6-K 1 tm2328799d1_6k.htm FORM 6-K

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

 

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

27 October 2023

 

Commission file number: 001-10306

 

 

Form 6-K

 

NatWest Group plc

 

 

Gogarburn

PO Box 1000

Edinburgh EH12 1HQ

Scotland

United Kingdom

 

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F                                              Form 40-F    

 

This report on Form 6-K, except for any information contained on any websites linked or documents referred to in this report, shall be deemed incorporated by reference into the company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-261837) and to be a part thereof from the date on which this report is filed, to the extent not superseded by documents or reports subsequently filed or furnished. 

 

Forward-looking statements

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

Certain sections in this document contain ‘forward-looking statements’ as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements that include the words ‘expect’, ‘estimate’, ‘project’, ‘anticipate’, ‘commit’, ‘believe’, ‘should’, ‘intend’, ‘will’, ‘plan’, ‘could’, ‘probability’, ‘risk’, ‘Value-at-Risk (VaR)’, ‘target’, ‘goal’, ‘objective’, ‘may’, ‘endeavour’, ‘outlook’, ‘optimistic’, ‘prospects’ and similar expressions or variations on these expressions. In particular, this document includes forward-looking targets and guidance relating to financial performance measures, such as income growth, operating expense, RoTE, ROE, discretionary capital distribution targets, impairment loss rates, balance sheet reduction, including the reduction of RWAs, CET1 ratio (and key drivers of the CET1 ratio including timing, impact and details), Pillar 2 and other regulatory buffer requirements and MREL and non-financial performance measures, such as NatWest Group’s initial area of focus, climate and ESG-related performance ambitions, targets and metrics, including in relation to initiatives to transition to a net zero economy, Climate and Sustainable Funding and Financing and financed emissions. In addition, this document includes forward-looking statements relating, but not limited to: implementation of NatWest Group’s purpose-led strategy and other strategic priorities (including in relation to: phased withdrawal from ROI, cost-controlling measures, the creation of the Corporate & Institutional (‘C&I’) franchise and the progression towards working as One Bank across NatWest Group to serve customers); the timing and outcome of litigation and government and regulatory investigations; direct and on-market buy-backs; funding plans and credit risk profile; managing its capital position; liquidity ratio; portfolios; net interest margin and drivers related thereto; lending and income growth, product share and growth in target segments; impairments and write-downs; restructuring and remediation costs and charges; NatWest Group’s exposure to political risk, economic assumptions and risk, climate, environmental and sustainability risk, operational risk, conduct risk, financial crime risk, cyber, data and IT risk and credit rating risk and to various types of market risk, including interest rate risk, foreign exchange rate risk and commodity and equity price risk; customer experience, including our Net Promoter Score; employee engagement and gender balance in leadership positions.

 

Limitations inherent to forward-looking statements

These statements are based on current plans, expectations, estimates, targets and projections, and are subject to significant inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors, both external and relating to NatWest Group’s strategy or operations, which may result in NatWest Group being unable to achieve the current plans, expectations, estimates, targets, projections and other anticipated outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, certain of these disclosures are dependent on choices relying on key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations, including assumptions and estimates made by management. By their nature, certain of these disclosures are only estimates and, as a result, actual future results, gains or losses could differ materially from those that have been estimated. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this document speak only as of the date we make them and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.

 

Important factors that could affect the actual outcome of the forward-looking statements

We caution you that a large number of important factors could adversely affect our results or our ability to implement our strategy, cause us to fail to meet our targets, predictions, expectations and other anticipated outcomes or affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements described in this document. These factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the risk factors and the other uncertainties described in NatWest Group plc’s Annual Report on Form 20-F and its other filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The principal risks and uncertainties that could adversely NatWest Group’s future results, its financial condition and/or prospects and cause them to be materially different from what is forecast or expected, include, but are not limited to: economic and political risk (including in respect of: political and economic risks and uncertainty in the UK and global markets, including due to high inflation and rising interest rates, supply chain disruption and the Russian invasion of Ukraine); changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; uncertainty regarding the effects of Brexit; and HM Treasury’s ownership as the largest shareholder of NatWest Group plc); strategic risk (including in respect of the implementation of NatWest Group’s purpose-led strategy; future acquisitions and divestments; the phased withdrawal from ROI and the transfer of its Western European corporate portfolio); financial resilience risk (including in respect of: NatWest Group’s ability to meet targets and to make discretionary capital distributions; the competitive environment; counterparty and borrower risk; prudential regulatory requirements for capital and MREL; liquidity and funding risks; reductions in the credit ratings; the requirements of regulatory stress tests; model risk; sensitivity to accounting policies, judgments, estimates and assumptions (and the economic, climate, competitive and other forward looking information affecting those judgments, estimates and assumptions); changes in applicable accounting standards; the value or effectiveness of credit protection; the adequacy of NatWest Group’s future assessments by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Bank of England; and the application of UK statutory stabilisation or resolution powers); climate and sustainability risk (including in respect of: risks relating to climate change and sustainability-related risks; both the execution and reputational risk relating to NatWest Group’s climate change-related strategy, ambitions, targets and transition plan; climate and sustainability-related data and model risk; the failure to implement climate change resilient governance, systems, controls and procedures; increasing levels of climate, environmental, human rights and sustainability-related regulation and oversight; climate, environmental and sustainability-related litigation, enforcement proceedings investigations and conduct risk; and reductions in ESG ratings); operational and IT resilience risk (including in respect of: operational risks (including reliance on third party suppliers); cyberattacks; the accuracy and effective use of data; complex IT systems; attracting, retaining and developing diverse senior management and skilled personnel; NatWest Group’s risk management framework; and reputational risk); and legal, regulatory and conduct risk (including in respect of: the impact of substantial regulation and oversight; the outcome of legal, regulatory and governmental actions, investigations and remedial undertakings; the transition of LIBOR and other IBOR rates to replacement risk-free rates; and changes in tax legislation or failure to generate future taxable profits).  

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Climate and ESG disclosures

Climate and ESG disclosures in this document are not measures within the scope of International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’), use a greater number and level of judgements, assumptions and estimates, including with respect to the classification of climate and sustainable funding and financing activities, than our reporting of historical financial information in accordance with IFRS. These judgements, assumptions and estimates are highly likely to change over time, and, when coupled with the longer time frames used in these disclosures, make any assessment of materiality inherently uncertain. In addition, our climate risk analysis, net zero strategy, including the implementation of our climate transition plan remain under development, and the data underlying our analysis and strategy remain subject to evolution over time. The process we have adopted to define, gather and report data on our performance on climate and ESG measures is not subject to the formal processes adopted for financial reporting in accordance with IFRS and there are currently limited industry standards or globally recognised established practices for measuring and defining climate and ESG related metrics. As a result, we expect that certain climate and ESG disclosures made in this document are likely to be amended, updated, recalculated or restated in the future. Please also refer to the cautionary statement in the section entitled ‘Climate-related and other forward-looking statements and metrics’ of the NatWest Group 2022 Climate-related Disclosures Report.

 

Cautionary statement regarding Non-IFRS financial measures and APMs

NatWest Group prepares its financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (‘GAAP’). This document may contain financial measures and ratios not specifically defined under GAAP or IFRS (‘Non-IFRS’) and/or alternative performance measures (‘APMs’) as defined in European Securities and Markets Authority (‘ESMA’) guidelines. Non-IFRS measures and APMs are adjusted for notable and other defined items which management believes are not representative of the underlying performance of the business and which distort period-on-period comparison. Non-IFRS measures provide users of the financial statements with a consistent basis for comparing business performance between financial periods and information on elements of performance that are one-off in nature. Any Non-IFRS measures and/or APMs included in this document, are not measures within the scope of IFRS, are based on a number of assumptions that are subject to uncertainties and change, and are not a substitute for IFRS measures.

The information, statements and opinions contained in this document do not constitute a public offer under any applicable legislation or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or financial instruments or any advice or recommendation with respect to such securities or other financial instruments.

 

Introduction

Presentation of information

Unless otherwise specified herein, ‘Parent company’ refers to NatWest Group plc and ‘NatWest Group’ and ‘we’ refers to NatWest Group plc and its subsidiary and associated undertakings. The term ‘NWH Group’ refers to NatWest Holdings Limited (‘NWH’) and its subsidiary and associated undertakings. The term ‘NWM Group’ refers to NatWest Markets Plc (‘NWM Plc’) and its subsidiary and associated undertakings. The term ‘NWM N.V.’ refers to NatWest Markets N.V. The term ‘NWMSI’ refers to NatWest Markets Securities, Inc. The term ‘RBS plc’ refers to The Royal Bank of Scotland plc. The term ‘NWB Plc’ refers to National Westminster Bank Plc. The term ‘UBIDAC’ refers to Ulster Bank Ireland DAC.

NatWest Group publishes its financial statements in pounds sterling (‘£’ or ‘sterling’). The abbreviations ‘£m’ and ‘£bn’ represent millions and thousands of millions of pounds sterling, respectively, and references to ‘pence’ or ‘p’ represent pence where the amounts are denominated in pounds sterling (‘GBP’). Reference to ‘dollars’ or ‘$’ are to United States of America (‘US’) dollars. The abbreviations ‘$m’ and ‘$bn’ represent millions and thousands of millions of dollars, respectively. The abbreviation ‘€’ represents the ‘euro’, and the abbreviations ‘€m’ and ‘€bn’ represent millions and thousands of millions of euros, respectively.

To aid readability, this document retains references to EU legislative and regulatory provisions in effect in the UK before 1 January 2021 that have now been implemented in UK domestic law. These references should be read and construed as including references to the applicable UK implementation measures with effect from 1 January 2021.

 

Any information contained on websites linked or reports referenced in this interim results report for the nine month period ended 30 September 2023 on Form 6-K is for information only and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein.

 

Non-IFRS financial information

NatWest Group prepares its financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This document contains a number of adjusted or alternative performance measures, also known as non-GAAP or non-IFRS performance measures. These measures are adjusted for notable and other defined items which management believe are not representative of the underlying performance of the business and which distort period-on-period comparison. The non-IFRS measures provide users of the financial statements with a consistent basis for comparing business performance between financial periods and information on elements of performance that are one-off in nature. The non-IFRS measures also include the calculation of metrics that are used throughout the banking industry. These non-IFRS measures are not measures within the scope of IFRS and are not a substitute for IFRS measures. For details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation where appropriate please refer to appendix ‘Non-IFRS financial measures’ on page 40.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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NatWest Group Q3 2023 Form 6-K    Page
Highlights 5
Business performance summary 7
  Chief Financial Officer review 8
  Retail Banking 10
  Private Banking 11
  Commercial & Institutional 12
  Central items & other 13
  Segment performance 14
Risk and capital management  
  Credit risk 20
  Capital, liquidity and funding risk 26
Condensed consolidated financial statements 32
Notes to the financial statements 36
Additional information 39
Appendix - Non-IFRS financial measures 40

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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NatWest Group plc

Q3 2023 Form 6-K

Chief Executive, Paul Thwaite, commented:

“Today’s Q3 2023 results show that NatWest is a strong bank which is performing well, generating sustainable profits and returns. This performance is built on the foundations of strong customer franchises and a robust balance sheet with, high levels of liquidity and a well-diversified loan book. As a result, credit losses and impairments remain low and we are ready and able to stand by our customers and businesses through the current economic uncertainty.

Our leadership team has come together to ensure we all keep our eyes on the things that matter most – the 19 million people, families, and businesses we serve. Across the bank, we are resolutely focused on meeting their needs today, whilst getting ahead of what they will need from us tomorrow. This is at the core of what we do. It is how we will build long-term value in our bank and deliver sustainable growth.”

Strong Q3 2023 performance

-Q3 2023 attributable profit of £866 million and £3,165 million for the year to date. Return on equity of 9.9% for Q3 2023 and 11.7% for the year to date. Return on tangible equity (RoTE) was 14.7% for Q3 2023 and 17.1% for the year to date.
-Total income of £3,488 million was £259 million, or 8.0%, higher compared with Q3 2022. Total income excluding notable items(1), increased by £117 million, or 3.4%, compared with Q3 2022 principally reflecting the impact of volume growth and favourable yield curve movements. For the nine months ended 30 September 2023, total income was £11,215 million, £1,767 million higher than prior year. Total income excluding notable items, was £10,897 million, £1,602 million higher than prior year.
-Net interest margin (NIM) of 2.05% was 15 basis points lower compared with Q2 2023. Bank NIM of 2.94% was 19 basis points lower than Q2 2023 with the reduction largely due to changes in deposit mix as customers shifted balances from non-interest bearing current accounts to interest bearing savings accounts, particularly term, as well as the continued impact on mortgage margins as the higher margin Covid-era book rolls off and is replaced at lower margins. We expect further pressure on Bank NIM as deposit shift continues. NIM was 2.17% and Bank NIM was 3.11% for the year to date.
-Operating expenses of £1,927 million were £31 million, or 1.6% higher, compared with Q3 2022. Other operating expenses increased by £22 million, or 1.2% compared with Q3 2022. For the nine months ended 30 September 2023, operating expenses of £5,842 million were £293 million, or 5.3%, higher compared with the same period in 2022. Other operating expenses of £5.6 billion were £345 million, or 6.6% higher, compared with the same period in 2022. The cost:income ratio was 52.1% for the nine months ended 30 September 2023 compared with 58.7% for the same period in 2022. The cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) was 49.9% for the nine months ended 30 September 2023 compared with 55.6% for the same period in 2022.
-The net impairment charge was £229 million in Q3 2023, or 24 basis points of gross customer loans, which reflects continued low and stable levels of stage 3 defaults across the portfolio and good book charges related to unsecured lending.

Robust balance sheet underpinning growth

-Net loans to customers of £377.3 billion increased by £3.4 billion during Q3 2023. Net loans to customers excluding central items increased by £1.8 billion to £354.5 billion during Q3 2023 including a £1.3 billion uplift in Commercial & Institutional as term loan facilities increased. Retail Banking gross new mortgage lending was £7.5 billion in the quarter compared with £7.6 billion in Q2 2023.
-Up to 30 September 2023 we have provided £53.2 billion against our target to provide £100 billion climate and sustainable funding and financing between 1 July 2021 and the end of 2025.
-Customer deposits of £435.9 billion were £3.4 billion, or 0.8%, higher compared with Q2 2023. Customer deposits excluding central items of £423.5 billion were £2.4 billion higher than Q2 2023. Term balances now account for 15% of our book, up from 11% at the end of the second quarter.
-The loan:deposit ratio (LDR) was 87%. The LDR (excl. repos and reverse repos) was 83%, in line with Q2 2023, with customer deposits exceeding net loans to customers by around £71 billion.
-The liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) increased by 4 percentage points to 145% in the quarter, representing £49.6 billion headroom above 100% minimum requirement, primarily due to UBIDAC asset sales along with increased deposits offset by increased customer lending.
-TNAV per share increased by 9 pence in Q3 2023 to 271 pence primarily reflecting the attributable profit for the period and movements in cash flow hedging reserves, offset by the impact of dividend payments.

 

Shareholder return supported by strong capital generation

-Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 13.5% was in line with the position at 30 June 2023 principally reflecting the attributable profit offset by the ordinary dividend accrual and increase in RWAs.
-RWAs increased by £4.1 billion during the quarter to £181.6 billion principally reflecting increased market risk and lending growth in Commercial & Institutional partially offset by a £1.9 billion reduction as we continue our exit from the Republic of Ireland.
(1)Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of notable items.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Outlook(1)

The economic outlook and consequent customer behaviours remain uncertain. The following statements are based on our latest economic forecasts and expected customer behaviours.

