As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 26 March 2010


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 


FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
  o
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
OR
  x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended 31 December 2009
 
OR
  o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
OR
  o
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Date of event requiring this shell company report_______________
 
For the transition period from ______________ to _____________

Commission file number 1-14624
 

 
ABN AMRO HOLDING N.V.
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
THE NETHERLANDS
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)
Gustav Mahlerlaan 10, 1082 PP Amsterdam
The Netherlands
(Address of principal executive offices)
 

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

 
Title of Each Class
 
 
Name of Each Exchange
on Which Registered
Guarantee of 5.90% Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital Trust V
 
New York Stock Exchange*
Guarantee of 6.25% Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital Trust VI
 
New York Stock Exchange**
Guarantee of 6.08% Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital Trust VII
 
New York Stock Exchange***
5.90% Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital Trust V
 
New York Stock Exchange
6.25% Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital Trust VI
 
New York Stock Exchange
6.08% Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital VII
 
New York Stock Exchange
Leveraged CPI Linked Securities due January 13, 2020
 
NYSE Arca
Structured Hybrid Equity LinkeD Securities (SHIELDS) due January 16, 2014 linked to the S&P 500 Index
 
NYSE Arca
 

*
The guarantee is not listed for trading, but is listed only in connection with the registration of the corresponding Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital Trust V.
**
The guarantee is not listed for trading, but is listed only in connection with the registration of the corresponding Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital Trust VI.
***
The guarantee is not listed for trading, but is listed only in connection with the registration of the corresponding Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital Trust VII.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None

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

 
Title of Class
 
 
Number of Shares Outstanding
Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital Trust V
 
51,400,000
Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital Trust VI
 
8,000,000
Non-cumulative Guaranteed Trust Preferred Securities of RBS Capital Trust VII
 
72,000,000

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes x                                     No  o
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o                                     No x
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x                                         No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes  o                                    No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer    o                                    Accelerated filer   o                              Non-accelerated filer x
 
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP  o
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board x
Other o
 
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17   o                                          Item 18 o
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes   o                                   No x
 
The information contained in this report is incorporated by reference into the registration statements on Form S-8 with Registration Nos. 333-74703, 333-81400, 333-84044, 333-127660, 333-128619, 333-128621, 333-140798, 333-145751 and 333-149577, and the registration statements on Form F-3 with Registration Nos. 333-162193 and 333-104778-01.





CONTENTS

     
Section 1
Chairman’s Review
3
     
Section 2
Information about the Company
5
 
Introduction
6
 
Information about the Company
8
 
Organisational Structure
11
 
Selected Financial Data
12
     
Section 3
Operating Review
15
 
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
16
 
Analysis of the Balance Sheet Movements
26
 
Total Equity
28
 
Capital Ratios
29
 
Liquidity and Funding
31
 
Offices and Branches
31
 
Results of Operation by Segment
32
 
Credit Market and Related Exposures
41
     
Section 4
Risk and Capital Management
43
 
Regulation and Supervision
44
 
Risk Management
50
 
Risk Factors
61
 
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
69
 
Ongoing Investigations
69
     
Section 5
Governance
70
 
Boards and Committees
71
 
Corporate Governance Codes
77
 
ABN AMRO’s Human Resources
80
 
Sustainability
80
     
Section 6
Financial Statements
81
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
82
 
SEC Form 20-F Cross Reference
189
     
Section 7
Other Information
190
 
Management Reports
191
 
Auditor Reports
193
 
Stipulations of the Articles of Association with Respect to Profit Appropriation
197
     
Section 8
Additional Information
199
 
Exchange Rates
200
 
Supervisory Board
201
 
Managing Board
203
 
Pro Forma Financial Information
208
 
Selected Statistical Information
214
 
Major Shareholders and Ownership
236
 
Articles of Association
236
 
Material Contracts
237
 
Trend Information
237
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
238
 
Code of Ethics
238
 
Central Works Council
239
 
Abbreviations
240
 
Documents on Display
241
 
Signatures
243
     

 
2

 

SECTION 1     CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW
 
The year 2009 was marked by further preparations to legally separate the Dutch State acquired businesses from the residual RBS acquired businesses. This separation, which is planned to take place on 1 April 2010, marks one of the last steps of a carefully managed process to split up ABN AMRO. The separation also means a new starting point for two independent banks, the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. At the same time, 2009 was a year of economic uncertainty, requiring increased focus on business as usual in what still was a transitional year.

Results of operations in 2009
In a challenging business climate, ABN AMRO recorded a loss for the period of EUR 4,400 million comprising a loss after tax of EUR 4,499 million from continuing operations, partly offset by a gain after tax from discontinued operations of EUR 99 million. The loss for the period comprises a loss of EUR 4,168 million attributable to the RBS acquired businesses, a loss of EUR 117 million attributable to the Dutch State acquired businesses and a loss of EUR 214 million attributable to Central Items.

The loss for the RBS acquired businesses was significantly lower than the loss reported in 2008 predominantly due to improvements in net trading income, where the business did not experience the large losses on trading counterparties as seen in 2008. Business activities continued to be transferred to the RBS Group causing realisation of losses on these transfers. The loss for the Dutch State acquired businesses is mainly due to lower interest margins, higher loan impairments reflecting the deterioration of the economic climate, higher deposit guarantee scheme charges, and separation and restructuring costs. The loss for Central Items is mainly reflecting the impact of ongoing ramp down activities within this segment.

Separation
ABN AMRO filed the legal demerger documentation with the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce on 30 September 2009 and confirmed at the beginning of November 2009 that the creditor objection period had successfully ended with no objections filed. On 6 February 2010, the majority of the businesses acquired by the Dutch State were legally demerged from the RBS acquired businesses included in ABN AMRO.

As a result, there are now two separate banks within ABN AMRO Holding, The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. (‘RBS N.V.’) and a new entity named ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (the new ‘ABN AMRO Bank’). RBS N.V. is the renamed former ABN AMRO Bank N.V., principally containing the activities acquired by the RBS Group comprising of international lending, international transaction services and equities businesses. The strategies and long term objectives of RBS N.V. will be aligned with those of the RBS Group. The new ABN AMRO Bank contains the activities acquired by the Dutch State, comprising Dutch commercial clients (SMEs and corporates), Dutch consumer clients, and Dutch and international private clients including the diamond businesses. The new ABN AMRO Bank and Fortis Bank (Nederland) N.V. will merge in the second half of the year and jointly will roll out a strategy for the combined bank.

Both entities are licensed separately by the Dutch Central Bank. Until final legal separation of the new ABN AMRO Bank from ABN AMRO Holding, which is planned to occur on 1 April 2010, ABN AMRO Holding and the two banks will continue to be governed by the same Managing Board and Supervisory Board as those of ABN AMRO Holding and regulated on a consolidated basis with capital ratios, liquidity measures and exposures being reported to and regulated by the Dutch Central Bank.

An important step that needed to be taken to enable the new ABN AMRO Bank and Fortis Bank (Nederland) N.V. to merge and integrate their activities in 2010 was the sale of part of the Dutch commercial clients’ activities and selected regional branch offices and IFN Nederland B.V. to comply with the European Commission’s requirements for competition (‘EC Remedy’). The sale agreement with Deutsche Bank AG was signed on 23 December 2009. The closing of the sale is expected to take place directly after the legal separation of the new ABN AMRO Bank from ABN AMRO Holding.
 

 
3

 
 

 
Capital
ABN AMRO continued to be well capitalised and exceeded the minimum tier 1 and total capital ratios of 9% and 12.5% respectively (under Basel I as set by the Dutch Central Bank during the transition period of ABN AMRO). The tier 1 ratio at the end of 2009 was 19.9% and the total capital ratio amounted to 25.5%. In 2009, ABN AMRO and its shareholder, RFS Holdings B.V., through which the Consortium Members participate in ABN AMRO Holding, took several capital actions, which were part of an agreed plan for the separation of the businesses, to ensure that at legal separation each individual bank is adequately capitalised with a sound liquidity position.

In 2009 and early 2010 several significant milestones were reached in the separation process, with the creation of two new banks, a transition process which is expected to be completed in 2010 with the legal separation.

On behalf of the Managing Board, I would like to thank all our employees and clients for their continued commitment during another eventful period.




Gerrit Zalm
Chairman of the Managing Board of ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

Amsterdam, 26 March 2010
 

 
 
4

 

Section 2     Information about the Company


   
Introduction
6
Filing
6
Certain definitions
6
Presentation of information
6
Cautionary statement on forward looking statements
7
   
Information about the Company
8
Corporate information
8
Update on separation
8
EC Remedy
10
   
Organisational Structure
11
   
Selected Financial Data
12
Selected Consolidated Income Statement
12
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
13
Selected Ratios
14
   

 
5

 

SECTION 2     INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY
 
 
 
Filing
This document contains ABN AMRO’s Annual Report 2009 and will also be filed as ABN AMRO’s Annual Report 2009 on Form 20-F with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’).

Certain definitions
Throughout this document, ‘ABN AMRO Holding’ means ABN AMRO Holding N.V. The term ‘ABN AMRO’ refers to ABN AMRO Holding and its consolidated subsidiaries. ‘RBS N.V.’ refers to the former ABN AMRO Bank N.V. which was renamed The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. after the legal demerger. The term ‘new ABN AMRO Bank’ refers to the new entity named ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (previously named ABN AMRO II N.V.), and its consolidated subsidiaries, after the legal demerger. ‘EUR’ refers to euros, while ‘USD’ refers to US dollars.

The terms ‘Consortium’ and ‘Consortium Members’ refer to the banks The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (‘RBS Group’), Fortis N.V. and Fortis SA/NV (together ‘Fortis’) and Banco Santander S.A. (‘Santander’) who jointly acquired ABN AMRO Holding on 17 October 2007 through RFS Holdings B.V. (‘RFS Holdings’). On 3 October 2008 the State of the Netherlands (‘Dutch State’) acquired Fortis Bank Nederland (Holding) N.V., including the interest in RFS Holdings that represents the acquired activities of ABN AMRO and effectively became the successor of Fortis in the Consortium Shareholder Agreement.

Furthermore, all references to ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (where it is clear from the context that such reference is not a reference to the new ABN AMRO Bank) shall be deemed to be a reference to RBS N.V.

Presentation of information
Unless otherwise indicated, the financial information contained in this Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union (‘EU’) and IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’) which vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (‘US’), or ‘US GAAP’.

All annual averages in this report are based on month-end figures. Management does not believe that these month-end averages present trends materially different from those that would be presented by daily averages.

Certain figures in this document may not sum up exactly due to rounding. In addition, certain percentages in this document have been calculated using rounded figures.
 
 
 

 


 
6

 

 
 
 
Cautionary statement on forward-looking statements
We have included or incorporated by reference into this report, and from time to time may make in our public filings, press releases or other public statements, certain statements that may constitute ”forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes, without limitation, such statements that include the words ‘expect’, ‘estimate’, ‘project’, ‘anticipate’, ‘should’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘probability’, ‘risk’, ‘Value-at-Risk (“VaR”)’, ‘target’, ‘goal’, ‘objective’, ‘will’, ‘endeavour’, ‘outlook’, 'optimistic', 'prospects' and similar expressions or variations on such expressions.

In particular, this document includes forward-looking statements relating, but not limited, to ABN AMRO’s potential exposures to various types of market risks, such as counterparty risk, interest rate risk, foreign exchange rate risk and commodity and equity price risk. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. For example, certain of the market risk disclosures are dependent on choices about key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations. By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and, as a result, actual future gains and losses could differ materially. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts and represent only ABN AMRO’s beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control.

Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the forward looking statements contained in this document include, but are not limited to:

·
the extent and nature of future developments and continued volatility in the credit markets and their impact on the financial industry in general and ABN AMRO in particular;
·
the effect on ABN AMRO’s capital of write downs in respect of credit exposures;
·
risks related to ABN AMRO’s transition and separation process;
·
general economic conditions in the Netherlands and in other countries in which ABN AMRO has significant business activities or investments, e.g. the United Kingdom and the United States, including the impact of recessionary economic conditions on ABN AMRO's revenues, liquidity and balance sheet;
·
actions taken by governments and their agencies to support individual banks and the banking system;
·
monetary and interest rate policies of the European Central Bank, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and other G-7 central banks;
·
inflation or deflation;
·
unanticipated turbulence in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices;
·
potential losses associated with an increase in the level of substandard loans or non-performance by counterparties to other types of financial instruments;
·
changes in Dutch and foreign laws, regulations and taxes;
·
changes in competition and pricing environments;
·
inability to hedge certain risks economically;
·
adequacy of loss reserves;
·
technological changes;
·
changes in consumer spending, investment and saving habits; and
·
the success of ABN AMRO in managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

Factors that could also adversely affect ABN AMRO’s results, the accuracy of forward-looking statements in this report and the factors discussed here and in the paragraphs ‘Regulation and Supervision’ and ‘Risk factors’ and elsewhere in this report should not be regarded as a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. ABN AMRO has economic, financial market, credit, legal and other specialists who monitor economic and market conditions and government policies and actions. However, because it is difficult to predict with complete accuracy any changes in economic or market conditions or in governmental policies and actions, it is hard for ABN AMRO to anticipate the effects that such changes could have on ABN AMRO’s financial performance and business operations. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements made in this report speak only as at the date of publication of this report. ABN AMRO does not intend to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report, and ABN AMRO does not assume any responsibility to do so. The reader should, however, take into account any further disclosures of a forward-looking nature ABN AMRO may make in ABN AMRO’s interim reports.
 

 
 
7

 

Information about the Company

Corporate Information
ABN AMRO Holding N.V. is the parent company of the ABN AMRO consolidated group of companies. ABN AMRO Holding is a public limited liability company, incorporated under Dutch law on 30 May 1990, and registered at Gustav Mahlerlaan 10, 1082 PP Amsterdam, the Netherlands. ABN AMRO provides a broad range of financial services on a worldwide basis, including consumer, commercial and investment banking.

On 17 October 2007 RFS Holdings, a company incorporated, in the Netherlands, by the RBS Group, Fortis and Santander acquired 85.6% of ABN AMRO Holding. After the acquisition, ABN AMRO applied for de-listing of its ordinary shares from Euronext Amsterdam and the New York Stock Exchange. Through subsequent purchases RFS Holdings increased its stake in ABN AMRO to 99.3% as at 31 December 2007. The de-listing of the ABN AMRO Holding ordinary shares and the (formerly convertible) preference shares with a nominal value of €2.24 each from Euronext Amsterdam and the de-listing of its American Depositary Shares (‘ADSs’) from the New York Stock Exchange was effected on 25 April 2008. RFS Holdings started squeeze-out proceedings in order to acquire the remainder of the shares in ABN AMRO from minority shareholders and this procedure was completed on 22 September 2008. As a result in 2008 RFS Holdings became the sole shareholder of ABN AMRO Holding.

RFS Holdings is controlled by RBS Group, which is incorporated in the UK and registered at 36 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, Scotland. RBS Group is the ultimate parent company of ABN AMRO Holding.

On 3 October 2008, the Dutch State acquired all Fortis’ businesses in The Netherlands, including the Fortis share in RFS Holdings. On 21 November 2008, the Dutch State announced its intention to integrate the Dutch State acquired businesses of ABN AMRO with Fortis Bank (Nederland) N.V. after completion of the legal demerger and legal separation processes, discussed within this report. On 24 December 2008, the Dutch State purchased from Fortis Bank Nederland (Holding) N.V. its investment in RFS Holdings, to become a direct shareholder in RFS Holdings.

Update on separation
On 6 February 2010 ABN AMRO successfully executed the deed of demerger in accordance with the demerger proposal filed with the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce on 30 September 2009, thereby demerging the majority of the Dutch State acquired businesses into the new ABN AMRO Bank. Additionally, as part of the overall separation process, some subsidiaries and assets and liabilities were separately transferred to the new legal entity ahead of the execution of the legal demerger. Some further assets and liabilities were separately transferred to the new legal entity around the same time or shortly after the execution of the legal demerger.

Effective at the same date, the existing legal entity ABN AMRO Bank N.V., from which the Dutch State acquired businesses were demerged, was renamed The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. (‘RBS N.V.’). The legal entity into which the Dutch State acquired businesses were demerged was also renamed, from ABN AMRO II N.V. to ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (‘new ABN AMRO Bank’). RBS N.V. and new ABN AMRO Bank are wholly owned by ABN AMRO Holding. The new ABN AMRO Bank is planned to be legally separated from ABN AMRO Holding on 1 April 2010.

From 6 February 2010 onwards, the name ABN AMRO Bank N.V. will be used by the separate legal entity (registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 34334259), which will after legal separation from ABN AMRO Holding be owned by the Dutch State.  Neither the new entity named ABN AMRO Bank nor the Dutch State guarantees the obligations under securities issued by RBS N.V. unless otherwise expressly stated in the terms and conditions of such securities. Similarly, RBS N.V. does not guarantee the obligations under securities issued by the new ABN AMRO Bank unless otherwise expressly stated in the terms and conditions of such securities.

The legal demerger represents the successful execution of the first step in a two step process chosen to effect the legal separation of the assets and liabilities acquired by the Dutch State. The second step, "legal separation", will result in the transfer of the shares of the new ABN AMRO Bank from ABN AMRO Holding to a
 
 
8

 
new holding company (ABN AMRO Group N.V.) fully owned by the Dutch State and independent of ABN AMRO Holding. After the legal separation, ABN AMRO Holding will be renamed RBS Holdings N.V.

Until legal separation, ABN AMRO will continue to be governed by ABN AMRO Holding’s Managing Board and Supervisory Board and regulated on a consolidated basis with capital adequacy, liquidity measures and exposures being reported to and regulated by the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank). Until legal separation, the Managing Board and Supervisory Board of RBS N.V. and of the new ABN AMRO Bank will be the same as the Managing and Supervisory Boards of ABN AMRO Holding.

RBS N.V. will, after the legal separation, become a majority owned subsidiary of ultimately RBS Group and will be an integral part of the RBS Group. It will principally contain international lending, international transaction services and equities businesses of the RBS Group. These activities will continue to be subject to Dutch Central Bank supervision and on a consolidated basis as part of the RBS Group be subject to UK Financial Services Authority supervision. Due to the change in the business and operating model of RBS N.V. compared to pre-acquisition ABN AMRO Bank N.V., a licence renewal was requested and granted by the Dutch Central Bank on 3 February 2010.

The majority of the businesses acquired by the Dutch State, consisting of the Dutch commercial and retail banking, Dutch and international private clients and diamond businesses, were transferred to the new ABN AMRO Bank at or shortly before the legal demerger.  During the period between the legal demerger and legal separation a small ‘tail’ of predominantly international businesses will continue to be transferred to the new ABN AMRO Bank with a few minor businesses remaining to be transferred after legal separation.  The exact timing of these transfers will be determined by, amongst other things, the granting of regulatory approvals in the countries in which the businesses operate. The new ABN AMRO Bank was granted a banking licence on 13 January 2010.

