EX-99.1 2 a16-19137_1ex99d1.htm EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

Butterfield

Pillar 3 Disclosures for the period ended 30 June 2016

 

Contents

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Cautionary statements regarding forward-looking statements

 

3

 

 

 

 

1.

Overview

 

3

1.1.

Background

 

3

1.2.

Basis of disclosures

 

4

1.3.

Scope of application

 

4

1.4.

Location and verification

 

4

 

 

 

 

2.

Risk Management Objectives and Policies

 

5

2.1.

Risk governance

 

5

2.2.

Risk management

 

7

 

 

 

 

3.

Capital Resources

 

8

3.1.

Total available capital

 

8

3.2.

CET1 capital

 

8

3.3.

Tier 1 capital

 

8

3.4.

Tier 2 capital

 

8

3.5.

Capital ratios

 

8

 

 

 

 

4.

Capital Adequacy

 

9

4.1.

Capital management

 

9

4.2.

Capital assessment and risk profiling

 

9

4.3.

Minimum capital requirement: Pillar 1

 

9

 

 

 

 

5.

Credit Risk Measurement, Mitigation and Reporting

 

10

5.1.

Credit risk overview

 

10

5.2.

Credit risk - retail and private banking

 

10

5.3.

Credit risk - commercial banking

 

11

5.4.

Credit risk - treasury

 

11

5.5.

Exposures

 

12

5.6.

Impairment provisions

 

15

5.7.

Credit risk concentrations

 

17

5.8.

Credit risk mitigation

 

19

5.9.

Securitisations

 

20

 

 

 

 

6.

Market and Liquidity Risk

 

21

6.1.

Market risk overview

 

21

6.2.

Interest rate risk

 

21

6.3.

Foreign exchange risk

 

21

6.4.

Liquidity risk

 

22

 

 

 

 

7.

Operational Risk

 

23

 

2



 

Cautionary statements regarding forward-looking statements

 

These Capital and Risk Management Pillar 3 Disclosures as at 30 June 2016 contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Butterfield. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or referenced in this document which address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words “will,” “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements with respect to our liquidity and capital requirements; business strategy; financial and operating targets or plans; projections of revenues, income (or loss), market share or other financial forecasts; expansion and growth of our business and operations; and future capital expenditures.

 

These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses we have made in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, including, among others, the risks discussed in this disclosure document.

 

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements and the results or developments that we anticipate may not be realised or, even if substantially realised, they may not have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business or operations. We assume no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

1.                                      Overview

 

1.1                               Background

 

Effective 1 January 2015, the BMA implemented the capital reforms proposed by the BCBS and referred to as the Basel III regulatory framework. Basel III aims to raise the quality, consistency and transparency of the capital base, limit the build-up of excess leverage and increase capital requirements for the banking sector. Basel III adopts Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital as the predominant form of regulatory capital with the CET1 ratio as a new metric. Basel III also adopts the new Leverage Ratio regime, which is calculated by dividing Tier 1 capital by an exposure measure. The exposure measure consists of total assets (excluding items deducted from Tier 1 capital, if any) and certain off-balance sheet items converted into credit exposure equivalents as well as adjustments for derivatives to reflect credit risk and other risks.

 

The Bank was required to report under both Basel II and Basel III guidance during 2015. From January 1, 2016 onwards, all published ratios are calculated under Basel III.

 

The Basel III regulatory framework adopts a phased implementation approach for Bermuda banks with full implementation on 1 January 2019, consistent with BCBS recommendations. When fully phased-in, the Bank will be subject to the following requirements:

 

·                  CET1 ratio of at least 7.0% of risk-weighted assets (“RWA”), inclusive of a minimum CET1 ratio of 4.5% and the new capital conservation buffer of 2.5%;

·                  Tier 1 capital of at least 8.5% of RWA, inclusive of the 2.5% capital conservation buffer;

·                  Total capital of at least 10.5% of RWA, inclusive of the 2.5% capital conservation buffer;

·                  The Bank is considered to be a Domestic Systemically Important Bank (“D-SIB”) and will be subject to a 3% surcharge composed of CET1-eligible capital implemented by the BMA effective 30 September 2015. This is based upon its assessment of the extent to which the Bank (individually and collectively with the other Bermuda banks) poses a degree of material systemic risk to the economy of Bermuda due to its role in deposit taking, corporate lending, payment systems and other core economic functions;

·                  Counter-cyclical buffer of up to 2.5% composed of CET1-eligible capital may be implemented by the BMA when macroeconomic indicators provide an assessment of excessive credit or other pressures building in the banking sector; and

·                  Leverage ratio must be at 5.0% or higher.

 

The requirements of the Basel III regulatory capital framework include the disclosure requirements applicable to banks and deposit-taking companies which are known as Pillar 3.  These are designed to promote market discipline by providing market

 

3



 

participants with key information on a firm’s risk exposure and risk management processes.  Pillar 3 also aims to complement the minimum capital requirements described under Pillar 1, as well as the supervisory processes of Pillar 2.

 

The disclosures in this document are on a standardised basis and in accordance with the rules laid out in Chapter 4 of the BMA policy document entitled ‘Revised Framework for Regulatory Capital Assessment’.

 

1.2                               Basis of Disclosures

 

This disclosure document has been prepared by the Bank in accordance with the requirements of Pillar 3.  Unless otherwise stated, all figures are as at 30 June 2016 and are expressed in Bermuda dollars.

 

1.3                               Scope of Application

 

The Bank is the parent company of The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited group of companies and is regulated by the BMA. The Basel III Framework, therefore, applies to the Bank and its subsidiary undertakings (together referred to as both the “Bank” and the “Group”).

 

There is a requirement to calculate and maintain regulatory capital ratios on both a consolidated and a solo basis in respect of the Bank’s businesses in Bermuda, The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Differences may exist between jurisdictions in the calculation of regulatory capital requirements. However, there are no differences between the basis of consolidation of the Group for accounting and prudential purposes. Full details of the basis of consolidation can be found in Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2016.

 

The Group is made up of the following principal operating entities, which are all wholly owned subsidiaries and fully consolidated in the Group’s financial statements:

 

The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited, Bermuda

Butterfield Asset Management Limited, Bermuda

Butterfield Trust (Bermuda) Limited

Butterfield Bank (Bahamas) Limited

Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited

Butterfield Bank (Guernsey) Limited

Butterfield Trust (Switzerland) Limited

Butterfield Bank (UK) Limited

 

All the Group’s subsidiaries are included in the Pillar 3 disclosures.  Each overseas operating company is regulated by its own local regulator and is subject to its own regulatory capital requirements. Further details of the principal subsidiary undertakings can be found in Note 15 of the Bank’s December 2015 consolidated financial statements.

 

1.4                               Location and Verification

 

The disclosures are not subject to external audit except where they are equivalent to those prepared under the accounting requirements for the inclusion in the Bank’s Audited Annual Report and Financial Statements.

 

These disclosures have been published on the Group’s corporate website (www.butterfieldgroup.com)

 

4



 

2.              Risk Management Objectives and Policies

 

2.1                               Risk Governance

 

The Group’s risk governance and management structure is illustrated below:

 

 

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) has overall responsibility for determining risk strategy, setting the Bank’s risk appetite and ensuring that risk is monitored and controlled effectively.  It accomplishes its mandate through the activities of two dedicated committees:

 

The Risk Policy and Compliance Committee (“RPC”): This sub-committee of the Board assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities by overseeing the Group’s risk profile and its performance against approved risk appetites and tolerance thresholds.  Specifically, the committee considers the sufficiency of the Group’s policies, procedures and limits related to the identification, measurement, monitoring and control of activities that give rise to credit, market, liquidity, interest rate, operational and reputational risks, as well as overseeing its compliance with laws, regulations and codes of conduct.