Outlook 2023

-We continue to expect to achieve a return on tangible equity for the Group of 14-16%.
-We expect total income excluding notable items to be around £14.3 billion and full year Bank NIM to be greater than 3% based on our latest expectations for the mix of our deposit book and the assumption that Bank of England base rates remain flat at 5.25% for the remainder of the year.
-We continue to expect to deliver a Group cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) below 52% or around £7.6 billion of Group operating costs, excluding litigation and conduct costs.
-We expect our impairment loss rate for 2023 to be below our through the cycle range of 20-30 basis points.
-We expect CRD IV model updates to increase RWAs by around £3 billion in Q4 2023. The models remain subject to further development and final approval by the PRA.

Medium term

-We continue to target a sustainable return on tangible equity for the group of 14-16% over the medium term.
-We continue to expect to deliver a Group cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) of less than 50%, by 2025.
-We currently expect RWAs to be around £200 billion at the end of 2025, including the impact of Basel 3.1, however this remains subject to final rules and approval.
-We expect to continue to generate and return significant capital via ordinary dividends and buybacks to shareholders over the medium term and continue to expect that the CET1 ratio will be in the range of 13-14%.

 

The guidance remains subject to market conditions. We will monitor and react to market conditions and refine our internal forecasts as the economic position and customer behaviours evolve.

(1)The guidance, targets, expectations, and trends discussed in this section represent NatWest Group plc management’s current expectations and are subject to change, including as a result of the factors described in the NatWest Group plc Risk Factors section in the 2022 Annual Report on Form 20-F and the Summary Risk Factors in the 2023 NatWest Group plc Interim Results on Form 6-K. These statements constitute forward-looking statements. Refer to Forward-looking statements in this announcement.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Business performance summary

  Nine months ended   Quarter ended
  30 September 30 September   30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2022   2023 2023 2022
Summary consolidated income statement £m £m   £m £m £m
Net interest income 8,411 6,974   2,685 2,824 2,640
Non-interest income 2,804 2,474   803 1,027 589
Total income 11,215 9,448   3,488 3,851 3,229
Litigation and conduct costs (242) (294)   (134) (52) (125)
Other operating expenses (5,600) (5,255)   (1,793) (1,875) (1,771)
Operating expenses (5,842) (5,549)   (1,927) (1,927) (1,896)
Profit before impairment losses 5,373 3,899   1,561 1,924 1,333
Impairment losses (452) (193)   (229) (153) (247)
Operating profit before tax 4,921 3,706   1,332 1,771 1,086
Tax charge (1,439) (1,229)   (378) (549) (434)
Profit from continuing operations 3,482 2,477   954 1,222 652
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (138) (206)   (30) (143) (396)
Profit for the period 3,344 2,271   924 1,079 256
Performance key metrics and ratios            
Notable items within total income (1) £318m £153m   (£26m) £288m (£168m)
Total income excluding notable items (1) £10,897m £9,295m   £3,514m £3,563m £3,397m
Bank net interest margin (1) 3.11% 2.72%   2.94% 3.13% 2.99%
Bank average interest earning assets (1) £362bn £343bn   £363bn £362bn £351bn
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) (1) 49.9% 55.6%   51.4% 48.7% 54.8%
Loan impairment rate (1) 16bps 7bps   24bps 16bps 26bps
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders £3,165m £2,078m   £866m £1,020m £187m
Total earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders - basic 34.1p 20.9p   9.8p 11.0p 1.9p
Return on tangible equity (RoTE) (1) 17.1% 10.0%   14.7% 16.4% 2.9%
Climate and sustainable funding and financing (2) £20.6bn £18.1bn   £4.6bn £8.4bn £6.2bn

  As at
  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
  £bn £bn £bn
Balance sheet      
Total assets 717.1 702.6 720.1
Loans to customers - amortised cost 377.3 373.9 366.3
Loans to customers excluding central items (1) 354.5 352.7 346.7
Loans to customers and banks - amortised cost and FVOCI  389.5 385.2 377.1
Total impairment provisions (3) 3.5 3.4 3.4
Expected credit loss (ECL) coverage ratio  0.94% 0.92% 0.91%
Assets under management and administration (AUMA) (1) 38.2 37.9 33.4
Customer deposits 435.9 432.5 450.3
Customer deposits excluding central items (1,4) 423.5 421.1 432.9
Liquidity and funding      
Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) 145% 141% 145%
Liquidity portfolio 225 227 226
Net stable funding ratio (NSFR) 138% 138% 145%
Loan:deposit ratio (excl. repos and reverse repos) (1) 83% 83% 79%
Total wholesale funding 82 81 74
Short-term wholesale funding 29 28 21
Capital and leverage      
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio (5) 13.5% 13.5% 14.2%
Total capital ratio (5) 18.7% 18.8% 19.3%
Pro forma CET1 ratio (excl. foreseeable items) (6) 14.1% 14.2% 15.4%
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) 181.6 177.5 176.1
UK leverage ratio 5.1% 5.0% 5.4%
Tangible net asset value (TNAV) per ordinary share (1,7) 271p 262p 264p
Number of ordinary shares in issue (millions) (7) 8,871 8,929 9,659

 

(1)   Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.
(2)   NatWest Group uses its climate and sustainable funding and financing inclusion criteria to determine the assets, activities and companies that are eligible to be included within its climate and sustainable funding and financing targets. This includes both provision of committed (on and off-balance sheet) funding and financing, including provision of services for underwriting issuances and private placements. Up to 30 September 2023 we have provided £53.2 billion against our target to provide £100 billion climate and sustainable funding and financing between 1 July 2021 and end of 2025. As part of this, we aim to provide at least £10 billion in lending for residential properties with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings A and B between 1 January 2023 and the end of end of 2025. During Q3 2023 we provided £4.6 billion climate and sustainable funding and financing, which included £0.9 billion in lending for residential properties with EPC ratings A and B.
(3)   Includes £0.1 billion relating to off-balance sheet exposures (30 June 2023 - £0.1 billion; 31 December 2022 - £0.1 billion).
(4)   Central items includes Treasury repo activity and Ulster Bank Republic of Ireland.
(5)   Refer to the Capital, liquidity and funding risk section for details of the basis of preparation.
(6)   The pro forma CET1 ratio at 30 September 2023 excludes foreseeable items of £1,004 million: £643 million for ordinary dividends and £361 million foreseeable charges. (30 June 2023 excludes foreseeable items of £1,280 million: £780 million for ordinary dividends and £500 million foreseeable charges. 31 December 2022 excludes foreseeable items of £2,132 million: £967 million for ordinary dividends and £1,165 million foreseeable charges).
(7)   The number of ordinary shares in issue excludes own shares held.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Business performance summary

Chief Financial Officer review

We delivered a strong operating performance in Q3 2023 with a return on equity of 9.9% for Q3 2023 and 11.7% for the year to date. Return on tangible equity (RoTE) was 14.7% for Q3 2023 and 17.1% for the year to date. Total income of £3,488 million was £259 million, or 8.0% higher compared with Q3 2022. Total income excluding notable items, of £3.5 billion, was up by 3.4% on prior year and levels of default remain stable across our portfolio.

Our robust balance sheet has allowed us to continue to lend to our personal and business customers. Customer deposits of £435.9 million have increased by £3.4 billion in the quarter. Customer deposits excluding central items have increased £2.4 billion in the quarter. We retain strong liquidity and capital positions with an LCR of 145%, representing £49.6 billion headroom above 100% minimum requirement, an LDR of 87% and LDR (excl. repos and reverse repos) of 83% and a strong CET1 ratio of 13.5%.

Financial performance

Total income increased by 8.0% to £3,488 million compared with Q3 2022. Total income excluding notable items, was 3.4% higher than Q3 2022 principally driven by increased lending, higher markets income and yield curve movements partially offset by the continued change in deposit mix from non-interest bearing to interest bearing and lower deposit balances. For the nine months ended 30 September 2023 total income of £11,215 million was £1,767 million, or 18.7%, higher compared with the same period in 2022. For the nine month ended 30 September 2023 total income excluding notable items, was £10,897 million, £1,602 million higher than prior year. Total income decreased by 9.4% to £3,488 million compared with Q2 2023. Total income excluding notable items, was £49 million lower than Q2 2023 reflecting asset margin pressure and changes in deposit mix partially offset by higher markets income in Commercial & Institutional.

Net interest margin (NIM) of 2.05% was 15 basis points lower compared with Q2 2023. Bank NIM of 2.94% was 19 basis points lower than Q2 2023 principally reflecting lending margin pressure of 12 basis points and 14 basis points due to continued changes in deposit mix as customers shift to lower margin fixed term accounts, and we expect some further pressure on Bank NIM as this shift continues, albeit at a slower rate. NIM was 2.17% and Bank NIM was 3.11% for the year to date.

Operating expenses of £5,842 million were £293 million, or 5.3%, higher for the year to date. In line with our expectations, other operating expenses were £345 million, or 6.6% higher for the year to date due to increased staff costs, and a one-off cost of living payment, inflationary pressures on utility and contract costs, and a property impairment. We remain committed to delivering on our full year cost guidance.

A net impairment charge of £229 million primarily reflects continued low and stable levels of stage 3 defaults across the portfolio and good book charges related to unsecured lending. Compared with Q2 2023, our ECL provision increased by £0.1 billion to £3.6 billion and our ECL coverage ratio has increased from 0.92% to 0.94%. We retain post model adjustments of £0.5 billion related to economic uncertainty, or 12% of total impairment provisions. Whilst we are comfortable with the strong credit performance of our book, we will continue to assess this position regularly and are closely monitoring the impacts of inflationary pressures on the UK economy and our customers. The impairment charge for the year to date was £452 million, or 16 basis points of gross customer loans.

As a result, we are pleased to report an attributable profit for Q3 2023 of £866 million, with earnings per share of 9.8 pence, a return on equity of 9.9% and a RoTE of 14.7%.

Net loans to customers of £377.3 billion increased by £3.4 billion during Q3 2023. Net loans to customers excluding central items increased by £1.8 billion over the quarter primarily driven by £1.3 billion growth in Commercial & Institutional due to an increase in term loan facilities and private financing within Corporate & Institutions, net of £0.7 billion of UK Government scheme repayments. Retail Banking mortgage lending increased by £0.4 billion and unsecured lending increased by £0.6 billion with gross new mortgage lending of £7.5 billion in Q3 2023 compared with £7.6 billion in Q2 2023 and £11.0 billion in Q3 2022. Private Banking net loans to customers decreased by £0.3 billion driven by higher repayments and weaker demand for new lending.

Up to 30 September 2023 we have provided £53.2 billion against our target to provide £100 billion climate and sustainable funding and financing between 1 July 2021 and the end of 2025. As part of this we aim to provide at least £10 billion in lending for residential properties with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings A and B between 1 January 2023 and the end of 2025. During Q3 2023 we provided £4.6 billion climate and sustainable funding and financing, which included £0.9 billion in lending for residential properties with EPC ratings A and B.

Customer deposits increased by £3.4 billion during the quarter to £435.9 billion. Customer deposits excluding central items increased by £2.4 billion in the quarter to £423.5 billion, driven by term balance growth partially offset by reductions in instant access and current accounts. Growth of £1.4 billion in Retail Banking and £0.7 billion in Private Banking reflected increased term account balances offset by reductions in instant access savings and current accounts. Commercial & Institutional customer deposits increased by £0.3 billion primarily due to growth in Corporate & Institutions, specifically term balances, partially offset with a reduction in Commercial Mid-market non-interest bearing balances reflecting the market contraction. The mix of our deposit book has continued to change in the third quarter, with term balances now accounting for 15% of the book compared with 11% at the end of the second quarter. The shift to term balances was seen across the business but was strongest in Private Banking and parts of our Corporate & Institutional business within Commercial & Institutional.

TNAV per share increased by 9 pence in Q3 2023 to 271 pence primarily reflecting the attributable profit for the period and movements in cash flow hedging reserves, offset by the impact of dividend payments.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

8 

 

Business performance summary

Chief Financial Officer review continued

Capital

The CET1 ratio remains strong at 13.5%, or 13.4% excluding IFRS 9 transitional relief. This is in line with Q2 2023 principally reflecting the attributable profit, 50 basis points, offset with distributions deducted from capital of 20 basis points and the increase in RWAs, 30 basis points. NatWest Group’s minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) ratio was 31.2%.

RWAs increased by £4.1 billion in Q3 2023 to £181.6 billion principally reflecting increased market risk and lending growth in Commercial & Institutional partially offset by a £1.9 billion reduction as we continue our exit from the Republic of Ireland.

Funding and liquidity

The LCR increased by 4 percentage points to 145% in the quarter, representing £49.6 billion headroom above 100% minimum requirement, primarily due to UBIDAC asset sales along with increased deposits offset by increased customer lending. Our primary liquidity as at 30 September 2023 was £148.9 billion and £116.2 billion or 78% of this was cash at central banks. Total wholesale funding increased by £1.0 billion in the quarter to £82.2 billion.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

9 

 

Business performance summary

Retail Banking

  Quarter ended
  30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2023 2022
  £m £m £m
Total income 1,442 1,516 1,475
Operating expenses (780) (671) (693)
   of which: Other operating expenses (721) (650) (630)
Impairment losses (169) (79) (116)
Operating profit 493 766 666
       
Return on equity (1) 17.5% 28.2% 27.0%
Net interest margin (1) 2.56% 2.78% 2.85%
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) (1) 50.0% 42.9% 42.7%
Loan impairment rate (1) 33bps 15bps 24bps

 

  As at
  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
  £bn £bn £bn
Net loans to customers (amortised cost) 205.2 204.4 197.6
Customer deposits 184.5 183.1 188.4
RWAs 58.9 57.3 54.7

(1)     Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

During Q3 2023, Retail Banking continued to pursue sustainable growth whilst taking a measured approach to risk. Retail Banking delivered a return on equity of 17.5% reflecting the impact of a more challenging operating environment and higher cost impacts.

 

Retail Banking provided £0.9 billion of climate and sustainable funding and financing in Q3 2023.

