank, and matters relating to the legal requirements necessary in order for the Notes to qualify as “obligaciones negociables” under Argentine law, shall be governed by the Argentine Negotiable Obligations Law No. 23,576, as amended, together with Argentine Business Companies Law No. 19,550, as amended and other applicable Argentine laws and regulations.
          This Global Note does not qualify for the Argentine deposit insurance system established pursuant to Argentine Law No. 24,485, as amended, and does not benefit from the priority right granted to depositors pursuant to Article 49(d) and (e) of Argentine Law No. 21,526, as amended. This Global Note is not secured by any floating lien or special guarantee nor is this Global Note guaranteed by any other means or by any other entity.

A-5


 

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Banco Macro S.A. has caused this Global Note to be duly executed.
         
Date:


  BANCO MACRO S.A.
 
 
  By:      
    Director   
       
 
     
  By:      
    Member of the Supervisory   
    Committee   
 
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
         
  HSBC BANK USA, National Association,
as Trustee
 
 
  By:      
    Authorized Signatory   
       

A-6


 

         
[ATTACH TERMS AND CONDITIONS SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE
FORM SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT C TO THE INDENTURE]
[ATTACH APPLICABLE PRICING SUPPLEMENT]

A-7


 

SCHEDULE A
 
                Increase in            
    Principal Amount of           Principal Amount of            
    Certificated Notes           this Note due to            
    or other Global           the exchange or            
    Notes issued in           transfer of another            
    exchange for or     Principal Amount of     Note (or an            
    upon transfer of an     this Global Note     interest therein)     Remaining Principal     Notation made on
    interest in this     Redeemed or     for an interest in     Amount of this     behalf of the
Date   Global Note     Repurchased     this Note     Global Note     Trustee by

A-8


 

EXHIBIT B
FORM OF CERTIFICATED NOTE
CUSIP No.:                     
ISIN No.:                     
BANCO MACRO S.A.
Banco Macro S.A. was organized as a corporation with limited liability (sociedad anónima) under the laws of Argentina for a term expiring on November 21, 2065 and was registered on November 21, 1966 under No. 1154, Book 2, Volume 75 of Sociedades Anónimas of the Public Registry of Commerce of the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and its registered domicile is at Sarmiento 447, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
CERTIFICATED NOTE
representing
[Currency] [Aggregate principal amount]
NOTES DUE [Stated Maturity Date]
          [INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS IF THIS NOTE IS SOLD IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A OR IN A TRANSACTION OTHERWISE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT: THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY OTHER SECURITIES LAWS. THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY PURCHASING THIS NOTE, AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF BANCO MACRO S.A. (THE “BANK”) THAT THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY (I) TO THE BANK OR TO ANY DEALERS APPOINTED BY THE BANK WITH RESPECT TO A PARTICULAR SERIES OF NOTES (EACH, A “DEALER” AND COLLECTIVELY, THE “DEALERS”) OR BY, THROUGH OR IN A TRANSACTION APPROVED BY A DEALER, (II) SO LONG AS THIS NOTE IS ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A) IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 144A, (III) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 903 OR 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AFFORDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE) OR (V) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, AND IN EACH OF SUCH CASES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION. THE HOLDER HEREOF, BY PURCHASING THIS NOTE, REPRESENTS AND AGREES FOR

B-1


 

THE BENEFIT OF THE BANK THAT IT WILL NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO ABOVE.
          THE FOREGOING LEGEND MAY BE REMOVED FROM THIS NOTE ON SATISFACTION OF THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO HEREIN.]
          THIS NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN MINIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS SPECIFIED IN THE APPLICABLE PRICING SUPPLEMENT.
          [IF APPLICABLE: THE “TOTAL AMOUNT OF OID”, “YIELD TO MATURITY” AND “INITIAL ACCRUAL PERIOD SET FORTH IN THE PRICING SUPPLEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPLYING THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT (“OID”) RULES.
          THIS NOTE HAS BEEN ISSUED WITH OID FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED SOLELY FOR PURPOSES OF APPLYING THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX OID RULES TO THIS NOTE:
ISSUE PRICE: $                     PER $1000 OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT: $                     PER $1000 OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
YIELD TO MATURITY:           .      %
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:                           ,           ]
SERIES:                     
SPECIFIED CURRENCY:                     
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT:                     
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:                     
STATED MATURITY DATE:                     
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT NOTE: YES o NO o
OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
                    
[If Note is a Fixed Rate Note:
FIXED RATE OF INTEREST: ___]
[If Note is a Floating Rate Note:
INITIAL INTEREST RATE:                     
INTEREST DETERMINATION DATE(S):                     
INTEREST PERIOD:
                    ]
INTEREST COMMENCEMENT DATE:                     
INTEREST PAYMENT DATE(S):
                    
OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS:                     

B-2


 