 

The Audit Committee: This committee reviews the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal controls and the control environment, including those that are brought to bear in respect of the risk management process.  It reviews recommendations arising from internal and independent audit review activities and management’s response to any findings raised.

 

Both the RPC and Audit Committees are supported in the execution of their respective mandates by the dedicated Audit, Compliance & Risk Policy Committees for our UK, Guernsey and Caribbean operations, which oversee the sufficiency of local risk management policies and procedures and the effectiveness of the system of internal controls that are in place.  These committees are chaired by non-executive Directors drawn from our jurisdictional boards.

 

The Group executive management team is led by the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and includes the members of executive management reporting to the CEO. The executive management team is responsible for setting business strategy and for monitoring, evaluating and managing risks across the Group.  It is supported by the following committees:

 

The Group Risk Committee (“GRC”) is comprised of executive and senior management team members and is chaired by the Chief Risk Officer.  It provides a forum for the strategic assessment of risks assumed across the Group as a whole based on an integrated view of credit, market, liquidity, legal and regulatory compliance, operational, interest rate, investment, capital and reputational risks, ensuring that these exposures are consistent with the risk appetites and tolerance thresholds promulgated by the Board.  It is responsible for reviewing, evaluating and recommending the Group’s Risk Appetite Framework, the results of the

 

5



 

Capital Assessment and Risk Profile (“CARP”) process (including all associated stress testing performed) and the Group’s key risk policies to the Board for approval, for reviewing and evaluating current and proposed business strategies in the context of our risk appetites and for identifying, reviewing and advising on current and emerging risk issues and associated mitigation plans.

 

The Group Asset and Liability Committee (“GALCO”) is comprised of executive and senior management team members and is chaired by the Chief Financial Officer. The committee is responsible for liquidity, interest rate and exchange rate risk management and other balance sheet issues.  It also oversees the execution of the Group’s investment and capital management strategies and monitors the associated risks assumed.  It is supported in the execution of its mandate by the work undertaken by the dedicated Asset and Liability Committees in each of the Bank’s jurisdictional business units.

 

The Group Credit Committee (“GCC”) is comprised of executive and senior management team members and is chaired by the Chief Risk Officer.  The committee is responsible for a broad range of activities relating to the monitoring, evaluation and management of credit risks assumed across the Group at both transaction and portfolio levels.  It is supported in the execution of its mandate by the Financial Institutions Committee (“FIC”), a dedicated sub-committee that is responsible for the evaluation and approval of recommended inter-bank and counterparty exposures assumed in the Group’s treasury and investment portfolios, and by the activities of the European Credit Committee, which reviews and approves transactions within delegated authorities and recommend specific transactions outside of these limits to the Group Credit Committee for approval.

 

The Provisions and Impairments Committee is comprised of executive and senior management team members and is chaired by the Chief Risk Officer. The committee is responsible for approving significant provisions and other impairment charges.  It also oversees the overall credit risk profile of the Group in regards to non-accrual loans and assets.  It is supported in the execution of its mandate by local credit committees and the Group Credit Committee, which make recommendations to this committee.

 

The Policy Development Committee is comprised of senior management team members across the Group and is chaired by the Group Head of Operational Risk. The committee is responsible for overseeing the design, development and maintenance of the Group’s framework of operational policies.  It develops recommendations regarding policy requirements, engages with nominated members of executive management to ensure that policies are drafted or updated on a timely basis and provides a forum through which they are debated Group-wide prior to their adoption, thereby ensuring a consistency of application and interpretation.  It also ensures that all policies and any policy exception requests are reviewed and recommended prior to presentation to the Group Risk Committee and if necessary, the Risk Policy and Compliance Committee of the Board for approval.

 

6



 

2.2                               Risk Management

 

The Group manages its exposure to risk through the use of a three “lines of defence” model. This may be summarised as follows:

 

The first “line of defence” is provided by our Jurisdictional business units, which retain ultimate responsibility for the risks they assume and for bearing the cost of risk associated with these exposures.

 

The second “line of defence” is provided by the Risk Management group, which works in collaboration with our business units to identify, assess, mitigate and monitor the risks associated with our business activities and strategies.  It does this by:

 

·                  Making recommendations to the Group Risk Committee regarding the constitution of the Risk Appetite Framework;

·                  Setting risk strategies that are designed to manage risk exposures assumed in the course of pursuing our business strategies and aligning them with agreed appetites;

·                  Establishing and communicating policies, procedures and limits to control risks in alignment with these risk strategies;

·                  Measuring, monitoring and reporting on risk levels;

·                  Opining on specific transactions that fall outside delegated risk limits; and

·                  Identifying and assessing emerging risks.

 

The four functions within the Risk Management group that support our risk management activities are outlined below.  To ensure a formal separation of duties, each reports directly to the Chief Risk Officer.

 

Group Market Risk — This unit provides independent oversight of the measurement, monitoring and control of liquidity and funding risks, interest rate and foreign exchange risks as well as the market risks associated with the Group’s investment portfolios.  It also monitors compliance with both regulatory requirements and the Group’s internal policies and procedures relating to the management of these risks.

 

Group Credit Risk Management — This unit is responsible for the adjudication and oversight of credit risks associated with our retail and commercial lending activities and the management of risks associated with our investment portfolios and counterparty exposures.  It also establishes the parameters and delegated limits within which credit risks may be assumed and promulgates guidelines on how exposures should be managed and monitored.

 

Group Compliance — This unit provides independent analysis and assurance of the Group’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, codes of conduct and recommended best practices, including those associated with the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.  It is also responsible for assessing the Group’s potential exposure to upstream risks and for providing guidance on the preparations that should be made in advance of these changes coming into effect.

 

Group Operational Risk — This unit assesses the effectiveness of the Group’s procedures and internal controls in managing its exposure to various forms of operational risk, including those associated with new business activities and processes and the deployment of new technologies.  It also oversees the Group’s incident management processes and reviews the effectiveness of its loss data collection activities.

 

The third “line of defence” is provided by our Group Internal Audit function, which performs oversight and ongoing review, and challenges the effectiveness of the internal controls that are executed by both the business and Risk Management.

 

7



 

3.                                      Capital Resources

 

3.1                               Total Available Capital

 

The following table shows the breakdown of the total consolidated capital position and ratios of the Bank as at 30 June 2016:

 

 

 

$m

 

CET1 Capital

 

 

 

Common stock (issued and paid up)

 

4.7

 

Share premium account

 

1,034.1

 

Retained earnings and other reserves

 

(433.6

)

 

 

605.2

 

CET1 Capital: Regulatory Adjustments

 

 

 

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets

 

(66.4

)

Defined benefit pension fund asset

 

(9.3

)

Total CET1 Capital

 

529.5

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Tier 1 (AT1) Capital

 

 

 

Preference share capital

 

182.9

 

Total Tier 1 Capital

 

712.4

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 2 Capital

 

 

 

General provision

 

33.2

 

Subordinated debt

 

70.2

 

Total Tier 2 Capital

 

103.4

 

 

 

 

 

Total Net Capital

 

815.8

 

 

3.2                               CET1 Capital

 

CET1 capital is comprised of common share capital, the share premium account, retained earnings and other reserves.  It may also include interim retained profits that have been verified by external auditors, but losses must be taken into account, whether audited or not.  Retained earnings and other reserves exclude unrealised gains and losses on available-for-sale investments. A deduction from CET1 capital is made in respect of goodwill and intangible assets and the Bank’s defined benefit pension obligations. For accounting purposes, acquired customer relationships are capitalised as intangible assets where they meet certain criteria and amortised over a period not exceeding 15 years.