 

Q3 2023 performance
- Total income was £33 million, or 2.2%, lower than Q3 2022 reflecting lower deposit balances with mix shift from non-interest bearing to interest bearing balances, as customers continue to migrate to higher interest rate savings products, and continued mortgage margin dilution, as well as higher treasury costs, partly offset by continued strong loan growth and the impact of rate rises on deposit income.
- Net interest margin was 22 basis points lower than Q2 2023 largely reflecting deposit mix shift from non-interest bearing to interest bearing balances and lower mortgage margins reflecting the roll-off of higher margin business. These impacts are partly offset by the impact of rate rises on deposit income.
- Operating expenses of £780 million were £87 million, or 12.6%, higher than Q3 2022. Other operating expenses were £91 million, or 14.4%, higher than Q3 2022 reflecting property lease termination losses, continued investment in the business, higher pay awards to support our colleagues with cost of living challenges and increased data costs. This was partly offset by savings from a 3% headcount reduction.
- An impairment charge of £169 million in Q3 2023 largely reflects stage 3 defaults, which remain broadly stable, good book charges driven by unsecured PD increases, linked to economic modelling inputs, and unsecured lending growth.
- Net loans to customers increased by £0.8 billion in Q3 2023 reflecting mortgage growth of £0.4 billion, with gross new mortgage lending of £7.5 billion, representing flow share of around 13%. Cards balances increased by £0.5 billion and personal advances increased by £0.1 billion in Q3 2023 with continued strong customer demand.
- Customer deposits increased by £1.4 billion in Q3 2023 reflecting strong growth in fixed term savings, partially offset by lower current account and instant access savings balances.
- RWAs increased by £1.6 billion, or 2.8%, in Q3 2023 due to model adjustments and continued asset growth in the period.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

10 

 

Business performance summary

Private Banking

  Quarter ended
  30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2023 2022
  £m £m £m
Total income 214 271 285
Operating expenses (157) (167) (139)
   of which: Other operating expenses (157) (159) (138)
Impairment releases/(losses) 2 (3) (7)
Operating profit 59 101 139
       
Return on equity (1) 11.7% 20.8% 31.8%
Net interest margin (1) 3.02% 4.17% 4.37%
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) (1) 73.4% 58.7% 48.4%
Loan impairment rate (1) (4)bps 6bps 15bps
AUM net flows (£bn) (1) 0.4 0.3

 

 

 

  As at
  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
  £bn £bn £bn
Net loans to customers (amortised cost) 18.8 19.1 19.2
Customer deposits 37.2 36.5 41.2
RWAs 11.6 11.5 11.2
Assets under management (AUMs) (1) 29.8 30.0 28.3
Assets under administration (AUAs) (1) 8.4 7.9 5.1
Total assets under management and administration (AUMAs) (1) 38.2 37.9 33.4
(1)Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

 

 

During Q3 2023, Private Banking delivered a return on equity of 11.7%, reflecting the impact of a more challenging operating environment with competitive pressure and a change in customer behaviour leading to an adverse deposit book mix.

 

Private Banking provided £0.1 billion of climate and sustainable funding and financing in Q3 2023.

 

Q3 2023 performance
- Total income was £71 million, or 24.9%, lower than Q3 2022 reflecting lower deposit balances with mix shift from non-interest bearing to interest bearing balances, as customers continue to migrate to higher interest rate savings products, higher pass through of interest rate increases to customers, reduced lending volumes and mortgage margin pressure, partially offset by the deposit benefits from higher interest rates.
- Net interest margin was 115 basis points lower than Q2 2023 largely reflecting a change in the deposit book mix and the impact of the Q2 2023 deposit repricing. Higher margin current accounts reduced by £1.3 billion in the quarter whilst lower margin savings accounts increased £2.0 billion.
- Operating expenses of £157 million were £18 million, or 12.9% higher than Q3 2022. Other operating expenses were £19 million, or 13.8%, higher than Q3 2022 reflecting continued investment in the business and planned increased headcount for consumer duty and Coutts 24, our customer help centre.
- A net impairment release of £2 million in Q3 2023 largely reflects a small release in good book provision whilst stage 3 defaults remain at low levels.
- Net loans to customers decreased by £0.3 billion, or 1.6%, in Q3 2023 driven by higher repayments and weaker demand for new lending.    
- Customer deposits increased by £0.7 billion, or 1.9%, compared with Q2 2023 driven by the continued strong term and notice balance growth, partially offset by lower instant access savings and current accounts.
-

AUMAs increased by £0.3 billion to £38.2 billion, in Q3 2023 primarily reflecting AUA net inflows of £0.2 billion and muted market movements. AUM net inflows for the year to date reflects 4% of opening AUM balances.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

11 

 

Business performance summary

Commercial & Institutional

  Quarter ended
  30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2023 2022
  £m £m £m
Net interest income 1,271  1,243 1,131
Non-interest income 570  552 526
Total income 1,841  1,795 1,657
       
Operating expenses (1,012) (984) (893)
   of which: Other operating expenses (960) (934) (840)
Impairment losses (59) (64) (119)
Operating profit 770  747 645
       
Return on equity (1) 14.7% 14.3% 12.2%
Net interest margin (1) 3.88% 3.79% 3.46%
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) (1) 52.1% 52.0% 50.7%
Loan impairment rate (1) 18bps 20bps 36bps

 

  As at
  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
  £bn £bn £bn
Net loans to customers (amortised cost) 130.5 129.2 129.9
Customer deposits 201.8 201.5 203.3
Funded assets (1) 325.2 320.6 306.3
RWAs 107.9 103.6 103.2

 

(1)     Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

During Q3 2023, Commercial & Institutional delivered another strong performance with growth in revenues and operating profit supporting a return on equity of 14.7%.

 

Commercial & Institutional provided £3.6 billion of climate and sustainable funding and financing in Q3 2023.

 

Q3 2023 performance
- Total income was £184 million, or 11.1%, higher than Q3 2022 largely reflecting higher deposit income supported by interest rate rises and higher markets income partly offset by higher funding costs
- Net interest margin was 9 basis points higher than Q2 2023 largely reflecting one-off items. The benefit of rate rises on deposit income is more than offset by deposit mix shifts from non-interest bearing to interest bearing balances.
- Operating expenses of £1,012 million were £119 million, or 13.3%, higher than Q3 2022. Other operating expenses were £120 million, or 14.3%, higher than Q3 2022 reflecting higher pay awards to support our colleagues with cost of living challenges, continued investment in the business, including an increase in headcount, and property lease termination losses.
- An impairment charge of £59 million in Q3 2023 reflects continued low stage 3 default charges.
- Net loans to customers increased by £1.3 billion, or 1.0%, in Q3 2023 largely due to an increase in term loan facilities including an increase in revolving credit utilisations and private financing growth within Corporate & Institutions, partly offset by UK Government scheme repayments of £0.7 billion.
- Customer deposits increased by £0.3 billion, or 0.1%, in Q3 2023 due to growth in Corporate & Institutions, specifically term balances, partly offset by a continued market contraction of non-interest bearing balances in Commercial Mid-market. The deposit mix continues to evolve with transition from non-interest bearing and instant access to term balances.
- RWAs increased by £4.3 billion, or 4.2%, in Q3 2023 primarily due to increased market risk through the quarter following heightened market and lending volume growth.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

12 

 

Business performance summary

Central items & other

  Quarter ended
  30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2023 2022
  £m £m £m
Continuing operations      
Total income (9) 269  (188)
Operating expenses (1) 22  (105) (171)
   of which: Other operating expenses 45  (132) (163)
   of which: Ulster Bank RoI direct expenses (43) (63) (75)
Impairment losses (3) (7) (5)
Operating profit/(loss) 10  157  (364)
   of which: Ulster Bank RoI (54) (136) (156)
       
  As at
  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
  £bn £bn £bn
Net loans to customers (amortised cost) (2) 22.8 21.2 19.6
Customer deposits 12.4 11.4 17.4
RWAs 3.2 5.1  7.0 
(1)Includes withdrawal-related direct program costs of £10 million for the quarter ended 30 September 2023 (30 June 2023 - £15 million, 30 September 2022 - £24 million).
(2)Excluded £0.3 billion of loans to customers held at fair value through profit or loss (30 June 2023 - £0.4 billion, 31 December 2022 - £0.5 billion).
Q3 2023 performance

-    Total income was £179 million higher than Q3 2022 reflecting one-off items including lower losses on liquidity asset bond sales, business growth fund gains and lower losses on redemption of own debt partially offset by lower gains on interest and FX risk management derivatives not in accounting hedge relationships and losses associated with property lease terminations.

-    Net loans to customers increased by £1.6 billion in Q3 2023 mainly due to reverse repo activity in Treasury.

-    Customer deposits increased by £1.0 billion in Q3 2023 primarily reflecting repo activity in Treasury. Ulster Bank RoI customer deposit balances were £0.2 billion as at Q3 2023.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

13 

 

Segment performance

  Nine months ended 30 September 2023
        Central Total
  Retail Private Commercial &  & items  NatWest
  Banking Banking Institutional  other Group
  £m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations          
Income statement          
Net interest income 4,242  572  3,775  (178) 8,411 
Non-interest income 320  209  1,814  461  2,804 
Total income 4,562  781  5,589  283  11,215 
Direct expenses  (604) (181) (1,118) (3,697) (5,600)
Indirect expenses  (1,460) (287) (1,735) 3,482 
Other operating expenses (2,064) (468) (2,853) (215) (5,600)
Litigation and conduct costs (83) (11) (146) (2) (242)
Operating expenses (2,147) (479) (2,999) (217) (5,842)
Operating profit before impairment losses (1) 2,415  302  2,590  66  5,373 
Impairment losses (1) (362) (9) (79) (2) (452)
Operating profit 2,053  293  2,511  64  4,921 
           
Income excluding notable items (1) 4,562  781  5,586  (32) 10,897 
           
Additional information          
Return on tangible equity (1) na na na na 17.1%
Return on equity (1) 25.1% 20.3% 16.1% nm na
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) (1) 45.2% 59.9% 51.0% nm 49.9%
Total assets (£bn) 229.1 26.8 411.6 49.6 717.1
Funded assets (£bn) (1) 229.1 26.8 325.2 48.5 629.6
Net loans to customers - amortised cost (£bn) 205.2 18.8 130.5 22.8 377.3
Loan impairment rate (1) 23bps 6bps 8bps nm 16bps
Impairment provisions (£bn) (1.9) (0.1) (1.5) (3.5)
Impairment provisions - stage 3 (£bn) (1.1) (0.8) (1.9)
Customer deposits (£bn) 184.5 37.2 201.8 12.4 435.9
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) (£bn) 58.9 11.6 107.9 3.2 181.6
RWA equivalent (RWAe) (£bn) 58.9 11.6 109.1 3.9 183.5
Employee numbers (FTEs - thousands) 13.4 2.4 12.6 33.3 61.7
Third party customer asset rate (1) 3.13% 4.43% 5.98% nm nm
Third party customer funding rate (1) (1.24%) (1.88%) (1.23%) nm nm
Bank average interest earning assets (£bn) (1) 204.6 19.1 130.9 na 361.7
Bank net interest margin (1) 2.77% 4.00% 3.86% na 3.11%

 

nm = not meaningful, na = not applicable.

(1)Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

14 

 

Segment performance

  Nine months ended 30 September 2022
        Central Total 
  Retail Private Commercial & & items NatWest
  Banking Banking Institutional other Group
  £m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations          
Income statement          
Net interest income 3,719  526  2,895  (166) 6,974 
Non-interest income 310  220  1,699  245  2,474 
Total income 4,029  746  4,594  79  9,448 
Direct expenses  (505) (169) (1,109) (3,472) (5,255)
Indirect expenses  (1,309) (253) (1,465) 3,027 
Other operating expenses (1,814) (422) (2,574) (445) (5,255)
Litigation and conduct costs (121) (2) (139) (32) (294)
Operating expenses (1,935) (424) (2,713) (477) (5,549)
Operating profit/(loss) before impairment  losses/releases (1) 2,094  322  1,881  (398) 3,899 
Impairment (losses)/releases (1) (142) (60) (193)
Operating profit/(loss) 1,952  326  1,821  (393) 3,706 
           
Income excluding notable items (1) 4,029  746  4,578  (58) 9,295 
           
Additional information          
Return on tangible equity (1) na na na na 10.0%
Return on equity (1) 26.5% 24.5% 11.7% nm na
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) (1) 45.0% 56.6% 56.0% nm 55.6%
Total assets (£bn) 221.3 29.8 465.3 85.1 801.5
Funded assets (£bn) (1) 221.3 29.8 325.5 83.9 660.5
Net loans to customers - amortised cost (£bn) 192.8 19.1 131.9 28.0 371.8
Loan impairment rate (1) 10bps (3)bps 6bps nm 7bps
Impairment provisions (£bn) (1.5) (0.1) (1.6) (0.1) (3.3)
Impairment provisions - stage 3 (£bn) (0.9) (0.7) (0.1) (1.7)
Customer deposits (£bn) 190.9 42.2 215.2 24.7 473.0
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) (£bn) 53.0 11.1 104.8 9.6 178.5
RWA equivalent (RWAe) (£bn) 53.0 11.1 106.5 10.1 180.7
Employee numbers (FTEs - thousands) 13.8 2.2 12.2 31.8 60.0
Third party customer asset rate (1) 2.61% 2.80% 3.19% nm nm
Third party customer funding rate (1) (0.11%) (0.15%) (0.10%) nm nm
Bank average interest earning assets (£bn) (1) 188.6 19.1 125.4 na 342.7
Bank net interest margin (1) 2.64% 3.69% 3.09% na 2.72%

 

nm = not meaningful, na = not applicable.

(1)Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

15 

 

Segment performance

  Quarter ended 30 September 2023
        Central Total
  Retail Private Commercial &  & items  NatWest
  Banking Banking Institutional  other Group
  £m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations          
Income statement          
Net interest income 1,334 144 1,271 (64) 2,685
Non-interest income 108 70 570 55 803
Total income 1,442 214 1,841 (9) 3,488
Direct expenses  (206) (63) (377) (1,147) (1,793)
Indirect expenses  (515) (94) (583) 1,192
Other operating expenses (721) (157) (960) 45 (1,793)
Litigation and conduct costs (59) (52) (23) (134)
Operating expenses (780) (157) (1,012) 22 (1,927)
Operating profit before impairment losses/releases (1) 662 57 829 13 1,561
Impairment (losses)/releases (1) (169) 2 (59) (3) (229)
Operating profit 493 59 770 10 1,332
           
Income excluding notable items (1) 1,442 214 1,847 11 3,514
           
Additional information          
Return on tangible equity (1) na na na na 14.7%
Return on equity (1) 17.5% 11.7% 14.7% nm na
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) (1) 50.0% 73.4% 52.1% nm 51.4%
Total assets (£bn) 229.1 26.8 411.6 49.6 717.1
Funded assets (£bn) (1) 229.1 26.8 325.2 48.5 629.6
Net loans to customers - amortised cost (£bn) 205.2 18.8 130.5 22.8 377.3
Loan impairment rate (1) 33bps (4)bps 18bps nm 24bps
Impairment provisions (£bn) (1.9) (0.1) (1.5) (3.5)
Impairment provisions - stage 3 (£bn) (1.1) (0.8) (1.9)
Customer deposits (£bn) 184.5 37.2 201.8 12.4 435.9
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) (£bn) 58.9 11.6 107.9 3.2 181.6
RWA equivalent (RWAe) (£bn) 58.9 11.6 109.1 3.9 183.5
Employee numbers (FTEs - thousands) 13.4 2.4 12.6 33.3 61.7
Third party customer asset rate (1) 3.34% 4.80% 6.72% nm nm
Third party customer funding rate (1) (1.69%) (2.80%) (1.65%) nm nm
Bank average interest earning assets (£bn) (1) 206.9 18.9 129.8 na 362.8
Bank net interest margin (1) 2.56% 3.02% 3.88% na 2.94%

 

nm = not meaningful, na = not applicable

(1)Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

16 

 

Segment performance

  Quarter ended 30 June 2023
        Central Total 
  Retail Private Commercial & & items NatWest
  Banking Banking Institutional other Group
  £m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations          
Income statement          
Net interest income 1,416 199 1,243 (34) 2,824
Non-interest income 100 72 552 303 1,027
Total income 1,516 271 1,795 269 3,851
Direct expenses  (187) (58) (381) (1,249) (1,875)
Indirect expenses  (463) (101) (553) 1,117
Other operating expenses (650) (159) (934) (132) (1,875)
Litigation and conduct costs (21) (8) (50) 27 (52)
Operating expenses (671) (167) (984) (105) (1,927)
Operating profit before impairment losses (1) 845 104 811 164 1,924
Impairment losses (1) (79) (3) (64) (7) (153)
Operating profit 766 101 747 157 1,771
           