          This Note is issued in accordance with the Indenture dated as of December 18, 2006, among Banco Macro S.A., as issuer (the “Bank”), HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), co-registrar, paying agent and transfer agent and HSBC Bank Argentina S.A., as registrar, paying agent, transfer agent and representative of the Trustee in Argentina (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Indenture”) and is subject to the Terms and Conditions set forth on reverse hereof (the “Terms and Conditions”) and the terms and conditions set forth in the attached Pricing Supplement. Such provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth in this Note.
          Copies of the Indenture and the Terms and Conditions are on file and available for inspection at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee and at the office of the Registrar in the City of Buenos Aires and, if and for so long as the Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange for trading on the EuroMTF, and such Exchange shall so require, at the office of the Paying Agent in Luxembourg, in each case as specified in the Indenture. The Holder of this Note is entitled to the benefit of, is bound by, and is deemed to have notice of, all the provisions of the Indenture and the Terms and Conditions applicable to it.
          In the event of any conflict between the provisions stated herein or the provisions of the Terms and Conditions incorporated by reference herein and the terms and conditions set forth in the attached Pricing Supplement, the terms and conditions in the attached Pricing Supplement will prevail. Terms used but not defined herein are used as defined in the Pricing Supplement or, if not defined therein, in the Indenture and the Terms and Conditions.
          The Bank, for value received, hereby promises to pay to                                          or its registered assigns the Principal Amount stated above or the Redemption Amount if specified in the attached Pricing Supplement, in the Specified Currency at the Stated Maturity specified above, unless earlier redeemed in accordance with the terms hereof, and unless this Note is an original issue discount Note, to pay interest from the Interest Commencement Date of this Note specified in the Pricing Supplement (or from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or made available for payment) on the unpaid Principal Amount (and, to the extent lawful, on overdue principal (including premium or redemption amount, if any, and if this is an original issue discount Note, the Amortized Face Amount, or other amount)) at, (i) if this Note is a Fixed Rate Note, the Fixed Rate of Interest per annum specified in the Pricing Supplement on the Interest Payment Date or Dates specified in the Pricing Supplement in each year, commencing, unless otherwise specified in the Pricing Supplement, with the first such Interest Payment Date falling at least fifteen days after the Issue Date of this Note specified above and at Stated Maturity or any redemption date, until the principal hereof shall be paid or made available for payment, or (ii) if this Note is a Floating Rate Note, a rate per annum equal to the Initial Interest Rate specified in the Pricing Supplement until the first Interest Reset Date so specified, or if none is specified, until the first Interest Payment Date, following the Issue Date and thereafter at a rate determined in accordance with the provisions of the Terms and Conditions and the Pricing Supplement or (iii) otherwise as determined by the method set forth in the Pricing Supplement, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Such interest on a Floating Rate Note shall be payable by the Bank monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, or at such other intervals, in each case as specified in the Pricing Supplement under “Interest Period”, on the dates specified in the Pricing Supplement under “Interest Payment Date(s)”, and at Stated Maturity or any redemption date, commencing, unless otherwise specified in the Pricing

B-3


 

Supplement, with the first such Interest Payment Date falling at least 15 days after the Issue Date hereof.
          As used herein, the term “Holder” means the person in whose name a Note is registered in the Register.
          This Note is one of the Series designated above, which term shall mean each original issue of Notes and shall be deemed to include any Global Notes in respect of such Series issued pursuant to the Indenture referred to on the face of this Note. These Notes, together with any other debt securities of the Bank issued under the Indenture (“Outstanding Notes”) are limited to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time of US$400,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in one or more Specified Currencies. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the U.S. dollar equivalent of any Note or Outstanding Note denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars will be determined on the basis of the Exchange Rate as set forth in the Indenture and the Terms and Conditions.
          Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by or on behalf of the Trustee by manual signature of one of its authorized signatories, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
          This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York; provided that all matters relating to the due authorization, execution, issuance and delivery of the Notes by the Bank, and matters relating to the legal requirements necessary in order for the Notes to qualify as “obligaciones negociables” under Argentine law, shall be governed by the Argentine Negotiable Obligations Law No. 23,576, as amended, together with Argentine Business Companies Law No. 19,550, as amended and other applicable Argentine laws and regulations.
          This Global Note does not qualify for the Argentine deposit insurance system established pursuant to Argentine Law No. 24,485, as amended, and does not benefit from the priority right granted to depositors pursuant to Article 49(d) and (e) of Argentine Law No. 21,526, as amended. This Global Notes is not secured by any floating lien or special guarantee nor is this Global Note guaranteed by any other means or by any other entity.

B-4


 

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Banco Macro S.A. has caused this Note to be duly executed.
         
 
Date:  
   

BANCO MACRO S.A.
 
 
  By:      
    Director   
       
 
     
  By:      
    Member of the Supervisory   
    Committee   
 
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
         
  HSBC BANK USA, National Association,
as Trustee
 
 
  By:      
    Authorized Signatory   
       

B-5


 

         
[ATTACH TERMS AND CONDITIONS SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE
FORM SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT C TO THE INDENTURE]
[ATTACH APPLICABLE PRICING SUPPLEMENT]

B-6


 

FORM OF TRANSFER
[Include the following for Notes not bearing a Restrictive Legend]
TRANSFER NOTICE
          FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Holder hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
     
 
     
 
(Please print or typewrite name and address including postal code of assignee)
this Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing                                          attorney to transfer such amount of said Note on the books of the Bank with full power of substitution in the premises.
Date:                                         
             
 
  Signed:        
 
           
 
      NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.    

B-7


 

FORM OF TRANSFER
[Include the following for Notes bearing Restrictive Legends]
TRANSFER NOTICE
          FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Holder hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
     
 
     
 
(Please print or typewrite name and address including postal code of assignee)
Insert Taxpayer Identification No.:                    
this Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing                                                              attorney to transfer such amount of said Note on the books of the Bank with full power of substitution in the premises.
In connection with any transfer of this Note occurring prior to the date that is two years after the Original Issue Date of this Note (provided that the Bank or any affiliate of the Bank has not acquired this Note during such two-year period), the undersigned confirms that without utilizing any general advertising or general solicitation:
(check one)
o   (a)This Note is being transferred pursuant to the exception from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), provided by Rule 144A thereunder (“Rule 144A”) and, upon registration of such transfer, each beneficial owner of this Note will be a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A), and each such person has been advised that this Note is being sold or transferred to it in reliance upon Rule 144A and has received the information, if any, requested by it pursuant to Rule 144A; or
 
o   (b)This Note is being transferred pursuant to the exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by Regulation S under the Securities Act (“Regulation S”), and the address of the person in whose name this Note is to be registered upon transfer is an address outside the United States (as defined in Regulation S); or
 
o   (c)This Note is being transferred to a Dealer or to the Bank; or
 
o   (d)This Note is being transferred other than in accordance with (a), (b) or (c) above, and documents are being furnished to the Trustee or the transfer agent which comply