On 11 March 2010 a request for a Declaration of Non-Objection (‘DNO’) on the separation of ABN AMRO Bank N.V. from ABN AMRO Holding N.V. by means of sale to ABN AMRO Group N.V. was submitted to the Dutch Central Bank. This sale is planned to be executed on 1 April 2010.

The following diagram details the demerger and legal separation process in steps.

 
1.
The part of the assets and liabilities that are not allocated to any of the Consortium Members, the so-called Shared Assets, are not included in this overview.
2.
The structure shown represents the position after a transitional phase, during which the Dutch State and Santander will continue to hold a stake in RFS Holdings commensurate to their holding in remaining Shared Assets and any other businesses subject to later separation.
 
 
9

 
 
EC Remedy

RBS N.V.
On 26 November 2009, RBS Group and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (‘RBS plc’) signed an accession agreement to the UK Government's Asset Protection Scheme ('APS'). This scheme also covers a pool of assets within the RBS acquired businesses in ABN AMRO Holding N.V. (the future RBS Holdings N.V.) to further strengthen the capital position and de-risk the earnings of the future RBS N.V. Group businesses.

On 26 November 2009, RBS Group also entered into a State Aid Commitment Deed with Her Majesty's Treasury ('HM Treasury') containing commitments and undertakings given by RBS Group to HM Treasury that are designed to ensure that HM Treasury is able to comply with the commitments given by it to the European Commission for the purpose of obtaining State aid approval.

As part of these commitments, and unless the European Commission agrees otherwise, the hybrid capital instruments existing on 24 November 2009 which are retained in the future RBS Holdings N.V. Group after separation is complete will be subject to a restriction on the payment of dividends and coupons and on the exercise of any call rights, unless in any such case there is a legal obligation to do so, for an effective period of two years after the proposed capital restructuring of RFS Holdings B.V. (which is intended to take place soon after separation) and following the expiry of any "pusher" periods (which will last for 12 months) following separation and such capital restructuring.

The new ABN AMRO Bank
To comply with the European Commission’s requirements for competition, ABN AMRO and Deutsche Bank AG signed a Share Purchase Agreement on 23 December 2009 confirming the agreements reached for the sale of New HBU II N.V. ('New HBU II') and IFN Finance B.V. ('IFN Finance'). The sale price agreed for New HBU II and IFN Finance, including a guarantee provided for 75% of future credit losses ('credit umbrella') and an amount to cover other liabilities and costs, is EUR 700 million.

The closing of the New HBU II and IFN Finance transaction is planned to take place after legal separation according to the conditions of the agreement. ABN AMRO has considered the impact of the transaction on results and capital ratios and considers that the transaction will have a negative impact of between EUR 800 and EUR 900 million. This total loss includes a provision for the expected cost of the credit umbrella. The new ABN AMRO Bank expects to account for these losses when, after legal separation, the conditions for effecting the closing have been met.



 
10

 

Organisational Structure

From 1 January 2009, ABN AMRO is comprised of three reportable segments, namely the “RBS acquired”, “Dutch State acquired” and “Central Items” segments. This segmentation reflects the focus of and the governance created by the Managing Board on the separate identification and subsequent legal separation of the Dutch State acquired businesses from the residual RBS acquired businesses and remaining Shared Assets in order to create two separate independent banks.

The “RBS acquired” segment represents the businesses acquired by the RBS Group and not sold or transferred to RBS plc. It principally contains the international lending, international transaction services with operations in Europe, Asia and the Americas and the equities business. It also includes some retail and commercial businesses in Asia and South America that are to be divested.

The “Dutch State acquired” segment serves Dutch commercial clients, Dutch consumer clients, and Dutch and international private clients, and includes the International Diamond and Jewelry business.

The “Central Items” segment includes items that are not allocated to but are economically shared by the Consortium Members as well as settlement amounts accruing to Santander arising from the disposal of Banco Real and other sales and settlements of Santander acquired businesses completed in 2008. In addition, prior to April 2008, the majority of the Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios were economically shared. Since the allocation of these portfolios was effected on the basis of prospective agreements between Consortium Members, the results on these portfolios prior to this date are reported in Central Items.

 
11

 

Selected Financial Data

The selected financial data set out below has been derived from ABN AMRO’s audited consolidated financial statements for the periods indicated. ABN AMRO’s consolidated financial statements for each of the years ended 31 December 2009 and 2008 have been audited by Deloitte Accountants B.V. and the consolidated financial statements for each of the years ended 2007, 2006 and 2005 have been audited by Ernst & Young Accountants LLP, both independent auditors. The selected financial data is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with and is qualified by reference to the consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this report and the information provided in this section.

Selected Consolidated Income Statement

   
As at 31 December
 
   
2009 (1)
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005 (2)
 
 
(in millions of USD)
   
(in millions of euros)
 
Net interest income
    6,486       4,648       5,783       4,595       4,223       8,785  
Net fee and commission income
    3,099       2,221       2,629       3,852       3,641       4,691  
Net trading income
    2,180       1,562       (9,324 )     1,119       2,627       2,621  
Results from financial transactions
    (3,078 )     (2,206 )     (1,684 )     1,134       767       1,281  
Share of result in equity accounted investments
    35       25       106       223       186       263  
Other operating income
    11       8       306       1,239       873       1,056  
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
    608       436       1,726       3,836       5,313       3,637  
Total income/(loss)
    9,341       6,694       (458 )     15,998       17,630       22,334  
Operating expenses
    12,301       8,815       11,629       14,785       14,702       16,301  
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    3,898       2,793       3,387       717       668       635  
Total expenses
    16,199       11,608       15,016       15,502       15,370       16,936  
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (6,858 )     (4,914 )     (15,474 )     496       2,260       5,398  
Tax
    (579 )     (415 )     (2,580 )     (458 )     213       1,142  
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    (6,279 )     (4,499 )     (12,894 )     954       2,047       4,256  
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
    138       99       16,489       9,021       2,733       187  
Profit/(loss) for the year
    (6,141 )     (4,400 )     3,595       9,975       4,780       4,443  
                                                 
Attributable to shareholders of the parent company
    (6,139 )     (4,399 )     3,580       9,848       4,715       4,382  
Dividends on ordinary shares
    -       -       19,213       1,071       2,153       2,050  

(1) Solely for the convenience of the reader, euro amounts have been translated into US dollars at an exchange rate of 1 USD = EUR 0.7166, which is the rate equal to the average of the month-end rates for 2009.
(2) Selected financial data for 2005 has not been restated for discontinued operations arising in 2008 and 2007. Income statement figures for 2008, 2007 and 2006 have been restated for discontinued operations in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’).

 
12

 

Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

   
As at 31 December
 
   
2009 (1)
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
 
(in millions of USD)
   
(in millions of euros)
 
Assets
                                   
Financial assets held for trading
    112,476       78,058       212,653       242,277       205,736       202,055  
Financial investments
    107,921       74,897       67,061       96,435       125,381       123,774  
Loans and receivables – banks
    57,146       39,659       75,566       175,696       134,819       108,635  
Loans and receivables – customers
    314,476       218,246       270,507       398,331       443,255       380,248  
Total assets
    676,290       469,345       666,817       1,025,213       987,064       880,804  
                                                 
Liabilities
                                               
Financial liabilities held for trading
    90,327       62,687       192,087       155,476       145,364       148,588  
Due to banks
    66,491       46,145       94,620       239,334       187,989       167,821  
Due to customers
    283,354       196,648       209,004       330,352       362,383       317,083  
Issued debt securities
    137,839       95,660       111,296       174,995       202,046       170,619  
Subordinated liabilities
    20,957       14,544       13,549       15,616       19,213       19,072  
Total liabilities
    649,033       450,429       649,694       994,504       961,169       856,652  
                                                 
Equity
                                               
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company
    27,205       18,880       17,077       29,575       23,597       22,221  
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
    52       36       46       1,134       2,298       1,931  
Total equity
    27,256       18,916       17,123       30,709       25,895       24,152  

(1) Solely for the convenience of the reader, euro amounts have been translated into US dollars at an exchange rate of 1 USD = EUR 0.6940, which is the year-end rate for 2009.

 
13

 

Selected Ratios (1)

   
At or for the year ended 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(in percentages)
 
Profitability ratios
                             
Net interest margin (2)
    0.8       0.7       0.5       0.5       1.1  
Non-interest income to total operating income (3)
    30.6       -       71.3       76.0       60.7  
Efficiency ratio (4)
    131.7       -       92.4       83.4       73.0  
Return on average total assets (5)
    -       0.42       1.1       0.6       0.61  
Return on average ordinary shareholders equity (6)
    -       11.1       38.4       20.7       23.5  
                                         
Capital ratios
                                       
Average ordinary shareholders equity on average total assets
    2.99       3.83       2.82       2.87       2.24  
Dividend payout ratio (7)
    -       536.68       10.9       46.0       45.3  
Tier 1 Capital ratio (8)
    19.89       10.88       12.42       8.45       10.62  
Total Capital ratio (8)
    25.48       14.43       14.61       11.14       13.14  
                                         
Credit quality ratios
                                       
Provision for loan losses to private sector loans (9)
    1.31       1.35       0.64       0.45       0.23  
Provision for loan losses to private and public sector loans (9)
    1.29       1.30       0.62       0.43       0.22  
Non-performing loans to private sector loans (gross) (9) (10)
    4.06       2.37       1.43       2.31       1.72  
Non-performing loans to private and public sector loans (gross) (9) (10)
    4.00       2.29       1.40       2.23       1.68  
Allowance for loan loss to private sector loans (9)
    2.67       1.82       1.12       1.15       1.09  
Allowance for loan loss to private and public sector loans (9)
    2.64       1.76       1.10       1.11       1.06  
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans (gross) (10)
    65.94       77.04       78.16       50.03       63.07  
Write-offs to private sector loans (gross) (9)
    0.60       0.35       0.52       0.36       0.39  
Write-offs to private and public sector loans (gross) (9)
    0.59       0.33       0.51       0.35       0.38  
                                         
Consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges (ratio)
                                       
Excluding interest on deposits (11)
    -       -       1.07       1.33       1.78  
Including interest on deposits (11)
    0.43       0.05       1.03       1.15       1.25  

(1) According to IFRS the income statement figures of 2007 and 2006 have been restated for the qualifying discontinued operations arising in 2008. In accordance with IFRS the balance sheet figures of 2007 and 2006 are not restated for the effect of discontinued operations in 2008. The 2005 figures have not been restated for discontinued operations arising in 2008 and 2007. As a result the applicable ratios throughout the years are not comparable.
(2) Net interest income as a percentage of average interest earning assets.
(3) Negative ratios have been excluded.
(4) Operating expenses as a percentage of net interest income and total non-interest income. Negative efficiency ratios have been excluded.
(5) Profit for the year as a percentage of average total assets. Negative ratios have been excluded.
(6) Net profit attributable to Ordinary shares as a percentage of average ordinary shareholders’ equity excluding the reserves with respect to cash flow hedges and available for sale securities. Negative ratios have been excluded.
(7) Dividend per Ordinary share as a percentage of net profit per Ordinary share.
(8) Tier 1 capital and total capital as a percentage of risk-weighted assets. For more information on ABN AMRO’s capital ratios, please refer to our Capital ratios discussion in Section 3: Operating Review.
(9) Excludes professional transactions (2009: EUR 10 billion; 2008: EUR 13 billion; 2007: EUR 98 billion; 2006: EUR 94 billion; 2005: EUR 75 billion) because these primarily consist of reverse repurchase agreements with limited credit risk and balances held by multi seller conduits (2009: EUR 0.3 billion; 2008: EUR 5 billion; 2007: EUR 29 billion; 2006: EUR 26 billion; 2005: 26 billion).
(10) Non-performing loans are doubtful loans for which there is objective evidence that not all contractually agreed amounts will be collected and for which an allowance for loan losses has been established. For more information on non-performing loans please refer to Section 8: ‘Additional Information’.
(11) Deposits include banks and total customer accounts. Negative ratios have been excluded. The earnings for the years ended 31 December 2009 and 2008 were inadequate to cover total fixed charges excluding interest on deposits and total fixed charges including interest on deposits. The coverage deficiencies for total fixed charges excluding interest on deposits and total fixed charges including interest on deposits for the year ended 31 December 2009 was EUR 4,914 million (2008: EUR 15,474 million).


 
14

 

Section 3     Operating Review
 
   
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
16
Consolidation effects of controlled private equity investments
16
Discontinued operations
16
ABN AMRO results
17
Results of operations for years ended 31 December 2009 and 2008
18
Results of operations for years ended 31 December 2008 and 2007
22
   
Analysis of the Balance Sheet Movements
26
   
Total Equity
28
   
Capital Ratios
29
   
Liquidity and Funding
31
Liquidity ratio
31
   
Offices and Branches
31
   
Results of Operation by Segment
32
RBS acquired businesses
32
Dutch State acquired businesses
35
Central Items
38
   
Credit Market and Related Exposures
41


 
15

 

SECTION 3     OPERATING REVIEW


Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

The following discussion of operating results is based on, and should be read in conjunction with, ABN AMRO’s consolidated financial statements. The financial information contained in this review has been prepared in accordance with IFRS issued by the IASB and adopted by the EU. For critical accounting policies and changes in accounting rules, refer to the accounting policies section in Section 6: Financial Statements.

This operating review reflects the fact that ABN AMRO consists of two increasingly independent business segments. ABN AMRO’s consolidated results are discussed in this context by first comparing the results of operations for the years 2009 to 2008 and 2008 to 2007, highlighting key notes by business segment for each line item. This is followed by a more detailed analysis of the results of operations for each segment, which explains significant variances with reference to the relevant line item.

Consolidation effects of controlled private equity investments
IFRS requires consolidating investments over which ABN AMRO has control, including non-financial investments managed as private equity investments. However, as a practical matter, ABN AMRO’s private equity business is managed separately from the rest of the banking business and management does not measure the performance of the banking business based on the consolidated results of the private equity operations. Private equity business involves buying equity stakes in unlisted companies over which ABN AMRO can establish influence or control, and managing these share holdings as an investor for a number of years with a view to selling them at a profit.

The companies in which ABN AMRO has these temporary holdings are active in business sectors outside the financial industry. ABN AMRO believes that combining these temporary holdings with the core banking business does not provide a meaningful basis for discussion of the financial condition and results of operations. Therefore, in the presentation of the ‘ABN AMRO results’, the effects of a line-by-line consolidation in the income statement of the private equity holdings are removed. The results excluding the consolidation effect include the ‘de-consolidated’ holdings based on the equity method.

Discontinued operations
No assets and liabilities relating to discontinued operations remain on the balance sheet as at 31 December 2009. For 2009 only a small remainder of Santander bound businesses are reported as discontinued operations. From 1 January 2008 all remaining Santander acquired businesses, including Banco Real, were reported as discontinued operations due to the sale of these businesses during 2008. In 2007 Banca Antonveneta, the former BU Asset Management, ABN AMRO North America Holdings (‘La Salle’), ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc. and Bouwfonds were reported as discontinued operations. Profits from discontinued operations include the related operating results and if applicable the gain on sale, (refer to note 2 ‘Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries’ and note 45 ‘Discontinued operations and assets and liabilties held for sale’ in Section 6: Financial Statements’). The comparative income statement figures for the years 2008 and 2007 have been restated in accordance with IFRS.   


 
16

 

ABN AMRO results
The following table sets out selected information relating to ABN AMRO for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007.

(in millions of euros)
 
IFRS
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Net interest income
    4,648       5,783       4,595  
Net fee and commission income
    2,221       2,629       3,852  
Net trading income
    1,562       (9,324 )     1,119  
Results from financial transactions
    (2,206 )     (1,684 )     1,134  
Share of results in equity accounted investments
    25       106       223  
Other operating income
    8       306       1,239  
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
    436       1,726       3,836  
Total income/(loss)
    6,694       (458 )     15,998  
Operating expenses
    8,815       11,629       14,785  
Operating result
    (2,121 )     (12,087 )     1,213  
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    2,793       3,387       717  
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (4,914 )     (15,474 )     496  
Tax
    (415 )     (2,580 )     (458 )
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    (4,499 )     (12,894 )     954  
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
    99       16,489       9,021  
Profit/(loss) for the year
    (4,400 )     3,595       9,975  
                         
Total assets
    469,345       666,817       1,025,213  
Risk-weighted assets
    117,535       176,028       232,312  
Full-time equivalent staff
    52,155       59,558       72,890  
Number of branches and offices (1)
    908       1,020       4,296  

(1) This number includes double counting of branches and offices that serve more than one business. Adjusted for double counting, the actual number of branches and offices amounts to 908 (2008: 970; 2007: 4,254).  Including numbers from operations presented as discontinued until actually sold.



 
17

 

Results of operations for the years ended 31 December 2009 and 2008
The results for the year decreased by EUR 7,995 million, to a loss of EUR 4,400 million. Results from continuing operations improved by EUR 8,395 million to a loss of EUR 4,499 million. The variances year-on-year reflect an improvement of EUR 8,381 million for the RBS acquired segment, a deteriotation of EUR 588 million for the Dutch State acquired segment and an improvement of EUR 602 million for Central Items.

Total income
Operating income increased by EUR 7,152 million to EUR 6,694. This reflects increases in RBS acquired businesses (EUR 8,238 million) and Central Items (EUR 422 million) and a decrease in Dutch State acquired businesses (EUR 290 million).

Further commentary is provided in the discussion of the individual lines that constitute operating income below and later in the segment commentaries.

Net interest income
Net interest income decreased by EUR 1,135 million, or 19.6%, to EUR 4,648 million. This reflects decreases in the RBS acquired businesses (EUR 837 million), the Dutch State acquired businesses (EUR 229 million) and Central Items (EUR 99 million).

Key notes:
·
Net interest income in the RBS acquired businesses decreased mainly due to changes in the structure of the balance sheet driven by transfers of businesses to RBS Group in the course of 2009 and 2008, including the conduit portfolios. In addition, interest income was impacted by the overall interest margin pressure as a consequence of increased funding costs.
·
Net interest income decreased in the Dutch State acquired businesses mainly due to interest margin pressure. A recovery of the interest margins in the Dutch deposit and saving markets started slowly in the second half of 2009.