Income excluding notable items (1) 1,516 271 1,792 (16) 3,563
           
Additional information          
Return on tangible equity (1) na na na na 16.4%
Return on equity (1) 28.2% 20.8% 14.3% nm na
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) (1) 42.9% 58.7% 52.0% nm 48.7%
Total assets (£bn) 229.1 27.3 401.5 44.7 702.6
Funded assets (£bn) (1) 229.1 27.3 320.6 43.7 620.7
Net loans to customers - amortised cost (£bn) 204.4 19.1 129.2 21.2 373.9
Loan impairment rate (1) 15bps 6bps 20bps nm 16bps
Impairment provisions (£bn) (1.7) (0.1) (1.5) (0.1) (3.4)
Impairment provisions - stage 3 (£bn) (1.0) (0.8) (0.1) (1.9)
Customer deposits (£bn) 183.1 36.5 201.5 11.4 432.5
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) (£bn) 57.3 11.5 103.6 5.1 177.5
RWA equivalent (RWAe) (£bn) 57.3 11.5 104.9 5.8 179.5
Employee numbers (FTEs - thousands) 13.7 2.3 12.6 32.9 61.5
Third party customer asset rate (1) 3.11% 4.41% 5.84% nm nm
Third party customer funding rate (1) (1.20%) (1.71%) (1.18%) nm nm
Bank average interest earning assets (£bn) (1) 204.6 19.2 131.4 na 362.3
Bank net interest margin (1) 2.78% 4.17% 3.79% na 3.13%

 

nm = not meaningful, na = not applicable

(1)Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

17 

 

Segment performance

  Quarter ended 30 September 2022
        Central Total 
  Retail Private Commercial & & items NatWest
  Banking Banking Institutional other Group
  £m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations          
Income statement          
Net interest income 1,379  211  1,131  (81) 2,640 
Non-interest income 96  74  526  (107) 589 
Total income 1,475  285  1,657  (188) 3,229 
Direct expenses  (180) (59) (367) (1,165) (1,771)
Indirect expenses  (450) (79) (473) 1,002 
Other operating expenses (630) (138) (840) (163) (1,771)
Litigation and conduct costs (63) (1) (53) (8) (125)
Operating expenses (693) (139) (893) (171) (1,896)
Operating profit/(loss) before impairment losses (1) 782  146  764  (359) 1,333 
Impairment losses (1) (116) (7) (119) (5) (247)
Operating profit/(loss) 666  139  645  (364) 1,086 
           
Income excluding notable items (1) 1,475  285  1,648  (11) 3,397 
           
Additional information          
Return on tangible equity (1) na na na na 2.9%
Return on equity (1) 27.0% 31.8% 12.2% nm na
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) (1) 42.7% 48.4% 50.7% nm 54.8%
Total assets (£bn) 221.3 29.8 465.3 85.1 801.5
Funded assets (£bn) (1) 221.3 29.8 325.5 83.9 660.5
Net loans to customers - amortised cost (£bn) 192.8 19.1 131.9 28.0 371.8
Loan impairment rate (1) 24bps 15bps 36bps nm 26bps
Impairment provisions (£bn) (1.5) (0.1) (1.6) (0.1) (3.3)
Impairment provisions - stage 3 (£bn) (0.9) (0.7) (0.1) (1.7)
Customer deposits (£bn) 190.9 42.2 215.2 24.7 473.0
Risk-weighted assets (RWAs) (£bn) 53.0 11.1 104.8 9.6 178.5
RWA equivalent (RWAe) (£bn) 53.0 11.1 106.5 10.1 180.7
Employee numbers (FTEs - thousands) 13.8 2.2 12.2 31.8 60.0
Third party customer asset rate (1) 2.64% 3.09% 3.53% nm nm
Third party customer funding rate (1) (0.17%) (0.29%) (0.19%) nm nm
Bank average interest earning assets (£bn) (1) 192.1 19.2 129.8 na 350.7
Bank net interest margin (1) 2.85% 4.37% 3.46% na 2.99%

 

nm = not meaningful, na = not applicable

(1)Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures appendix for details of the basis of preparation and reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures and performance metrics.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

18 

 

Risk and capital management

  Page
Credit risk  
   Segment analysis – portfolio summary 20
   Segment analysis – loans 22
   Movement in ECL provision 22
   ECL post model adjustments 23
   Sector analysis – portfolio summary 24
   Wholesale support schemes 25
Capital, liquidity and funding risk 26

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

19 

 

Risk and capital management

Credit risk

Segment analysis – portfolio summary

The table below shows gross loans and expected credit loss (ECL), by segment and stage, within the scope of the IFRS 9 ECL framework.

           
  Retail Private Commercial  Central items  
  Banking Banking & Institutional & other Total
30 September 2023 £m £m £m £m £m
Loans - amortised cost and FVOCI (1)          
Stage 1 185,826 17,831 114,918 27,866 346,441
Stage 2 17,963 943 18,721 19 37,646
Stage 3 2,965 258 2,224 18 5,465
Of which: individual 209 1,041 1,250
Of which: collective 2,965 49 1,183 18 4,215
Subtotal excluding disposal group loans 206,754 19,032 135,863 27,903 389,552
Disposal group loans       136 136
Total       28,039 389,688
ECL provisions (2)          
Stage 1 304 20 340 23 687
Stage 2 481 17 509 25 1,032
Stage 3 1,096 33 785 16 1,930
Of which: individual 33 287 320
Of which: collective 1,096 498 16 1,610
Subtotal excluding ECL provisions on disposal group loans 1,881 70 1,634 64 3,649
ECL provisions on disposal group loans       61 61
Total       125 3,710
ECL provisions coverage (3)          
Stage 1 (%) 0.16 0.11 0.30 0.08 0.20
Stage 2 (%) 2.68 1.80 2.72 nm 2.74
Stage 3 (%) 36.96 12.79 35.30 88.89 35.32
ECL provisions coverage excluding disposal group loans 0.91 0.37 1.20 0.23 0.94
ECL provisions coverage on disposal group loans       44.85 44.85
Total       0.45 0.95

 

30 June 2023          
Loans - amortised cost and FVOCI (1)          
Stage 1 180,293 18,075 112,341 25,653 336,362
Stage 2 22,686 988 19,676 90 43,440
Stage 3 2,826 254 2,246 124 5,450
Of which: individual 203 1,017 27 1,247
Of which: collective 2,826 51 1,229 97 4,203
Subtotal excluding disposal group loans 205,805 19,317 134,263 25,867 385,252
Disposal group loans       573 573
Total       26,440 385,825
ECL provisions (2)          
Stage 1 282 23 333 23 661
Stage 2  439 17 507 28 991
Stage 3 1,038 31 765 71 1,905
Of which: individual 31 260 4 295
Of which: collective 1,038 505 67 1,610
Subtotal excluding ECL provisions on disposal group loans 1,759 71 1,605 122 3,557
ECL provisions on disposal group loans       31 31
Total       153 3,588
ECL provisions coverage (3)          
Stage 1 (%) 0.16 0.13 0.30 0.09 0.20
Stage 2 (%) 1.94 1.72 2.58 31.11 2.28
Stage 3 (%) 36.73 12.20 34.06 57.26 34.95
ECL provisions coverage excluding disposal group loans 0.85 0.37 1.20 0.47 0.92
ECL provisions coverage on disposal group loans       5.41 5.41
Total       0.58 0.93

nm = not meaningful

For the notes to this table refer to the following page.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

20 

 

Risk and capital management

Credit risk continued

Segment analysis – portfolio summary continued

           
  Retail Private Commercial Central items  
  Banking Banking & Institutional & other Total
31 December 2022 £m £m £m £m £m
Loans - amortised cost and FVOCI (1)          
Stage 1 174,727 18,367 108,791 23,339 325,224
Stage 2 21,561 801 24,226 245 46,833
Stage 3 2,565 242 2,166 123 5,096
Of which: individual 168 905 48 1,121
Of which: collective 2,565 74 1,261 75 3,975
Subtotal excluding disposal group loans 198,853 19,410 135,183 23,707 377,153
Disposal group loans       1,502 1,502
Total       25,209 378,655
ECL provisions (2)          
Stage 1 251 21 342 18 632
Stage 2  450 14 534 45 1,043
Stage 3 917 26 747 69 1,759
Of which: individual 26 251 10 287
Of which: collective 917 496 59 1,472
Subtotal excluding ECL provisions on disposal group loans 1,618 61 1,623 132 3,434
ECL provisions on disposal group loans       53 53
Total       185 3,487
ECL provisions coverage (3)          
Stage 1 (%) 0.14 0.11 0.31 0.08 0.19
Stage 2 (%) 2.09 1.75 2.20 18.37 2.23
Stage 3 (%) 35.75 10.74 34.49 56.10 34.52
ECL provisions coverage excluding disposal group loans 0.81 0.31 1.20 0.56 0.91
ECL provisions coverage on disposal group loans       3.53 3.53
Total       0.73 0.92
(1)Includes loans to customers and banks.
(2)Includes £9 million (30 June 2023 – £4 million; 31 December 2022 – £3 million) related to assets classified as FVOCI; and £0.1 billion (30 June 2023 – £0.1 billion; 31 December 2022 – £0.1 billion) related to off-balance sheet exposures.
(3)ECL provisions coverage is calculated as ECL provisions divided by loans – amortised cost and FVOCI. It is calculated on third party loans and total ECL provisions. Some segments with a high proportion of debt securities or unutilised exposure may result in a not meaningful coverage ratio.
(4)The table shows gross loans only and excludes amounts that were outside the scope of the ECL framework. Other financial assets within the scope of the IFRS 9 ECL framework were cash and balances at central banks totalling £118.6 billion (30 June 2023 – £121.9 billion; 31 December 2022 – £143.3 billion) and debt securities of £45.3 billion (30 June 2023 – £34.7 billion; 31 December 2022 – £29.9 billion).

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

21 

 

Risk and capital management

Credit risk continued

Segment analysis – loans

-Retail Banking – Balance sheet growth continued during Q3 2023, but at a reduced pace compared to Q2 2023, reflecting UK mortgage market trends. Unsecured balances growth, primarily in credit cards, was a continuation of the strong customer demand seen in the first half of the year. Lending criteria and affordability assumptions continue to be reviewed to ensure new business is assessed appropriately in the higher interest rate and inflationary environment. While portfolio performance continued to remain stable, total ECL coverage increased. The rise in coverage was reflective of increased Stage 3 ECL on unsecured portfolios, mainly due to reduced write-off activity. The modest increase in good book coverage reflected slightly increased probability of defaults in unsecured portfolios, linked to economic modelling inputs, unsecured lending growth. Post model adjustments to capture increased affordability pressures on customers due to high inflation and rising interest rates remained broadly stable. Stage 2 balances decreased during Q3 2023, driven by mortgages, as a lagged effect of the multiple economic scenarios update at 30 June 2023. This scenario update reduced levels of probability of default significant increase in credit risk deterioration, with the three-month probability of default persistence rules expiring, which resulted in some migration back into Stage 1. Increased probability of defaults in unsecured portfolios, as described above, resulted in increased Stage 2 balances, primarily in credit cards.
-Commercial & Institutional – There was balance sheet growth during Q3 2023. Growth since Q4 2022 was primarily in financial institutions and other wholesale. Sector appetite continues to be reviewed regularly, with particular focus on sector clusters and sub-sectors that are deemed to represent a heightened risk, including due to cost of living, supply chain and inflationary pressures. Coverage remained stable with small increases in ECL alongside balance growth. Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECL increased marginally during the quarter with increases from changes in risk parameters largely offset by the continued unwind of Covid post model adjustments. Stage 3 individual ECL increased due to some flows into Stage 3 as well as ECL increases on a small number of previously defaulted exposures.
-Central items & other – Disposal groups loans continue to reduce as portfolios are sold, with Q3 2023 sales comprised primarily of non-defaulted loans. ECL for the remaining loans was updated to reflect the expected outcome from future portfolio sales.  This has resulted in higher coverage rates on these remaining loans.

Movement in ECL provision

The table below shows the main ECL provision movements during the year.

  ECL provision
  £m
At 1 January 2023 3,434
Transfers to disposal groups and reclassifications (69)
Changes in economic forecasts (98)
Changes in risk metrics and exposure: Stage 1 and Stage 2 45
Changes in risk metrics and exposure: Stage 3 424
Judgemental changes: changes in post model adjustments for Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 118
Write-offs and other (205)
At 30 September 2023 3,649

 

-ECL increased during 2023, reflecting a relatively stable level of good book ECL coverage alongside increases in Stage 3 ECL.
-Stage 3 default flows in the Retail portfolios remained stable, although there were modest increases in line with growth and post-Covid lending strategy. For the Wholesale portfolios, default levels were lower than historic trends as the effects of high inflation, rising interest rates and supply chain disruption has, to date, not led to a significant increase in defaults.
-Stage 3 balances increased, primarily driven by Retail portfolios, linked to reduced write-off activity this year.
-There were no changes to economic forecasts in the quarter and minimal changes from post model adjustments which have been largely retained reflecting a continued uncertain economic outlook.
-A £69 million ECL reduction was due to the transfer to disposal groups and reclassifications related to the phased withdrawal of Ulster Bank RoI from the Republic of Ireland.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

22 

 

Risk and capital management

Credit risk continued

ECL post model adjustments

The table below shows ECL post model adjustments.

  Retail Banking   Private Commercial &   Central items &  
  Mortgages Other   Banking Institutional    other Total
30 September 2023 £m £m   £m £m   £m £m
Deferred model calibrations   1 21   22
Economic uncertainty 115 46   11 279   2 453
Other adjustments 7   14   33 54
Total 122 46   12 314   35 529
                 
Of which:                
- Stage 1 79 19   6 117   11 232
- Stage 2 29 27   6 193   21 276
- Stage 3  14   4   3 21
                 
30 June 2023      
Deferred model calibrations   1 22   23
Economic uncertainty 116 43   12 289   2 462
Other adjustments 7   12   36 55
Total 123 43   13 323   38 540
                 
Of which:                
- Stage 1 74 19   6 113   20 232
- Stage 2 34 24   7 206   17 288
- Stage 3  15   4   1 20
                 
31 December 2022      
Economic uncertainty 102 51   6 191   2 352
Other adjustments 8 20   16   15 59
Total 110 71   6 207   17 411
                 
Of which:                
- Stage 1 62 27   3 63   155
- Stage 2 32 44   3 139   16 234
- Stage 3  16   5   1 22

 

-Retail Banking – The post model adjustments for economic uncertainty increased slightly to £161 million at 30 September 2023 from £159 million at 30 June 2023. Continued consumer affordability risks, as a result of higher interest rates and sustained inflation, prompted an uplift in the cost of living post model adjustment (up from £134 million to £138 million). The cost of living post model adjustment captures the risk on segments in the Retail Banking portfolio that are more susceptible to the effects of cost of living rises. It focuses on key affordability lenses, including customers with lower income in fuel poverty, over-indebted borrowers and customers vulnerable to a potential mortgage rate shock.
-Commercial & Institutional – The post model adjustments for economic uncertainty decreased slightly to £279 million at 30 September 2023, from £289 million at 30 June 2023. It included an overlay of £62 million, down from £79 million, to cover the residual risks from Covid, to address concerns about the associated debt of customers who have used government support schemes. A mechanistic post model adjustment via a sector level downgrade remained in place to account for the pressures from inflation and supply chains, plus broader concerns around liquidity and reducing cash reserves across many sectors. The post model adjustment increased to £217 million at 30 September 2023 from £210 million at 30 June 2023, reflecting the significant headwinds for a number of sectors which are not fully captured in the models.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

23 

 

Risk and capital management

Credit risk continued

Sector analysis – portfolio summary

The table below shows ECL by stage, for the Personal portfolios and selected sectors of the Wholesale portfolios.