 

3.3                               Tier 1 Capital

 

Tier 1 capital is comprised of CET1 capital and preference share capital.

 

3.4                               Tier 2 Capital

 

Tier 2 capital is comprised of non-qualifying subordinated notes subject to Basel III phase-out rules for capital instruments and the general allowance for credit losses. Non-qualifying subordinated notes are subject to a 10% phase-out per annum commencing 1 January 2013.

 

3.5                               Capital Ratios

 

As at 30 June 2016 the CET1, Tier 1, Total capital and Leverage ratios of the Group were 12.3%, 16.5%, 18.9% and 6.1% respectively.

 

8



 

4.                                      Capital Adequacy

 

4.1                               Capital Management

 

One of management’s primary objectives is to maintain the confidence of our clients, bank regulators and shareholders. A strong capital position helps the Bank to take advantage of profitable investment opportunities and withstand unforeseen adverse developments.

 

The Bank manages its capital both on a total Group basis and, where appropriate, on a legal entity basis. The Finance department has the responsibility for measuring, monitoring and reporting capital levels within guidelines and limits established by the Risk Policy & Compliance Committee of the Board. The management of capital will also involve regional management to ensure compliance with local regulation. In establishing the guidelines and limits for capital, a variety of factors are taken into consideration, including the overall risk of the business in stressed scenarios, regulatory requirements, capital levels relative to our peers, and the impact on our credit ratings.

 

4.2                               Capital Assessment and Risk Profiling

 

Under the Basel framework as implemented by the BMA, the Bank undertakes a CARP process, which is an internal assessment of all material risks to determine our capital needs.  This internal assessment takes account of the minimum capital requirement and other risks not covered by the minimum capital requirement (Pillar 2). Where capital is deemed as not being able to mitigate a particular risk, alternative management actions are identified and described within the CARP.  The CARP is presented to the RPC before being presented to the Board for challenge and approval and then submission to the BMA. The CARP process is performed annually or more frequently should the need arise.

 

A Supervisory Assessment Process (SAP) is then undertaken annually by the BMA, which is designed to assess the Bank’s risk profile as documented in the CARP.  This assessment is used to determine and set the Individual Capital Guidance which is the minimum level of capital the Group will be required to hold until the next SAP review is conducted.

 

4.3                               Minimum Capital Requirement: Pillar 1

 

The following table shows the Bank’s overall minimum capital requirement for credit and operational risk under the standardised approach, based on 8% of its RWA for each of the applicable standardised credit risk exposure classes as at 30 June 2016:

 

Minimum Capital Requirement 8%

 

$m

 

Cash

 

0.1

 

Claims on Sovereigns

 

4.4

 

Claims on Public Sector Entities

 

1.7

 

Claims on Corporates

 

29.5

 

Claims on Banks and Securities Firms

 

45.8

 

Securitisations

 

34.7

 

Retail Loans

 

12.0

 

Residential Mortgages

 

70.0

 

Commercial Mortgages

 

49.1

 

Past Due Loans

 

6.9

 

Other Balance Sheet Exposures

 

21.7

 

Non-market Related Off Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

 

15.4

 

Market-Related Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

 

2.7

 

Total credit risk capital requirement

 

294.0

 

 

 

 

 

Operational risk capital requirement

 

50.6

 

 

 

 

 

Total Pillar 1 capital requirement

 

344.6

 

 

 

 

 

Total own funds (per section 3.1)

 

815.8

 

 

 

 

 

Excess of own funds over minimum capital requirement under Pillar 1

 

471.2

 

 

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5.                                      Credit Risk Measurement, Mitigation and Reporting

 

5.1                               Credit Risk Overview

 

Credit risk is inherent in our various lending and business activities. It is defined as the risk that unexpected losses arise as a result of the Bank’s borrowers or market counterparties failing to meet their obligations to repay. We focus our lending efforts on clients who are looking to establish a full range of financial services with us.

 

Credit risk is managed through the Group Credit Risk Management (“GCRM”) department, headed by the Group Chief Credit Officer, to whom overall responsibility for managing credit policy and process is delegated, including responsibility for ensuring adherence to a high level of credit standards. The Group Chief Credit Officer reports to the Chief Risk Officer.

 

GCRM provides a system of checks and balances for our diverse credit-related activities by establishing and monitoring all credit-related policies and practices throughout the Group and assuring their uniform application. These activities are designed to diversify credit exposure on an industry and client basis, thus lessening overall credit risk. These credit management activities also apply to our use of derivative financial instruments, including foreign exchange contracts and interest rate risk management instruments, which are primarily used to facilitate client transactions. We also use derivatives in the asset and liability management of positions to minimise significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility. Our derivative contracts principally involve over-the-counter transactions that are privately negotiated between the Bank and the counterparty to the contract. Derivative instruments that are used as part of our interest rate risk management strategy include interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps generally involve the exchange of fixed and variable-rate interest payments between two parties, based on a common notional principal amount and maturity date.

 

Individual credit authority for commercial and other loans is limited to specified amounts and maturities. Credit decisions involving commitment exposure in excess of the specified individual limits are submitted to GCRM and then to the GCC, which provides a forum for ongoing executive review of loan activity, establishing our credit guidelines and policies and approving selected credit transactions in accordance with our business objectives. The committee reviews large credit exposures, establishes and reviews credit strategy and policy and approves selected credit transactions. The FIC manages counterparty risk in respect of (third party) bank counterparties which do not have commercial credit relationships within the Group and also approves country exposure limits.

 

As part of our ongoing credit granting process, internal ratings are assigned to commercial clients before credit is extended, based on an assessment of creditworthiness. At least annually, a review of all significant credit exposures is undertaken to identify, at an early stage, clients who might be facing financial difficulties. Internal borrower risk ratings (BRR) are also reviewed during this process. They range from “1” for the strongest credits to “8” for the weakest credits. Above average risk loans receive special attention by both lending officers and GCRM. This approach allows management to take remedial action in an effort to deal with potential problems. The BRR reflects the overall credit risk to the Bank of the specific borrower.  Individual BRRs are reviewed at least annually, allowing identification of adverse individual borrower and sector trends.

 

An integral part of the GCRM function is to formally review past due and potential problem loans to determine which credits, if any, need to be placed on non-accrual status or charged off. The allowance for loan losses is reviewed monthly to determine the amount necessary to maintain an adequate provision for credit losses.

 

Another way credit risk is managed is by requiring collateral. Management’s assessment of the borrower’s creditworthiness determines whether collateral is obtained. The amount and type of collateral held varies but may include deposits held in financial institutions, mutual funds, U.S. Treasury securities, other marketable securities, income-producing commercial properties, accounts receivable, residential real estate, property, plant and equipment, and inventory. Values of variable collateral are monitored on a regular basis to ensure that they are maintained at an appropriate level.

 

5.2                               Credit Risk — Retail and Private Banking

 

Retail and Private lending activity is split between residential mortgages, personal loans, credit cards and authorised overdrafts.  Retail credit risks are managed in accordance with limits set out in the Credit Risk Policies and Guidelines approved by GCC (and ratified by the Board).  The policies set out where specialist underwriting may be needed.

 

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For residential mortgages, a combination of lending policy criteria, lending guidelines and underwriting are used to make a decision on applications for credit.  The primary factors considered are affordability, residential status, residential history, credit history, employment history, nature of income and loan-to-value (“LTV”) of the residential property.  In addition, confirmation of a borrower’s identity is obtained and an assessment of the value of the collateral carried out prior to granting a credit facility.  When considering applications the primary focus is placed on the willingness and ability to repay.