Net fee and commission income
The following table sets out the net fee and commission income for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Fee and commission income
                 
Securities brokerage fees
    795       876       1,399  
Payment and transaction services fees
    767       836       764  
Asset management and trust fees
    276       359       495  
Fees generated on financing arrangements
    130       130       278  
Advisory fees
    216       321       578  
Other fees and commissions
    558       546       667  
Subtotal
    2,742       3,068       4,181  
                         
Fee and commission expense
                       
Securities brokerage expense
    65       103       83  
Other fee and commission expense
    456       336       246  
Subtotal
    521       439       329  
Total
    2,221       2,629       3,852  

Net fees and commission income decreased by EUR 408 million, or 15.5%, to EUR 2,221 million. This was due to decreases in the RBS acquired businesses (EUR 334 million), Dutch State acquired businesses (EUR 124 million), partly offset by an increase in Central Items (EUR 50 million).

Key notes:
·
The decrease in RBS acquired businesses is due to reduced business origination and activity resulting in lower brokerage fees following business transfers to RBS Group.
·
Net fees and commission income in the Dutch State acquired businesses decreased, mainly due to lower average Asset under Management levels. Although the Asset under Management levels increased by EUR 22 billion to EUR 124 billion, the average Asset under Management levels were lower in 2009 compared to
 
 
18

 
  the average Asset under Management levels in 2008. The decrease was also due to fees paid on the credit protection purchased in August 2009 for a EUR 34.5 billion portfolio of residential mortgages to strengthen the capital position of the Dutch State acquired businesses.

Net trading income
The following table sets out the net trading income for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Interest instruments and credit trading
    75       (9,276 )     (1,531 )
Foreign exchange trading
    884       915       1,152  
Equity and commodity trading
    651       (1,017 )     1,438  
Other
    (48 )     54       60  
Total
    1,562       (9,324 )     1,119  

Net trading income increased by EUR 10,886 million to EUR 1,562 million. The majority of the increase is attributable to the RBS acquired businesses (EUR 10,564 million).

Key notes:
·
The increase in net trading income in the RBS acquired businesses is mainly driven by lower credit valuation adjustments on monoline insurers, Credit Derivative Product Companies and write offs on Collateralised Debt Obligations following the transfer of these assets to RBS Group at the end of the first quarter of 2009. Credit valuation adjustments for 2008 amounted to a negative EUR 4.2 billion, compared with negative EUR 1.2 billion in 2009. Write downs in Collateralised Debt Obligations reduced by EUR 1.3 billion to EUR 0.2 billion in 2009. Please see the paragraph ‘Credit market and related exposures’ in this section for further information.
·
Net trading income of 2008 includes losses on trading counterparties of approximately EUR 1.0 billion including the Lehman Brothers default and the Bernard L. Madoff fraud which did not re-occur in 2009.
·
The increase is also as a result of improvement in the equity business.
·
The trading results in Asset and Liability Management increased by EUR 0.7 billion affecting interest instruments trading following market gains on the portion of the liquidity portfolio designated as trading.

Results from financial transactions
The following table sets out the results from financial transactions for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net result on the sale of available-for-sale debt securities
    48       (1,453 )     157  
Net result on the sale of loans and advances
    (625 )     (428 )     (23 )
Impairment of available-for-sale debt securities
    (10 )     (333 )     -  
Net result on available-for-sale equity investments
    16       (67 )     35  
Net result on fair value changes in own credit risk and repurchase of own debt
    233       490       251  
Dividends on available-for-sale equity investments
    15       54       9  
Net result on other equity investments
    (108 )     (1,185 )     669  
Net result on risk mitigants
    (1,680 )     1,545       116  
Other
    (95 )     (307 )     (80 )
Total
    (2,206 )     (1,684 )     1,134  

Results from financial transactions decreased by EUR 522 million, or 31.0%, to EUR 2,206 million. The decrease was due to the RBS acquired businesses (EUR 743 million), partly offset by increases in Dutch State acquired businesses (EUR 118 million) and Central Items (EUR 61 million).

Key notes:
·
The improvement in the net result on sale of the available-for-sale debt securities and loans and advances was mainly related to the RBS acquired businesses. This was as a result of high losses on the transfers of credit portfolios to RBS Group during 2008, which were limited in 2009.
·
The losses on sale of loans and advances reflect the continued transfer and sale of portfolios within the RBS acquired businesses to RBS Group.
 
 
19

 
 
·
The tightening of credit spreads during 2009 impacted the fair value gain on own credit, which reduced from EUR 490 million in 2008 to EUR 233 million in 2009.
·
The result on other equity investments improved from a loss of EUR 1,185 million (including losses on the sale of our shareholding in Unicredit in 2008) to a loss of EUR 108 million. This relates to the losses incurred on the centrally held private equity portfolios in the course of 2008.
·
The decrease in the net results of risk mitigants from a gain of EUR 1,545 million to a loss of EUR 1,680 million was mainly attributable to losses on credit default swaps in the RBS acquired businesses used to hedge credit positions following a gradual tightening of the spreads in 2009.

Share of result in equity accounted investments
Share of result in equity accounted investments decreased by EUR 81 million to EUR 25 million. This was due to decreases in the RBS acquired businesses (EUR 74 million) and Central Items (EUR 59 million), partly offset by an increase in Dutch State acquired businesses (EUR 52 million).

Key notes
·
The share of result in equity accounted investments in the RBS acquired businesses has decreased due to the impairment in an infrastructure investment entity in the region Asia.
·
The decrease in Central Items is due to lower profits reported by Saudi Hollandi Bank.

Other operating income
The following table sets out the other operating income for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Insurance activities
    11       45       36  
Leasing activities
    69       78       82  
Disposal of operating activities and equity accounted investments
    (198 )     (6 )     894  
Other
    126       189       227  
Total
    8       306       1,239  

Other operating income decreased by EUR 298 million to EUR 8 million. This is due to decreases in the RBS acquired businesses (EUR 338 million) and Dutch State acquired businesses (EUR 27 million), partly offset by an increase in Central Items (EUR 67 million).

Key notes:
·
Other operating income in the RBS acquired businesses decreased mainly due to the valuation adjustments arising on sales agreements and the classification as held for sale of non strategic assets in Asia.

Income of consolidated private equity holdings
Income of consolidated private equity holdings decreased by EUR 1,290 million to EUR 436 million due to the sale of consolidated private equity investments in 2009.

Operating expenses
Operating expenses decreased by EUR 2,814 million, or 24.2%, to EUR 8,815 million, due to decreases in the RBS acquired businesses (EUR 1,261 million) and Central Items (EUR 350 million), partly offset by an increase in Dutch State acquired businesses (increase EUR 10 million).

Key notes:
·
The decrease in the RBS acquired businesses is as a result of a 17% reduction in headcount from 32,805 to 27,251 reflecting the transfer of employees to RBS Group, continued redundancies and the divestment of non-core businesses. Related reductions in personnel costs, including bonuses and general administrative expenses totalling EUR 1,103 million, were partially offset by increased depreciation, and goodwill impairments related to the Taiwan and Pakistan operations.
·
Operating expenses in Central Items decreased mainly due to the reduction in the Central Items activity. The results in 2009 include EUR 3 million restructuring costs compared with EUR 167 million restructuring costs in 2008.
 
 
20

 
 
·
Operating expenses in the Dutch State acquired businesses increased mainly due to the EUR 83 million deposit guarantee charge (charge of EUR 100 million related to the bankruptcy of the DSB bank, partly offset by release of EUR 17 million for Icesave) and EUR 227 million restructuring costs compared with EUR 53 million deposit guarantee charge relating to Icesave and EUR 209 million restructuring costs in 2008. The restructuring charge relates to integration and restructuring costs as well as costs related to the preparation for the sale to address the EC Remedy.

Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
Loan impairments and other credit risk provisions decreased from EUR 3,387 million to EUR 2,793 million due to a decrease in the RBS acquired businesses (EUR 988 million) partly offset by an increase in Dutch State acquired businesses (EUR 396 million).

Key notes:
·
The improvement in the RBS acquired businesses comes predominantly from lower specific provision for LyondellBasell which amounted to EUR 0.5 billion in 2009 and EUR 1.1 billion in 2008 and overall decreased levels of impairment, specifically in the last part of 2009.
·
The increase in the Dutch State acquired businesses is predominantly due to specific provisions against commercial loans and an increased level of incurred but not identified provisions on the basis of an assessment of the economic climate and the expected impairments.

Tax
The income tax credit decreased to net benefit of EUR 415 million compared to a credit of EUR 2,580 million in 2008. The overall net credit was impacted in 2009 and 2008 by deferred tax assets relating to losses not recognised due to uncertainty of recoverability of EUR 0.8 billion (2008: EUR 1.4 billion).

Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax of EUR 99 million in 2009 relates to Santander disposals.

Profit from discontinued operations net of tax of EUR 16,489 million in 2008 included:
·
The sale of Banco Real to Santander which was concluded in July 2008 with a gain of EUR 10,647 million.
·
Asset Management which was sold to Fortis in March 2008 with a gain of EUR 3,073 million.
·
Banca Antonveneta which was sold to Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena in May 2008 with a gain of EUR 2,357 million.
 

 
 
21

 

Results of operations for the years ended 31 December 2008 and 2007
Profit for the year decreased by EUR 6,380 million, to EUR 3,595 million. Profit from continuing operations decreased by EUR 13,848 million to a loss of EUR 12,894 million. The variances year-on-year are: the RBS acquired segment (decrease EUR 12,118 million), Central Items (decrease EUR 1,021 million) and the Dutch State acquired segment (decrease EUR 709 million). Profit from discontinued operations net of tax amounted to EUR 16,489 million, reflecting gains on the sale of Banco Real to Santander, Asset Management to Fortis and Banca Antonveneta to Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena.

Total income
Operating income decreased by EUR 16,456 million to a negative operating income of EUR 458 million. This relates to decreases in operating income in the RBS acquired businesses (EUR 12,403 million), Central Items (EUR 1,659 million) and the Dutch State acquired businesses (EUR 373 million).

The negative operating income in the global market business, predominantly attributable to the European business in the RBS acquired segment, include credit market write downs against asset-backed securities (approximately EUR 1.6 billion) and credit valuation adjustment against exposures to credit insurance counterparties (approximately EUR 4.8 billion), losses arising on trading book counterparty failures (approximately EUR 1.0 billion, including losses associated with the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and the Bernard L. Madoff fraud), losses due to a change in the valuation methodology for complex trading products (approximately EUR 0.5 billion) and approximately EUR 2.4 billion of losses on the transfer of certain portfolios to RBS Group. These transfers are at fair value to RBS Group. However, from an RBS Group perspective, the results on these transfers are eliminated as RBS Group is both the buyer and the seller.

Within Central Items the results from the Private Equity portfolio and our shareholding in Unicredit were both negative in 2008.

Further comment is provided in the discussion of the individual lines that constitute operating income and in the segment commentaries.

Net interest income
Net interest income increased by EUR 1,188 million, or 25.9%, to EUR 5,783 million. This was predominantly due to increases in Central Items (EUR 847 million), and the RBS acquired segment (EUR 383 million), partly offset by a decrease in the Dutch State acquired segment (EUR 217 million).

Key notes:
·
Net interest income in Central Items increased mainly due to the interest on the proceeds of the sale of Banca Antonveneta and the sale of Banco Real and due to the transfer of Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios to the RBS acquired and the Dutch State acquired businesses from April 2008 onward.
·
The increase in the RBS acquired segment is mainly due to the interest on the proceeds of the sale of LaSalle, higher revenues from commercial banking and higher interest on cash balances in treasury, as well as higher revenues in the global market, credit market and the equities business.
·
The decrease in the Dutch State acquired segment resulted from the inclusion of a negative interest margin from the Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios allocated to the Dutch State. This was partly offset by interest revenues on the proceeds of the sale of Asset Management. An increase in gross interest, resulting from higher mortgage volumes and commercial loans, did not compensate for the lower margins. Margins on deposits and savings also dropped due to the migration to higher yielding saving products and deposits.

Net fee and commission income
Net fee and commission income decreased by EUR 1,223 million, or 31.7%, to EUR 2,629 million. This was due to a decrease in the RBS acquired segment (EUR 749 million), Central Items (EUR 255 million) and the Dutch State acquired segment (EUR 219 million).


 
22

 

Key notes:
·
Lower net fee and commission income in the RBS acquired businesses was due to lower results from the merger and acquisition business and due to lower revenues from equity derivative and strategy business.
·
Net fees and commission income in Central Items decreased, mainly due to the transfer of Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios.
·
Net fees and commission income decreased in the Dutch State acquired businesses mainly due to lower Assets under Management levels in the Private Clients business which decreased by EUR 38 billion to EUR 102 billion. This decline reflects a reduction in net new assets due to migration to savings products and lower asset values due to deteriorated financial markets.

Net trading income
Net trading income decreased by EUR 10,443 million to a loss of EUR 9,324 million. The majority of the decrease is attributable to the RBS acquired segment (EUR 10,204 million) specifically within the European operations.

Key notes:
·
The decrease in net trading income in the RBS acquired businesses includes credit market write-downs against asset backed securities and credit valuation adjustments against exposures to credit insurance counterparties. For further information refer to our discussion on ‘Credit market and related exposures’ within this section. The negative revenue also includes losses arising on trading book counterparty failures (approximately EUR 1.0 billion, including losses associated with the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and the Bernard L. Madoff fraud). Furthermore, trading income was impacted by approximately EUR 500 million of losses due to a change in the valuation methodology of complex trading products that involve multiple unobservable inputs, such as correlation and interpolation, which have been adjusted to use the same estimation techniques as the ultimate parent company, RBS.

Results from financial transactions
Results from financial transactions decreased by EUR 2,818 million to a loss of EUR 1,684 million. The decrease was due to the RBS acquired segment (EUR 1,709 million) and Central Items (EUR 1,171 million), partly offset by an increase in the Dutch State acquired segment (EUR 144 million).

Key notes:
·
The decrease in the RBS acquired businesses is due to losses of EUR 2.4 billion on the transfer of certain credit portfolios to RBS. The businesses were also impacted by losses on proprietary equity investments of approximately EUR 0.3 billion. These negative results are partly offset by gains recorded on own debt held at fair value of approximately EUR 0.5 billion.
·
Results from financial transactions in Central Items decreased, mainly due to lower results from the Private Equity portfolio (approximately EUR 0.8 billion) and losses from our shareholding in Unicredit (approximately EUR 0.8 billion) that was sold in 2008.

Share of result in equity accounted investments
Share of result in equity accounted investments decreased by EUR 117 million to EUR 106 million. This was due to the decrease in profits generated by investments held in Central Items (EUR 54 million) and the RBS acquired segment (EUR 39 million).

Other operating income
Other operating income decreased by EUR 933 million to EUR 306 million, primarily due to a decrease in Central Items (EUR 755 million).

Key notes:
·
Central Items in 2007 included the gain on the sale of ABN AMRO’s stake in Capitalia which was settled in exchange for Unicredit shares (EUR 624 million) and the gain on the sale of the Latin American Private Banking operations (EUR 77 million).
 
 

 
23

Income of consolidated private equity holdings
Income of consolidated private equity holdings decreased by EUR 2,110 million to EUR 1,726 million, due to the transfer of management activities from businesses within Private Equity to an independent management company. As a result of the structural change in control, the results from the portfolio of investments managed by the independent management company were no longer consolidated as of 1 July 2007 but changes in fair value were shown within results from financial transactions as a net result on other equity investments instead.

Operating expenses
Operating expenses decreased by EUR 3,156 million, or 21.3%, to EUR 11,629 million, due to decreases in Central Items (EUR 929 million) and the RBS acquired segment (EUR 404 million). This was partly offset by an increase in the Dutch State acquired segment (EUR 176 million).

In 2008, EUR 1,036 million of restructuring charges were included, compared to a net release of EUR 101 million in 2007.

Key notes:
·
Operating expenses in Central Items in 2008 include a EUR 167 million restructuring charge, whereas 2007 included a restructuring release of EUR 14 million. Operating expenses in 2007 included a provision for the US Department of Justice investigation (EUR 365 million), transaction-related advisory fees (EUR 211 million), the break-up fee paid to Barclays (EUR 200 million), costs of accelerated vesting of share-based payments (EUR 117 million) and transition and integration costs (EUR 95 million).
·
Operating expenses in the RBS acquired businesses decreased primarily as a result of lower performance related bonuses resulting from the decreased trading performance and a reduction in headcount. In 2008, operating expenses included a restructuring charge of EUR 657 million, compared with a restructuring release of EUR 39 million in 2007 (total increase of EUR 696 million).
·
The 2008 operating expenses in the Dutch State acquired businesses include a restructuring charge of EUR 208 million, whilst in 2007 a restructuring allowance of EUR 48 million was released. The restructuring charge relates to integration and restructuring costs as well as costs related to the preparation for the possible sale resulting from the EC Remedy. Adjusted for the restructuring charge of EUR 208 million, operating expenses decrease by EUR 32 million, due to cost management actions throughout the year, partially offset by an increase in staff costs and a provision for the estimated costs to ABN AMRO relating to the deposit guarantee scheme in the Netherlands.

Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions increased by EUR 2,670 million to EUR 3,387 million. The main increases were in the RBS acquired segment (EUR 2,263 million) and the Dutch State acquired segment (EUR 398 million).

Key notes:
·
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions increased in the European operations of the RBS acquired businesses mainly due to a provision relating specifically to LyondellBasell Industries (approximately EUR 1.1 billion) and further provisions in the global markets business.
·
The increase in the Dutch State acquired businesses is mainly related to the small and medium enterprise portfolio.

Tax
Tax expense decreased by EUR 2,122 million to a net tax benefit of EUR 2,580 million. In 2008 deferred tax assets relating to losses were not recognised due to uncertainty of recoverability in the RBS acquired segment (EUR 1.4 billion).

Included in 2007 were significant tax-exempt gains on disposals, including the gain on the sale of Capitalia (EUR 624 million, net EUR 617 million), tax credits in some countries as well as substantial releases of tax liabilities resulting from the finalisation of prior-year tax returns and conclusions on a number of additional items.

Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax of EUR 16,489 million in 2008 included:
 
 
24

 
·
The sale of Banco Real to Santander which was concluded in July 2008 with a gain of EUR 10,647 million.
·
Asset Management which was sold to Fortis in March 2008 with a gain of EUR 3,073 million.
·
Banca Antonveneta which was sold to Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena in May 2008 with a gain of EUR 2,357 million.

Profit from discontinued operations net of tax of EUR 9,021 million in 2007 included:
·
The sale of ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc., ABN AMRO’s US-based residential mortgage broker origination platform and residential mortgage servicing business, with a gain of EUR 110 million (net of tax results for the first two months and a gain on sale).
·
The sale of ABN AMRO North America Holding Company which principally consists of the retail and commercial activities of LaSalle Corporation (LaSalle), in October 2007. The net of tax results for the first nine months were EUR 777 million, and the gain on sale amounted to EUR 7,163 million.
·
The classification as discontinued operations of Banca Antonveneta (EUR 107 million losses).
·
The classification as discontinued operations of Asset Management (EUR 171 million).
·
The classification as discontinued operations of Banco Real (EUR 786 million).
·
The gain on the sale of Interbank N.V., DMC Group (total EUR 69 million).
·
The partial release of a provision recorded in connection with the sale of Bouwfonds in 2006 (EUR 52 million).