    Off-balance sheet    
  Loans - amortised cost and FVOCI Loan   Contingent   ECL provisions 
  Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total commitments   liabilities   Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Total
30 September 2023 £m £m £m £m £m   £m   £m £m £m £m
Personal 202,724 18,233 3,218 224,175 36,965   46   317 493 1,139 1,949
  Mortgages (1) 192,083 14,629 2,170 208,882 11,007     96 56 264 416
  Credit cards 3,569 1,825 132 5,526 17,267     70 175 95 340
  Other personal 7,072 1,779 916 9,767 8,691   46   151 262 780 1,193
Wholesale 143,717 19,413 2,247 165,377 92,220   4,540   370 539 791 1,700
  Property 27,083 3,510 661 31,254 14,372   359   99 114 197 410
  Financial institutions 52,414 437 34 52,885 19,697   1,553   32 15 10 57
  Sovereign 2,669 1 22 2,692 231     12 1 13
  Other wholesale 61,551 15,465 1,530 78,546 57,920   2,628   227 410 583 1,220
    Of which:                        
        Agriculture 3,719 1,119 104 4,942 998   20   18 37 35 90
        Airlines and aerospace  1,382 596 3 1,981 1,636   181   4 9 2 15
        Automotive 6,844 868 63 7,775 4,097   84   20 16 19 55
        Building materials 1,309 305 15 1,629 1,471   73   7 10 8 25
        Chemicals 339 69 1 409 822   11   1 5 1 7
        Industrials 2,303 674 73 3,050 3,059   156   10 20 19 49
        Land transport and logistics 4,314 766 65 5,145 3,193   162   12 19 18 49
        Leisure 4,146 2,678 289 7,113 1,979   161   30 85 88 203
        Mining and metals 359 36 5 400 488   7   1 1 4 6
        Oil and gas 760 147 28 935 1,977   236   3 3 27 33
        Power utilities 5,023 446 45 5,514 8,608   623   12 13 9 34
        Retail 5,594 1,899 224 7,717 4,566   389   21 44 116 181
        Shipping 199 72 3 274 66   31   2 2 4
        Water and waste 3,389 386 14 3,789 1,812   97   4 4 4 12
Total 346,441 37,646 5,465 389,552 129,185   4,586   687 1,032 1,930 3,649

 

                         
31 December 2022 (2)                        
Personal 192,438 21,854 2,831 217,123 43,126   51   260 466 957 1,683
  Mortgages (1) 182,245 18,787 1,925 202,957 18,782     81 62 233 376
  Credit cards 3,275 1,076 109 4,460 15,848     62 122 73 257
  Other personal 6,918 1,991 797 9,706 8,496   51   117 282 651 1,050
Wholesale 132,786 24,979 2,265 160,030 88,886   4,963   372 577 802 1,751
  Property 26,300 4,035 701 31,036 13,895   413   99 98 223 420
  Financial institutions 46,738 1,353 47 48,138 18,223   1,332   32 14 17 63
  Sovereign 2,793 1 2 2,796 269     15 2 17
  Other wholesale 56,955 19,590 1,515 78,060 56,499   3,218   226 465 560 1,251
    Of which:                        
        Agriculture 3,646 1,034 93 4,773 968   24   21 31 43 95
        Airlines and aerospace  483 1,232 19 1,734 1,715   174   2 40 8 50
        Automotive 5,776 1,498 30 7,304 4,009   99   18 18 11 47
        Building materials 1,244 284 15 1,543 1,407   78   7 7 7 21
        Chemicals 384 117 1 502 650   12   1 2 1 4
        Industrials 2,148 1,037 82 3,267 3,135   195   10 16 24 50
        Land transport and logistics 3,863 1,304 72 5,239 3,373   190   13 34 18 65
        Leisure 3,416 3,787 260 7,463 1,907   102   27 147 115 289
        Mining and metals 173 230 5 408 545   5   1 5 6
        Oil and gas 953 159 60 1,172 2,157   248   3 3 31 37
        Power utilities 4,228 406 6 4,640 6,960   1,182   9 11 1 21
        Retail 6,497 1,746 150 8,393 4,682   416   21 29 68 118
        Shipping 161 151 14 326 110   22   7 6 13
        Water and waste 3,026 335 7 3,368 2,143   101   4 4 4 12
Total 325,224 46,833 5,096 377,153 132,012   5,014   632 1,043 1,759 3,434

 

(1)As at 30 September 2023, £144.2 billion, 70%, of the total residential mortgages portfolio had Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data available (31 December 2022 – £138.8 billion, 68%), of which, 43% were rated as EPC A to C (31 December 2022 – 42%).
(2)Previously published sector splits for the Wholesale portfolio have been re-presented to reflect updated internal sector reporting splits.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

24 

 

Risk and capital management

Credit risk continued

Wholesale support schemes

The table below shows the sector split for the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) as well as associated debt split by stage. Associated debt refers to the non-BBLS lending to customers who also have BBLS lending.

  Gross carrying amount
  BBL   Associated debt   ECL on associated debt
  Stage 1  Stage 2 Stage 3 Total   Stage 1  Stage 2 Stage 3 Total   Stage 1 Stage 2  Stage 3
30 September 2023 £m £m £m £m   £m £m £m £m   £m £m £m
Wholesale                           
Property  699 191 32 922   702 222 78 1,002   9 18 29
Financial institutions 18 4 22   8 2 10  
Other 2,346 628 280 3,254   2,062 954 161 3,177   26 64 89
Total 3,063 823 312 4,198   2,772 1,178 239 4,189   35 82 118
                           
31 December 2022 (1)                      
Wholesale                           
Property  966 186 48 1,200   874 205 60 1,139   10 14 26
Financial institutions 24 4 28   9 2 11   1
Other 3,233 641 342 4,216   2,338 884 117 3,339   26 57 70
Total 4,223 831 390 5,444   3,221 1,091 177 4,489   36 71 97

 

(1)Previously published sector splits for the Wholesale portfolio have been re-presented to reflect updated internal sector reporting splits.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

25 

 

Risk and capital management

Capital, liquidity and funding risk

Introduction

NatWest Group takes a comprehensive approach to the management of capital, liquidity and funding, underpinned by frameworks, risk appetite and policies, to manage and mitigate capital, liquidity and funding risks. The framework ensures the tools and capability are in place to facilitate the management and mitigation of risk ensuring that NatWest Group operates within its regulatory requirements and risk appetite.

Key developments since 31 December 2022

CET1 ratio

The CET1 ratio decreased by 70 basis points to 13.5%. The reduction in CET1 ratio was due to a £0.4 billion decrease in CET1 capital and a £5.5 billion increase in RWAs.

The CET1 decrease was mainly driven by:

-    the directed buyback of £1.3 billion;

-    a foreseeable dividend accrual of £0.6 billion;

-    a £0.5 billion decrease for the on-market ordinary share buyback programme, of which £0.4 billion is reported as a foreseeable charge;

-    a £0.1 billion decrease in the IFRS 9 transitional adjustment, primarily due to the annual update in the dynamic stage transition percentage and the end of transition on the static and historic stages;

-    an increase in the intangible assets deduction of £0.4 billion; and

-    other movements on reserves and regulatory adjustments of £0.2 billion.

These reductions were partially offset by the £2.7 billion attributable profit in the period (net of ordinary interim dividend paid).

Total RWAs

Total RWAs increased by £5.5 billion to £181.6 billion, mainly reflecting:

-    an increase in credit risk RWAs of £2.0 billion, primarily due to £0.9 billion of IRB model adjustments within Retail Banking, in addition to increased exposures within Commercial & Institutional and Retail Banking. This was partially offset by reduced exposures within Ulster Bank RoI as a result of the phased withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland.

-    an increase in counterparty credit risk RWAs of £1.3 billion, primarily due to the call of a credit default swap trade in Q2 2023 and the subsequent removal of credit risk mitigation, this is in addition to increased trades during Q3 2023.

-    an increase in operational risk RWAs of £1.1 billion following the annual recalculation.

-    an increase in market risk RWAs of £1.1 billion, driven by market volatility during Q3 2023.

UK leverage ratio The leverage ratio decreased by 30 basis points to 5.1%. The decrease was due to a £0.4 billion reduction in Tier 1 capital and a £28.9 billion increase in leverage exposure. The key driver in leverage exposure was an increase in other financial assets.
Liquidity portfolio The liquidity portfolio decreased by £0.5 billion to £225.0 billion. Primary liquidity decreased by £12.7 billion to £148.9 billion, driven by a reduction in customer deposits, increased lending and capital distributions, partially offset by the UBIDAC asset sales and wholesale funding. Secondary liquidity increased by £12.2 billion due to an increase in pre-positioned collateral at the Bank of England.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

26 

 

Risk and capital management

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Maximum Distributable Amount (MDA) and Minimum Capital Requirements

NatWest Group is subject to minimum capital requirements relative to RWAs. The table below summarises the minimum capital requirements (the sum of Pillar 1 and Pillar 2A), and the additional capital buffers which are held in excess of the regulatory minimum requirements and are usable in stress.  

Where the CET1 ratio falls below the sum of the minimum capital and the combined buffer requirement, there is a subsequent automatic restriction on the amount available to service discretionary payments (including AT1 coupons), known as the MDA. Note that different requirements apply to individual legal entities or sub-groups and that the table shown does not reflect any incremental PRA buffer requirements, which are not disclosable.

The current capital position provides significant headroom above both our minimum requirements and our MDA threshold requirements.

Type CET1 Total Tier 1 Total capital
Pillar 1 requirements 4.5% 6.0% 8.0%
Pillar 2A requirements 1.7% 2.3% 3.0%
Minimum Capital Requirements 6.2% 8.3% 11.0%
Capital conservation buffer 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%
Countercyclical capital buffer (1)  1.7% 1.7% 1.7%
MDA threshold (2) 10.4% n/a n/a
Overall capital requirement 10.4% 12.5% 15.2%
Capital ratios at 30 September 2023 13.5% 15.7% 18.7%
Headroom (3)  3.1% 3.2% 3.5%

 

(1) The UK CCyB rate is being maintained at 2%. The rate may vary in either direction in the future depending on how risks develop.  The CCyB on Irish exposures will increase from 0.5% to 1.0% from 24 November 2023.  A further increase to 1.5% will be effective June 2024.
(2) Pillar 2A requirements for NatWest Group are set as a variable amount with the exception of some fixed add-ons.
(3) The headroom does not reflect excess distributable capital and may vary over time.

 

Leverage ratios

The table below summarises the minimum ratios of capital to leverage exposure under the binding PRA UK leverage framework applicable for NatWest Group.

Type CET1 Total Tier 1
Minimum ratio 2.44% 3.25%
Countercyclical leverage ratio buffer (1) 0.6% 0.6%
Total 3.04% 3.85%

 

(1) The countercyclical leverage ratio buffer is set at 35% of NatWest Group’s CCyB. The UK CCyB increased from 1% to 2% from 5 July 2023. Foreign exposure may be subject to different CCyB rates depending on the rates set in those jurisdictions.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

27 

 

Risk and capital management

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Capital and leverage ratios

The table below sets out the key capital and leverage ratios and measures. These are calculated on current PRA rules and presented on a transitional basis for the remaining IFRS 9 transitional relief in respect to ECL. The remaining Tier 2 instruments subject to CRR2 grandfathering provisions were derecognised during Q3 2023 following regulatory approvals.

       
  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
Capital adequacy ratios (1) % % %
CET1 13.5 13.5 14.2
Tier 1 15.7 15.7 16.4
Total 18.7 18.8 19.3
       
Capital £m £m £m
Tangible equity 24,015 23,415 25,482
       
Prudential valuation adjustment (272) (271) (275)
Deferred tax assets (688) (742) (912)
Own credit adjustments (24) (49) (58)
Pension fund assets (246) (243) (227)
Cash flow hedging reserve 2,967 3,344 2,771
Foreseeable ordinary dividends (643) (780) (967)
Adjustment for trust assets (2) (365) (365) (365)
Foreseeable charges - on-market ordinary share buyback programme (361) (500) (800)
Adjustments under IFRS 9 transitional arrangements 223 223 361
Insufficient coverage for non-performing exposures (21) (19) (18)
Total regulatory adjustments 570 598 (490)
       
CET1 capital 24,585 24,013 24,992
       
Additional AT1 capital 3,875 3,875 3,875
Tier 1 capital 28,460 27,888 28,867
       
End-point Tier 2 capital  5,485 5,364 4,978
Grandfathered instrument transitional arrangements 73 75
Tier 2 capital 5,485 5,437 5,053
Total regulatory capital 33,945 33,325 33,920
       
Risk-weighted assets      
Credit risk 143,974 142,704 141,963
Counterparty credit risk 8,001 7,680 6,723
Market risk 9,380 6,962 8,300
Operational risk 20,198 20,198 19,115
Total RWAs 181,553 177,544 176,101
       
(1)30 September 2023 includes the transitional arrangements for the capital impact of IFRS 9 expected credit loss (ECL) accounting and prior periods also include the transitional relief on grandfathered capital instruments. The impact of the IFRS 9 transitional adjustments at 30 September 2023 was £0.2 billion for CET1 capital, £48 million for total capital and £28 million RWAs (30 June 2023 - £0.2 billion CET1 capital, £35 million total capital and £37 million RWAs; 31 December 2022 - £0.4 billion CET1 capital, £36 million total capital and £71 million RWAs). Excluding these adjustments, the CET1 ratio would be 13.4% (30 June 2023 – 13.4%; 31 December 2022 - 14.0%). The transitional relief on grandfathered instruments at 30 September 2023 was £nil (30 June 2023 - £0.1 billion; 31 December 2022 - £0.1 billion). Excluding both the transitional relief on grandfathered capital instruments and the transitional arrangements for the capital impact of IFRS 9 expected credit loss (ECL) accounting, the end-point Tier 1 capital ratio would be 15.6% (30 June 2023 - 15.6%; 31 December 2022 – 16.2%) and the end-point Total capital ratio would be 18.7% (30 June 2023 – 18.8%; 31 December 2022 – 19.2%).
(2)Prudent deduction in respect of agreement with the pension fund to establish new legal structure to remove dividend linked contribution.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

28 

 

Risk and capital management

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Capital and leverage ratios continued

  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
Leverage £m £m £m
Cash and balances at central banks 119,590 123,022 144,832
Trading assets 49,621 48,893 45,577
Derivatives 87,504 81,873 99,545
Financial assets 432,451 416,739 404,374
Other assets 26,891 27,499 18,864
Assets of disposal groups 1,084 4,575 6,861
Total assets 717,141 702,601 720,053
Derivatives      
   - netting and variation margin (86,657) (82,798) (100,356)
   - potential future exposures 17,226 16,654 18,327
Securities financing transactions gross up 2,245 2,013 4,147
Other off-balance sheet items 50,528 48,668 46,144
Regulatory deductions and other adjustments (16,647) (15,663) (7,114)
Claims on central banks (116,157) (114,253) (141,144)
Exclusion of bounce back loans (4,198) (4,627) (5,444)
UK leverage exposure 563,481 552,595 534,613
UK leverage ratio (%) (1) 5.1 5.0 5.4

 

(1)Excluding the IFRS 9 transitional adjustment, the UK leverage ratio would be 5.0% (30 June 2023 – 5.0%; 31 December 2022 – 5.3%).