B-8


 

     with the conditions of transfer set forth in this Note and the Indenture.
If none of the foregoing boxes is checked, the Trustee shall not be obligated to register this Note in the name of any person other than the Holder hereof unless and until the conditions to any such registration of transfer set forth herein and in the Indenture shall have been satisfied.
Date:                                        
             
 
  Signed:        
 
           
 
      NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.    

B-9


 

EXHIBIT C
FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITIESTERMS AND CONDITIONS
IN THE EVENT OF ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THE PROVISIONS STATED HEREIN AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN A PRICING SUPPLEMENT, IF ANY, ATTACHED TO THIS NOTE, THE PROVISIONS OF THE PRICING SUPPLEMENT WILL PREVAIL.
General
     The Notes are to be issued under an Indenture, dated as of December 18, 2006 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Indenture”), among the Bank, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”), co-registrar (in such capacity, the “Co-Registrar”), principal paying agent (in such capacity, the “Principal Paying Agent,” and together with any other paying agents under the Indenture, the “Paying Agents”) and transfer agent (in such capacity, a “Transfer Agent”, and together with any other transfer agents under the Indenture, the “Transfer Agents”), and HSBC Bank Argentina S.A., as registrar (in such capacity, the “Registrar”), Paying Agent, Transfer agent and representative of the Trustee in Argentina (in such capacity, the “Representative of the Trustee in Argentina”).
     The following summaries of certain provisions of the Indenture and the Notes do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the Indenture and the Notes, including the definitions therein of certain terms. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
     Notes may be issued from time to time in one or more Series under the Indenture. The Notes of all Series outstanding at any one time under the Program are limited to an aggregate amount of US$400,000,000 (or its equivalent in a Specified Currency). The particular terms of each issue of Notes, including, without limitation, the date of issue, issue price, currency of denomination and payment, maturity, interest rate or interest rate formula, if any, and, if applicable, redemption, repayment and index provisions, will be set forth for each such issue in the Notes and in the applicable Pricing Supplement. With respect to any particular Note, the description of the Notes herein is qualified in its entirety by reference to, and to the extent inconsistent therewith is superseded by, such Note and the applicable Pricing Supplement.
     The Notes will qualify as “obligaciones negociables” under the Negotiable Obligations Law and Joint Resolution No. 470-1738/2004 and will be entitled to the benefits set forth therein and subject to the procedural requirements thereof. The Notes will constitute direct, unconditional, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Bank and will rank at all times pari passu in right of payment with all other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Bank (other than obligations preferred by statute or by operation of law).

C-1


 

     Unless previously redeemed, a Note will mature on the date (the “Stated Maturity”) no less than 30 days from its date of issue as specified on the face thereof and in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
     Each Note may be denominated in any currency (a “Specified Currency”) as shall be specified on the face thereof and in the applicable Pricing Supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, payments on each Note will be made in the applicable Specified Currency; provided, however, that in certain circumstances, as may be described in the applicable Pricing Supplement, payments on any such Note denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars may, to the extent permitted by Argentine law, be made in U.S. dollars. See “—Payment of Principal and Interest” below.
     Each Note will bear interest, if any, at the interest rate or interest rate formula set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, each Note may bear interest at a fixed rate (a “Fixed Rate Note”) or at a rate determined by reference to an interest rate basis or other interest rate formula (a “Floating Rate Note”) or may bear no interest (a “Zero Coupon Note”). See “Interest Rate” below.
     The Notes may also be issued with principal and/or interest payable, to the extent permitted by Argentine law, in one or more currencies different from the currency in which such Notes are denominated (“Dual Currency Notes”), or linked to an index and/or a formula (“Indexed Notes”). Dual Currency and Indexed Notes may be issued to bear interest on a fixed or floating rate basis or on a non-interest bearing basis or a combination of such bases, in which case provisions relating to Fixed Rate Notes, Floating Rate Notes, Zero Coupon Notes or a combination thereof, respectively, shall, where the context so admits, apply to such Dual Currency or Indexed Notes. References herein to Notes denominated in a Specified Currency shall, unless the context otherwise requires, include Dual Currency Notes payable in such Specified Currency.
     The Notes may be issued as Original Issue Discount Notes. An “Original Issue Discount Note” or “OID Note”, including any Zero Coupon Note, is a Note which is issued at a price lower than the principal amount thereof, and which provides that upon redemption or acceleration of the Stated Maturity thereof, the amount payable to the Holder of such Note will be determined in accordance with the terms of such Note, and will be an amount that is less than the amount payable on the Stated Maturity of such Note.
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the Notes will not be subject to any sinking fund and will not be redeemable prior to their Stated Maturity, except in the event of certain changes involving Argentine taxes.
     If specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement with respect to a Series of Notes, the Bank may from time to time, without the consent of Holders of Notes outstanding, create and issue additional Notes of such Series provided such additional Notes have the same terms and conditions as the Notes of that Series in all respects (except for the date of issue, the issue price, the applicable legends and, if applicable, the first payment of interest) and the additional Notes shall form a single Series with the previously outstanding Series of Notes.