 

For other retail lending products, similar lending policy criteria are used, and each of these products has its own policy and underwriting guidelines to enable decisions on applications for credit and to manage accounts.  The factors used are attuned to the lending product in question, although affordability and credit history are considered in all cases. Ongoing monitoring of all retail and private banking credit is undertaken by the business unit concerned as well as by GCRM.  Reports are reviewed on a monthly basis.  In the event that particular exposures show adverse features such as arrears, specialist recovery teams will work with borrowers to resolve the situation.

 

5.3                               Credit Risk — Commercial Banking

 

Commercial credit risks are managed in accordance with limits and asset quality measures set out in the Credit Risk Policies and Guidelines approved by GCC (and ratified by the Board).

 

In respect of Commercial Banking, there is a level of delegated sanctioning authority to underwrite certain credit risks based upon an evaluation of the borrower’s experience, track record, financial strength, ability to repay, transaction structure and security characteristics.  Lending decisions for large or high risk exposures are based upon a thorough credit risk analysis and the assignment of a BRR and are subject to further approval by the assigned officers in GCRM or the GCC.

 

Consideration is also given to risk mitigation measures which will provide the Bank with protection, such as third-party guarantees, supporting collateral and security, legal documentation and financial covenants.

 

Commercial portfolio asset quality monitoring is based upon a number of measures, including the monitoring of financial covenants, cash flows, pricing movements and variable collateral.  In the event that particular exposures begin to show adverse features such as payment arrears, covenant breaches or business trading losses, a full risk reassessment is undertaken.

 

Where appropriate, a specialist recovery team will work with the borrower to resolve the situation.  If this proves unsuccessful, the case will be subject to intensive monitoring and management procedures designed to maximise debt recovery.

 

5.4                               Credit Risk — Treasury

 

Treasury credit risks are managed in accordance with limits, asset quality measures and criteria set out within the policy approved by the GCC and ratified by the Board.  The policy also sets out powers which require higher levels of authorisation according to the size of the transaction or the nature of the associated risk. The FIC identifies, assesses, prioritises and manages our risks associated with counterparty exposure to other financial institutions, as well as country-specific exposures.

 

Exposures to financial institutions arise within the Bank’s investment portfolio and treasury operations. The Bank has treasury operations in all of its banking locations. Treasury exposures primarily take the form of deposits with banks and foreign exchange positions. Exposures to financial institutions in the investment portfolio can take the form of bonds, floating rate notes and or certificates of deposit.

 

Diversification and avoidance of concentration is emphasised. The Bank establishes limits for countries and each financial institution where there is an expected exposure. Ongoing asset quality monitoring is undertaken by Treasury and GCRM.  Reports are sent to the FIC, GCC and the GRC on a monthly basis.  Exception reporting takes place against a range of asset quality triggers.

 

Treasury uses a number of risk mitigation techniques including netting and collateralisation agreements.  Other methods (such as margining and derivatives) are used periodically to mitigate the risk associated with particular transactions or group of transactions.

 

For its exposure to treasury credit risk, the Bank uses Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”), Fitch and Moody’s as External Credit Assessment Institutions (“ECAIs”) as permitted under Basel II for Sovereign, Financial Institutions, Asset-backed Securities, Covered Bonds and Corporate risks.  With regard to Financial Institutions and Corporates, the Bank’s preference for a long-term rating is the senior unsecured rating.  However, counterparty ratings and/or short-term deposit or commercial paper ratings are used if this is unavailable.  For Asset-backed Securities, the issue or tranche rating is used.

 

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5.5                               Exposures

 

The following tables analyse the Bank’s regulatory credit risk exposures as at 30 June 2016.  Exposures are allocated to specific standardised exposure portfolios determined by the BMA’s Revised Framework for Regulatory Capital Assessment and it is these portfolios that determine the risk weights used.  These exposures include both on and off-balance sheet exposures, with the latter shown separately after credit conversion factors (“CCF”) have been applied.

 

Analysis of exposures class

 

Average Exposure

 

Position at

 

($ millions)

 

2016

 

30-Jun-16

 

Cash

 

46.3

 

46.6

 

Claims on Sovereigns

 

1,549.2

 

1,977.6

 

Claims on Public Sector Entities

 

97.3

 

102.9

 

Claims on Corporates

 

386.8

 

364.1

 

Claims on Banks and Securities Firms

 

1,764.7

 

1,769.9

 

Securitisations

 

3,036.2

 

3,365.4

 

Retail Loans

 

250.1

 

238.6

 

Residential Mortgages

 

2,427.4

 

2,373.5

 

Commercial Mortgages

 

630.3

 

613.3

 

Past Due Loans

 

59.3

 

57.1

 

Other Balance Sheet Exposures

 

280.2

 

302.7

 

Non-market Related Off Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

 

402.3

 

457.6

 

Market-Related Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

 

58.5

 

70.4

 

 

 

10,988.6

 

11,739.7

 

 

Geographic distribution of exposures class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ millions)

 

Bermuda

 

UK

 

Guernsey

 

Caribbean

 

Switzerland

 

Total

 

Cash

 

26.6

 

 

 

20.0

 

 

46.6

 

Claims on Sovereigns

 

1,252.8

 

37.5

 

496.8

 

190.5

 

 

1,977.6

 

Claims on Public Sector Entities

 

92.1

 

 

 

10.8

 

 

102.9

 

Claims on Corporates

 

168.3

 

 

55.1

 

140.7

 

 

364.1

 

Claims on Banks and Securities Firms

 

979.9

 

123.8

 

266.4

 

397.8

 

2.0

 

1,769.9

 

Securitisations

 

1,907.4

 

 

 

1,458.0

 

 

3,365.4

 

Retail Loans

 

104.8

 

16.9

 

29.6

 

87.3

 

 

238.6

 

Residential Mortgages

 

1,334.8

 

43.8

 

280.2

 

714.7

 

 

2,373.5

 

Commercial Mortgages

 

379.2

 

10.0

 

15.9

 

208.2

 

 

613.3

 

Past Due Loans

 

33.5

 

7.9

 

 

15.7

 

 

57.1

 

Other Balance Sheet Exposures

 

161.8

 

6.2

 

65.7

 

67.8

 

1.2

 

302.7

 

Non-market Related Off Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

 

279.9

 

5.2

 

6.5

 

166.0

 

 

457.6

 

Market-Related Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

 

53.7

 

 

0.6

 

16.1

 

 

70.4

 

 

 

6,774.8

 

251.3

 

1,216.8

 

3,493.6

 

3.2

 

11,739.7

 

 

12



 

Residual maturity breakdown of exposures class

 

($ millions)

 

Up to 12
months

 

1-5 years

 

More than 5
years

 

No specific
maturity

 

Total

 

Cash

 

46.6

 

 

 

 

 

46.6

 

Claims on Sovereigns

 

1,756.6

 

199.2

 

21.8

 

 

 

1,977.6

 

Claims on Public Sector Entities

 

30.0

 

47.9

 

25.0

 

 

 

102.9

 

Claims on Corporates

 

113.5

 

218.3

 

32.3

 

 

 

364.1

 

Claims on Banks and Securities Firms

 

1,344.9

 

425.0

 

 

 

 

1,769.9

 

Securitisations

 

 

9.9

 

3,355.5

 

 

 

3,365.4

 

Retail Loans

 

125.0

 

83.8

 

29.8

 

 

 

238.6

 

Residential Mortgages

 

169.6

 

558.6

 

1,645.3

 

 

 

2,373.5

 

Commercial Mortgages

 

50.2

 

248.1

 

315.0

 

 

 

613.3

 

Past Due Loans

 

13.1

 

3.0

 

41.0

 

 

 

57.1

 

Other Balance Sheet Exposures

 

 

 

 

302.7

 

302.7

 

Non-market Related Off Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

 

457.6

 

 

 

 

 

457.6

 

Market-Related Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

 

55.5

 

14.9

 

 

 

 

70.4

 

 

 

4,162.6

 

1,808.7

 

5,465.7

 

302.7

 

11,739.7

 

 

The above table shows residual maturity of exposures stated on a contractual, rather than an expected basis and does not take into account the cash flows payable or receivable over the life of the exposure.