 

Capital flow statement

The table below analyses the movement in CET1, AT1 and Tier 2 capital for the nine months ended 30 September 2023. It is being presented on a transitional basis based on current PRA rules.

  CET1 AT1 Tier 2 Total
  £m £m £m £m
At 31 December 2022 24,992 3,875 5,053 33,920
Attributable profit for the period 3,165 3,165
Ordinary interim dividend paid (491) (491)
Directed buyback  (1,259) (1,259)
Foreseeable ordinary dividends (643) (643)
On-market share buyback (500) (500)
Foreign exchange reserve (419) (419)
FVOCI reserve 82 82
Own credit 34 34
Share capital and reserve movements in respect of employee share schemes 70 70
Goodwill and intangibles deduction (399) (399)
Deferred tax assets 224 224
Prudential valuation adjustments 3 3
Net dated subordinated debt instruments 303 303
Foreign exchange movements (50) (50)
Adjustment under IFRS 9 transitional arrangements (138) (138)
Other movements (136) 179 43
At 30 September 2023 24,585 3,875 5,485 33,945

 

-The CET1 decrease is mainly driven by the directed buyback of £1.3 billion, a foreseeable ordinary dividend accrual of £0.6 billion, a £0.5 billion decrease for the on-market ordinary share buyback programme, a £0.1 billion decrease in the IFRS 9 transitional adjustment, an increase in the intangible assets deduction of £0.4 billion and other movements in reserves and regulatory adjustments of £0.2 billion, partially offset by an attributable profit in the period (net of ordinary interim dividend paid) of £2.7 billion.
-The Tier 2 movement of £0.3 billion includes €700 million 5.763% Fixed to Fixed Reset Tier 2 Notes 2034 issued in February 2023 offset by the £0.1 billion derecognition of the UBIDAC subordinated notes as eligible Tier 2 capital instruments, partial redemption of 5.125% Subordinated Tier 2 Notes 2024, maturities with minimum regulatory value and an increase in regulatory amortisation £0.1 billion. Within Tier 2, there was also a £0.2 billion increase in the Tier 2 surplus provisions.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

29 

 

Risk and capital management

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Risk-weighted assets

The table below analyses the movement in RWAs during the period, by key drivers.

    Counterparty   Operational  
  Credit risk credit risk Market risk  risk Total
  £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
At 31 December 2022 142.0 6.7 8.3 19.1 176.1
Foreign exchange movement (0.4) (0.1) (0.5)
Business movement 6.5 0.5 1.2 1.1 9.3
Risk parameter changes (2.1) (2.1)
Methodology changes 
Model updates 0.8 (0.1) 0.7
Other charges 0.9 0.9
Acquisitions and disposals (2.8) (2.8)
At 30 September 2023 144.0 8.0 9.4 20.2 181.6

The table below analyses segmental RWAs.

  Retail Private Commercial  Central items Total NatWest
  Banking Banking & Institutional & other (1) Group
Total RWAs £bn £bn £bn £bn £bn
At 31 December 2022 54.7 11.2 103.2 7.0 176.1
Foreign exchange movement (0.4) (0.1) (0.5)
Business movement 3.5 0.4 6.3 (0.9) 9.3
Risk parameter changes  (0.2) (1.9) (2.1)
Methodology changes 
Model updates 0.9 (0.2) 0.7
Other charges 0.9 0.9
Acquisitions and disposals (2.8) (2.8)
At 30 September 2023 58.9 11.6 107.9 3.2 181.6
           
Credit risk 51.2 10.2 80.2 2.4 144.0
Counterparty credit risk 0.3 7.7 8.0
Market risk 0.2 9.2 9.4
Operational risk 7.2 1.4 10.8 0.8 20.2
Total RWAs 58.9 11.6 107.9 3.2 181.6
(1)£1.6 billion of Central items & other relates to Ulster Bank RoI.

Total RWAs increased by £5.5 billion to £181.6 billion during the period mainly reflecting:

-Business movements totalling £9.3 billion, driven by increased credit risk exposures within Retail Banking and Commercial & Institutional, increased market risk RWAs of £1.1 billion reflecting heightened market volatility in Q3 and increased RWAs following the annual recalculation of operational risk.
-An increase in other changes of £0.9 billion, driven by the termination of portfolio credit default swap resulting in a decrease to the CRM benefit.
-Model update increase of £0.7 billion, mainly driven by IRB model adjustments within Retail Banking.
-A decrease in risk parameters of £2.1 billion, primarily reflecting changes in regulatory treatment for certain structured transactions.
-Disposals relating to the phased withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland, reducing RWAs by £2.8 billion.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

30 

 

 

Risk and capital management

Capital, liquidity and funding risk continued

Liquidity portfolio

The table below shows the liquidity portfolio by product, with primary liquidity aligned to internal stressed outflow coverage and regulatory LCR categorisation. Secondary liquidity comprises assets eligible for discount at central banks, which do not form part of the liquid asset portfolio for LCR or internal stressed outflow purposes. In addition, a reconciliation has been provided between the liquidity portfolio for internal stressed outflow coverage and high-quality liquid assets on a regulatory LCR basis.

  Liquidity value
  30 September 2023   30 June 2023   31 December 2022
  NatWest   NatWest   NatWest
  Group (1)   Group   Group 
  £m   £m   £m
Cash and balances at central banks  116,231   119,612   140,820
   AAA to AA- rated governments 25,214   23,813   18,589
   A+ and lower rated governments 4,223   1,172   317
   Government guaranteed issuers, public sector entities and government sponsored entities 455   229   134
        International organisations   and multilateral development banks 2,821   2,674   1,734
LCR level 1 bonds 32,713   27,888   20,774
LCR level 1 assets 148,944   147,500   161,594
LCR level 2 assets    
Non-LCR eligible assets    
Primary liquidity  148,944   147,500   161,594
Secondary liquidity (2) 76,097   79,424   63,917
Total liquidity value 225,041   226,924   225,511
  30 September 2023   30 June 2023    
  NatWest   NatWest    
Stressed outflow coverage (SOC) to liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) Group (1)   Group    
   reconciliation £m   £m    
SOC primary liquidity (from table above) 148,944   147,500    
   Level 1 assets excluded (3) 6,175   4,180    
   Level 2 assets excluded (4) 4,173   3,133    
   Methodology difference (5) 628   960    
Total LCR high quality liquid assets 159,920   155,773    

 

(1) NatWest Group includes the UK Domestic Liquidity Sub-Group (NWB Plc, RBS plc and Coutts & Co), NatWest Markets Plc and other significant operating subsidiaries that hold liquidity portfolios. These include The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited, NWM N.V. and Ulster Bank Ireland DAC who hold managed portfolios that comply with local regulations that may differ from PRA rules.
(2) Comprises assets eligible for discounting at the Bank of England and other central banks.
(3)

LCR level 1 assets include extremely high-quality covered bonds, government guaranteed bonds, and other LCR level 1 assets, which are not included as primary liquidity, but

included as inflows in stressed outflow coverage.

(4) LCR level 2 assets include high quality covered bonds, asset-backed securities and other level 2 assets which are not included as primary liquidity but included as inflows in stressed outflow coverage.
(5)

Methodology differences include cash in tills which is classified as LCR level 1 but not included in stressed outflow coverage, JPY bonds which are classified as level 1 for stressed

outflow coverage but level 2 for LCR and weighting differences between stressed outflow coverage and LCR.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Condensed consolidated income statement

for the period ended 30 September 2023 (unaudited)

 

  Nine months ended   Quarter ended
  30 September 30 September   30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2022   2023 2023 2022
  £m  £m    £m  £m  £m 
Interest receivable 15,071 8,591   5,589 4,981 3,341
Interest payable (6,660) (1,617)   (2,904) (2,157) (701)
Net interest income 8,411 6,974   2,685 2,824 2,640
Fees and commissions receivable 2,213 2,145   754 719 721
Fees and commissions payable (484) (468)   (169) (158) (168)
Trading income 609 969   191 85 260
Other operating income 466 (172)   27 381 (224)
Non-interest income 2,804 2,474   803 1,027 589
Total income 11,215 9,448   3,488 3,851 3,229
Staff costs (2,924) (2,687)   (919) (965) (879)
Premises and equipment (845) (820)   (275) (284) (286)
Other administrative expenses (1,390) (1,429)   (519) (421) (531)
Depreciation and amortisation (683) (613)   (214) (257) (200)
Operating expenses (5,842) (5,549)   (1,927) (1,927) (1,896)
Profit before impairment losses 5,373 3,899   1,561 1,924 1,333
Impairment losses (452) (193)   (229) (153) (247)
Operating profit before tax 4,921 3,706   1,332 1,771 1,086
Tax charge (1,439) (1,229)   (378) (549) (434)
Profit from continuing operations 3,482 2,477   954 1,222 652
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (1) (138) (206)   (30) (143) (396)
Profit for the period 3,344 2,271   924 1,079 256
             
Attributable to:            
Ordinary shareholders 3,165 2,078   866 1,020 187
Paid-in equity holders 182 188   61 60 67
Non-controlling interests (3) 5   (3) (1) 2
  3,344 2,271   924 1,079 256
             
Earnings per ordinary share - continuing operations 35.6p 23.0p   10.1p 12.5p 6.0p
Earnings per ordinary share - discontinued operations (1.5p) (2.1p)   (0.3p) (1.5p) (4.1p)
Total earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders - basic  34.1p 20.9p   9.8p 11.0p 1.9p
Earnings per ordinary share - fully diluted continuing operations 35.4p 22.9p   10.1p 12.4p 6.0p
Earnings per ordinary share - fully diluted discontinued operations (1.5p) (2.1p)   (0.3p) (1.5p) (4.1p)
Total earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders - fully diluted 33.9p 20.8p   9.8p 10.9p 1.9p
(1)The results of discontinued operations, comprising the post-tax loss, is shown as a single amount on the face of the income statement. An analysis of this amount is presented in Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

32 

 

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the period ended 30 September 2023 (unaudited)

 

  Nine months ended   Quarter ended
  30 September 30 September   30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2022   2023 2023 2022
  £m £m   £m £m £m
Profit for the period 3,344 2,271   924 1,079 256
Items that do not qualify for reclassification            
Remeasurement of retirement benefit schemes (105) (682)   (41) (25) (165)
Changes in fair value of credit in financial liabilities  designated at fair value through profit or loss  (FVTPL) (27) 102   (23) 2 11
Fair value through other comprehensive income  (FVOCI) financial assets 36 42   6 (13) 39
Tax 20 136   13 9 13
  (76) (402)   (45) (27) (102)
Items that do qualify for reclassification             
FVOCI financial assets 65 (451)   12 13 7
Cash flow hedges (208) (3,978)   526 (1,032) (2,421)
Currency translation (401) 358   68 (410) 173
Tax (16) 1,259   (143) 225 693
  (560) (2,812)   463 (1,204) (1,548)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income after tax (636) (3,214)   418 (1,231) (1,650)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period 2,708 (943)   1,342 (152) (1,394)
             
Attributable to:            
Ordinary shareholders 2,529 (1,136)   1,284 (211) (1,463)
Paid-in equity holders 182 188   61 60 67
Non-controlling interests (3) 5   (3) (1) 2
  2,708 (943)   1,342 (152) (1,394)

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

33 

 

Condensed consolidated balance sheet as at 30 September 2023 (unaudited)

 

  30 September 31 December
  2023 2022
  £m  £m 
Assets    
Cash and balances at central banks          119,590  144,832 
Trading assets            49,621  45,577 
Derivatives            87,504  99,545 
Settlement balances            10,644  2,572 
Loans to banks - amortised cost              8,454  7,139 
Loans to customers - amortised cost          377,268  366,340 
Other financial assets            46,729  30,895 
Intangible assets              7,515  7,116 
Other assets              8,732  9,176 
Assets of disposal groups              1,084  6,861 
Total assets          717,141  720,053 
     
Liabilities    
Bank deposits            24,354  20,441 
Customer deposits          435,867  450,318 
Settlement balances            11,585  2,012 
Trading liabilities            58,495  52,808 
Derivatives            81,135  94,047 
Other financial liabilities            56,302  49,107 
Subordinated liabilities              6,210  6,260 
Notes in circulation              3,144  3,218 
Other liabilities              4,592  5,346 
Total liabilities          681,684  683,557 
     
Equity    
Ordinary shareholders' interests            31,530  32,598 
Other owners' interests              3,890  3,890 
Owners' equity            35,420  36,488 
Non-controlling interests                   37 
Total equity            35,457  36,496 
     
Total liabilities and equity 717,141  720,053 

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

34 

 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the period ended 30 September 2023 (unaudited)

 

  Share             
  capital and       Total Non  
  statutory Paid-in Retained Other owners' controlling Total 
  reserves (1) equity earnings reserves* equity  interests equity
  £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2023 13,093 3,890 10,019 9,486 36,488 8 36,496
Profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders and other equity owners              
      - continuing operations     3,485   3,485 (3) 3,482
      - discontinued operations     (138)   (138)   (138)
Other comprehensive income              
  - Realised gains/(losses) in period on FVOCI equity shares      2 (2)  
  - Remeasurement of retirement benefit schemes     (105)   (105)   (105)
  - Changes in fair value of credit in financial liabilities designated at FVTPL due to own credit risk     (27)   (27)   (27)
  - Unrealised gains: FVOCI       68 68   68
  - Amounts recognised in equity: cash flow hedges       (821) (821)   (821)
  - Foreign exchange reserve movement (4)       (401) (401)   (401)
  - Amount transferred from equity to earnings       646 646   646
  - Tax     27 (23) 4   4
Ordinary dividends paid     (1,456)   (1,456)   (1,456)
Paid-in equity dividends paid     (182)   (182)   (182)
Shares repurchased during the period  (2,3)   (1,852)   (1,852)   (1,852)
Shares issued under employee share schemes during the period   21   21   21
Share-based payments      (31)   (31)   (31)
Movement in own shares held  (279)       (279)   (279)
Acquisition of subsidiary           32 32
At 30 September 2023 12,814 3,890 9,763 8,953 35,420 37 35,457
               
              30 September
              2023
Attributable to:         £m
Ordinary shareholders             31,530
Paid-in equity holders             3,890
Non-controlling interests             37
              35,457
*Other reserves consist of:            
Merger reserve             10,881
FVOCI reserve             (20)
Cash flow hedging reserve             (2,967)
Foreign exchange reserve             1,059
              8,953

 

(1)Share capital and statutory reserves includes share capital, share premium, capital redemption reserve and own shares held.
(2)In May 2023, there was an agreement to buy 469.2 million ordinary shares in NatWest Group plc from UK Government Investments Ltd (UKGI) at 268.4p per share for the total consideration of £1,265.6 million. NatWest Group cancelled 336.2 million of the purchased ordinary shares, amounting to £906.9 million excluding fees and held the remaining 133.0 million shares as own shares held, amounting to £358.8 million excluding fees. The nominal value of the share cancellation has been transferred to the capital redemption reserve.
(3)NatWest Group plc repurchased and cancelled 364.3 million shares for total consideration of £951.0 million excluding fees in 2023 so far, as part of the On Market Share Buyback Programmes. Out of total number of shares bought back, 2.93 million shares were settled and cancelled in October 2023 amounting to £6.9 million. The nominal value of the share cancellations amounting to £389.2 million has been transferred to the capital redemption reserve.
(4)Includes £305 million FX recycled to profit or loss upon completion of a capital repayment by UBIDAC.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

35 

 

Notes

1. Presentation of condensed consolidated financial statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with NatWest Group plc’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 20-F. The accounting policies are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements.