C-2


 

Interest Rate
     General
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, each Fixed Rate Note or Floating Rate Note (each as defined below) will bear interest from (and including) the issue date or such other date (the “Interest Commencement Date”) specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement or from the most recent Interest Payment Date (or, if such Note is a Floating Rate Note and the Interest Reset Period (as each such term is defined below) is daily or weekly, from the day following the most recent Regular Record Date) to which interest on such Note has been paid or duly provided for at the fixed rate per annum, or at the rate per annum determined pursuant to the interest rate formula, stated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, until the principal thereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be payable on each Interest Payment Date and at Stated Maturity or upon redemption or acceleration, as specified under “Payment of Principal and Interest” below.
     Each Note bearing interest will bear interest at either (a) a fixed rate or (b) a variable rate determined by reference to an interest rate basis (including LIBOR (a “LIBOR Note”), the Treasury Rate (a “Treasury Rate Note”) or such other interest rate basis as is set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement), which may be adjusted by adding or subtracting the Spread and/or multiplying by the Spread Multiplier. The “Spread” is the number of basis points specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement as being applicable to the interest rate for such Note, and the “Spread Multiplier” is the percentage specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement as being applicable to the interest rate for such Note. A Floating Rate Note may also have either or both of the following as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement: (a) a maximum numerical interest rate limitation, or ceiling, on the rate of interest which may accrue during any interest period (a “Maximum Rate”); and (b) a minimum numerical interest rate limitation, or floor, on the rate of interest which may accrue during any interest period (a “Minimum Rate”).
     “Index Maturity” means, with respect to a Floating Rate Note, the period to maturity of the instrument or obligation on which the interest rate formula is based, as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
     Fixed Rate Notes
     Fixed Rate Notes shall bear interest from (and including) the Interest Commencement Date specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement at the rate or rates per annum so specified (the “Fixed Rate(s) of Interest”) payable in arrears on the Interest Payment Date(s) in each year and on the Stated Maturity or upon redemption or acceleration. The first payment of interest will be made on the Interest Payment Date next following the Interest Commencement Date and, if the period from the Interest Commencement Date to the Interest Payment Date differs from the period between subsequent Interest Payment Dates, will equal the “Initial Broken Amount” specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement. If the Stated Maturity is not an Interest Payment Date, interest from and including the preceding Interest Payment Date (or the Interest Commencement Date, as the case may be) to (but excluding) the Stated Maturity will equal the “Final Broken Amount” specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement.

C-3


 

     Floating Rate Notes
     General. The applicable Pricing Supplement relating to a Floating Rate Note will designate an interest rate basis (the “Interest Rate Basis”) for such Floating Rate Note. The Interest Rate Basis for each Floating Rate Note will be: (a) LIBOR, in which case such Note will be a LIBOR Note: (b) the Treasury Rate, in which case such Note will be a Treasury Rate Note; or (c) such other interest rate basis as is set forth in such Pricing Supplement. The Pricing Supplement for a Floating Rate Note will also specify, if applicable, the Calculation Agent, the Index Maturity, the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, the Maximum Rate, the Minimum Rate, the Regular Record Dates and the Initial Interest Rate, the Interest Payment Dates, the Calculation Dates, the Interest Determination Dates, the Interest Reset Period and the Interest Reset Dates (each as defined below) with respect to such Note.
     The rate of interest on each Floating Rate Note will be reset and become effective daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually or otherwise, as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement (each an “Interest Reset Period”); provided, however, that (a) the interest rate in effect from the date of issue to the first Interest Reset Date with respect to a Floating Rate Note will be the initial interest rate as set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement (the “Initial Interest Rate”) and (b) unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the interest rate in effect for the ten days immediately prior to Stated Maturity of a Note will be that in effect on the tenth day preceding such Stated Maturity. The dates on which the rate of interest will be reset (each an “Interest Reset Date”) will be specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement. If any Interest Reset Date for any Floating Rate Note would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day with respect to such Floating Rate Note, the Interest Reset Date for such Floating Rate Note shall be postponed to the next day that is a Business Day with respect to such Floating Rate Note, except that, in the case of a LIBOR Note, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar month, such Interest Reset Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, “Interest Determination Dates” will be as set forth below. The Interest Determination Date pertaining to an Interest Reset Date for a LIBOR Note (the “LIBOR Interest Determination Date”) will be the second Business Day preceding such Interest Reset Date. The Interest Determination Date pertaining to an Interest Reset Date for a Treasury Rate Note (the “Treasury Interest Determination Date”) will be the day of the week in which such Interest Reset Date falls and on which Treasury bills would normally be auctioned. Treasury bills are usually sold at auction on the Monday of each week, unless that day is a legal holiday, in which case the auction is usually held on the following Tuesday, except that such auction may be on the preceding Friday. If, as the result of a legal holiday, an auction is so held on the preceding Friday, such Friday will be the Treasury Interest Determination Date pertaining to the Interest Reset Date occurring in the next succeeding week. If an auction date shall fall on any Interest Reset Date for a Treasury Rate Note, then such Interest Reset Date shall instead be the first Business Day immediately following such auction date.
     All percentages resulting from any calculations referred to in the applicable Pricing Supplement will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upward (e.g., 9.876545% (or

C-4


 