 
 
25

 

Analysis of the balance sheet movements
The following is an analysis by significant balance sheet category of movements between 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Assets
           
Financial assets held for trading
    78,058       212,653  
Financial investments
    74,897       67,061  
Loans and receivables – banks
    39,659       75,566  
Loans and receivables – customers
    218,246       270,507  
Total assets
    469,345       666,817  
                 
Liabilities
               
Financial liabilities held for trading
    62,687       192,087  
Due to banks
    46,145       94,620  
Due to customers
    196,648       209,004  
Issued debt securities
    95,660       111,296  
Subordinated liabilities
    14,544       13,549  
Total liabilities
    450,429       649,694  
                 
Equity
               
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company
    18,880       17,077  
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
    36       46  
Total equity
    18,916       17,123  
                 
Guarantees and other commitments
    36,767       42,148  

ABN AMRO’s total assets were EUR 469 billion at 31 December 2009, a decrease of EUR 197 billion, or 30%, when compared with EUR 667 billion at 31 December 2008. This decrease is primarily related to the continued transfer and sale of businesses and portfolios to RBS Group. The impact from the dislocation in the financial markets was not as significant in 2009, in comparison to 2008, however it was still a prevalent factor in the reduction of some balance sheet activities.

ABN AMRO’s total liabilities decreased EUR 199 billion, or 31%, to EUR 450 billion for reasons related to the decrease in total assets.

Financial assets and liabilities held for trading
Financial assets held for trading decreased by EUR 135 billion, or 63%, to EUR 78 billion at 31 December 2009 when compared to EUR 213 billion at 31 December 2008. This was predominantly due to a large decrease in derivative financial assets as trading positions either matured or were transferred to RBS Group as part of the overall integration plan.

Financial liabilities held for trading of EUR 63 billion at 31 December 2009 decreased by EUR 129 billion, or 67%, as compared to EUR 192 billion at 31 December 2008, for similar reasons as noted above.

Financial investments
At 31 December 2009, ABN AMRO held financial investments of EUR 75 billion as compared to EUR 67 billion at 31 December 2008. The increase of EUR 8 billion, or 12%, was in part due to an increase in interest earning securities following the need to hold higher levels of quality collateral to support some issued note programs. The largest increase related to interest earning securities issued by other OECD governments which are held as part of asset and liability management activities.

Loans and receivables – banks and Due to banks
Total loans and receivables – banks decreased by EUR 36 billion, or 48%, to EUR 40 billion at 31 December 2009 compared to the balance of EUR 76 billion at 31 December 2008. The decrease is predominantly attributable to a decrease in professional securities transactions of EUR 31 billion due to the transfer of reverse repurchase activity to RBS Group during the first half of 2009 and no new transactions being generated in ABN AMRO. Loans also decreased, by EUR 6 billion from 2008, mainly as a result of a decrease in global exposures on derivative collateral with banks due to the maturing of trades and the decreasing net exposures as a result of derivative novations.
 
 
26


 
Due to banks decreased EUR 48 billion to EUR 46 billion at 31 December 2009 from EUR 95 billion at 31 December 2008. The majority of the reduction is in professional securities transactions (EUR 21 billion decrease) and is due to the roll-off of existing repurchase agreements with new business flowing to RBS Group.

Loans and receivables – customers and Due to customers
Loans and Receivables - customers decreased by EUR 52 billion, or 19%, to EUR 218 billion at 31 December 2009 compared to the balance of EUR 271 billion at 31 December 2008. Commercial loans and receivables decreased by EUR 35 billion due to continued transfers of business activities to RBS Group and the maturing of loans. The level of public sector loans and receivables has decreased mainly as a result of the maturing of loans with the Ministry of Finance of Japan. Furthermore, multi-seller conduits balances decreased by EUR 5 billion due to the transfer to RBS Group of the multi-seller conduits Orchid Funding Corporation and Abel Tasman Holdings. Also impacting on the overall decrease in this balance is the reclassification of approximately EUR 3.3 billion of loans and receivables to held for sale relating to certain Asian operations within the RBS acquired businesses segment.

Due to customers decreased EUR 12 billion, or 6%, to EUR 197 billion at 31 December 2009 compared to the balance of EUR 209 billion at 31 December 2008. A significant proportion of the decrease is related to the RBS acquired businesses segment including EUR 7.8 billion due to the reclassification of certain Asian operations in the RBS acquired businesses segment to held for sale.

Issued debt securities
Issued debt securities of EUR 96 billion at 31 December 2009 compare to EUR 111 billion at 31 December 2008. The decrease of EUR 16 billion, or 14%, was due to transfers to the RBS Group during the year. This includes a fall in issued commercial paper following the transfer of the remaining multi-seller conduits Orchid Funding Corporation and Abel Tasman Holdings. The decrease in bonds issued was due to debt redemptions and the buy back of own issued debt.

Subordinated liabilities
Subordinated liabilities increased EUR 1.0 billion, or 7%, to EUR 14.5 billion at 31 December 2009 compared to EUR 13.5 billion at 31 December 2008. The increase in 2009 is a result of the issuance of EUR 2.6 billion of Mandatory Convertible Securities as part of the capital actions of the new ABN AMRO Bank. This increase was partly offset by the redemption of EUR 1.5 billion of subordinated notes falling due.

Guarantees and other commitments
ABN AMRO has, at any time, a number of commitments to extend credit. At 31 December 2009, ABN AMRO had EUR 37 billion of guarantees and other commitments outstanding as compared to EUR 42 billion at 31 December 2008. At 31 December 2009, ABN AMRO had EUR 52 billion of committed credit facilities as compared to EUR 63 billion at 31 December 2008. Lower levels of commitments follow the trend on lower loan book volumes.

 
27

 

Total equity
The following table shows ABN AMRO’s capital at 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Ordinary share capital
    1,852       1,852       1,085  
Ordinary share premium reserves
    11,943       5,343       5,332  
Treasury shares
    -       -       (2,640 )
Retained earnings
    6,697       11,096       25,650  
Net gains/(losses) not recognised in the income statement
    (1,612 )     (1,214 )     148  
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company
    18,880       17,077       29,575  
Non-controlling interests
    36       46       1,134  
Total equity
    18,916       17,123       30,709  

Total equity at year end 2009 was EUR 18,916 million, an increase of EUR 1,793 million or 10.5% compared with 2008. This was due to:
·
An increase in ordinary share premium reserves of EUR 6,600 million due to the injection of capital by the shareholder in preparation for the legal separation of the new ABN AMRO Bank from ABN AMRO Holding for the benefit of the RBS acquired businesses.
·
Retained earnings decreased by EUR 4,399 million reflecting the operating loss recorded for 2009.

Total equity at year end 2008 was EUR 17,123 million, a decrease of EUR 13,586 million or 44.2% compared with 2007. This was due to:
·
A decrease of EUR 12,498 million, or 42.3%, in equity attributable to the shareholder of the parent company, mainly resulting from a decrease in retained earnings following dividend payments in 2008 of EUR 19,213 million, a decrease in treasury shares following the sale of these shares to RFS Holdings and an increase of losses not recognised in the income statement. This was partially offset by a net profit attributable to the shareholder of the parent company of EUR 3,580 million and an increase in ordinary share capital following the conversion of preference financing shares and (formerly convertible) preference shares.
·
A EUR 1,088 million decrease in non-controlling interests in 2008, which is explained by net additions and disposals of EUR 996 million, EUR 107 million currency translation losses and profit attributable to minority interest of EUR 15 million.



 
28

 

Capital ratios
Subsequent to its acquisition by RFS Holdings, ABN AMRO received approval for a transitional period from the Dutch Central Bank ('DNB') with regards to compliance to Basel II capital rules. ABN AMRO has agreed to continue to report figures on the basis of Basel I as part of the transitional agreement. In accordance with this, specific minimal requirements have been set for the tier 1 and total capital ratios, including the requirement to treat the capital deductions in the same manner as required by Basel II.

ABN AMRO applies capital adequacy ratios based on the Bank for International Settlements’ guidelines and DNB directives. These ratios compare ABN AMRO’s capital with its assets and off-balance sheet exposure, weighted according to the relative risk involved. Capital is also set aside for market risk associated with trading activities. The minimum required ratios, as determined by the DNB, were increased in 2008 and remained for 2009 as discussed in Section 4: ‘Risk and Capital Management’. The minimum Tier 1 ratio required is 9% and the minimum total capital ratio is 12.5%.

The total capital base increased by 17.9% (2008: decreased by 25.1%) to EUR 29.9 billion at 31 December 2009 (2008: EUR 25.4 billion). Risk weighted assets amounted to EUR 117.5 billion at 31 December 2009 (2008: EUR 176.0 billion), a decrease of EUR 58.5 billion (2008: EUR 56.3 billion), or 33.2% (2008: 24.2%) from 2008.

The following table analyses ABN AMRO’s capital and risk-weighted assets at 31 December.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Tier 1 capital
    23,374       19,152  
Tier 2 capital
    6,575       5,981  
Tier 3 capital
    -       272  
Total capital base (net of supervisory deductions)
    29,949       25,405  

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Risk-weighted assets on balance
    83,892       119,667  
Off-balance
    32,061       43,292  
Market risks
    1,582       13,069  
Total risk-weighted assets
    117,535       176,028  

Tier 1 capital consists of shareholders’ equity and qualifying subordinated liabilities less goodwill and some intangible assets. Tier 2 capital represents additional qualifying subordinated liabilities, taking into account the remaining maturities. Core tier 1 capital is tier 1 capital excluding qualifying subordinated liabilities.

During 2009 ABN AMRO has complied with the supervisory capital requirements to which it is subject. In fact capital ratios are significantly higher than the current minima set by the DNB. This reflects remaining amounts to be repatriated to Santander, and the capital actions undertaken by RBS Group and the Dutch State to enable legal separation. The increase in capital is to ensure standalone capital adequacy compliance and to meet expected requirements on the transition to Basel II in 2010, for the two separated banks.

The following table analyses actual capital and the minimum standard needed in order to comply with supervisory requirements:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Required
   
Actual
   
Required
   
Actual
 
Total capital
    14,692       29,949       22,004       25,405  
Total capital ratio
    12.50 %     25.48 %     12.50 %     14.43 %
                                 
Tier 1 capital
    10,578       23,374       15,843       19,152  
Tier 1 capital ratio
    9.00 %     19.89 %     9.00 %     10.88 %
                                 
Core tier 1
    n/a       19,845       n/a       17,778  
Core tier 1 ratio
    n/a       16.88 %     n/a       10.10 %


 
29

 

The risk-weighted asset level was determined as follows:

   
Balance sheet/un-weighted amount
   
Risk-weighted amount, including effect of contractual netting
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Balance sheet assets (net of provisions):
                       
Cash and balances at central banks
    28,382       5,854       90       485  
Financial assets held for trading
    78,058       212,653       -       -  
Financial investments
    74,897       67,061       4,437       4,961  
Loans and receivables-banks
    39,659       75,566       3,858       4,210  
Loans and receivables-customers
    218,246       270,507       65,536       101,909  
Equity accounted investments
    856       796       137       138  
Property and equipment
    1,961       2,035       1,886       2,002  
Goodwill and other intangibles
    645       924       453       583  
Assets of business held for sale
    4,889       1,583       3,328       1,205  
Prepayment and accrued income
    5,871       7,011       2,115       2,003  
Tax assets
    6,022       5,100       -       -  
Other assets
    9,859       17,727       2,052       2,171  
Subtotal
    469,345       666,817       83,892       119,667  
                                 
Off-balance sheet positions and derivatives:
                               
Credit-related commitments and contingencies
    88,287       105,584       25,670       28,053  
Credit equivalents of derivatives
                    6,130       14,814  
Insurance companies and other
                    261       425  
Subtotal
                    32,061       43,292  
Total credit risks
                    115,953       162,959  
Market risk requirements
                    1,582       13,069  
Total Risk-Weighted Assets
                    117,535       176,028  

In determining the capital adequacy requirement, both existing and future credit risk is taken into account. To this end the current potential loss on derivatives, which is the fair value based on market conditions at balance sheet date, is increased by a percentage of the relevant notional amounts, depending on the nature and remaining term of the contract. This method takes into account the possible adverse development of the fair value during the remaining term of the contract. The following analysis shows the resulting credit equivalent, both un-weighted and weighted for counterparty risk (mainly banks). The figures allow for the impact of netting transactions and other collateral.

Credit equivalent of derivative contracts
   
2009
   
2008
 
Interest rate contracts
    31.7       86.5  
Currency contracts
    27.1       48.1  
Other contracts
    18.7       90.0  
      77.5       224.6  
Effect of contractual netting
    51.0       163.1  
Unweighted credit equivalent
    26.5       61.5  
Weighted credit equivalent
    6.1       14.8  


 
30

 

Liquidity and funding
Liquidity management within ABN AMRO addresses the overall balance sheet structure and the control, within prudent limits, of risk arising from the mismatch of maturities across the balance sheet and from exposure to undrawn commitments and other contingent obligations.

In December 2008 ABN AMRO’s credit ratings were downgraded. This required the bank to post more collateral especially due to its role as cash deposit bank in securitisation transactions. The bank had to post approximately EUR 20 billion of additional collateral in January 2009.

In 2009 ABN AMRO liquidity management was focused on improving and subsequently maintaining the high liquidity level to enable a smooth legal separation process of the assets and liabilities acquired by the Dutch State into a new created bank during the first quarter of 2010. The DNB requires an adequate liquidity position for both banks on a stand alone basis.

Following a difficult first quarter of 2009, most indicators of stresses in financial markets are close to or better than before the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. Liquidity conditions in money and debt markets have improved significantly since the beginning of the second quarter of 2009. Contributing to the improvement has been a combination of ongoing central bank and other official liquidity support schemes, guarantee schemes and rate cuts. Signs of stabilising underlying macroeconomic trends also helped to sustain a recovery in debt markets.

In order to strengthen the liquidity buffer an additional amount of EUR 7.1 billion Dutch residential mortgages were securitised and thus became European Central Bank eligible collateral.

During 2009, the completion of the transfer of certain businesses and assets from ABN AMRO to Consortium Members decreased the liquidity risk exposure with an improving trend and enabling ABN AMRO to manage its liquidity position without excessive stress. The remainder of the multi-seller conduits were transferred to RBS Group in 2009 with only one own asset conduit, Amstel, remaining within ABN AMRO. The outstanding of this program as at 31 December 2009 was approximately EUR 8.7 billion (2008: EUR 17.8 billion).

Liquidity Ratio
ABN AMRO uses the stable funding to non liquid assets ratio in its liquidity management (refer Section 4: ‘Risk & Capital Management’ for a discussion on funding liquidity management and measurement). This ratio shows the extent to which assets (non liquid assets) are covered by liabilities (stable funding). Non liquid assets are assets that require continuous funding and where - from a commercial perspective - ABN AMRO is not in a position to discontinue funding. Stable funding is funding which is assumed to remain available in a crisis.

   
2009
   
2008
 
Stable funding/non liquid assets:
           
Year end ratio
    121 %     96 %
Average ratio
    110 %     95 %

ABN AMRO has continued to meet its internal liquidity management limits as well as regulatory liquidity requirements at all times in 2009.

As at 31 December 2009 ABN AMRO Holding and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (renamed RBS N.V. at legal demerger on 6 February 2010) and ABN AMRO II N.V. (renamed ABN AMRO Bank N.V. at legal demerger) on a stand alone basis met the DNB liquidity requirements based on a substantial liquidity buffer which could be used to generate additional liquidity at short notice of approximately EUR 59 billion.

Offices and branches
At 31 December 2009, ABN AMRO operated 644 (2008: 615) offices and branches in the Netherlands and 264 (2008: 405) offices and branches in 51 (2008: 53) other countries and territories.
 

 
 
31

 

Results of operations by segment

Changes to reporting structure and presentation
From 1 January 2009 the management and control structure of ABN AMRO has been aligned with the consortium ownership. The results of operations for the years ended 31 December 2008 and 2007 have been restated to reflect these changes.

RBS acquired businesses

Selected information
The table below sets out selected information relating to the RBS acquired segment for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Net interest income
    1,711       2,548       2,165  
Net fee and commission income
    1,024       1,358       2,107  
Net trading income
    1,449       (9,115 )     1,089  
Results from financial transactions
    (2,261 )     (1,518 )     191  
Share of result in equity accounted investments
    (65 )     9       48  
Other operating income
    (284 )     54       139  
Total income/(loss)
    1,574       (6,664 )     5,739  
Operating expenses
    4,457       5,718       6,122  
Operating result
    (2,883 )     (12,382 )     (383 )
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    1,621       2,609       346  
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (4,504 )     (14,991 )     (729 )
Tax
    (336 )     (2,442 )     (298 )
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    (4,168 )     (12,549 )     (431 )
                         
Total assets
    274,860       478,195       686,791  
Total equity
    5,328       5,951       18,606  
Risk-weighted assets
    40,156       80,395       66,212  
Tier 1 capital ratio
    15.64 %     8.47 %     n/a  
Full-time equivalent staff
    27,251       32,805       32,888  
Number of branches and offices
    264       315       316  
Efficiency ratio(1)
    283.2 %     -       106.7 %

(1) Negative efficiency ratios have been excluded

Results of operations for the years ended 31 December 2009 and 2008
The results for the year improved by EUR 8,381 million to a loss of EUR 4,168 million. This is due to an increase in the operating income of EUR 8,238 million, a reduction in operating expenses of EUR 1,261 million, and a reduction in loan impairments and other credit risk provisions of EUR 988 million.