The directors have prepared the condensed consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis after assessing the principal risks, forecasts, projections and other relevant evidence over the twelve months from the date they are approved.

Amendments to IFRS effective from 1 January 2023 had no material effect on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

2. Discontinued operations and assets and liabilities of disposal groups

Four legally binding agreements for the sale of UBIDAC business have been announced as part of the phased withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland. Material developments in Q3 2023 are set out below.

Agreement with Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. (AIB) for the transfer of performing commercial loans

In Q3 2023, UBIDAC completed the sale of commercial loans to AIB, with a cumulative €3.1 billion of gross performing loans being fully migrated. The transfer of the final cohort of colleagues to AIB who were wholly or mainly assigned to supporting this part of the business under Transfer of Undertakings, Protection of Employment (TUPE) arrangements has also completed. Losses on disposal of €30 million have been recognised in respect of the migrations completed during Q3 2023.

Agreement with Permanent TSB p.l.c. (PTSB) for the sale of performing non-tracker mortgages, the performing loans in the micro-SME business, the UBIDAC Asset Finance business, including its Lombard digital platform, and 25 Ulster Bank branch locations in the Republic of Ireland.

In Q3 2023, the Lombard Asset Finance business which included balances of c.€500 million migrated to PTSB and the transfer of remaining colleagues who were eligible to move to PTSB under TUPE regulations also completed. This was the final phase of the transaction with PTSB, which also included c.€6.3 billion of gross performing non-tracker mortgage and micro-SME balances as well as 25 Ulster Bank branches.

Agreement with AIB for the sale of performing tracker and linked mortgages

In Q3 2023, UBIDAC completed the migration of €4.0 billion of performing tracker and linked mortgages to AIB. The remaining migrations are expected to occur by H1 2024.

Agreement with Elmscott Property Finance DAC / AB CarVal (CarVal) for the sale of a portfolio of performing and non-performing exposures

In Q3 2023, UBIDAC agreed the sale of a portfolio of performing and non-performing exposures to CarVal, which consists mostly of non-performing mortgages, unsecured personal loans and commercial facilities with a gross value of c. €690 million at 31 December 2022. Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) DAC will become the legal owner and servicer of the facilities. The majority of these migrations are expected to occur in Q4 2023.

The business activities relating to these sales that meet the requirements of IFRS 5 are presented as a discontinued operation and as a disposal group. Ulster Bank RoI continuing operations are reported within Central items & other.

(a)Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
  Nine months ended   Quarter ended 
  30 September 30 September   30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2022   2023 2023 2022
  £m £m   £m £m £m
Interest receivable 22 160   (4) 11 4
Net interest income 22 160   (4) 11 4
Non-interest income (42) (409)   (28) (31) (405)
Total income (20) (249)   (32) (20) (401)
Operating expenses (124) (35)   (2) (118) (11)
Loss before impairment releases/losses (144) (284)   (34) (138) (412)
Impairment releases/(losses) 6 78   4 (5) 16
Operating loss before tax (138) (206)   (30) (143) (396)
Tax charge  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (138) (206)   (30) (143) (396)

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

36 

 

Notes

2. Discontinued operations and assets and liabilities of disposal groups continued

(b)Assets and liabilities of disposal groups
  As at 
  30 September 31 December
  2023 2022
  £m £m
Assets of disposal groups    
Loans to customers - amortised cost 75 1,458
Other financial assets - loans to customers at fair value through profit or loss 1,001 5,397
Other assets 8 6
  1,084 6,861
     
Liabilities of disposal groups    
Other liabilities 5 15
  5 15
     
Net assets of disposal groups 1,079 6,846

 

3. Litigation and other matters

NatWest Group plc’s Interim Results 2023, issued on 28 July 2023, included disclosures about NatWest Group's litigation and regulatory matters in Note 14. Set out below are the material developments in those matters, and an update on an internal investigation by independent counsel, since publication of the Interim Results 2023.

Litigation

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other rates litigation

In August 2020, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California by several United States retail borrowers against the USD ICE LIBOR panel banks and their affiliates (including NatWest Group plc, NWM Plc, NWMSI and NWB Plc), alleging (i) that the very process of setting USD ICE LIBOR amounts to illegal price-fixing; and (ii) that banks in the United States have illegally agreed to use LIBOR as a component of price in variable retail loans. In September 2022, the district court dismissed the complaint. The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, but in October 2023, the district court dismissed that complaint as well, and indicated that further amendment would not be permitted. The district court’s decision is subject to appeal by the plaintiffs.

FX litigation

In September 2023, second summonses were served by Stichting FX Claims on NWM N.V., NatWest Group plc and NWM Plc, for claims on behalf of a new group of parties. The summonses seek declarations from the Dutch court concerning liability for anti-competitive FX market conduct described in decisions of the European Commission (EC) of 16 May 2019 and 2 December 2021, along with unspecified damages.

Government securities antitrust litigation

Class action antitrust claims commenced in March 2019 are pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) against NWM Plc, NWMSI and other banks in respect of Euro-denominated bonds issued by various European central banks (European government bonds or EGBs). The complaint alleges a conspiracy among dealers of EGBs to widen the bid-ask spreads they quoted to customers, thereby increasing the prices customers paid for the EGBs or decreasing the prices at which customers sold EGBs. The class consists of those who purchased or sold EGBs in the US between 2007 and 2012. Previously, in March 2022, the SDNY dismissed the claims against NWM Plc and NWMSI on the ground that the complaint’s conspiracy allegations were insufficient. However, in September 2023, the SDNY ruled that new allegations which plaintiffs have included in an amended complaint are sufficient to bring those NatWest entities back into the case as defendants.

1MDB litigation

A Malaysian court claim was served in Switzerland in November 2022 by 1MDB, a Sovereign Wealth Fund, in which Coutts & Co Ltd was named, along with six others, as a defendant in respect of losses allegedly incurred by 1MDB. It is claimed that Coutts & Co Ltd is liable as a constructive trustee for having dishonestly assisted the directors of 1MDB in the breach of their fiduciary duties by failing (amongst other alleged claims) to undertake due diligence in relation to a customer of Coutts & Co Ltd, through which funds totalling c.US$1 billion were received and paid out between 2009 and 2011. The claimant seeks the return of that amount plus interest. Coutts & Co Ltd filed an application in January 2023 challenging the validity of service and the Malaysian court’s jurisdiction to hear the claim.

In April 2023, the claimant filed a notice of discontinuance of its claim against certain defendants including Coutts & Co Ltd. The claimant subsequently indicated that it intended to issue further replacement proceedings. Coutts & Co Ltd challenged the claimant’s ability to take that step and a hearing took place in the Malaysian High Court in June 2023. In August 2023, the court disallowed the discontinuation of the claim by the claimant and directed that the application by Coutts & Co Ltd challenging the validity of the proceedings should proceed to a hearing. In September 2023, the claimant filed a notice to appeal that decision.

Coutts & Co Ltd (a subsidiary of RBS Netherlands Holdings B.V., which in turn is a subsidiary of NatWest Markets Plc) is a company registered in Switzerland and is in wind-down following the announced sale of its business assets in 2015.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

37 

 

 

Notes

3. Litigation and other matters continued

Other

Reviews into customer account closures

In July 2023, NatWest Group plc commissioned an independent review by the law firm Travers Smith LLP into issues that had arisen in connection with a recent account closure and treatment of the customer that attracted significant public attention and certain related interactions with the media. NatWest Group plc has received reports in connection with those reviews (and has today published a summary of the key findings and recommendations) and expects to receive a further report in due course.

In addition, NatWest Group plc is conducting internal reviews with respect to certain governance processes, policies, systems and controls of NatWest Group entities, including with respect to customer account closures.

The subject matter giving rise to these independent reviews and related developments, or the outcomes of any of the independent or internal reviews, could increase the risk of greater regulatory or third-party scrutiny and result in future legal or regulatory actions, which could have financial, reputational or collateral consequences for NatWest Group’s business.

4. Post balance sheet events

On 28 July 2023, the Group announced that it had appointed Travers Smith LLP to undertake a thorough and independent review into account closure arrangements at Coutts and the circumstances surrounding an article including if there was a leak of confidential information. Phase 1 of this review is now complete.

Other than as disclosed in this document, there have been no significant events between 30 September 2023 and the date of approval of this announcement which would require a change to, or additional disclosure, in the announcement.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

38 

 

Additional information

Other financial data

The following table shows NatWest Group’s issued and fully paid share capital, owners’ equity and indebtedness on a consolidated basis in accordance with IFRS as at 30 September 2023.

 

As at
30 September

2023

  £m
Share capital - allotted, called up and fully paid  
Ordinary shares of £1 9,788
Retained income and other reserves 25,632
Owners’ equity 35,420
   
NatWest Group indebtedness  
Trading liabilities  - debt securities in issue 734
Other financial liabilities – debt securities in issue 55,123
Subordinated liabilities 6,210
Total indebtedness 62,067
Total capitalisation and indebtedness 97,487

 

Under IFRS, certain preference shares are classified as debt and are included in subordinated liabilities in the table above.

The information contained in the table above has not changed materially since 30 September 2023.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

39 

 

 

 

Appendix

 

Non-IFRS financial measures

 

Non-IFRS financial measures

NatWest Group prepares its financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This document contains a number of non-IFRS measures, also known as alternative performance measures, defined under the European Securities and Markets Authority guidance or non-GAAP financial measures in accordance with SEC regulations. These measures are adjusted for notable and other defined items which management believes are not representative of the underlying performance of the business and which distort period-on-period comparison.

The non-IFRS measures provide users of the financial statements with a consistent basis for comparing business performance between financial periods and information on elements of performance that are one-off in nature. The non-IFRS measures also include a calculation of metrics that are used throughout the banking industry.

These non-IFRS measures are not a substitute for IFRS measures and a reconciliation to the closest IFRS measure is presented where appropriate.

1. Total income excluding notable items

Total income excluding notable items is calculated as total income less notable items.

The exclusion of notable items aims to remove the impact of one-offs and other items which may distort period-on-period comparisons.

  Nine months ended   Quarter ended 
  30 September 30 September   30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2022   2023 2023 2022
  £m £m   £m £m £m
Continuing operations            
Total income 11,215 9,448   3,488 3,851 3,229
Less notable items:            
Commercial & Institutional            
   Fair value, disposal losses and asset disposals/strategic risk reduction (45)  
   Own credit adjustments (OCA) 3 61   (6) 3 9
Central items & other            
   Loss on redemption of own debt (161)   (137)
   Liquidity Asset Bond sale (losses)/gains (33) (88)   (9) (11) (124)
   Share of associate (losses)/profits for Business Growth Fund (5) (29)   10 (3) (16)
  Property lease termination losses (69)   (69)
   Interest and FX management derivatives not in hedge accounting relationships 100 415   48 (23) 100
   FX recycling gains 322   322
  318 153   (26) 288 (168)
Total income excluding notable items 10,897 9,295   3,514 3,563 3,397

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Non-IFRS financial measures continued

2. Operating expenses - management view

The management analysis of operating expenses shows litigation and conduct costs on a separate line. These amounts are included within staff costs and other administrative expenses in the statutory analysis. Other operating expenses excludes litigation and conduct costs, which are more volatile and may distort comparisons with prior periods.

Statutory analysis      

 

  Nine months ended   Quarter ended
  30 September 30 September   30 September 30 June 30 September  
  2023 2022   2023 2023 2022  
  £m  £m    £m  £m  £m   
Staff costs 2,924 2,687   919 965 879  
Premises and equipment 845 820   275 284 286  
Depreciation and amortisation 683 613   214 257 200  
Other administrative expenses 1,390 1,429   519 421 531  
Total 5,842 5,549   1,927 1,927 1,896  
                 

Non-statutory analysis

  Nine months ended
  30 September 2023
  Litigation and Other operating Statutory operating
  conduct costs expenses expenses
  £m £m £m
Continuing operations      
Staff costs 46 2,878 2,924
Premises and equipment 845 845
Depreciation and amortisation 683 683
Other administrative expenses 196 1,194 1,390
Total  242 5,600 5,842
       
  Nine months ended
  30 September 2022
  Litigation and Other operating Statutory operating
  conduct costs expenses expenses
  £m £m £m
Continuing operations      
Staff costs 29 2,658 2,687
Premises and equipment 820 820
Depreciation and amortisation 613 613
Other administrative expenses 265 1,164 1,429
Total  294 5,255 5,549

 

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Non-IFRS financial measures continued

2. Operating expenses - management view continued

Non-statutory analysis continued

 

       
  Quarter ended
  30 September 2023
  Litigation and Other operating Statutory operating
  conduct costs expenses expenses
  £m £m £m
Continuing operations      
Staff costs 15 904 919
Premises and equipment 275 275
Depreciation and amortisation 214 214
Other administrative expenses 119 400 519
Total  134 1,793 1,927
       
  Quarter ended
  30 June 2023
  Litigation and Other operating Statutory operating
  conduct costs expenses expenses
  £m £m £m
Continuing operations      
Staff costs 17 948 965
Premises and equipment 284 284
Depreciation and amortisation 257 257
Other administrative expenses 35 386 421
Total  52 1,875 1,927
       
  Quarter ended
  30 September 2022
  Litigation and Other operating Statutory operating
  conduct costs expenses expenses
  £m £m £m
Continuing operations      
Staff costs 11 868 879
Premises and equipment 286 286
Depreciation and amortisation 200 200
Other administrative expenses 114 417 531
Total  125 1,771 1,896

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Non-IFRS financial measures continued

3. Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct)

NatWest Group uses the cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) in its Outlook guidance. This is calculated as other operating expenses (operating expenses less litigation and conduct costs) divided by total income. Litigation and conduct costs are excluded as they are one-off in nature, difficult to forecast for Outlook purposes and distort period-on-period comparisons.

The calculation of the cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) is shown below, along with a comparison to cost:income ratio using total operating expenses.