 

The table below details the mappings between the main ECAI used by the Bank and the credit quality steps used to determine the risk-weightings applied to rated counterparties. Where no external rating is used in the RWA calculation, the unrated credit quality step applies.

 

Credit quality step

 

Fitch’s assessment

 

Moody’s assessment

 

S&P assessment

 

Step 1

 

AAA to AA-

 

Aaa to Aa3

 

AAA to AA-

 

Step 2

 

A+ to A-

 

A1 to A3

 

A+ to A-

 

Step 3

 

BBB+ to BBB-

 

Baa1 to Ba3

 

BBB+ to BBB-

 

Step 4

 

BB+ to BB-

 

Ba1 to Ba3

 

BB+ to BB-

 

Step 5

 

B+ to B-

 

B1 to B3

 

B+ to B-

 

Step 6

 

CCC+ and below

 

Caa1 and below

 

CCC+ and below

 

 

The tables below detail the standardised portfolio exposure pre- and post-credit risk mitigation by the credit quality steps:

 

13



 

Claims on Sovereigns

 

 

 

Risk

 

Exposure

 

Exposure Value

 

Credit Quality

 

Weight

 

Value

 

after Credit Risk Mitigation

 

Step

 

%

 

$m

 

$m

 

1

 

0

%

 

1,761.4

 

1,761.4

 

2

 

20

%

 

206.8

 

206.8

 

3

 

50

%

 

 

 

4

 

100

%

 

 

 

5

 

100

%

 

 

 

6

 

150

%

 

9.4

 

9.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,977.6

 

1,977.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims on Public Sector Entities

 

 

 

Risk

 

Exposure

 

Exposure Value

 

Credit Quality

 

Weight

 

Value

 

after Credit Risk Mitigation

 

Step

 

%

 

$m

 

$m

 

1

 

20

%

 

 

 

2

 

50

%

 

92.1

 

39.1

 

3

 

100

%

 

 

 

4

 

150

%

 

10.8

 

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

102.9

 

40.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims on Corporates

 

 

 

Risk

 

Exposure

 

Exposure Value

 

Credit Quality

 

Weight

 

Value

 

after Credit Risk Mitigation

 

Step

 

%

 

$m

 

$m

 

1

 

20

%

 

 

 

2

 

50

%

 

 

 

3

 

100

%

 

267.4

 

223.4

 

4

 

150

%

 

96.7

 

96.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

364.1

 

320.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claims on Banks and Securities Firms

 

 

 

Risk

 

Exposure

 

Exposure Value

 

Credit Quality

 

Weight

 

Value

 

after Credit Risk Mitigation

 

Step

 

%

 

$m

 

$m

 

1

 

20

%

 

1,054.5

 

1,054.5

 

2

 

50% / 20

%

 

188.8

 

188.8

 

3

 

50% / 20

%

 

281.8

 

281.8

 

4

 

100% / 50

%

 

244.8

 

244.8

 

 

 

 

 

1,769.9

 

1,769.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securitisations

 

 

 

Risk

 

Exposure

 

Exposure Value

 

Credit Quality

 

Weight

 

Value

 

after Credit Risk Mitigation

 

Step

 

%

 

$m

 

$m

 

1

 

20

%

 

3,364.7

 

2,166.9

 

2

 

50

%

 

0.7

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,365.4

 

2,167.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14



 

5.6                               Impairment Provisions

 

Impairment of Financial Assets

 

The Bank assesses at each balance sheet date whether, as a result of one or more events that occurred after initial recognition, there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets are impaired.  Evidence of impairment may include indications that the borrower or group of borrowers are experiencing significant financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments or the debt being restructured to reduce the burden on the borrower.

 

The Bank first assesses whether objective evidence of impairment exists either individually for assets that are separately significant or collectively for assets that are not separately significant.  If there is no objective evidence of impairment for an individually assessed asset it is included in a group of assets with similar risk characteristics and collectively assessed for impairment.

 

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on loans and receivables has been incurred, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset(s) and the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate, except when the sole (remaining) source of repayment for the loan is the operation or liquidation of the collateral. In these cases the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs is used instead of discounted cash flows.  The resultant allowances are deducted from the appropriate asset values in the balance sheet.

 

If there is objective evidence of impairment for financial assets classified as available-for-sale, the amount of impairment relating to credit losses is recognised in net income and the decrease in fair value relating to factors other than credit losses are recognised in other comprehensive income (loss).

 

The methodology and assumptions used for expected future cash flows are reviewed regularly by the Bank to reduce any difference between loss estimates and actual experience.

 

Past Due, Non-accrual and Impaired Loans

 

Non-accrual loans are those on which the accrual of interest is discontinued.

 

Commercial, Commercial real estate and Consumer loans (excluding credit card consumer loans) are placed on non-accrual status generally if:

 

·                  in the opinion of management, full payment of principal or interest is in doubt; or

 

·                  principal or interest is 90 days past due.

 

Residential mortgages are placed on non-accrual status immediately if:

 

·                  in the opinion of management, full payment of principal or interest is in doubt; or

 

·                  when principal or interest is 90 days past due, unless the loan is well secured and any ongoing collection efforts are reasonably expected to result in repayment of all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan.

 

The entire balance of an account is contractually delinquent if the minimum payment of principal or interest is not received by the specified due date. Delinquency is reported on loans that are 30 days or more past due.

 

Interest accrued but not collected at the date a loan is placed on non-accrual status is reversed against interest income. Interest income on non-accrual loans is recognised only to the extent it is received in cash. However, where there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectivity of the loan principal, all cash thereafter received is applied to reduce the carrying value of the loan. Loans are restored to accrual status when payments are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

 

The Bank recognises charge-offs when it determines that loans are uncollectible and this generally occurs when all commercially reasonable means of recovering the loan balance have been exhausted.

 

Commercial and Consumer loans are either fully or partially charged off down to the fair value of collateral securing the loans when:

 

·                  management judges the loan to be uncollectible;

 

·                  repayment is expected to be protracted beyond reasonable time frames;

 

·                  the asset has been classified as a loss by either the Bank’s internal loan review process or external examiners; or

 

15



 

·                  the customer has filed bankruptcy and the loss becomes evident owing to a lack of assets or cash flow.

 

The outstanding balance of Commercial and Consumer real estate secured loans and residential mortgages that are in excess of the estimated property value, less costs to sell, are charged off once there is reasonable assurance that such excess outstanding balance is not recoverable.

 

Credit card consumer loans that are contractually 180 days past due and other consumer loans with an outstanding balance under $100,000 that are contractually 180 days past due are written off and reported as charge-offs.  Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously charged-off decrease the amount of the impairment loss recorded in the income statement. Loans subject to individual impairment assessment are subject to ongoing review to determine whether they remain impaired or are considered to be past due.