Total income
Operating income increased by EUR 8,238 million to EUR 1,574 million. The improvement reflects a significant increase in the net trading income of EUR 10,564 million partially offset by declines in net interest income of EUR 837 million, result from financial transactions of EUR 743 million, other operating income of EUR 338 million and net fee and commission income of EUR 334 million.
·
Net interest income reduced from EUR 2,548 million to EUR 1,711 million. This reflects the significant changes in the structure of the balance sheet following transfers of businesses to RBS Group in course of 2009 and 2008, including the conduit portfolios. In addition net interest income was impacted by the overall interest margin pressure as a consequence of increased funding costs.
·
Net fee and commission income declined from EUR 1,358 million to EUR 1,024 million due to business transfers and reduced market activity resulting in lower brokerage fees.
·
Net trading income improved significantly from a loss of EUR 9,115 million to a profit of EUR 1,449 million. This is mainly driven by the lower credit valuation adjustments on monoline insurers, Credit Derivative Product Companies and write offs on Collateralised Debt Obligations following the transfer to RBS Group at the end of the first quarter of 2009. The credit valuation adjustments for 2008 amounted to a negative EUR 4.2 billion, while for 2009 they totalled negative EUR 1.2 billion. Write downs in Collateralised Debt Obligations reduced by EUR 1.3 billion to EUR 0.2 billion. Please also refer to the section ‘Credit market and related exposures’ in this section for further information. Net trading income in 2008 includes additional
 
 
32

 
 
losses of approximately EUR 1.0 billion on trading counterparties including Lehman Brothers and Bernard L. Madoff which did not re-occur in 2009. The additional increase is as a result of improvement in the Global Markets equity business. The trading results in Asset and Liability Management increased by EUR 0.7 billion following mark-to-market gains on the liquidity portfolios.
·
Results from financial transactions decreased from a loss EUR 1,518 million to a loss EUR 2,261 million. The decline is mainly attributable to losses on credit default swaps used to hedge the credit positions following a gradual tightening of the spreads in 2009. Losses on the hedges amount to EUR 1,754 million compared to EUR 1,330 million gains in 2008. The tightening credit spreads impacted the fair value gain on own credit, which reduced from EUR 482 million in 2008 to EUR 173 million in 2009. This was partially offset by lower losses and impairments of EUR 697 million in 2009 on the sales and transfers of credit portfolio and non-core assets, compared with a EUR 3,315 million loss in 2008.
·
The share of result in equity accounted investments has decreased by EUR 74 million due to the impairment in an infrastructure investment entity in Asia.
·
Other operating income decreased from a profit of EUR 54 million to a loss of EUR 284 million mainly due to the valuation adjustments on held for sale classification of the non strategic assets in Asia.

Operating expenses
Operating expenses decreased by EUR 1,261 million, or 22.1%, to EUR 4,457 million. This reflects a 17% reduction in headcount from 32,805 to 27,251 following the transfer of employees to RBS Group, continued redundancies and divestitures of non-core businesses. Related reductions in personnel costs including bonuses and general administrative expenses of EUR 1,103 million are partially offset by increased depreciation and goodwill impairments related to Asian operations held for sale.

Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
Loan impairments and other credit risk provisions have reduced from EUR 2,609 million to EUR 1,621 million. The significant improvement comes mainly from a lower specific provision for LyondellBasell which amounted to EUR 1.1 billion in 2008 compared with EUR 0.5 billion in 2009.

Tax
The tax credit is affected by the non recognition of deferred tax assets on losses incurred in the Netherlands and the US.

Total assets
Total assets of the RBS acquired businesses reduced significantly due to the continued transfer of businesses and activity to RBS Group.

Total equity
Total equity allocated to the RBS acquired businesses decreased by EUR 0.6 billion mainly reflecting a net loss in 2009 of EUR 4.2 billion, a transfer of EUR 2.9 billion in equity to Central Items to cover the RBS Group allocation of accumulated losses and to support the remaining Shared Assets until such time that these are sold, redeemed or otherwise settled, offset by EUR 6.6 billion additional share premium from RFS Holdings.

Capital ratio
ABN AMRO has entered into two credit protection agreements with RBS plc based on the rules of the Asset Protection Scheme (‘APS’) which RBS plc has signed with HM Treasury. A guarantee agreement provides ABN AMRO with 100% protection over a specific portfolio of covered assets held at amortised cost and part of the RBS acquired businesses. A credit derivative agreement provides protection over a portfolio of derivatives part of the RBS acquired businesses. The risk weighted asset relief received under these credit protection agreements amounted to EUR 9.3 billion.

Results of operations for the years ended 31 December 2008 and 2007
The loss for the year increased by EUR 12,118 million to a loss of EUR 12,549 million. This reflects a decrease in operating income of EUR 12,403 million, a decrease in operating expenses of EUR 404 million, an increase in loan impairment and other credit risk provisions of EUR 2,263 million and a decrease in tax expenses of EUR 2,144 million.


 
33

 

Total income
Operating income decreased by EUR 12,403 million to a negative amount of EUR 6,664 million, mainly as a result of a decrease in net trading income of EUR 10,204 million, a decline in net fee and commission income of EUR 749 million and a decrease in results from financial transactions of EUR 1,709 million, partly offset by an increase in net interest income of EUR 383 million.

·
Net interest income increased by EUR 383 million mainly due to the interest on the proceeds of the sale of LaSalle, higher revenues from commercial banking and higher interest on cash balances in treasury, both in the European region, and higher revenues in the global market, credit market and equities business, in the Americas region.
·
Net fee and commission income decreased by EUR 749 million, due to lower results from the merger and acquisition business and lower revenues from equity derivative and strategy business.
·
The decrease in net trading income includes credit market write-downs against asset backed securities (EUR 1.6 billion) and credit valuation adjustments against exposures to credit insurance counterparties (EUR 4.8 billion). For further information refer to our discussion on ‘Credit market and related exposures’ in this section. The negative revenue also includes losses arising on counterparty failures (approximately EUR 1.0 billion, including losses associated with the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy and the Bernard L. Madoff fraud). Furthermore, trading income was impacted by approximately EUR 500 million of losses due to a change in the valuation methodology of complex products that involve multiple unobservable inputs, such as correlation and interpolation, which have been adjusted to use the same estimation techniques as the ultimate parent company RBS Group. Trading income increases were noted in the Asian region, mainly due to higher results from local markets and global markets.
·
The decrease in results from financial transactions is due mainly to the transfer of certain credit portfolios to RBS, including structured real estate loans, the notes held by the asset arbitrage conduit and the negative result on the transfer at fair value of the North America multi-seller conduits to RBS Group. Additionally the result has been impacted by negative valuation adjustments on equity investments including ABN AMRO’s investment in a fund holding shares in Korean Exchange Bank. These negative results are partly offset by gains recorded on own debt held at fair value of approximately EUR 0.5 billion.
·
Other operating income decreased by EUR 85 million, mainly due to the tax-exempt gains on the sale of ABN AMRO’s 50% share in ABN AMRO Mellon Global Securities Services B.V. (EUR 139 million) included in the 2007 results.

Operating expenses
Operating expenses decreased by EUR 404 million, or 6.6%, to EUR 5,718 million, primarily as a result of lower performance related bonuses resulting from the decreased trading performance and a reduction in headcount. In 2008, operating expenses included a restructuring charge of EUR 657 million, compared with a restructuring release of EUR 39 million in 2007 (total increase of EUR 696 million).

Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions increased by EUR 2,263 million to EUR 2,609 million, mainly due to a provision relating specifically to LyondellBasell Industries (approximately EUR 1.1 billion) and further provisions related to global banking and markets, retail business, financial institutions and corporate clients.

Tax
The effective tax rate for 2008 is impacted by losses incurred in the year for which no deferred tax asset was recognised.

Total assets
Total assets of the RBS acquired businesses reduced significantly due to the continued transfer of businesses and activity to RBS Group.

Total equity
Total equity allocated to the RBS acquired businesses decreased by EUR 12.7 billion reflecting a net loss in 2008 of EUR 12.5 billion.




 
34

 

Dutch State acquired businesses

Selected information
The table sets out selected information relating to the Dutch State acquired segment for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Net interest income
    2,994       3,223       3,440  
Net fee and commission income
    1,198       1,322       1,541  
Net trading income
    110       190       155  
Results from financial transactions
    299       181       37  
Share of result in equity accounted investments
    83       31       54  
Other operating income
    215       242       335  
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
    -       -       -  
Total income
    4,899       5,189       5,562  
Operating expenses
    3,796       3,786       3,610  
Operating result
    1,103       1,403       1,952  
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    1,172       776       378  
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (69 )     627       1,574  
Tax
    48       156       394  
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    (117 )     471       1,180  
                         
Total assets
    201,824       183,539       161,335  
Total equity
    4,277       7,045       3,587  
Risk-weighted assets
    74,973       91,718       86,913  
Tier 1 capital ratio
    10.18 %     9.33 %     n/a  
Assets under Management (in billions of euros)
    124       102       140  
Full-time equivalent staff
    22,308       23,040       23,593  
Number of branches and offices
    644       695       744  
Efficiency ratio
    77.5 %     73.0 %     64.9 %

Results of operations for the years ended 31 December 2009 and 2008
The results for the year decreased by EUR 588 million to a loss of EUR 117 million. This included a decrease of EUR 290 million in operating income, an increase in operating expenses of EUR 10 million, an increase in loan impairments and other credit risk provisions of EUR 396 million and a decrease in income tax expenses of EUR 108 million.

Total income
Operating income decreased by EUR 290 million to EUR 4,899 million, mainly due to a decrease in net interest income, net fee and commission income, trading income and other operating income, partly offset by an increase in results from financial transactions and share of result in equity accounted investments.
·
The decrease in net interest income is mainly due to interest margin pressure. The recovery in the interest rates in the Dutch deposit and saving markets started slowly after the first half year 2009.
·
Net fees and commission income decreased, mainly due to lower average Asset under Management levels. Although the Asset under Management levels increased by EUR 22 billion to EUR 124 billion, the average Asset under Management levels were lower in 2009 compared to the average Asset under Management levels in 2008. The decrease is also due to fees paid on the purchased credit protection for a EUR 34.5 billion portfolio entered into in August 2009 on residential mortgages to strengthen the capital of Dutch State acquired businesses.
·
The decrease in trading income is mainly due to a credit valuation adjustment charge of EUR 59 million for portfolio of interest rate derivatives in 2009 following a fair valuation methodology refinement.
·
The increase in results from financial transactions resulted from the inclusion of a positive result on the unwinding of some capital management related guarantee transactions, sale of available-for-sale securities and gains recorded on repurchases of issued debt.

Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased by EUR 10 million to EUR 3,796 million, mainly due to the EUR 83 million deposit guarantee charge (charge of EUR 100 million related to the bankruptcy of the DSB bank, partly offset by a release of EUR 17 million for Icesave) and EUR 227 million restructuring costs compared with EUR 53 million deposit guarantee charge relating to Icesave and EUR 209 million restructuring costs in 2008. The restructuring
 
 
35

 
charge relates to integration and restructuring costs as well as costs related to the preparation for the sale resulting from EC Remedy.

Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions increased by EUR 396 million to EUR 1,172 million predominantly due to specific provisions against the commercial loan portfolio and an increased level of incurred but not identified provisions on the basis of an assessment of the economic climate and the expected impairments.

Tax
The effective tax rate for 2009 includes an allocation of tax charges related to losses incurred in the Netherlands.

Total assets
Total assets of the Dutch State acquired businesses increased by EUR 18.3 billion primarily related to the purchase of high quality debt securities and an increase in the net receivable from the RBS acquired businesses and Central Items.

Total equity
Total equity allocated to the Dutch State acquired businesses decreased by EUR 2.8 billion mainly reflecting a net loss in 2009 of EUR 0.1 billion and a transfer of EUR 2.6 billion in equity to Central Items to cover the Dutch State’s allocation of accumulated losses and to support the remaining Shared Assets until such time that these are sold, redeemed or otherwise settled.

Capital ratio
The capital ratio in 2009 benefited from entering into a number of capital actions. In July 2009 two capital actions were executed by means of the issue of a EUR 800 million Mandatory Convertible Tier-1 Security that was acquired by the Ministry of Finance and a Credit Default Swap transacted with the Ministry of Finance through which the Dutch State acquired businesses have purchased credit protection on a EUR 34.5 billion portfolio of own originated residential mortgages.

The capital actions of the Dutch State that were executed in December 2009, were for the benefit of the Dutch State acquired businesses and consisted of the issue of two Mandatory Convertible Securities. The first of these was issued by the former ABN AMRO Bank N.V. in the amount of EUR 967 million and has been demerged together with the assets and liabilities of the Dutch State acquired businesses in accordance with the legal demerger filing dated 30 September 2009 to the new ABN AMRO Bank. The second of these was in the amount of EUR 833 million and was issued directly by the new ABN AMRO Bank to cover expected losses in respect of the EC Remedy business disposal. This issuance has not yet contributed to the regulatory capital as at 31 December 2009. The estimated losses related to the EC Remedy are expected to be booked after legal separation in the new ABN AMRO Bank.

Results of operations for the years ended 31 December 2008 and 2007
Profit for the year decreased by EUR 709 million, or 60.1% to EUR 471 million. This was as a result of a decrease in operating income of EUR 373 million, an increase in operating expenses of EUR 176 million and an increase in loan impairment and other credit risk provisions of EUR 398 million, partially offset by a decrease in tax of EUR 238 million.

Total income
Operating income decreased by EUR 373 million, or 6.7%, to EUR 5,189 million, mainly due to a decrease in net interest income, net fee and commission income and other operating income, partly offset by an increase in results from financial transactions.

·
Net interest income decreased by EUR 217 million, or 6.3%, mainly as result of the inclusion of a negative interest margin from the Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios economically allocated to the Dutch State from 1 April 2008, partly offset by interest revenues on the proceeds of the sale of Asset Management. Increased gross interest, resulting from higher mortgage volumes and commercial loans, did not compensate for the lower margins. Margins on deposits and savings also dropped due to the migration to higher yielding saving products and deposits.
 
 
36

 
 
·
Net fees and commission income decreased by EUR 219 million, or 14.2%, mainly due to lower Assets under Management levels in the Private Clients business which decreased by EUR 38 billion to EUR 102 billion. This decline reflects a reduction in net new assets and lower asset values due to deteriorated financial markets in 2008.
·
Results from financial transactions increased by EUR 144 million, reflecting a positive result on the unwinding of some capital management related guarantee transactions.
·
Other operating income decreased by EUR 93 million, or 27.8%. The 2007 figures include the gain on the sale of some branches and offices.

Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased by EUR 176 million, or 4.9%, to EUR 3,786 million. The 2008 operating expenses include a restructuring charge of EUR 208 million, whilst in 2007 a restructuring allowance of EUR 48 million was released. The restructuring charge relates to integration and restructuring costs as well as costs related to the preparation for the possible sale resulting from the EC Remedy. Adjusted for the restructuring charge of EUR 208 million, operating expenses decrease by EUR 32 million, due to cost management actions throughout the year, partially offset by an increase in staff costs arising from a detailed review of staff related provisions and a provision for the estimated costs to ABN AMRO relating to the deposit guarantee scheme in the Netherlands.

Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions increased by EUR 398 million, to EUR 776 million, mainly related to the small and medium enterprise portfolio.

Total assets
Total assets of the Dutch State acquired businesses increased by EUR 22.2 billion mainly representing the Dutch State acquired businesses allocation of the Group Asset and Liability Management portfolio previously accounted for in Central Items.

Total equity
Total equity allocated to the Dutch State acquired businesses increased by EUR 3.5 billion which included the gain on sale of Asset Management of EUR 3.1 billion and the profit from continuing operations for 2008.



 
37

 

Central Items

The Central Items segment includes items that are not allocated to but economically shared by the Consortium Members as well as settlement amounts accruing to Santander.

Selected information
The table sets out selected information relating to Central Items, for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Net interest income/(expense)
    (42 )     57       (790 )
Net fee and commission income
    (1 )     (51 )     204  
Net trading income/(loss)
    3       (399 )     (128 )
Results from financial transactions
    (250 )     (311 )     860  
Share of results in equity accounted investments
    7       66       120  
Other operating income
    77       10       765  
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
    -       -        
Total income/(loss)
    (206 )     (628 )     1,031  
Operating expenses
    140       490       1,419  
Operating result
    (346 )     (1,118 )     (388 )
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    -       2       (7 )
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (346 )     (1,120 )     (381 )
Tax
    (132 )     (304 )     (586 )
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    (214 )     (816 )     205  
                         
Total assets (1)
    8,776       11,073       175,389  
Total equity (1)
    9,311       4,127       8,516  
Risk-weighted assets (1)
    2,406       3,915       79,187  
Full-time equivalent staff (1)
    138       1,119       3,241  
Number of branches and offices (1)
    -       10       3,236  
Efficiency ratio(2)
    -       -       137.6 %

(1) Including discontinued operations.
(2) Negative efficiency ratios have been excluded.

Results of operations for the years ended 31 December 2009 and 2008
The result for the year increased by EUR 602 million to a loss of EUR 214 million. This was as a result of a decrease in operating expenses of EUR 350 million, a decrease in loan impairments and other credit risk provisions of EUR 2 million, an increase in operating income of EUR 422 million and a decrease in income tax benefit of EUR 172 million.

Total income
Operating income increased by EUR 422 million to a loss of EUR 206 million, mainly due to a reduction in the loss incurred by Group Assets and Liability Management and the absence of a loss from our shareholding in Unicredit, which had resulted in a loss in 2008.

In the course of 2008, the majority of the Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios were allocated to the businesses acquired by the respective Consortium Members and hence the results are no longer recorded in Central Items.

·
Net interest income decreased by EUR 99 million, mainly due to the lower interest on the proceeds of the sale of businesses allocated to Santander partly offset by the transfer of Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios as explained above.
·
The results from net trading income has increased by EUR 402 million, to nearly zero, mainly due to the transfer of Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios as noted above.
·
Share of results in equity accounted investments has decreased by EUR 59 million resulting from lower profits reported by Saudi Hollandi Bank.

Operating expenses
Operating expenses have decreased by EUR 350 million to EUR 140 million, mainly due to the unwinding of the Central Items including the continued ramp down of the Group functions. The results in 2009 include EUR 3 million restructuring costs whereas 2008 include EUR 167 million restructuring costs.
 
 
38


 
Tax
The income tax net benefit of EUR 132 million reflects a release in tax provisions related to prior years’ tax returns and tax credits recorded on deductible interest.

Total assets
Total assets of Central Items decreased by EUR 2.3 billion due to the continued ramp down of activities within the segment.

Total equity
Total equity allocated to Central Items increased by EUR 5.2 billion mainly due to the transfers of allocated equity from RBS Group and the Dutch State of EUR 2.9 billion and EUR 2.6 billion, respectively, to cover RBS Group’s and the Dutch State’s share of accumulated losses within this segment and to support the remaining Shared Assets until such time that these are sold, redeemed or otherwise settled.

Results of operations for the years ended 31 December 2008 and 2007
The result for the year decreased by EUR 1,021 million to a loss of EUR 816 million. This was as a result of a decrease in operating income of EUR 1,659 million, a decrease in operating expenses of EUR 929 million and a decrease in tax benefit of EUR 282 million.

Total income
Operating income decreased by EUR 1,659 million to a loss of EUR 628 million, mainly due to lower Group Asset and Liability Management results and lower results from our shareholding in Unicredit (approximately EUR 0.8 billion) that was fully divested in 2008. The results from the shareholding in Unicredit were negative in 2008. This was partly offset by the interest revenue on the proceeds of the sale of Banca Antonveneta and the sale of Banco Real accruing to Santander. The 2007 figures also include significant disposal gains.

In the course of 2008, the majority of the Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios have been allocated to the businesses acquired by the respective Consortium Members. Consequently the majority of the Group Asset and Liability Management results are no longer recorded in Central Items.