.09876545) being rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655)), and all Specified Currency amounts used in or resulting from such calculations will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent rounded upward) or nearest equivalent in Specified Currencies other than U.S. dollars.
     In addition to any Maximum Rate which may be applicable to any Floating Rate Note pursuant to the above provisions, the interest rate on Floating Rate Notes will in no event be higher than the maximum interest rate permitted by applicable law.
     Upon the request of the Holder of any Floating Rate Note, the Calculation Agent will provide the interest rate then in effect, and, if determined, the interest rate which will become effective on the next Interest Reset Date with respect to such Floating Rate Note. The Calculation Agent’s determination of any interest rate will be final and binding in the absence of manifest error.
     The Calculation Agent will cause notice of the rate of interest and the amount of interest for each interest period and the relevant Interest Payment Date to be given to the Bank and the Trustee as soon as possible after their determination but in no event later than the fourth Business Day thereafter and, in the case of Notes listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange for trading on the EuroMTF, no later than the first day of the relevant Interest Reset Period. Such notice will be in accordance with the provisions of the Notes relating to notices to Holders of Notes. The amount of interest and the Interest Payment Date may subsequently be amended (or appropriate alternative arrangements as may be made by way of adjustment) without notice in the event of an extension or shortening of the Interest Reset Period.
     The manner in which the interest rate for any Floating Rate Note that is not a LIBOR Note or a Treasury Rate Note will be determined as set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
     LIBOR Notes. LIBOR Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with reference to LIBOR and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any, subject to the Maximum Rate or the Minimum Rate, if any), and will be payable on the dates, specified on the face of the LIBOR Note and in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
     Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, LIBOR with respect to any Interest Reset Date will be determined by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the following provisions. On the relevant LIBOR Interest Determination Date, LIBOR will be determined on the basis of either of the following, as specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement:
               (a) the offered rates for deposits in the Specified Currency having the specified Index Maturity, commencing on the next succeeding Interest Reset Date, which appear on the display designated as page “LIBOR” on the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service (or such other page as may replace the LIBOR page on that service for the purpose of displaying London interbank offered rates of major banks for deposits in the Specified Currency) (“Reuters Screen LIBOR Page”) as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date. If at least two such offered rates appear on the Reuters Screen LIBOR Page,

C-5


 

LIBOR with respect to such Interest Reset Date will be the arithmetic mean of such offered rates as determined by the Calculation Agent. If fewer than two offered rates appear, LIBOR with respect to such Interest Reset Date will be determined as described in (ii) below; or
               (b) the offered rates for deposits in the Specified Currency having the specified Index Maturity, commencing on the next succeeding Interest Reset Date, which appear on the display designated as Page 3740 or Page 3750, as applicable, on the Dow Jones Telerate Service (or such other page as may replace any such page on that service for the purpose of displaying London interbank offered rates of major banks for deposits in the Specified Currency) (each a “Telerate Page”) as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date. If no such offered rate appears, LIBOR with respect to such Interest Reset Date will be determined as described in (ii) below.
     If neither “Reuters Screen LIBOR Page” nor a “Telerate Page” is specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, LIBOR will be determined as if a Telerate Page had been so specified.
     With respect to a LIBOR Interest Determination Date on which fewer than two offered rates for the applicable Index Maturity appear on the Reuters Screen LIBOR Page as described in (i)(a) above, or on which no rate appears on Telerate Page 3740 or 3750, as the case may be, as described in (i)(b) above, as applicable, LIBOR will be determined on the basis of the rates at approximately 11:00 A.M., London time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date at which deposits in the Specified Currency having the specified Index Maturity are offered to prime banks in the London interbank market by four major banks in the London interbank market selected by the Calculation Agent (after consultation with the Bank) commencing on the second Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest Determination Date and in a principal amount equal to an amount of not less than US$1,000,000 (or its approximate equivalent in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars) that in the Bank’s judgment is representative for a single transaction in such market at such time (a “Representative Amount”). The Calculation Agent will request the principal London office of each of such banks to provide a quotation of its rate. If at least two such quotations are provided, LIBOR with respect to such Interest Reset Date will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations. If fewer than two quotations are provided, LIBOR with respect to such Interest Reset Date will be the arithmetic mean of the rates quoted at approximately 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date by three major banks in New York City, selected by the Calculation Agent (after consultation with the Bank), for loans in the Specified Currency to leading European banks having the specified Index Maturity commencing on the Interest Reset Date and in a Representative Amount; provided however, that if fewer than three banks selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are quoting as mentioned in this sentence, LIBOR with respect to such Interest Reset Date will be LIBOR in effect on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date.
     Treasury Rate Notes. Treasury Rate Notes will bear interest at the interest rates (calculated with reference to the Treasury Rate and the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any, subject to the Maximum Rate or Minimum Rate, if any) and will be payable on the dates specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable

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Pricing Supplement, the “Calculation Date” with respect to a Treasury Interest Determination Date will be the tenth day after such Treasury Interest Determination Date or, if any such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day.
     Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement, “Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Interest Reset Date, the rate for the auction on the relevant Treasury Interest Determination Date of direct obligations of the United States (“Treasury Bills”) having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, as such rate appears on the display on Moneyline Telerate, Inc. (or any successor service) on page 56 (or any other page as may replace such page) or page 57 (or any other page as may replace such page), under the heading “INVESTMENT RATE.” In the event that such rate does not appear by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining to such Treasury Interest Determination Date, then the Treasury Rate for such Interest Reset Date shall be the rate on such date as published in H.15 Daily Update under the heading “U.S. government securities—Treasury bills—Auction high.” In the event that the foregoing rates do not so appear or are not so published by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining to such Treasury Interest Determination Date, then the Treasury Rate for such Interest Reset Date shall be the “Investment Rate” (expressed as a bond equivalent yield, on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and applied on a daily basis) as announced by the United States Department of the Treasury for the auction held on such Treasury Interest Determination Date, currently available on the worldwide web at: http://www.publicdebt.treas.gov/AI/OFBills. In the event that the results of the auction of Treasury Bills having the Index Maturity specified in the applicable pricing supplement are not published or reported as provided above by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on such Calculation Date or if no such auction is held on such Treasury Interest Determination Date, then the Treasury Rate shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be the rate for such Treasury Interest Determination Date for the issue of Treasury Bills with a remaining maturity closest to the specified Index Maturity (expressed as a bond equivalent yield, on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and applied on a daily basis) as published in H.15(519), under the heading “U.S. government securities—Treasury bills (secondary market).” In the event that the foregoing rates do not so appear or are not so published by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining to such Treasury Interest Determination Date, then the Treasury Rate for such Interest Reset Date shall be the rate for such Treasury Interest Determination Date for the issue of Treasury Bills with a remaining maturity closest to the specified Index Maturity, as published in H.15 Daily Update or another recognized electronic source used for the purpose of displaying such rate, under the heading “U.S. government securities—Treasury bills (secondary market).” In the event that the foregoing rates do not so appear or are not so published by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining to such Treasury Interest Determination Date, then the Treasury Rate shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be a yield to maturity (expressed as a bond equivalent yield, on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and applied on a daily basis) of the arithmetic mean of the secondary market bid rates, at approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such Treasury Interest Determination Date, quoted by three leading primary United States government securities dealers selected by the Calculation Agent with the Bank’s approval (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) for the issue of Treasury Bills with a remaining maturity closest to the specified Index Maturity; provided that if the dealers selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent with the Bank’s approval (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Treasury Rate for such

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Interest Reset Date shall be the Treasury Rate in effect on such Treasury Interest Determination Date.
     Payment of Principal and Interest
     General
     Interest (and principal, if any, payable other than at Stated Maturity or upon acceleration or redemption) shall be paid in immediately available funds to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date next preceding each Interest Payment Date notwithstanding the cancellation of such Notes upon any transfer or exchange thereof subsequent to such Regular Record Date and prior to such Interest Payment Date; provided, however, that interest payable at Stated Maturity or upon acceleration or redemption shall be paid to the Person to whom principal will be payable; provided, further, that if and to the extent the Bank defaults in the payment of the interest, including any Additional Amounts, due on such Interest Payment Date, such defaulted interest, including any Additional Amounts, shall be paid to the Person in whose names such Notes are registered at the end of a subsequent record date established by the Bank by notice given by mail by or on behalf of the Bank to the Holders of the Notes not less than 15 days preceding such special record date, such record date to be not less than 15 days preceding the date of payment in respect of such defaulted interest. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the first payment of interest on any Note originally issued between a Regular Record Date and an Interest Payment Date shall be made on the Interest Payment Date following the next succeeding Regular Record Date to the registered owner at the close of business on such next succeeding Regular Record Date.
     Payments of the principal of and any premium, interest, Additional Amounts and other amounts on or in respect of any Note at Stated Maturity or upon acceleration or redemption shall be made to the registered Holder on such date in immediately available funds upon surrender of such Note at the Corporate Trust Office or at the specified office of any other Paying Agent, provided that the Note is presented to the Paying Agent in time for the Paying Agent to make such payments in such funds in accordance with its normal procedures. Payments of the principal of and any premium, interest, Additional Amounts and other amounts on or in respect of Notes to be made other than at Stated Maturity or upon redemption shall be made by check mailed on or before the due date for such payments to the address of the Person entitled thereto as it appears in the Register; provided that (a) DTC and the Common Depositary, as Holder of the Global Notes, shall be entitled to receive payments of interest by wire transfer of immediately available funds, (b) a Holder of US$1,000,000 (or the approximate equivalent thereof in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars) in aggregate principal or face amount of Notes of the same Series shall be entitled to receive payments of interest by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account maintained by such Holder at a bank located in the United States as may have been appropriately designated by such Holder to the Trustee in writing no later than 15 days prior to the date such payment is due and (c) to the extent that the Holder of a Note issued and denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars elects to receive payment of the principal of and any premiums, interest, Additional Amounts and other amounts on or in respect of such Note at Stated Maturity or upon redemption in such Specified Currency, such payment, except in circumstances described in the applicable Pricing Supplement, shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account specified in writing not less than 15 days

C-8


 

prior to the date such payment is due by the Holder to the Trustee. Unless such designation is revoked, any such designation made by such Holder with respect to such Notes shall remain in effect with respect to any future payments with respect to such Notes payable to such Holder
     Payments of interest on any Fixed Rate Note or Floating Rate Note with respect to any Interest Payment Date will include interest accrued to but excluding such Interest Payment Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, if the Interest Reset Dates with respect to any Floating Rate Note are daily or weekly, interest payable on such Note on any Interest Payment Date, other than interest payable on the date on which principal on any such Note is payable, will include interest accrued to but excluding the day following the next preceding Regular Record Date.
     With respect to a Floating Rate Note, accrued interest from the date of issue or from the last date to which interest has been paid is calculated by multiplying the principal or face amount of such Floating Rate Note by an accrued interest factor. Such accrued interest factor is computed by adding the interest factor calculated for each day from the date of issue, or from the last date to which interest has been paid, to but excluding the date for which accrued interest is being calculated. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the interest factor (expressed as a decimal) for each such day is computed by dividing the interest rate (expressed as a decimal) applicable to such date by 360, in the case of LIBOR Notes, or by the actual number of days in the year, in the case of Treasury Rate Notes.
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, interest on Fixed Rate Notes will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve months of 30 days each and, in the case of an incomplete month, the number of days elapsed.
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, if any Interest Payment Date (other than the Stated Maturity) for any Floating Rate Note would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day in the relevant locations specified in the Pricing Supplement and the place of payment, such Interest Payment Date shall be the next Business Day succeeding such Business Day (except that, in the case of a LIBOR Note, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar month, such Interest Payment Date shall be the next Business Day preceding such Business Day). If the Stated Maturity for any Fixed Rate Note or Floating Rate Note or the Interest Payment Date for any Fixed Rate Note falls on a day which is not a Business Day in the relevant locations specified in the Pricing Supplement and the place of payment, payment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest with respect to such Note will be made on the next succeeding Business Day in the place of payment with the same force and effect as if made on the due date and no interest on such payment will accrue from and after such due date.
     Specified Currency Other Than Dollars
     If any Note is to be denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars, certain provisions with respect thereto will be set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement, which will specify the foreign currency or currency unit in which the principal or any premium or interest with respect to such Note are to be paid, along with any other terms relating to the non-U.S. dollar denomination.