 

The following table shows the past due loans and allowances for impaired exposures and charges to the consolidated statement of operations for the period ended 30 June 2016:

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

 

 

Residential

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

real estate

 

Consumer

 

mortgage

 

 

 

 

 

loans

 

loans

 

loans

 

loans

 

Total

 

 

 

$m

 

$m

 

$m

 

$m

 

$m

 

Neither past due nor impaired

 

660.4

 

629.3

 

209.2

 

2,325.6

 

3,824.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impaired but not delinquent

 

0.0

 

11.1

 

0.5

 

4.6

 

16.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delinquent:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 to 59 days

 

0.4

 

4.3

 

2.1

 

27.3

 

34.1

 

60 to 89 Days

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

0.7

 

8.5

 

9.2

 

Over 90 Days

 

1.0

 

6.8

 

1.9

 

60.8

 

70.5

 

 

 

1.4

 

11.1

 

4.7

 

96.6

 

113.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Exposures

 

661.8

 

651.5

 

214.4

 

2,426.8

 

3,954.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowances for credit losses

 

(10.7

)

(6.7

)

(2.2

)

(30.6

)

(50.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Exposure

 

651.1

 

644.8

 

212.2

 

2,396.2

 

3,904.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision taken during the period

 

2.0

 

2.1

 

(0.4

)

1.3

 

5.0

 

 

The amounts shown as delinquent represent the full amount of the loan outstanding, not just the amount that is delinquent.  Further details of the Bank’s non-accrual and delinquent loans can be found in Note 6 of the Bank’s June 2016 consolidated financial statements.

 

Allowance for Credit Losses

 

The Bank maintains an allowance for credit losses, which in management’s opinion is adequate to absorb all estimated credit related losses in its lending and off-balance sheet credit-related arrangements at the balance sheet date. The allowance for credit losses consists of specific allowances and a general allowance, each of which is reviewed on a regular basis. The allowance for credit losses is included as a reduction of the related asset category. Allowances for credit losses are reviewed and approved by the Provisions and Impairments Committee.

 

Specific Allowances

 

Specific allowances are determined on an exposure by exposure basis and reflect the associated estimated credit loss. The specific allowance for credit loss is computed as the difference between the recorded investment in the loan and present value of expected future cash flows from the loan. The effective rate of return on the loan is used for discounting the cash flows. However, when foreclosure of a collateral-dependent loan is probable, the Bank measures impairment based on the fair value of the collateral. The Bank considers estimated costs to sell, on a discounted basis, in the measurement of impairment if those costs are expected to

 

16



 

reduce the cash flows available to repay or otherwise satisfy the loan. If the measurement of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, then the Bank recognises impairment by creating a specific allowance with a corresponding charge to provision for credit losses.

 

General Allowance

 

The allowance for credit losses attributed to the remaining portfolio is established through a process that estimates the probable loss inherent in the portfolio based upon various analyses. These analyses consider historical default rates and loss severities, internal risk ratings, and geographic, industry, and other environmental factors. Management also considers overall portfolio indicators including trends in internally risk rated exposures, cash-basis loans, historical and forecasted write-offs, and a review of industry, geographic and portfolio concentrations, including current developments within those segments. In addition, management considers the current business strategy and credit process, including limit setting and compliance, credit approvals, loan underwriting criteria and loan workout procedures.

 

Each portfolio of smaller balance, homogeneous loans, including consumer instalment, revolving credit, and most other consumer loans, is collectively evaluated for impairment. The allowance for credit losses attributed to these loans is established via a process that estimates the probable losses inherent and incurred in the portfolio, based upon various analyses. Management considers overall portfolio indicators including historical credit losses; delinquent (defined as loans that are more than 30 days past due), non-performing, and classified loans; trends in volumes and terms of loans; an evaluation of overall credit quality; the credit process, including lending policies and procedures; and economic, geographical, product, and other environmental factors.

 

The following table summarizes the movement in the allowance for credit losses for the 6 months to 30 June 2016:

 

 

 

Specific

 

General

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance

 

Allowance

 

Total

 

 

 

$m

 

$m

 

$m

 

Balance at 31 December 2015

 

19.1

 

30.2

 

49.3

 

Provision taken during the period

 

2.5

 

2.5

 

5.0

 

Recoveries

 

0.1

 

0.8

 

0.9

 

Charge-offs

 

(4.6

)

(0.1

)

(4.7

)

Other

 

(0.1

)

(0.2

)

(0.3

)

Balance at 30 June 2016

 

17.0

 

33.2

 

50.2

 

 

5.7                               Credit Risk Concentrations

 

Concentration Risk is defined as: any single exposure or group of exposures with the potential to produce losses large enough (relative to the Bank’s capital, total assets or overall risk level) to threaten the Bank’s health or ability to maintain core operations.

 

The management of concentration risk is addressed in the first instance by the Group’s large exposure policy and related credit guidelines, which require that credit facilities to entities that are affiliated through common ownership or management are aggregated for adjudication and reporting purposes.  The policy also defines what constitutes a large exposure and the related reporting requirements.  The GCRM function also undertakes monitoring and assessment of our exposure to concentration risk, reporting the results of these analyses to the GCC, the GRC and RPC.

 

The factors taken into consideration when assessing concentration risk are as follows:

 

·                  single or linked counterparty;

·                  industry or economic sector (e.g. hospitality, property development, commercial office building investment);

·                  geographic region;

·                  product type;

·                  collateral type;

·                  maturity date (whether of the facility or of interest rate fixes).

 

17



 

5.7.1 Counterparty Concentration is the risk associated with assuming a high level of exposure to a single counterparty, the failure of which could have an adverse impact on the Bank.

 

Large exposures are reviewed quarterly by the GRC and RPC for the loan portfolio and the treasury / investment portfolios.  GCRM and Treasury work closely together on daily treasury positions and exceptions.

 

All large exposures and concentrations in the portfolio are reviewed and agreed by the FIC on a quarterly basis and are reported to the Board as a part of this process.  The review of large exposures considers:

 

·                  Facility total.

·                  Any link with other facilities.

·                  Total linked facility being within guidelines.

·                  Borrower risk rating.

·                  Security value on the facility.

·                  Loan to value percentage against minimum security covenants

 

5.7.2 Industry Concentration encompasses the scenario that a risk factor inherent within an industry is tied to an entire portfolio of accounts or investments; e.g. a portfolio made up of a large number of small individual loans where all the counterparties are steel producers. Due to the nature of the Group’s client base, industry exposure in this traditional sense is not a relevant risk.  It is recognised that our exposure to the property, insurance and fund sectors could be classified as an industry concentration, and our exposure to the property sectors in Bermuda, Guernsey and the UK are more properly addressed through the concentration risk factors described below.

 

5.7.3 Geographic Concentration of the book is monitored as follows:

 

·                                          Reports are generated which provide details of all the property loan exposure of the Bank. Through this, loans are subdivided into regional exposure.

·                                          From this, the percentage breakdown per region of the Bank’s property exposure is analysed and reported to the GRC and RPC.  Assessment of the exposure allows the committees to decide whether the Bank should decline further lending in any area in which it is becoming over-weighted.

 

The geographic distribution of loans by origination is presented in Section 5.5 above.

 

5.7.4 Product Concentration is defined in the context of credit risk, as an over-weighting in the portfolio to a given product type, making the Bank vulnerable to the impact of a variety of external factors that could either reduce demand for the product itself or lead to an increase in the level of default rates experienced.

 

Butterfield operates as a full service “community bank” in Bermuda and Cayman and aims to satisfy the requirements of its customers in these communities through the range of products and services it offers.  Accordingly, there is no dependence or concentration on a single product in these markets outside of the residential mortgage portfolios which comprise 61.8% of the Group’s loan book; in Bermuda residential mortgage lending makes up 59.7% of the Bermuda loan book, and loans for many purposes (education, business support, family requirements) are made in the form of residential mortgages.

 

Product category analysis confirms that the total lending portfolio is concentrated in the property market; this has been addressed in stress testing performed.