·
Net interest income increased by EUR 847 million, mainly due to the interest on the proceeds of the sale of Banca Antonveneta and the sale of Banco Real and due to the transfer of Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios as explained above.
·
The results from net fee and commission income decreased by EUR 255 million, mainly due to the transfer of Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios as explained above.
·
The results from net trading income decreased by EUR 271 million, mainly due to the transfer of Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios as explained above.
·
Results from financial transactions decreased by EUR 1,171 million, mainly due to lower results from our shareholding in Unicredit (approximately EUR 0.8 billion) driven by stock price developments prior to disposal in 2008.
·
Other operating income decreased by EUR 755 million to EUR 10 million. The 2007 figures include the gain on the sale of ABN AMRO’s stake in Capitalia which was settled in exchange for Unicredit shares (EUR 624 million) and the gain on the sale of the Latin American Private Banking operations in Miami and Uruguay, including the Latin American portfolios managed in Switzerland and Luxembourg (EUR 77 million).

Operating expenses
Operating expenses decreased by EUR 929 million. The results in 2008 included a EUR 167 million restructuring charge, whereas 2007 included a restructuring release of EUR 14 million. Operating expenses in 2007 included a provision for the US Department of Justice investigation (EUR 365 million), transaction-related advisory fees (EUR 211 million), the break-up fee paid to Barclays (EUR 200 million), costs of accelerated vesting of share-based payments (EUR 117 million) and transition and integration costs (EUR 95 million).

Tax
Tax expense increased by EUR 282 million to a benefit of EUR 304 million, mainly due to deferred tax asset impairments, while 2007 included higher tax-exempt gains on disposals as well as a tax release.
 
 
39


 
Total assets
Total assets of Central Items decreased by EUR 164.3 billion due to the sale of Santander acquired businesses, including Banco Real and Banca Antonveneta, and the transfer of the Group Asset and Liability Management portfolio to the RBS and Dutch State acquired businesses during 2008.

Total equity
Total equity allocated to Central Items decreased by EUR 4.4 billion predominantly as a result of the capital distribution to Santander of EUR 19.2 billion partly offset by EUR 13.4 billion gain on sale of discontinued operations attributable to the Santander acquired businesses and the loss from continuing operations of EUR 0.8 billion.






 
40

 

Credit market and related exposures

Impact of the credit environment on ABN AMRO’s financial position and results of operations

Explanatory note
The following disclosures provide information for certain of ABN AMRO’s business activities affected by the unprecedented market events of 2008 and 2009 with a focus on trading and available-for-sale positions.
 
Throughout this section the following abbreviations have been used:
     
 
ABS
Asset-backed securities
 
CDO
Collateralised debt obligations
 
CDPC
Credit Derivative Product Company
 
CDS
Credit default swap
 
CLO
Collateralised loan obligations
 
CMBS
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
CVA
Credit valuation adjustment
 
RMBS
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
Asset-backed exposure
The table below summarises the net exposures and balance sheet carrying values of ABS by measurement classification, followed by commentary on the products mentioned.

(in millions of euros)
 
Held for trading
   
Available-for-sale
   
Total ABS
 
   
31 December 2009
   
31 December 2008
   
31 December 2009
   
31 December 2008
   
31 December 2009
   
31 December 2008
 
Net exposure (1)
                                   
                                     
RMBS
    3,059       4,039       7,745       8,011       10,804       12,050  
Residential mortgage covered bonds
    -       -       10,870       10,858       10,870       10,858  
CMBS
    -       344       -       -       -       344  
CDO & CLOs
    -       853       200       327       200       1,180  
Other ABS
    20       257       2,443       3,375       2,463       3,632  
Total
    3,079       5,493       21,258       22,571       24,337       28,064  
                                                 
Carrying value (2)
                                               
                                                 
RMBS
    3,059       4,096       7,745       8,011       10,804       12,107  
Residential mortgage covered bonds
    -       -       10,870       10,858       10,870       10,858  
CMBS
    -       592       -       -       -       592  
CDOs & CLOs
    -       4,224       200       327       200       4,551  
Other ABS
    20       257       2,443       3,375       2,463       3,632  
Total
    3,079       9,169       21,258       22,571       24,337       31,740  

(1) Net exposure is the carrying value after taking account of hedge protection purchased from monolines and other counterparties. The hedge provides protection against the notional and interest cash flows in the event of default by the debt security counterparty.
(2) Carrying value is the amount recorded on the balance sheet.

The position in RMBS has decreased slightly in 2009. The held for trading position consists of prime European RMBS positions held as part of the RBS acquired Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios. The available-for-sale RMBS positions are part of the RBS acquired businesses and are backed by mortgages covered by the Dutch mortgage guarantee scheme and 98% of them were AAA rated at 31 December 2009.

96% of residential mortgage covered bonds were AAA rated at 31 December 2009. 99% of residential mortgage covered bonds were originated in Europe, of which 76% in Spain.
 
 
41


 
The CDO & CLO exposure decreased significantly due to transfers to RBS Group in the first half of 2009. As part of the transfer, all super senior CDO positions (31 December 2008: EUR 636 million) were sold to RBS Group. A loss of EUR 203 million was recognised on those positions in 2009 prior to the transfer. The remaining available-for-sale portfolio comprises of other senior CDOs (EUR 200 million), which are held in the RBS allocated Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios and were AAA rated at 31 December 2009.

The net exposure to ABSs backed by assets other than residential mortgages, such as sovereign or public entities debt, amounts to EUR 2.5 billion (31 December 2008: EUR 3.6 billion) and is mainly related to AAA European (43% Germany, 36% Spain) covered bonds held in the RBS acquired Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios. The decrease is mainly due to maturing of the papers and transfers to RBS.

Monoline exposure
The table below analyses ABN AMRO’s holding of credit default swaps (‘CDSs‘) with monoline counterparties.

(in millions of euros)
 
31 December 2009
   
31 December 2008
 
Gross exposure to monolines
    2,913       5,278  
Credit valuation adjustment
    (2,107 )     (2,822 )
Hedges with bank counterparties (including an overlay swap with RBS Group)
    (806 )     (283 )
Net exposure to monolines
    -       2,173  

The monoline insurer credit valuation adjustment (‘CVA’) is calculated on a trade-by-trade basis, and is derived using market observable monoline credit spreads. The perceived deterioration in the credit quality of the monolines has been reflected by ratings downgrades. Market observable credit spreads have widened with lower recovery rate assumptions and this has resulted in relatively increased levels of CVA being recorded against the exposures to these counterparties.

The net loss through trading income in 2009 amounts to EUR 1.3 billion and relates mainly to increased levels of CVA recorded against the exposures prior to entering into an overlay swap with RBS Group as well as the cost of the overlay swap with RBS Group thereafter. The EUR 806 million hedges with bank counterparties includes the overlay swap transacted with RBS Group which transfers the daily movement in the CVA between ABN AMRO and RBS Group for these trades. The mark-to-market of this swap with RBS Group was EUR 405 million in favour of RBS Group at 31 December 2009.

Credit derivative product companies exposure
The table below presents a comparison of the mark-to-market of the credit protection purchased and the CVA on the CDPC. The rating is based on the rating of the CDPC:

(in millions of euros)
 
 
31 December 2009
   
31 December 2008
 
   
Notional amount reference assets
   
Mark to market
   
Credit valuation adjustment
   
Notional amount reference assets
   
Mark to market
   
Credit valuation adjustment
 
AAA / AA rated
    -       -       -       6,547       1,282       256  
A / BBB rated
    694       12       4       4,646       954       335  
Total
    694       12       4       11,193       2,236       591  

The decrease in the notional amount and the related CVA during 2009 was driven mainly by trade novations to RBS Group. The CVA on remaining positions decreased due to increases in the fair value of the insured assets.

The movement in the CDPC CVA is analysed below:

(in millions of euros)
     
Balance at 1 January 2009
    591  
(Profits)/Losses through income
    (131 )
Realised CVA on transfers to RBS Group
    (492 )
Foreign currency movement
    36  
Balance at 31 December 2009
    4  

 
42

 

Section 4     Risk and Capital Management
 
   
Regulation and Supervision
44
Regulation and supervision in the Netherlands
44
Regulation and supervision in the European Union
47
Regulation and supervision in the United States
49
Regulation and supervision in the rest of the world
49
   
Risk Management
50
Risk management and capital adequacy
50
Capital resources and minimum capital requirement information
51
ABN AMRO’s risk framework and governance
53
   
Risk Factors
61
   
Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
69
   
Ongoing Investigations
69
   

 
43

 

SECTION 4     RISK AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT


This risk and capital management section sets out the regulatory environment faced by ABN AMRO worldwide, explains how ABN AMRO manages risk and describes some of the risk factors affecting ABN AMRO which should be considered before making investment decisions.

Regulation and Supervision

Regulation and supervision in the Netherlands

General
ABN AMRO and its subsidiaries are regulated in the Netherlands by the Dutch Central Bank (‘DNB’) and the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiële Markten referred to as ‘AFM’).

ABN AMRO’s regulatory system in the Netherlands is a comprehensive system based on the provisions of the Financial Supervision Act which came into effect on 1 January 2007. The Financial Supervision Act has replaced, amongst others, the Act on the Supervision of the Credit System 1992 without affecting the existing supervisory system.

The Financial Supervision Act sets out rules regarding prudential supervision (by the DNB) and supervision of conduct (by the AFM). Prudential supervision focuses on the solidity of financial undertakings and contributes to the stability of the financial sector. Supervision of conduct focuses on orderly and transparent financial market processes, clear relations between market participants and due care in the treatment of clients (including supervision of the securities and investment businesses).

ABN AMRO is a ‘universal bank’ under the terms of the Financial Supervision Act because it is engaged in the banking business as well as the securities business. Some of the provisions of the Financial Supervision Act may restrict a bank’s ability to make capital contributions or loans to subsidiaries and to make distributions.

Prudential Supervision
Prudential supervision of credit institutions in the Netherlands is performed by the DNB under the Financial Supervision Act. No enterprise or institution established in the Netherlands may pursue the business of a credit institution unless it has obtained prior authorisation from the DNB. Its supervisory activities under the Financial Supervision Act focus on supervision of solvency, liquidity and administrative organisation, including risk management and internal control. If, in the opinion of the DNB, a credit institution fails to comply with the rules and regulations regarding the above mentioned subjects, the DNB will notify the credit institution and may instruct the credit institution to behave in a certain manner. If the credit institution does not respond to any such instructions to the satisfaction of the DNB, the DNB is allowed to exercise additional supervisory measures that may include the imposition of fines.

Prudential supervison also oversees calculation of significant intra-group agreements, adjusted solvency, calculation of capital adequacy and significant risk concentrations.  It also determines the models used by the financial undertakings to report the calculations to the DNB. Finally, the regulation lays down reporting rules, for example reporting deadlines and reporting frequency.

Conduct of business supervision
The body responsible for carrying out this supervision in the Netherlands is the AFM.

Conduct-of-business supervision focuses on ensuring orderly and transparent financial market processes, proper relationships between market participants and the exercise of due care by financial undertakings in dealing with clients.

The Financial Supervision Act provides that each supervised credit institution must submit periodic reports to the DNB. In accordance with this requirement ABN AMRO files quarterly and monthly reports with the DNB. At least one submission for each given year must be certified by an external auditor. The report to be certified is selected by an external auditor at his or her discretion.
 
 
44


 
On 1 July 2008 a decree pursuant to the Financial Supervision Act was extended to incorporate the requirements for eligibility of covered bonds. Dutch issuers of covered bonds now have the facility to register their programs with the DNB. The new legislation is designed to protect the interest of covered bondholders through special supervision by the DNB of the recognised covered bond programs. An issuer must comply with several conditions when submitting a program for recognition and demonstrate compliance to these conditions through the provision of specific documentation and information. Once a program is registered, the issuer will have ongoing administration and reporting obligations to adhere to.

As at 14 August 2009 the Covered Bond programme of the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V became eligible under the new legislation and the outstanding covered bonds have been registered with the DNB.

Solvency supervision
Capital adequacy framework (Basel)
In 2004, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision endorsed the publication of the ‘International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards: a Revised Framework’, commonly referred to as Basel II. The Capital Requirements Directive, representing the translation of Basel II to EU legislation and replacing the Capital Adequacy Directive, was approved by the European Parliament in 2005. This acceptance by the European Parliament cleared the way in Europe for the implementation of the Capital Requirements Directive, with a published compliance date of 1 January 2008.

The implementation process of Basel II into Dutch legislation (Financial Supervision Act) and regulation was completed in December 2006 when the DNB published its supervisory rules. The compliance date in the European Union was 1 January 2008.

Basel II provides three approaches of increasing sophistication to the calculation of credit risk capital: the Standardised Approach, the Internal Ratings Based Foundation Approach, and the Internal Ratings Based Advanced Approach. Basel II also introduces capital requirements for operational risk for the first time. Basel II is structured around the three following ‘pillars’.

Pillar 1 sets out minimum regulatory capital requirements, that is, the minimum amount of capital banks must hold against credit, operational and market risks.

Pillar 2 sets out the key principles for supervisory review of an institution’s risk management framework and, ultimately, its capital adequacy. It sets out specific oversight responsibilities for the Board and senior management, thus reinforcing principles of internal control and other corporate governance practices. Pillar 2 requires that the institutions conduct an internal capital adequacy assessment process.

Pillar 3 aims to bolster market discipline through enhanced disclosure by banks.

ABN AMRO’s transitional agreement and current compliance with the Basel II capital adequacy framework
ABN AMRO is fully owned by RFS Holdings which is controlled by the RBS Group, incorporated in the United Kingdom. Consequently, ABN AMRO is under the supervision of the United Kingdom Financial Services Authority (FSA) as its home regulator, and the DNB as its host regulator, for Basel II compliance. For all other matters the DNB remains the home regulator.

ABN AMRO, subsequent to its acquisition by RFS Holdings in October 2007, received approval for a transitional period from its host, as well as its home regulator, for compliance to Basel II capital rules. ABN AMRO has agreed with the DNB and the FSA to continue to report figures on the basis of Basel I until legal separation. In accordance with this, revised minimum requirements have been set for the Tier 1 and total capital ratios, including the requirement to treat capital deductions in the same manner as required under Basel II. The minimum Tier 1 ratio required is 9% and the minimum total capital ratio is 12.5%. The stand alone banks have agreed plans with the DNB concerning Basel II compliance.

The solvency rules for Basel I require that ABN AMRO maintain a minimum level of total capital to support the risk-weighted total value of balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items. These off–balance sheet items include guarantees, documentary credits, the credit equivalent of interest and currency-related contracts, unused portions of committed credit facilities with an original maturity of over one year, note issuance facilities and revolving underwriting facilities, as well as the market risk for financial instruments in the trading book. This minimum level of total capital is called the Capital Adequacy Ratio. The risk-weighting
 
 
45

 
considers the debtor’s risk, which depends on the debtor’s classification, whether or not security is provided, and the country of origin of the debtor.

For ABN AMRO, total capital consists of core capital (Tier 1 capital) and secondary capital (upper and lower Tier 2 capital). ABN AMRO is also permitted to maintain an additional form of regulatory capital, Tier 3 capital, to support the market risk of financial instruments in ABN AMRO’s trading book and foreign exchange risk of all business activities. The amount of lower Tier 2 capital may not exceed 50% of the amount of Tier 1 capital, and the amount of Tier 2 capital included in total capital may not exceed the amount of Tier 1 capital. In addition, Tier 3 capital may not exceed 250% of the amount of Tier 1 capital that is necessary to support market and foreign exchange risk and the sum of Tier 2 and Tier 3 capital may not exceed Tier 1 capital. Goodwill and interests of more than 10% in non-consolidated banking and financial subsidiaries are deducted from Tier 1 capital and total capital.

Exposure supervision
The DNB has issued specific rules with respect to large exposures to a single borrower or group of interconnected borrowers, or in relation to certain other businesses that involve a concentration of risk. Large exposures generally include all assets and off-balance sheet items of a credit institution with respect to a single borrower or group of interconnected borrowers which exceed 10% of a credit institution’s total capital. Large exposures must be reported once every quarter to the DNB. There is a limit of 25% of total capital for a single large exposure as part of the banking book. Trading book positions may exceed this limit subject to additional solvency requirements. The aggregate amount of all large exposures of a credit institution may not exceed 800% of its total capital.

Liquidity supervision
Banks are required to report on a consolidated level on their liquidity position to the DNB monthly, on the basis of the liquidity supervision directive. The liquidity directive seeks to ensure that banks are in a position to cope with an acute short term liquidity shortage under the assumption that banks would remain solvent. In principle, the DNB liquidity directive covers all direct domestic and foreign establishments (subsidiaries/branches), including majority participations. The regulatory report also takes into consideration the liquidity effects of derivatives and the potential drawings under committed facilities.

The directive places emphasis on the short term in testing the liquidity position over a period of up to one month with a separate test of the liquidity position in the first week. For observation purposes, several additional maturity bands are included in the liquidity report (one to three months, three to six months, six months to one year and beyond one year).

Available liquidity must always exceed required liquidity. Available liquidity and required liquidity are calculated by applying weighting factors to the relevant on- and off-balance sheet items, i.e. irrevocable commitments. The liquidity test includes all currencies. Compliance reports concerning liquidity requirements of foreign subsidiaries are submitted to the appropriate foreign regulatory authorities as required. At a consolidated level, and in every country in which ABN AMRO operates, ABN AMRO adheres to the liquidity standards imposed by the applicable regulatory authorities.

As a result of the current turbulent times the DNB has required more frequent liquidity information from the banks with a shorter maturity bands. These reports are submitted on a weekly basis.

Structural supervision
Pursuant to the Financial Supervision Act, banks are prohibited to hold, acquire or increase a qualifying holding or exercise any control relating to a qualifying holding in a bank in the Netherlands, except if it has obtained a Declaration of No Objection (‘DNO’) from the DNB (or in certain specified cases from the Dutch Minister of Finance). Qualifying holding means a participation of at least 10% in the issued share capital of the related voting rights or similar influence. The DNO would be issued unless the qualifying holding in the bank concerned would lead to an influence which might jeopardise sound and prudent operations or the qualifying holding could or would lead to an undesirable development of the financial sector.

The DNB or the Dutch Minister of Finance can, on request, grant so-called bandwidths, umbrella and group-DNOs in respect of qualifying holdings. A DNO is not required in case of a qualifying holding by a bank in a company whose assets consist of more than 90% liquid assets.
 