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     If the Bank offers Indexed Notes or Dual Currency Notes, the applicable Pricing Supplement and such Indexed Notes or Dual Currency Notes will set forth the method by and the terms on which the amount of principal (payable on or prior to Stated Maturity), interest and/or any premium, will be determined, any additional tax consequences to the Holder of such Note, a description of certain risks associated with investment in such Note and other information relating to such Note.
     Unless otherwise specified in the terms of a Series of Notes, Notes denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars will provide that, in the event of an official redenomination of the currency, the obligations of the Bank with respect to payments on such Notes shall, in all cases, be deemed immediately following such redenomination to provide for payment of that amount of the redenominated currency representing the amount of such obligations immediately before such redenomination.
     If the principal of or any premium, interest, Additional Amounts or other amounts on any note is payable in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars and such Specified Currency is not available due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the Bank’s control, or is no longer used by the government of the country issuing such currency or for settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the international banking community, then the Bank, until such currency is again available or so use, will be entitled, to the extent permitted by Argentine law, to satisfy its obligations to the Holder of such Notes by making such payment in U.S. dollars at the Exchange Rate for the Payment Date. The making of any payment in respect of any Note in U.S. dollars under the foregoing circumstances shall not constitute an Event of Default under such Note.
     Payments of the principal, interest, Additional Amounts or other amounts to Holders of a note denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars who hold the Note through DTC will, to the extent permitted by Argentine law, be made in U.S. dollars. However, any DTC Holder of a Note denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars may elect to receive payments by wire transfer in the Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars by delivering a written notice to the DTC participant through which it holds its beneficial interest, not later than the Regular Record Date, in the case of an interest payment, or at least 15 calendar days before the Stated Maturity, specifying wire transfer instructions to an account denominated in the Specified Currency. The DTC participant must notify DTC of the election and wire transfer instructions on or before the twelfth Business Day before the applicable payment of the principal.
     If so specified in a the applicable Pricing Supplement, payments of principal, interest, Additional Amounts or other amounts on or in respect of any Note denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars shall, to the extent permitted by Argentine law, be made in U.S. dollars, calculated at the Exchange Rate for the Payment Date, if the Holder of such Note on the relevant Regular Record Date or at Stated Maturity, as the case may be, has transmitted a written request for such payment in U.S. dollars to the Trustee and the applicable Paying Agent on or prior to such Regular Record Date or the date that is 15 days prior to the Stated Maturity, as the case may be. Such request may be in writing (mailed or hand delivered) or by facsimile transmission. Any such request made with respect to any Note by a Holder will remain in effect with respect to any further payments of principal, interest, Additional Amounts or other amounts

C-10


 

on or in respect of such Note payable to such Holder, unless such request is revoked on or prior to the relevant Regular Record Date or the date that is 15 days prior to the Stated Maturity, as the case may be. Holders of notes denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars that are registered in the name of a broker or nominee should contact such broker or nominee to determine whether and how an election to receive payments in U.S. dollars may be made.
     The U.S. dollar amount to be received by a Holder of a Note denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars who elects to receive payment in U.S. dollars will be based on the Exchange Rate, on the second Business Day next preceding the applicable Payment Date. If Exchange Rate quotations are not available on the second Business Day preceding the date of payment of principal, interest, Additional Amounts or other amounts with respect to any Note, such payment will be made in the Specified Currency. All currency exchange costs associated with any payment in U.S. dollars on any Note denominated in a Specified Currency other than U.S. dollars will be borne by the Holder thereof by deductions from payment of the currency exchange being effected on behalf of the Holder by the Exchange Rate Agent.
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, (i) a Note denominated in Euro may only be presented for payment on a day on which the TARGET system is operating and (ii) if interest is required to be calculated for a period of less than one year, unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, it will be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed divided by 365 (or, if any of the days elapsed fall in a leap year, the sum of (A) the number of those days falling in a leap year divided by 366 and (B) the number of those days falling in a non-leap year divided by 365).