           
  Retail Private Commercial &  Central items  Total 
  Banking Banking Institutional and other NatWest Group
Nine months ended 30 September 2023 £m £m £m £m £m
Continuing operations          
Operating expenses 2,147 479 2,999 217 5,842
Less litigation and conduct costs (83) (11) (146) (2) (242)
Other operating expenses 2,064 468 2,853 215 5,600
           
Total income 4,562 781 5,589 283 11,215
Cost:income ratio 47.1% 61.3% 53.7% nm 52.1%
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) 45.2% 59.9% 51.0% nm 49.9%
           
Nine months ended 30 September 2022          
Continuing operations          
Operating expenses 1,935 424 2,713 477 5,549
Less litigation and conduct costs (121) (2) (139) (32) (294)
Other operating expenses 1,814 422 2,574 445 5,255
           
Total income 4,029 746 4,594 79 9,448
Cost:income ratio  48.0% 56.8% 59.1% nm 58.7%
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) 45.0% 56.6% 56.0% nm 55.6%
           
Quarter ended 30 September 2023          
Continuing operations          
Operating expenses 780 157 1,012 (22) 1,927
Less litigation and conduct costs (59) (52) (23) (134)
Other operating expenses 721 157 960 (45) 1,793
           
Total income 1,442 214 1,841 (9) 3,488
Cost:income ratio 54.1% 73.4% 55.0% nm 55.2%
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) 50.0% 73.4% 52.1% nm 51.4%
           
Quarter ended 30 June 2023          
Continuing operations          
Operating expenses 671 167 984 105 1,927
Less litigation and conduct costs (21) (8) (50) 27 (52)
Other operating expenses 650 159 934 132 1,875
           
Total income 1,516 271 1,795 269 3,851
Cost:income ratio  44.3% 61.6% 54.8% nm 50.0%
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) 42.9% 58.7% 52.0% nm 48.7%
           
Quarter ended 30 September 2022          
Continuing operations          
Operating expenses 693 139 893 171 1,896
Less litigation and conduct costs (63) (1) (53) (8) (125)
Other operating expenses 630 138 840 163 1,771
           
Total income 1,475 285 1,657 188 3,229
Cost:income ratio  47.0% 48.8% 53.9% nm 58.7%
Cost:income ratio (excl. litigation and conduct) 42.7% 48.4% 50.7% nm 54.8%

 

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Non-IFRS financial measures continued

4. NatWest Group return on tangible equity

Return on tangible equity comprises annualised profit or loss for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by average tangible equity. Average tangible equity is average total equity excluding average non-controlling interests, average other owners’ equity and average intangible assets.

This measure shows the return NatWest Group generates on tangible equity deployed. It is used to determine relative performance of banks and used widely across the sector, although different banks may calculate the rate differently. A reconciliation is shown below including a comparison to the nearest GAAP measure, return on equity. This comprises profit attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by average total equity.

  Nine months ended   Quarter ended or as at
  30 September 30 September   30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2022   2023 2023 2022
NatWest Group return on tangible equity  £m £m   £m £m £m
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders  3,165 2,078   866 1,020 187
Annualised profit attributable to ordinary shareholders  4,220 2,771   3,464 4,080 748
Average total equity  36,150 38,821   35,081 36,216 36,956
Adjustment for other owners' equity and intangibles  (11,427) (11,099)   (11,583) (11,378) (11,200)
Adjusted total tangible equity  24,723 27,722   23,498 24,838 25,756
Return on equity 11.7% 7.1%   9.9% 11.3% 2.0%
Return on tangible equity 17.1% 10.0%   14.7% 16.4% 2.9%

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Non-IFRS financial measures continued

5. Segmental return on equity

Segmental return on equity comprises segmental operating profit or loss, adjusted for preference share dividends and tax, divided by average notional tangible equity. Average RWAe is defined as average segmental RWAs incorporating the effect of capital deductions. This is multiplied by an allocated equity factor for each segment to calculate the average notional tangible equity.

This measure shows the return generated by operating segments on equity deployed.

      Retail Private Commercial &
Nine months ended 30 September 2023     Banking Banking Institutional
Operating profit (£m)     2,053 293 2,511
Paid-in equity cost allocation (£m)     (43) (17) (125)
Adjustment for tax (£m)     (563) (77) (597)
Adjusted attributable profit (£m)     1,447 199 1,790
Annualised adjusted attributable profit (£m)     1,930 265 2,386
Average RWAe (£bn)     56.9  11.4  105.6 
Equity factor (%)     13.5% 11.5% 14.0%
Average notional equity (£bn)     7.7  1.3  14.8 
Return on equity (%)     25.1% 20.3% 16.1%
           
Nine months ended 30 September 2022          
Operating profit (£m)     1,952 326 1,821
Preference share and paid-in equity cost allocation (£m)   (60) (9) (141)
Adjustment for tax (£m)     (530) (89) (420)
Adjusted attributable profit (£m)     1,362 228 1,260
Annualised adjusted attributable profit (£m)     1,816  304  1,680 
Average RWAe (£bn)     52.7 11.3 102.9
Equity factor (%)     13.0% 11.0% 14.0%
Average notional equity (£bn)     6.8 1.2 14.4
Return on equity (%)     26.5% 24.5% 11.7%
           
Quarter ended 30 September 2023          
Operating profit (£m)     493 59 770
Paid-in equity cost allocation (£m)     (13) (6) (39)
Adjustment for tax (£m)     (134) (15) (183)
Adjusted attributable profit (£m)     346 38 548
Annualised adjusted attributable profit (£m)     1,382 153 2,193
Average RWAe (£bn)     58.5  11.4  106.7 
Equity factor (%)     13.5% 11.5% 14.0%
Average notional equity (£bn)     7.9  1.3  14.9 
Return on equity (%)     17.5% 11.7% 14.7%
           
Quarter ended 30 June 2023          
Operating profit (£m)     766 101 747
Paid-in equity cost allocation (£m)     (15) (6) (42)
Adjustment for tax (£m)     (210) (27) (176)
Adjusted attributable profit (£m)     541 68 529
Annualised adjusted attributable profit (£m)     2,163 274 2,115
Average RWAe (£bn)     56.8  11.4  106.0 
Equity factor (%)     13.5% 11.5% 14.0%
Average notional equity (£bn)     7.7  1.3  14.8 
Return on equity (%)     28.2% 20.8% 14.3%
           
Quarter ended 30 September 2022          
Operating profit (£m)     666 139 645
Preference share and paid-in equity cost allocation (£m)   (20) (3) (48)
Adjustment for tax (£m)     (181) (38) (149)
Adjusted attributable profit (£m)     465 98 448
Annualised adjusted attributable profit (£m)     1,860 392 1,792
Average RWAe (£bn)     53.0  11.2  105.0 
Equity factor (%)     13.0% 11.0% 14.0%
Average notional equity (£bn)     6.9  1.2  14.7 
Return on equity (%)     27.0% 31.8% 12.2%

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Non-IFRS financial measures continued

6. Bank net interest margin

Bank net interest margin is defined as annualised net interest income, as a percentage of bank average interest-earning assets. Bank average interest earning assets are the average interest earning assets of the banking business of NatWest Group excluding liquid asset buffer.

Liquid asset buffer consists of assets held by NatWest Group, such as cash and balances at central banks and debt securities in issue, that can be used to ensure repayment of financial obligations as they fall due. The exclusion of liquid asset buffer has been introduced as a way to present net interest margin on a basis more comparable with UK peers and exclude the impact of regulatory driven factors. A reconciliation is shown below including a comparison to the nearest GAAP measure, net interest margin. This is net interest income as a percentage of average interest earning assets.

  Nine months ended   Quarter ended
  30 September 30 September   30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2022   2023 2023 2022
  £m £m   £m £m £m
Continuing operations            
NatWest Group net interest income  8,411  6,974   2,685  2,824 2,640
Annualised NatWest Group net interest income 11,245  9,324   10,652  11,327 10,474
             
Average interest earning assets (IEA) 519,199  546,918   520,815  514,459 548,008
Less liquid asset buffer average IEA  (157,505) (204,224)   (157,972) (152,133) (197,304)
Bank average IEA  361,694  342,694    362,843  362,326 350,704
             
Net interest margin 2.17% 1.70%   2.05% 2.20% 1.91%
Bank net interest margin  3.11% 2.72%   2.94% 3.13% 2.99%

 

  Nine months ended   Quarter ended
  30 September 30 September   30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2022   2023 2023 2022
Retail Banking £m £m   £m £m £m
Net interest income  4,242 3,719   1,334 1,416 1,379
Annualised net interest income 5,672 4,972   5,293 5,680 5,471
             
Retail Banking average IEA 221,838 207,915   223,686 221,468 212,179
Less liquid asset buffer average IEA (17,269) (19,311)   (16,745) (16,820) (20,050)
Adjusted Retail Banking average IEA 204,569 188,604   206,941 204,648 192,129
             
Retail Banking net interest margin 2.77% 2.64%   2.56% 2.78% 2.85%
             
Private Banking            
Net interest income  572 526   144 199 211
Annualised net interest income 765 703   571 798 837
             
Private Banking average IEA 27,270 29,366   26,595 27,140 29,309
Less liquid asset buffer average IEA (8,174) (10,310)   (7,680) (7,976) (10,155)
Adjusted Private Banking average IEA 19,096 19,056   18,915 19,164 19,154
             
Private Banking net interest margin 4.00% 3.69%   3.02% 4.17% 4.37%
             
Commercial & Institutional            
Net interest income  3,775 2,895   1,271 1,243 1,131
Annualised adjusted net interest income 5,047 3,871   5,043 4,986 4,487
             
Commercial & Institutional average IEA 196,457 202,061   193,793 196,735 205,021
Less liquid asset buffer average IEA (65,598) (76,639)   (63,944) (65,288) (75,216)
Adjusted Commercial & Institutional average IEA 130,859 125,422   129,849 131,447 129,805
             
Commercial & Institutional net interest margin 3.86% 3.09%   3.88% 3.79% 3.46%

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Non-IFRS financial measures continued

7. Tangible net asset value (TNAV) per ordinary share

TNAV per ordinary share is calculated as tangible equity divided by the number of ordinary shares in issue.

This is a measure used by external analysts in valuing the bank and allows for comparison with other per ordinary share metrics including the share price.

  As at
  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
Ordinary shareholders’ interests (£m) 31,530 30,868 32,598
Less intangible assets (£m) (7,515) (7,453) (7,116)
Tangible equity (£m) 24,015 23,415 25,482
       
Ordinary shares in issue (millions) (1) 8,871 8,929 9,659
       
TNAV per ordinary share (pence) 271p 262p 264p
(1)The number of ordinary shares in issue excludes own shares held.

8. Customer deposits excluding central items

Customer deposits excluding central items is calculated as total NatWest Group customer deposits excluding Central items & other customer deposits.

Central items & other includes Treasury repo activity and Ulster Bank RoI. The exclusion of Central items & other removes the volatility relating to Treasury repo activity and the expected reduction of deposits as part of our withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland. These items may distort period-on-period comparisons and their removal gives the user of the financial statements a better understanding of the movements in customer deposits.

  As at
  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
  £bn £bn £bn
Total customer deposits 435.9 432.5 450.3
Less Central items & other (12.4) (11.4) (17.4)
Customer deposits excluding central items 423.5 421.1 432.9

9. Net loans to customers excluding central items

Net loans to customers excluding central items is calculated as total NatWest Group net loans to customers excluding Central items & other net loans to customers.

Central items & other includes Treasury reverse repo activity and Ulster Bank RoI. The exclusion of Central items & other removes the volatility relating to Treasury reverse repo activity and the reduction of loans to customers over 2022 as part of our withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland. This allows for better period-on-period comparisons and gives the user of the financial statements a better understanding of the movements in net loans to customers.

  As at
  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
  £bn £bn £bn
Net loans to customers (amortised cost) 377.3 373.9 366.3
Less Central items & other (22.8) (21.2) (19.6)
Net loans to customers excluding central items 354.5 352.7 346.7

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Non-IFRS financial measures continued

10. Loan:deposit ratio (excl. repos and reverse repos)

Loan:deposit ratio (excl. repos and reverse repos) is calculated as net customer loans held at amortised cost excluding reverse repos divided by total customer deposits excluding repos. This is a common metric used to assess liquidity.

The removal of repos and reverse repos reduces volatility and presents the ratio on a basis that is comparable to UK peers. A reconciliation is shown below including a comparison to the nearest GAAP measure, loan:deposit ratio. This is calculated as net loans to customers held at amortised cost divided by customer deposits.

  As at
  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
  £m £m £m
Loans to customers - amortised cost  377,268 373,885 366,340
Less reverse repos (23,095) (21,420) (19,749)
Loans to customers - amortised cost (excl. reverse repos) 354,173 352,465 346,591
       
Customer deposits  435,867 432,532 450,318
Less repos (10,692) (9,322) (9,828)
Customer deposits (excl. repos) 425,175 423,210 440,490
       
Loan:deposit ratio (%) 87% 86% 81%
Loan:deposit ratio (excl. repos and reverse repos) (%) 83% 83% 79%

11. Loan impairment rate

Loan impairment rate is the annualised loan impairment charge divided by gross customer loans. This measure is used to assess the credit quality of the loan book.

  Nine months ended   Quarter ended 
  30 September 30 September   30 September 30 June 30 September
  2023 2022   2023 2023 2022
Loan impairment charge (£m) 452 193   229 153 247
Annualised loan impairment charge (£m) 603 257   916 612 988
             
Gross customer loans (£bn) 380.8 375.1   380.8 377.3 375.1
             
Loan impairment rate 16bps 7bps   24bps 16bps 26bps

12. Funded assets

Funded assets are calculated as total assets less derivative assets. This measure allows review of balance sheet trends exclusive of the volatility associated with derivative fair values.

  As at
  30 September 30 June 31 December
  2023 2023 2022
  £m £m £m
Total assets 717,141 702,601 720,053
Less derivative assets (87,504) (81,873) (99,545)
Funded assets 629,637 620,728 620,508

13. Assets under management and administration (AUMA)

AUMA comprises both assets under management (AUM) and assets under administration (AUA) serviced through the Private Banking segment.

AUM comprise assets where the investment management is undertaken by Private Banking on behalf of Private Banking, Retail Banking and Commercial & Institutional customers.

AUA comprise i) third party assets held on an execution-only basis in custody by Private Banking, Retail Banking and Commercial & Institutional for their customers, for which the execution services are supported by Private Banking, and for which Private Banking receives a fee for providing investment management and execution services to Retail Banking and Commercial & Institutional business segments ii) AUA of Cushon, acquired on 1 June 2023, which are supported by Private Banking and held and managed by third parties.

This measure is tracked and reported as the amount of funds that we manage or administer, and directly impacts the level of investment income that we receive.

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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Non-IFRS financial measures continued

14. AUM net flows

AUM net flows refers to client cash inflows and outflows relating to investment products (this can include transfers from savings accounts). AUM net flows excludes the impact of European Economic Area (EEA) resident client outflows following the UK’s exit from the EU and Russian client outflows since Q1 2022.

AUM net flows is reported and tracked to monitor the business performance of new business inflows and management of existing client withdrawals across Private Banking, Retail Banking and Commercial & Institutional.

15. Wholesale funding

Wholesale funding comprises deposits by banks (excluding repos), debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities.

Funding risk is the risk of not maintaining a diversified, stable and cost-effective funding base. The disclosure of wholesale funding highlights the extent of our diversification and how we mitigate funding risk.

16. Third party rates

Third party customer asset rate is calculated as annualised interest receivable on third-party loans to customers as a percentage of third-party loans to customers. This excludes assets of disposal groups, intragroup items, loans to banks and liquid asset portfolios. Third party customer funding rate reflects interest payable or receivable on third-party customer deposits, including interest bearing and non-interest bearing customer deposits. Intragroup items, bank deposits, debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities are excluded for customer funding rate calculation.

These metrics help investors better understand our net interest margin and interest rate sensitivity.

 

Legal Entity Identifier: 2138005O9XJIJN4JPN90

NatWest Group – Form 6-K Q3 Results 2023

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SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.

 

 

 

NatWest Group plc

Registrant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Katie Murray

Group Chief Financial Officer

27 October 2023