 

5.7.5 Collateral Concentration considers whether the Bank’s loan book is secured by a limited number of collateral types.  An example of this would be when a large value of loans to a diversified group of borrowers is all secured by shares in the same company or by the shares of various companies within the same industry sector.  Any decline in the value of these shares or in the performance of the sector as a whole could have an adverse impact on the Bank’s security position across all affected borrowers.

 

The most obvious and relevant example of collateral concentration is the Bank’s exposure to real estate property values. Ignoring cash-backed facilities, the largest collateral concentrations within the portfolio are to residential and commercial property. The greatest risk with collateral concentration is that the value of the security could be severely reduced. To simulate this, the Bank’s stress testing process incorporates a scenario in which all real estate collateral is devalued by factors as high as 30%.

 

18



 

5.7.6 Maturity concentration has been classified as the concentration of loans that are either:

 

·                                          Maturing at any similar time (‘Loan Maturity’), leading to a sudden fall in the value of the portfolio and the income that this generates; or

·                                          Have fixed interest rates that are approaching maturity at similar times, potentially impacting the repayment obligations on the borrowers (if rates have subsequently risen) and therefore the risk of default in the affected portfolio.

 

5.8                               Credit Risk Mitigation

 

The Bank uses a wide range of techniques to reduce credit risk of its lending.  The most basic of these is performing an assessment of the ability of a borrower to service the proposed level of borrowing without distress.  However, the risk can be further mitigated by obtaining security for the funds advanced.

 

Residential mortgages

 

Residential property is the Bank’s main source of collateral and means of mitigating credit risk inherent in the residential mortgage portfolio. All mortgage lending activities are supported by an appropriate form of valuation using an independent firm of valuers.

 

All residential property must be insured to cover property risks through a third party.

 

Commercial

 

Commercial property is the Bank’s primary source of collateral and means of mitigating credit risk inherent in its commercial portfolios.  Collateral for the majority of commercial loans comprises first legal charges over freehold or long leasehold property but the following may also be taken as security:

 

Life insurance policies

 

Credit balances

 

Assignments

Shares

 

Guarantees

 

Equitable charges

Debentures

 

Chattel mortgages

 

Charges over residential property

 

For property-based lending, supporting information such as professional valuations are an important tool to help determine the suitability of the property offered as security and, in the case of investment lending, generating the cash to cover interest and principal payments.

 

All standard documentation is subject to in-house legal review and sign-off in order to ensure that the Bank’s legal documentation is robust and enforceable.  Documentation for large advances may be specifically prepared by independent solicitors.

 

Insurance requirements are always fully considered as part of the application process and the Bank ensures that appropriate insurance is taken out to protect the property against an insurable event.

 

Treasury

 

Collateral held as security for treasury assets, including investments, is determined by the nature of the instrument.  Loans, debt securities, treasury and other eligible bills are generally unsecured with the exception of asset-backed securities and similar instruments, which are secured by pools of financial assets.

 

The International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement is the Bank’s preferred method of documenting derivative activity.  It is common in such cases for a Credit Support Annex to be executed in conjunction with the ISDA Master Agreement in order to mitigate credit risk on the derivatives portfolio.  Valuations are performed, agreed with the relevant counterparties, and collateral is exchanged to bring the credit exposure within agreed tolerances.

 

The Bank’s legal documentation with its counterparties for derivative transactions grants legal rights of set-off for those transactions.  Accordingly, for credit exposure purposes, negative market values on derivatives will offset positive market values on derivatives with the same counterparty in the calculation of credit risk, subject to an absolute exposure by counterparty.

 

19



 

The exposure value to the counterparty is measured under the counterparty credit risk mark to market method.  The exposure value is derived by adding the gross positive fair value of the contract (replacement cost) to the contracts potential future credit exposure, which is derived by applying a multiple base on the contracts residual maturity to the notional value of the contract.

 

The following table shows the exposures to counterparty credit risk for derivative contracts as at 30 June 2016:

 

 

 

Gross Positive Fair

 

Potential Future

 

Total Derivatives Credit

 

 

 

Value of Contracts

 

Credit Exposure

 

Exposure

 

 

 

$m

 

$m

 

$m

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

40.1

 

30.4

 

70.5

 

Other market related contracts

 

 

 

 

Total

 

40.1

 

30.4

 

70.5

 

 

5.9                               Securitisations

 

The Bank has not, to date, securitised assets that it has originated. The Bank’s total exposure to purchased securitisation positions as at 30 June 2016 was $3.4 billion by market value, with U.S. government and federal agencies accounting for the majority of this exposure.

 

The following table provides an analysis of the Bank’s investments in securitisation positions by exposure type:

 

 

 

Exposure

 

 

 

Value

 

Underlying asset type

 

$m

 

US government and federal agencies

 

2,957.2

 

Mortgage backed securities - Commercial

 

156.7

 

Mortgage backed securities - Retail

 

239.3

 

Asset-backed securities - Student loans

 

12.2

 

Total

 

3,365.4

 

 

A combination of ratings published by Fitch, Moody’s and S&P are used to derive the external rating to be used under the standardised approach for securitisation exposures.  In line with the BMA’s Revised Framework for Regulatory Capital Assessment, where two credit assessments by ECAIs are available, the less favourable of the two credit assessments is applied.  Where more than two credit assessments are available, the two most favourable credit assessments are used and where the two most favourable assessments are different, the less favourable of the two is applied.

 

The following table shows the aggregate amount of the bank’s purchased securitisations as at 30 June 2016 broken down by risk weighting:

 

Risk

 

Exposure

 

Exposure Value

 

Weight

 

Value

 

after Credit Risk Mitigation

 

%

 

$m

 

$m

 

20

%

 

3,364.7

 

2,166.9

 

50

%

 

0.7

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

3,365.4

 

2,167.6

 

 

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6.                                      Market and Liquidity Risk

 

6.1                               Market Risk Overview

 

Market risk is the risk of a loss in earnings or decrease in value of the Group’s balance sheet due to adverse movements in market factors such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, credit spreads and equity prices.

 

Market risk exposures are generally calculated and monitored independently of each other.  All market risks are monitored closely and regularly reported to GALCO by the Group Market Risk function, within the Risk Management group.

 

6.2                               Interest Rate Risk

 

Interest rate risk is our exposure to movements in interest rates.  Such risk is a normal part of banking and exposure to it can be an important source of profitability and shareholder value.  However, where risk is excessive, the threat to earnings and capital can be significant.   Changes in interest rates affect earnings by changing net income as well as the level of other interest-sensitive income and expenses.  Such changes also affect underlying value of assets, liabilities and off balance-sheet instruments, and hence the economic value of the Bank, since the present value of future cash flows changes as interest rates shift.  With respect to investments, this risk only arises in the banking book, as the Bank does not run a trading book.

 

According to the BMA “an institution’s trading book consists of positions in financial instrument and commodities held either with the intention of trading or in order to hedge other elements of the banking book. Positions not assigned to the trading book fall into the banking book.” Further, “each licensed institution must agree a trading book policy statement with the Authority. This includes the case of institutions seeking exemption from the detailed market risk calculation since exemption is dependent on receipt by the Authority of such a statement.” As such, the Bank has submitted a policy statement to the BMA which declares the activities of the Group as non-trading.

 

The principal objective of our interest rate risk management is to maximise profit potential while minimising exposure to changes in interest rates. Our actions in this regard are taken under the guidance of GALCO. The committee is actively involved in formulating the economic assumptions that we use in our financial planning and budgeting processes and establishes policies which control and monitor the sources, uses and pricing of funds. From time to time, we utilise hedging techniques to reduce interest rate risk. GALCO uses interest income simulation and economic value of equity analysis to measure inherent risk in our balance sheet at specific points in time.