C-11


 

EXHIBIT D
FORM OF CERTIFICATE FOR EXCHANGE OR TRANSFER
FROM RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTE TO REGULATION S

GLOBAL NOTE DURING THE DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD
(Exchanges or Transfers pursuant to
Section 2.10(d)(i) of the Indenture)
HSBC Bank USA, National Association,
as Trustee
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Attention: Corporate Trust Office
     Re:     Banco Macro S.A. [Describe Notes] (the “Securities”)
     Reference is hereby made to the Indenture dated as of December 18, 2006 (the “Indenture”), among Banco Macro S.A. (the “Bank”), HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Trustee, co-registrar, principal paying agent and transfer agent and HSBC Argentina S.A. as registrar, paying agent, transfer agent and representative of the Trustee in Argentina. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
     This letter relates to [currency amount] principal amount of Securities that are held as a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security (CUSIP No.                     ) with DTC in the name of [transferor] (the “Transferor”). The Transferor has requested an exchange or transfer of such beneficial interest for an interest in the Regulation S Global Security (CUSIP No.                     ) to be held with [Euroclear] [Clearstream] (Common Code No.                     ; ISIN No.                     ) through DTC.
     In connection with such request and in respect of such Securities, the Transferor does hereby certify that such exchange or transfer has been effected in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Securities and pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S, and accordingly the Transferor does hereby certify that:
     (1) the offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States;
     (2) either (i) the transaction was executed in, on or through a physical trading floor of an established foreign securities exchange that is located outside the United States, (ii) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither the Transferor nor any person acting on our behalf knows that the transaction was pre-arranged with a transferee in the United States or (iii) the transferee is outside the United States, or the Transferor and any person acting on its behalf reasonably believes that the transferee is outside the United States;
     (3) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirement of Rule 903(a)(2) or 904(a)(2) of Regulation S, as applicable;

D-1


 

     (4) the additional conditions set forth in Rule 903(b) or 904(b), as applicable, have been satisfied; and
     (5) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
          To the extent applicable, the forms used in clauses (1) through (5) above have the meanings given to them in Regulation S.
          This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Bank.
         
  [Insert name of Transferor]
 
 
  By:      
    Name:                          
    Title:      
 
Dated:                                         , 20                    

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EXHIBIT E
FORM OF CERTIFICATE FOR EXCHANGE
OR TRANSFER FROM RULE 144A
GLOBAL NOTE TO REGULATION S

GLOBAL NOTE AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD
(Exchanges or Transfers pursuant to
Section 2.10(d)(i) of the Indenture)
HSBC Bank USA, National Association,
as Trustee
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Attention: Corporate Trust Office
     Re: Banco Macro S.A. [Describe Notes] (the “Securities”)
     Reference is hereby made to the Indenture dated as of December 18, 2006 (the “Indenture”), among Banco Macro S.A. (the “Bank”), HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Trustee, co-registrar, principal paying agent and transfer agent and HSBC Argentina S.A. as registrar, paying agent, transfer agent and representative of the Trustee in Argentina. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
     This letter relates to [currency amount] principal amount of Securities that are held as a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security (CUSIP No.                     ) with DTC in the name of [transferor] (the “Transferor”). The Transferor has requested an exchange or transfer of such beneficial interest for an interest in the Regulation S Global Security (CUSIP No.                     ) to be held with [Euroclear] [Clearstream] (Common Code No.                     ; ISIN No.                     ) through DTC.
     In connection with such request and in respect of such Securities, the Transferor does hereby certify that such exchange or transfer has been effected in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Securities and that:
     (a) With respect to transfers made in reliance on Regulation S:
     (1) The offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States;
     (2) either (i) the transaction was executed in, on or through a physical trading floor of an established foreign securities exchange that is located outside the United States, (ii) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither the Transferor nor any person acting on our behalf knows that the transaction was pre-arranged with a transferee in the United States or (iii) the transferee is outside the United States, or the Transferor and any person acting on its behalf reasonably believes that the transferee is outside the United States;

E-1


 

     (3) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirement of Rule 903(a)(2) or 904(a)(2) of Regulation S, as applicable;
     (4) the additional conditions set forth in Rule 903(b) or 904(b), as applicable, have been satisfied; and
     (5) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act; or
     (b) With respect to transfers made in reliance on Rule 144 under the Securities Act, the Notes are being transferred in a transaction permitted by Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
          To the extent applicable, the terms used in clauses (a)(1) through (5) above have the meanings given to them in Regulation S.
          This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Bank.
         
  [Insert name of Transferor]
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
Dated:                                         , 20                    

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EXHIBIT F
FORM OF CERTIFICATE FOR EXCHANGE
OR TRANSFER FROM REGULATION S

GLOBAL NOTE TO RULE 144A GLOBAL NOTE
(Exchanges or Transfers pursuant to
Section 2.10(d)(ii) of the Indenture)
HSBC Bank USA, National Association,
as Trustee
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Attention: Corporate Trust Office
     Re: Banco Macro S.A. [Describe Notes] (the “Securities”)
     Reference is hereby made to the Indenture dated as of December 18, 2006 (the “Indenture”), among Banco Macro S.A. (the “Bank”), HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Trustee, co-registrar, principal paying agent and transfer agent and HSBC Argentina S.A. as registrar, paying agent, transfer agent and representative of the Trustee in Argentina. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
     This letter relates to [currency amount] principal amount of Securities that are held as a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Security (CUSIP No.                     ) to be held with [Euroclear] [Clearstream] (Common Code No.                     ; ISIN No.                     ) through DTC in the name of [transferor] (the “Transferor”). The Transferor has requested an exchange or transfer of such beneficial interest for an interest in the Rule 144A Global Security (CUSIP No.                     ) with DTC.
     In connection with such request, and in respect of such Securities, the Transferor does hereby certify that such Securities are being transferred in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act to a transferee that the Transferor reasonably believes is purchasing the Notes for its own account or an account with respect to which the transferee exercises sole investment discretion, in each case in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction. The transferee and any such account are “qualified institutional buyers” within the meaning of Rule 144A, and each such person has been advised that this Note is being sold or transferred to it in reliance upon Rule 144A and has received the information, if any, requested by it pursuant to Rule 144A.

F-1


 

     This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Bank.
         
  [Insert name of Transferor]
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
Dated:                                         , 20                    

F-2