 
46


 
According to Dutch regulation a DNO will not be issued regarding qualifying holding by a bank in a non-financial institution if the value of the equity participation would exceed 15% of a bank’s regulatory capital and if the participation would cause the value of the bank’s aggregate qualifying holdings in non-financial institutions to exceed 60% of its regulatory capital. Certain types of participations will be approved in principle, although in certain circumstances a DNO will have a limited period of validity, such as in the case of a debt rescheduling or rescue operation or when the participation is acquired and held as part of an issue underwriting operation. Generally the approval will be given where the value of the non-financial institution concerned or the value of the participation does not exceed certain threshold amounts.

Supervision of the securities and investment businesses
ABN AMRO is also subject to supervision of its activities in the securities business. The Financial Supervision Act, which has replaced the Act on the Supervision of the Securities Trade 1995 together with the decrees and regulations promulgated thereunder, provides a comprehensive framework for the conduct of securities trading in or from the Netherlands. The AFM is charged by the Dutch Minister of Finance with supervision of the securities industry.

Regulation and supervision in the European Union
The Financial Services Action Plan 1999-2005 has laid the foundation for a single financial market in the EU and has brought about many changes (both directive and regulations) aimed at increasing integration and harmonisation in the European market for financial services.  The financial services sector includes three major areas for which European regulatory policies apply: banking, capital markets, and asset management.

The Consolidated Banking Directive of the European Parliament and of the European Council of 20 March 2000 lays down rules concerning the taking up and pursuit of the business of credit institutions and their prudential supervision. Under this Directive, a bank can offer banking on the basis of a single banking licence (‘European passport’) through the establishment of a branch or cross-border provision of services in all the EU countries.

A new capital requirements framework that updates the Consolidated Banking Directive was adopted in June 2006 as the Capital Requirements Directive. The Capital Requirements Directive is the legal instrument pursuant to which the Basel II framework has been implemented in EU law.  The Capital Requirements Directive lays down the capital adequacy requirements applying to investment firms and credit institutions. Refer to Solvency supervision section for more information.

In October 2008, the Commission adopted proposals to amend the Capital Requirements Directive in light of the financial crisis. Proposals address items such as large exposures, supervisory arrangements and crisis management and securitisation.  In another action taken in response to the crisis, in October 2008, the Commission adopted a proposal for amendments to the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive. In December 2008, the European Parliament adopted in first reading, (i) an increased minimum cover level from EUR 20,000 to EUR 50,000 with a further increase to EUR 100,000 by 31 December 2010 and (ii) a reduction in the payout time. In the Netherlands, the maximum cover was already increased earlier to an amount of EUR 100,000 as a result of the financial crisis. Also refer to the Solvency supervision section for more information.

In the area of securities legislation, the Market Abuse Directive prohibits market manipulation and insider dealing in all securities admitted to trading on an EU regulated market. This Directive was reviewed in 2009. The Prospectus Directive that regulates the process and the disclosure requirements for public offerings in and admissions to trading on an EU regulated market of securities, and allows European public offerings with one single prospectus, has also been reviewed last year. The Transparency Directive harmonises the transparency requirements for information about issuers whose securities are admitted to trading on an EU regulated market. This Directive was implemented in the Netherlands as of 1 January 2009.

The other important piece of legislation in this area is the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, which came into force in various EU countries on 1 November 2007. It regulates amongst others the cross-border provision of investment services and regulated markets and replaces the 1993 Investment Services Directive which established the single passport for investment firms. The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive provides a harmonised regime for investment services and aims at increasing competition and reinforcing investor protection. The Directive provides a passport for investment firms, enabling them to conduct cross-border activities and establish branches throughout Europe on the basis of authorisation from their home country regulator. It streamlines supervision on the basis of home country control and enhances the
 
 
47

 
transparency of markets. It harmonises conduct of business rules, including best execution, conflicts of interests and client order handling rules. The Directive abolishes the concentration rule, and thus leads towards a more competitive regime between order execution venues. It also imposes market transparency rules for investment firms, regulated markets and multilateral trading systems for both pre- and post-trading for equities.  

For post-trading, the European Commission has directed the industry to agree on a Code of Conduct for Clearing and Settlement, which was signed by the stock exchanges in November 2006. The Code aims at enhancing price transparency and increasing competition across the EU post-trading market. In April 2008, the Commission adopted a proposal to amend the Financial Collateral Arrangements Directive and the Settlement Finality Directive. The proposal strengthens the protection of settlement systems and financial collateral arrangements and enables them to adapt to the new market conditions created by the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and the Code of Conduct for Clearing and Settlement.

Likewise, political initiatives in the area of retail financial services and payment services have been launched. In April 2008, the EU institutions adopted a Directive on Consumer Credit. The Directive covers personal loans of between EUR 200 and 75,000 repayable after more than one month. The Directive introduces consumer protection provisions and at the same time aims at the creation of a single market for consumer credit in the EU. The most significant changes are with respect to (i) the provision of standardised pre-contractual and contractual information; (ii) the right of withdrawal; (iii) early repayment, and (iv) the standardisation of methods for calculating the annual percentage rate of charges. Mortgages and deferred debit cards are explicitly excluded from the Directive’s scope. The Directive came into force on 11 June 2008 and EU Member States will have two years to incorporate the new rules into their national legislation.  In respect of mortgage credit, the European Commission adopted a White Paper on the Integration of EU Mortgage Markets. The White Paper presents measures to improve the efficiency and the competitiveness of these markets. The Commission is consulting with stakeholders on the best approach to deliver the necessary added value.

In November 2008, the European Banking Industry Committee, a committee of the European Commission, adopted the industry’s voluntary code of conduct for switching accounts within the same country, the Bank Account Switching Common Principles. On 1 November 2009 these Principles were agreed upon by the European banking sector associations and came into force throughout the European Union.

In October 2007, the EU institutions formally adopted the Payment Services Directive. This Directive will open up the payment services to competition from new licensed payments institutions and increase consumer protection by introducing information requirements and uniform operational rules for payment service providers. This Directive, applicable in the EU to all payments in Euro and other Member States currencies, lays the basis for the creation of a Single Market in payments and constitutes the legal framework for the Single Euro Payments Area. The Payment Services Directive was implemented in the Financial Supervision Act on 1 November 2009. On 28 January 2008, the SEPA Credit Transfer Scheme went live, thus completing the first phase of the Single Euro Payments Area which is scheduled to be fully operative by 2010. In October 2008, the Commission adopted a proposal for a new regulation replacing Regulation 2560/2001 on cross-border payments in Euro. The proposal aims at extending the principle of equality of charges to direct debits, enhancing consumer protection and reducing the burden of statistical reporting.

In October 2008, the Commission proposed a new e-money Directive to facilitate take-up in the e-money market. The proposal was adopted by the European Parliament and has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union as of 10 October 2009.

In the area of asset management, the EU has enacted legislation on pension and investment products. On investment funds, there are two Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Directives (‘UCITS’), the first regulating the product (e.g. types of assets in which to invest) and the second one giving management companies a ‘European passport’ to operate throughout the EU. The Commission initiated a review of the UCITS framework with the aim of increasing the efficiency of the European investment fund industry. The Committee of European Securities Regulators (‘CESR’) has drawn up a technical advice to the European Commission on level 2 measures relating to mergers of UCITS, master-feeder UCITS structures and cross-border notification of UCITS. In the field of supplementary pensions, a Directive has liberalised the market for supplementary pension schemes by allowing pension providers to operate on an EU-wide basis and establishing ‘prudent person principles’ for asset allocation.
 
 
48


 
The third Anti-Money Laundering Directive, adopted in November 2005, was required to be implemented into national law of Members States by December 2007. The aim of the Directive is to transpose the Financial Action Task Force’s forty recommendations. It follows a risk-based approach under which all measures aimed at preventing money laundering must be applied on a proportionate basis, depending on the type of customer, business and other considerations. On 1 August 2008 the Act on Anti-Money Laundering and against Financing of Terrorism came into force.

On 1 January 2007, the Regulation which transposes the Financial Action Task Force Special Recommendation VII (SR VII) on ‘wire transfers’ into EU legislation came into force. It lays down rules on information on the payer accompanying transfers of funds, in order to allow basic information to be immediately available to the authorities responsible for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

On 12 November 2008, the European Commission published a Draft Regulation on credit rating agencies. The amended version of this Regulation was approved on 23 April 2009 by the European Parliament and the Final Regulation has been approved on 16 September 2009.

Regulation and supervision in the United States
ABN AMRO’s operations in the United States are subject to extensive regulation and supervision by both federal and state banking authorities. ABN AMRO is a bank holding company within the meaning of the US Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, which restricts its non-banking activities in the United States, however, ABN AMRO elected to become a financial holding company on 11 March 2000, and as such is permitted to engage in an expanded range of non-banking activities subject to applicable laws and regulations.

Reform proposals and pending legislation in the United States could result in ABN AMRO becoming subject to heightened regulatory requirements, including stricter capital requirements and leverage limits and activities restrictions.

Regulation and supervision in the rest of the world
Our operations elsewhere in the world are subject to regulation and control by local supervisory authorities, and our offices, branches and subsidiaries in such jurisdictions are subject to certain reserve, reporting and control and other requirements imposed by the relevant central banks and regulatory authorities.
 

 
 
49

 

Risk Management

Risk management and capital adequacy

ABN AMRO has implemented a combination of advanced and standardised approaches for Credit, Market and Operational risks as allowed under the regulatory framework and is using this in the management of its business. With regards to market risk, ABN AMRO uses an internal Value at Risk (‘VaR') model for calculating capital requirements for the majority of the trading book market risks. Refer to the ABN AMRO Risk Framework and Governance section of this report for further discussion of these risks.

Capital adequacy and risk management are closely aligned. ABN AMRO undertakes a regular assessment of its internal capital requirement based on a quantification of the material risks to which it is exposed. This assessment includes the use of stress tests to assess whether ABN AMRO's capital resources are adequate to remain above minimum requirements during specified scenarios. The results of this internal capital assessment are reviewed by the Policy Group Risk Committee (‘Policy GRC’) and the Group Asset and Liability Committee (‘Group ALCO’) and are used to ensure the adequacy of ABN AMRO's available capital resources, based on target and minimum capital requirements as set in the risk appetite framework. This framework is detailed further under the ABN AMRO Risk Framework and Governance section below.

The main risks facing ABN AMRO are:
·
Credit risk: the risk arising from the possibility that ABN AMRO will incur losses from the failure of customers to meet their obligations.
·
Funding and liquidity risk: the risk to earnings and capital arising from ABN AMRO’s potential inability to meet its obligations as they fall due.
·
Market risk: the risk ABN AMRO is exposed to because of positions held in its trading portfolios and its non-trading businesses. Market risk encompasses equity, currency, interest rate, commodity and market liquidity risks.
·
Operational risk: the risk arising from ABN AMRO's people, processes, systems, physical assets and external events.
·
Compliance and regulatory risk: the risk of legal or regulatory sanctions, material financial loss, or reputational harm ABN AMRO may suffer as a result of its failure to comply with relevant laws, regulation, principles and rules, standards and codes of conduct applicable to its activities in letter and spirit.
·
Legal risk: the risk from failure to comply with statutory or regulatory obligations and from uncertainty due to legal actions or uncertainty in the applicability or interpretation of contracts, law or regulations.
·
Financial reporting risk: the risk of a lack of fair presentation and as a result of material misstatements in one or more of the financial statement amounts or disclosures.
·
Reputational risk: the risk of potential losses arising from negative public opinion.
·
Business risk: the risk that operating income is lower than expected because of lower than expected revenues or higher than expected costs.

The Capital Management process is governed by the Group ALCO. The Group Asset and Liability Management (‘ALM’) function is responsible for the development and maintenance of ABN AMRO’s ALM policies and prepares a monthly capital outlook for ABN AMRO and its separate parts. This comprises the hedging of capital invested in countries, managing capital ratios and the total capital requirement, and assessing new capital and debt issuance needs.

To ensure a smooth separation, management has adjusted the Group ALCO governance framework, aligning it with the creation of two new banks. It includes the allocation of appropriate capital and setting of liquidity and interest rate limits for each separate bank as part of the total capital and liquidity requirements.


 
50

 

Capital resources and minimum capital requirement information

ABN AMRO is fully consolidated for regulatory reporting within the RBS Group. Pillar 3 information for ABN AMRO is included within the RBS Group Pillar 3 disclosures. Detailed Pillar 3 reports which include ABN AMRO are available at www.rbs.com.

The table below summarises the capital position of the ABN AMRO Holding, complying with Pillar 3 disclosures for a significant subsidiary of an EU parent.

Regulatory capital resources as at 31 December
 (in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Tier 1 Capital Resources
           
Permanent share capital
    1,852       1,852  
Profit and loss account and other reserves
    6,116       10,854  
Share premium account
    11,943       5,343  
Intangible assets
    (103 )     (309 )
Non-controlling interests
    37       38  
Core Tier 1 Capital
    19,845       17,778  
Perpetual non-cumulative preference shares
    5,014       3,318  
Other Tier 1 Capital
    5,014       3,318  
Excess limits for non innovative Tier 1 instruments
    -       -  
Excess limits for innovative Tier 1 instruments
    -       -  
Net losses on equities held in available-for-sale financial asset category
    -       -  
Material holdings
    -       -  
50:50 Tier 1 deductions
    (1,485 )     (1,943 )
Total Tier 1 capital after deductions
    23,374       19,153  
                 
Tier 2 Capital Resources
               
Tier 2 capital instruments
    8,060       7,924  
50:50 Tier 2 deductions
    (1,485 )     (1,943 )
Other Tier 2 deductions
    -       -  
Total Tier 2 capital after deductions
    6,575       5,981  
                 
Total Tier 3 Capital
    -       272  
Deductions for Tiers 1 & 2 capital
    -       -  
Expected loss amounts and other negative amounts
    -       -  
Total capital resources after deductions
    29,949       25,406  
                 
Total Risk-Weighted Assets
    117,535       176,028  
Tier 1 ratio
    19.89 %     10.88 %
Total Tier ratio
    25.48 %     14.43 %

The tables below set out the minimum capital requirements and associated risk weighted assets for ABN AMRO with separate disclosures for the credit risk, market risk and operational risk requirements. All figures are as at 31 December.

Minimum capital requirements
 (in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Credit risk
    7,554       11,282  
Market risk
    127       1,045  
Operational risk
    1,723       1,756  
Total
    9,404       14,083  

Risk-weighted assets
(in millions of euros)
2009
2008
Credit risk
94,410
141,011
Market risk
1,582
13,069
Operational risk
21,543
21,948
Total
117,535
176,028

Credit risk: minimum capital requirements by approach
(in millions of euros)
2009
2008
Basel II – Advanced Internal Rating-Based  (‘IRB’)
-
-
Basel II – Standardised
-
-
Basel II – using Basel I as a proxy
7,554
11,282
Total
7,554
11,282


51


Credit risk: standardised minimum capital requirements by standardised exposure class
(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
   
Exposure value
   
Risk weighted assets
   
Minimum required capital
   
Exposure value
   
Risk weighted assets
   
Minimum required capital
 
Central governments and central banks
    88,010       812       65       63,368       2,279       182  
Institutions
    68,172       8,250       660       129,414       10,815       865  
Corporates
    209,798       73,826       5,906       276,101       102,839       8,226  
Retail
    9,438       11,645       932       30,105       12,794       1,023  
Secured by real estate property
    95,391       14,158       1,133       66,485       22,459       1,797  
Other (1)
    46,745       (14,338 )     (1,147 )     83,431       (10,598 )     (845 )
Securitisation positions standardised approach
    445       57       5       6,232       422       34  
Total
    517,999       94,410       7,554       655,136       141,010       11,282  

(1) Includes capital relief on securitisation

The above minimum capital requirements are calculated on the basis of the standard minimum requirement of 8%, while ABN AMRO has agreed transitional minimum levels of regulatory capital with the DNB of 9% for tier 1 and 12.5% for total tier capital.

Market risk: trading book and other business minimum capital requirements
(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Total trading book capital requirements
    127       1,045  
Total trading book notional risk-weighted assets
    1,582       13,069  

Operational risk: minimum capital requirements calculated as per the basic indicator approach
(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Pillar 1 operational risk minimum capital requirement
    1,723       1,756  

The Risk Management and Capital Adequacy section also relates to the qualitative public disclosure as required by Basel II Pillar 3 in accordance with the Capital Requirement Directive.

 

 
 
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ABN AMRO’s risk framework and governance

ABN AMRO’s risk management framework is based on ‘the principle of three lines of defence’. The first line of defence is the business, which is accountable for the ownership, day-to-day management and control of all risks at an operational level and for implementing processes and testing key controls in compliance with Group policies. The second line of defence is Group Functions, primarily consisting of Group Risk Management, Group Compliance, Group Legal and Group Finance including Group Asset and Liability Management. These functions are responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the operational risk framework, tools and methodologies, and for oversight and challenge on the adequacy of the risk and control processes operating in the business. The third line of defence is Group Audit, which is responsible for independently assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of key controls and ensuring compliance with ABN AMRO policies.

Following its acquisition by RFS Holdings, ABN AMRO is subject to the RBS Group's high level controls and oversight by RBS Group's control functions. Although its risk systems are not yet integrated with those of the RBS Group, data relating to ABN AMRO is presented on a consistent basis as part of RBS Group data. ABN AMRO data is analysed between businesses acquired by RBS Group and those acquired by the Dutch State. A number of RBS Group risk policies and methodologies have been rolled-out in the RBS acquired businesses in 2009.
 
The main responsibilities of Group Risk Management and the risk management functions of the businesses are to:
·
oversee all credit, market and operational risk matters and ensure compliance with local laws;
·
implement review and control policies on all risk portfolios;
·
at portfolio level manage concentrations by setting limits;
·
manage single event / single obligor risk by setting limits;
·
set provisions for loan losses within their delegated authority; and
·
establish and maintain operational risk control discipline.

A key component of risk management is ensuring that ABN AMRO’s reputation is preserved and enhanced through choosing to engage responsibly in the right business activities with the right clients.
 
The ALM function is structured outside the risk management function. ALM supports the capital management process which is governed by the Group ALCO. ALM is responsible for the development of ABN AMRO’s policies for interest rate risk, liquidity risk, the hedging of foreign exchange exposures of capital investments abroad, managing capital ratios, and ABN AMRO wide capital requirement.
 
The compliance function within ABN AMRO performs the independent oversight role, on behalf of the Managing Board, with respect to those core processes, related policies and procedures that seek to ensure ABN AMRO is in conformity with industry specific laws and regulations in letter and spirit.
 
Group Finance responsibilities include the preparation of the budget, performance reporting and the process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.
 
ABN AMRO uses various models to value financial instruments, and to assess and manage risks. To limit the model risk that is inherent in models, ABN AMRO has the models that are subject to material model risk validated independently from the business which uses these models. Within the governance framework of ABN AMRO, validation activities are performed by RBS Group and the business unit The Netherlands for models used by respectively the RBS acquired businesses and the Dutch State acquired businesses.
 