 

Appetite for interest rate risk is documented in the Bank’s policies on market risk and investments. This includes the completion of stress testing on at least a quarterly basis of the impact of an immediate and sustained shift in interest rates of +/- 200 basis points on Net Interest Income, Economic Value of Equity and the ratio between Tangible Total Equity and Average Tangible Assets.

 

If any of the parameters established by policy are exceeded, GALCO will provide a plan to executive management to bring the exposure back within tolerance under advice to the Board. The plan does not have to bring the exposure back within limit immediately, but must adjust the exposure within Board and Management approved timeframes.

 

Additional details are given in the Risk Management Report in the Bank’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2015.

 

6.3                               Foreign Exchange Risk

 

The Bank holds various non-Bermuda Dollar (“BMD”) denominated assets and liabilities and maintains investments in subsidiaries whose domestic currency is either not the BMD or their domestic currency is not pegged to the U.S. Dollar (“USD”). The domestic currencies of Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and The Bahamas are all pegged to the USD; although that does not mean that will always remain the case. Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than BMD or USD are translated to BMD at the rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. The resulting gains or losses are included in foreign exchange revenue in the consolidated statement of operations. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries outside of Bermuda are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing on the balance sheet date while associated revenues and expenses are translated to BMD at the average rate of exchange prevailing through the accounting period. Unrealised translation gains or losses on investments in foreign currency based subsidiaries are recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity within accumulated other comprehensive loss. Such gains or losses are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations only when realised. Our foreign currency subsidiaries which may give rise to significant foreign currency translation movements against the BMD are located in Guernsey and the United Kingdom. We also provide foreign exchange services to our clients, principally in connection with our community banking and wealth management businesses, and effect other transactions in non-BMD currencies. Foreign currency volatility and fluctuations in exchange rates may impact the value of non-BMD denominated assets and liabilities and raise the potential for losses resulting from foreign currency trading positions where aggregate obligations to purchase and sell a currency other than BMD or USD do not offset one another, or offset each other in different time periods. If the policies and procedures we have in place to assess and mitigate potential impacts of foreign exchange volatility are not followed, or are not effective to mitigate such risks, our results and earnings may be negatively affected.

 

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The Bank maintains a clearly articulated foreign exchange risk exposure tolerance framework which limits exposures to select currencies. A full definition of the tolerance framework is contained in the Bank’s Market Risk Management Policy and its associated standards.

 

Note 16 of the Consolidated Financial Statements as at 31 December 2015 provides details of the Bank’s foreign exchange and other derivative instruments as at that date.

 

6.4                               Liquidity Risk

 

The objectives of liquidity risk management are to ensure that the Group can meet its cash flow requirements and capitalise on business opportunities on a timely and cost effective basis. Liquidity is defined as the ability to hold and/or generate cash adequate to meet our needs for day-to-day operations and material long and short-term commitments. Liquidity risk is the risk of potential loss if the Bank were unable to meet its funding requirements at a reasonable cost.

 

We monitor and manage our liquidity on a group-wide basis. The treasury functions in the Group’s banking operations, located in Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guernsey, and the United Kingdom, manage day-to-day liquidity. The Group Market Risk function has the responsibility for measuring and reporting to senior management on liquidity risk positions. We manage our liquidity based on demand, commitments, specific events and uncertainties to meet current and future financial obligations of a short-term nature. Our objective in managing liquidity is to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers as well as to earnings enhancement opportunities in a changing marketplace. Management is responsible for establishing and monitoring liquidity targets as well as strategies to meet these targets.  The Bank adopts a cautious liquidity risk appetite with internal quantitative liquidity risk tolerances more stringent than regulatory requirements. Specifically the Group manages liquidity against internal limits established by the Market Risk Management Policy and its related Liquidity Risk Standard and quarterly stress testing methodology.

 

We maintain a balance sheet with loans representing 34.6% of total assets as at 30 June 2016. Further, at that date there were significant sources of liquidity within our balance sheet in the form of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and investments amounting to $7.0 billion, or 61.7%, of total assets.

 

An important element of our liquidity management is our liquidity contingency plan which can be employed in the event of a liquidity crisis. The objective of the liquidity contingency plan is to ensure that we maintain our liquidity during periods of stress. This plan takes into consideration a variety of scenarios that could challenge our liquidity. These scenarios include specific and systemic events that can impact our on-and off-balance sheet sources and uses of liquidity.  This plan is reviewed and updated at least annually.

 

There is no central bank in Bermuda and thus we have no ‘lender of last resort’, and neither do we have committed standby facilities in our favour.  We do have access to funding from the inter-bank market on an uncommitted basis and also have put in place formalised but uncommitted repurchase and collateralised facilities with counterparties which enable us to access funding on a secured basis. However, in a financial crisis, our access to some of these liquidity sources may be restricted or we may not be able to access them at all.  Another source of liquidity for us is the ability to draw funding from capital markets globally. The availability and cost of these funds are influenced, in part, by our credit rating; as a result, a downgrade in our credit ratings could have an adverse impact on our liquidity funding and the cost thereof. Similarly, a downgrade in Bermuda’s sovereign credit rating could also adversely affect our ability to access liquidity.

 

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7.                                      Operational Risk

 

In providing our services, we are exposed to operational risk.  This is the risk of loss from inadequate or failed internal processes and systems, actions or inactions of people, or from external events.

 

The Bank views the management of operational risk as integral to its objective of creating and maintaining shareholder value. Risk management requires the consideration of the risk/reward relationship in both the management of existing activities and the execution of all new business strategies.  Our success is also dependent, in part, upon maintaining our reputation as a well-managed institution with shareholders, existing and prospective clients, creditors, and regulators. In order to maintain this reputation, we seek to minimise the frequency and severity of operational losses associated with compliance and fiduciary matters, product, process, technology failures, and business continuity.

 

Operational risk is mitigated through effective internal controls embedded in our business activities and our risk management practices, which are designed to continuously re-assess the effectiveness of these controls in order to keep the risk we assume at levels appropriate to our risk appetite as approved by the Board. Our overall approach is based on the following four guiding principles:

 

·                          Assessing risks is a day-to-day business activity that is the concern of every employee;

·                          Decisions are based on an assessment of all relevant operational risks;

·                          Risk decisions shall be made at the appropriate level based on clear lines of responsibility and delegated authority; and

·                          Unnecessary risks shall be avoided.

 

Data on operational losses and any significant control failures incurred are captured through an incident reporting process.  These events are reported to both the GRC and RPC, which assess the sufficiency of the corrective actions taken by management to prevent recurrence.  Both committees also receive regular reporting on actual performance against established risk tolerance metrics.

 

For the purposes of calculating its operational risk capital requirements, the Bank has adopted the Standardised Approach as set out in the Basel Capital Accord.  Under this, gross income is regarded as a proxy for the operational risk exposure within each business line and the capital charge for operational risk is calculated based on gross losses over the preceding three years.

 

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The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited

 

65 Front Street

Hamilton, HM 12

Bermuda

Tel: (441) 295 1111

Fax: (441) 295 3878

 

Investor Relations Contact:

Media Relations Contacts:

Michael Schrum

Mark Johnson

Group Chief Financial Officer

Vice President, Communications, Brand & Public Affairs

The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited

The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited

Phone: (441) 298 4758

Phone: (441) 299 1624

Fax: (441) 295 1220

Fax: (441) 295 3878

E-mail: michael.schrum@butterfieldgroup.com

E-mail: mark.johnson@butterfieldgroup.com

 

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