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ABN AMRO’s risk philosophy
ABN AMRO’s risk philosophy is about the establishment and execution of bank wide criteria for the acceptance, monitoring, control and management of risk. Its purpose is the creation of value by ensuring:
·
Risk Awareness: Risks are identified, understood and measured at all levels in the organisation.
·
Defined Risk Appetite: Risk accepted by the institution is within the tolerance level set by the Managing Board in accordance with the Group Strategy, existing capital constraints, sustainable earnings and maintenance of desired credit rating for ABN AMRO.
·
Clarity and Transparency: Risk decisions are clear, explicit and consistent with strategic business objectives.
·
Risk-Reward Alignment: Risk decisions are based upon the appropriate risk-reward balance.
·
Compliance: Decisions that may legally and morally commit ABN AMRO must be in compliance with internal approval procedures and the regulations of the countries ABN AMRO and its subsidiaries operate in.
 
Risk appetite framework
The risk philosophy of ABN AMRO states that risk is managed within a defined risk appetite. Risk appetite is measured as the maximum level of retained risk ABN AMRO will accept to deliver its business objectives. Risk appetite is generally defined through both quantitative and qualitative techniques including stress testing, risk concentration, Value-at-Risk and risk underwriting criteria, ensuring that appropriate principles, policies and procedures are in place and applied. The responsibility for formulating the underpinning objectives for the risk appetite framework lies with the Managing Board.
 
The risk appetite framework includes all risks taken by ABN AMRO. The risk limits are set at an ABN AMRO level as well as at the RBS acquired businesses and Dutch State acquired businesses level. These businesses are free to set additional limits as they see fit as long as consistency with the overall framework is maintained. The Managing Board’s objectives include a fluent transition process with emphasis on strong control and risk management.
 
In the following paragraphs a description is given of the risk types and the way ABN AMRO measures and manages these within ABN AMRO.
 
Credit risk
Credit risk is ABN AMRO’s most material risk and is managed in accordance with ABN AMRO’s comprehensive risk management framework.
 
Credit risk and country risk
ABN AMRO defines credit risk as the risk of loss from default by debtors (including bond issuers) or counterparties. This covers actual payment defaults as well as losses in value resulting from a decrease in the credit quality of the counterparty or issuer.
 
ABN AMRO defines country risk as the risk of loss due to country specific events or circumstances. Country risk can materialise by way of credit, market and operational losses. With respect to credit risk, a specific country risk is that the government imposes transfer and/or convertibility measures that prevent an obligor to repay its foreign currency obligations to ABN AMRO. Hence the risk of non or late payment may be caused by the inability of an obligor (credit risk) or by government measures (transfer and convertibility risk). Given the relationship between credit and country risk the two are managed in an integrated manner.
 
ABN AMRO manages credit risk at two levels. Firstly at portfolio level to manage concentrations by the following dimensions: geography, industry and product or segment and, secondly at individual level to manage single event and single obligor.
 
Concentration risk is managed actively during the transition period based on limits, outstandings, average Probability of Default and Expected Loss by relevant country and industry cluster. Any change is discussed in Policy Group Risk Committee. Additionally, notional limits are put in place for cross-border risk and sovereign risk. Notional limits are also set on a number of portfolios as a straightforward and practical way to manage the maximum exposure in these portfolios.
 
Single event or single obligor limits are individually set. Single obligor risk is managed by setting limits on Loss at Default. Loss at Default is the amount that ABN AMRO expects to lose when a counterparty defaults. The RBS acquired businesses segment measure Loss Given Default amounts, which in concept is
 
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similar to the Loss at Default.  Authorities for credit decisions involving commercial clients are primarily based on Global One Obligor Exposure. This is the combination of all direct and contingent credit limits to a given relationship globally.
 
There are lending programmes in place for standard loans granted to consumers and small-sized enterprises. A programme lending approach contains standard risk acceptance criteria and loan processing practices in order to optimise the efficiency and risk and rewards of those portfolios.
 
Credit risk is managed to achieve sustainable and superior risk and reward performance whilst maintaining exposures within acceptable risk appetite parameters. This is achieved through the combination of governance, policies, systems and controls, underpinned by sound commercial judgement as described below.
·
Policies and risk appetite: policies provide clarity around the required bank framework for the assessment, approval, monitoring and management of credit risk where risk appetite sets the tolerance of loss. Limits are used to manage concentration risk by single name, sector and country.
·
Decision makers: credit authority is granted to independent persons or committees with the appropriate experience, seniority and commercial judgement. Credit decisions require the approval of at least one person in a risk management function. Specialist internal credit risk departments independently oversee the credit process and make credit decisions or recommendations to the appropriate credit committee.
·
Models: credit models are used to measure and assess risk decisions and to aid on-going monitoring. Measures, such as Probability of Default, Exposure at Default, Loss Given Default and Expected Loss are calculated using duly authorised models. All credit models are subject to independent review prior to implementation.
·
Mitigation techniques to reduce the potential for loss: credit risk may be mitigated by the taking of financial or physical security, the assignment of receivables or the use of credit derivatives, guarantees, risk participations, credit insurance, set off or netting.
·
Risk systems and data quality: systems are organised to produce timely, accurate and complete inputs for risk reporting and to administer key credit processes.
·
Analysis and reporting: portfolio analysis and reporting are used to ensure the identification of emerging concentration risks and adverse movements in credit risk quality.
·
Stress testing: stress testing forms an integral part of portfolio analysis, providing a measure of potential vulnerability to exceptional but plausible economic and geopolitical events which assists management in the identification of risk not otherwise apparent in more benign circumstances. Stress testing informs risk appetite decisions.
·
Portfolio management: active management of portfolio concentrations as measured by risk reporting and stress testing, where credit risk may be mitigated through promoting asset sales, buying credit protection or curtailing risk appetite for new transactions.
·
Credit stewardship: customer transaction monitoring and management is a continuous process, ensuring performance is satisfactory and that documentation, security and valuations are complete and up to date.
·
Problem debt identification: policies and systems encourage the early identification of problems and the employment of specialised staff focused on collections and problem debt management.
·
Provisioning: independent assessment using best practice models for collective and latent loss. Professional evaluation is applied to individual cases, to ensure that such losses are comprehensively identified and adequately provided for.
·
Recovery: maximising the return to ABN AMRO through the recovery process.
 
Please refer to note 38 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’ for quantitative information on maximum credit exposure and credit risk concentrations from loans and receivables.
 
Funding and liquidity risk
Complementing the capital adequacy framework, risk appetite is also expressed through the liquidity risk framework employed by ABN AMRO. This framework is used to manage liquidity risk.
 
ABN AMRO defines liquidity risk as the risk arising from ABN AMRO’s potential inability to meet its obligations when they become due, without incurring unacceptable losses. Conversely, liquidity risk also manifests itself in the form of opportunity losses due to holding excess liquidity relative to liabilities.
 
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ABN AMRO’s approach to liquidity is that its business as usual liquidity profile should be sufficient for ABN AMRO to continue for at least 30 days under a very severe firm specific crisis, such as no access to wholesale funding and drawings under committed facilities.
 
ABN AMRO takes a two-tiered approach to liquidity risk management with additional measures taken due to separation activities. Going concern liquidity management is the management of the day-to-day liquidity position within specified parameters to ensure all liabilities can be met on a timely basis. Event risk liquidity management ensures that in the event of either a firm-specific or general market event, ABN AMRO is able to generate sufficient liquidity to withstand a short term liquidity crisis. Due to the ongoing process of separation additional objectives and restrictions have been added to ensure a smooth transition process.
 
The objective of the organisation is to keep the overall liquidity texture of the balance sheet at such a level, that ABN AMRO is able to survive and resume its business after a crisis. A variety of tools are used to manage this going concern liquidity management objective. They involve liquidity profile management through setting liquidity ratio limits (stable funding to non-liquid assets). Additional limits in terms of size and liquidity profile are imposed on a number of global markets product types. Trading books are required to limit any liquidity mismatch by limiting the amount of short term funding from money markets to trading desks. Funds transfer pricing and internal transactions are required to be executed at arm’s length pricing and fully reflect appropriate costs, including market related liquidity premium. Diversification of funding sources complements the tools to achieve liquidity management objectives.
 
In response to a firm-specific or general market crisis, event risk liquidity management involves stress testing through quantitative analysis of the liquidity impact of such an event. ABN AMRO keeps a liquidity buffer which mitigates this event risk through the provision of standby liquidity in the form of unencumbered, central bank eligible, collateral. ABN AMRO wide contingency funding plans describe the steps and procedures taken in the event of a crisis. Their effectiveness is tested with periodic dry-runs.
 
The monitoring and control of liquidity risk on an ongoing basis involves balance sheet ratio analysis and the measurement of cash flow gap and stress positions.  By measuring the relationship between the sub-components of the balance sheet at a given point in time this indicates the underlying balance sheet liquidity.  Measurement of the cash flow gap quantifies the gap between expected cash inflows and outflows determined within a series of time brackets. The measurement of the stress position involves an analysis of funding sources and funding needs due to a liquidity stress situation.
 
Liquidity regulatory compliance is detailed in the section ‘Regulation and supervision’. For further details regarding liquidity risk measurement and control refer to note 38 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’.
 
Market risk in the trading book
ABN AMRO defines market risk as the risk that movements in financial market prices will decrease the value of ABN AMRO’s trading portfolios. ABN AMRO is exposed to market risk through ABN AMRO’s trading activities.
 
There are several major sources of market risk including interest rate, foreign exchange, equity price, commodity price, credit spread, volatility risks and correlation risks. Market risk includes market liquidity risk, which is the risk that a firm cannot easily offset or eliminate a position without significantly affecting the market price because of inadequate market depth or market disruption.
 
In any trading activity, market risk arises both from open (unhedged) positions and from imperfect correlation between market positions that are intended to offset one another. The overall objective of managing market risk is to avoid unexpected losses due to changes in market prices and to optimise the use of market risk capital.
 
ABN AMRO manages market risk primarily through the use of a set of historical and hypothetical scenarios, stressing relevant risk factors and estimating the potential profit and loss under stress, as well as through the calculation of the 99th percentile loss (or Value at Risk) on open positions. ABN AMRO then looks to manage these potential exposures on a daily basis within pre-defined limits for each of the major types of market risk.
 
This quantitative approach, combined with qualitative analytical approaches, is designed to control ABN AMRO’s exposure to movements in the financial markets.
 
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Other control measures used in the market risk management process include limits on net open positions in terms of their sensitivities to changes in interest rate, credit spreads, volatilities and other relevant factors. Alongside these sensitivities, ABN AMRO also monitors position concentrations and position ageing. These non-statistical measures help to monitor and control liquidity risk in trading books.
 
The Value at Risk (‘VaR’) is reported on a daily basis per trading portfolio, per product line and for ABN AMRO as a whole. It is reported daily to the senior management of the RBS acquired businesses and Dutch State acquired businesses, Group Risk Management and the responsible members of the Managing Board. Please refer to note 38 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’ for the quantification of Value at Risk per risk category.
 
VaR is a technique that produces estimates of the potential change in the market value of a portfolio over a specified time horizon at a given confidence level. ABN AMRO uses a historical simulation model in computing Value at Risk. The limitations of VaR models include:
·
Historical data may not provide the best estimate of the joint distribution of risk factor changes in the future and may fail to capture the risk of possible extreme adverse market movements which have not occurred in the historical window used in the calculations.
·
VaR using a one-day time horizon does not fully capture the market risk of positions that cannot be liquidated or hedged within one day.
·
VaR using a 99% confidence level does not reflect the extent of potential losses beyond that percentile.
 
This limitation of Value at Risk models means that ABN AMRO must supplement it with other measurements of risk. These include a series of stress scenarios that shed light on the behaviour of ABN AMRO’s portfolio and the impact on ABN AMRO’s financial results under extreme market movements. Stress scenarios have been developed internally to reflect specific characteristics of ABN AMRO’s portfolios and are performed on a daily basis for each trading portfolio and at several aggregation levels. These stress scenarios include stepped movements in one or more risk factors (e.g. parallel shifts in interest rate curves) and multiple factor tests that are based on actual historical.
 
Market risk in the banking book
The principal market risks arising from ABN AMRO’s non-trading activities are interest rate risk, currency risk and equity risk.
 
ABN AMRO defines interest rate risk as the risk that the interest income of ABN AMRO changes due to a change of interest rates and that the change in value of ABN AMRO’s financial assets in the banking book, representing financial assets other than those categorised as trading assets does not match the change in value of ABN AMRO’s liabilities due to a changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk arises primarily from the fact that re-pricing period of ABN AMRO’s assets typically exceeds the re-pricing period of ABN AMRO’s liabilities (an ‘interest maturity mismatch’).
 
Treasury activity and mismatches between the re-pricing of assets and liabilities in its retail and commercial banking operations account for most of the non-trading interest rate risk.
 
Several tools are used to monitor and limit the interest rate risk exposures in ABN AMRO’s banking book. The methods used to measure the risk include earnings simulation, duration and the ‘Present Value per Basis Point’ ladder.
 
ABN AMRO uses estimation techniques to calculate a set of forward-looking pre-defined interest rate scenarios, such as movements in the yield curve level and shape. In combination with Balance Sheet simulation models ABN AMRO calculates ‘Earnings at Risk’ and the ‘Change in Value of Equity’. These model-based scenario analyses require assumptions about client behaviour. ABN AMRO uses statistical and mathematical models to express this behaviour in ABN AMRO’s simulation. ABN AMRO’s position is managed to ensure these two metrics are within defined limits under the pre-defined scenarios. Any required corrective action is taken through steering the underlying portfolio.
 
Non-trading currency risk derives from ABN AMRO’s investments in overseas subsidiaries, associates and branches. ABN AMRO’s strategic investments are the principal sources of non-trading equity price risk. ABN AMRO does not maintain material non-trading open currency positions other than the structural foreign currency translation exposures arising from its investments in foreign subsidiaries and associated undertakings and their related currency funding.
 
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ABN AMRO applies various hedging strategies to manage and minimise any adverse effects from these exposures. ABN AMRO’s policy in relation to structural positions is to selectively hedge the structural foreign currency exposure arising from net asset value, including goodwill, in foreign subsidiaries, equity accounted investments and branches, except where doing so would materially increase the sensitivity of the ABN AMRO’s regulatory capital ratios to currency movements. Thus, for the US dollar exposure, ABN AMRO hedges its US dollar capital ratio. The policy requires structural and capital ratio foreign exchange positions to be reviewed regularly by the Group Asset and Liability Management committee. Foreign exchange differences arising on the translation of foreign operations are recognised directly in equity together with the effective portion of foreign exchange differences arising on hedging instruments.
 
Operational risk
ABN AMRO defines operational risk as the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes and/or systems, human behaviour or from external events. This risk includes operational risk events such as IT problems, shortcomings in the organisational structure, missing or inadequate internal controls, human error, fraud, and external threats.
 
The guiding principle in operational risk management is that management, at all levels in the organisation, is responsible for directing and managing operational risks. Operational risk management managers are assigned throughout ABN AMRO to assist line management in fulfilling this responsibility.
 
Line management needs information to enable it to identify and analyse operational risk, implement mitigating measures and determine the effectiveness of these mitigating measures. ABN AMRO has implemented a number of programmes and tools to support line management. These include:
 
Risk self-assessment: A structured approach that helps line management to identify and assess risks and take mitigating actions for risks which are identified as unacceptable. In the RBS acquired businesses segment a self-certification process is in place to ensure key controls and policies are assessed and self-certified on a quarterly basis.
 
Internal and external loss data: ABN AMRO registers operational risk loss on a firm-wide basis.
 
Operational risk assessment process: A comprehensive approval process that includes an explicit assessment of the operational risk associated with change, irrespective whether the change relates to a new business proposal, a change to the organisation, the implementation of a system or some other change. The process includes sign-off by relevant parties and approval by an appropriate committee.
 
Key risk indicators: An approach used to indicate possible changes in the operational risk profile. Key risk indicators allow for a trend analysis over time and trigger actions if required.
 
Compliance and regulatory risk
ABN AMRO defines compliance risk as the risk of legal or regulatory sanctions, material financial loss, or reputational harm ABN AMRO may suffer as a result of its failure to comply with relevant laws, regulations, principles and rules, standards and codes of conduct applicable to its activities in letter and spirit.
 
The Group Compliance function concentrates its activities of financial services and its associated rules, regulations, codes of conduct and market standards. These are predominantly “conduct of business" requirements.
 
Risk based monitoring plans are prepared through a compliance risk assessment methodology. The business obtains compliance advise where required in preparing their activities. Senior management is regularly updated on compliance issues and their follow up.
 
Legal risk
ABN AMRO defines legal risk as the risk from failure to comply with statutory or regulatory obligations and from uncertainty due to legal actions or uncertainty in the applicability or interpretation of contracts, law or regulations.
 
The legal function oversees ABN AMRO’s legal risks worldwide and acts as a central reporting point for ABN AMRO’s teams of in-house lawyers. A global legal mandate helps the business make the most effective use
 
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of ABN AMRO’s legal resources, specifying the areas requiring the mandatory involvement of the legal function.
 
Financial reporting risk
Management must provide financial statements that fairly present ABN AMRO’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with IFRS. ABN AMRO defines financial reporting risk as the risk of a lack of fair presentation and as a result of material misstatements in one or more of the financial statement amounts or disclosures.  A material misstatement is defined as an omission or misstatement that could influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.
 
ABN AMRO’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.
 
ABN AMRO’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:
·
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of ABN AMRO and its consolidated entities.
·
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that receipts and expenditures of ABN AMRO are being made only in accordance with authorisations of management and directors of ABN AMRO.
·
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use or disposition of ABN AMRO’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
ABN AMRO’s financial statements comply with sections 404 and 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Act on Financial Supervision in relation to the sign off of the accounts. Please refer to Section 7: ‘Other Information’ for ABN AMRO’s compliance statements.
 
ABN AMRO’s management assesses the effectiveness of ABN AMRO’s internal control over financial reporting. In making this assessment, ABN AMRO uses the criteria established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission (‘COSO’) in Enterprise Risk Management - Integrated Framework. ABN AMRO’s assessment includes documenting, evaluating and testing of the design and operating effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Management of ABN AMRO reviews the results of its assessment with the Supervisory Board and its Audit Committee.
 
Reputational risk
ABN AMRO defines reputational risk as the risk of potential losses arising from negative public opinion, irrespective of whether this opinion is based on facts or merely public perception. The losses may result from incurring increased funding costs as well as from not generating expected revenues.
 
ABN AMRO believes that ABN AMRO’s pursuit of business sustainability and value creation requires proper conduct of its business activities in accordance with ABN AMRO’s Corporate Values and Business Principles and with laws and regulations.
 
A key component of risk management is ensuring that ABN AMRO’s reputation is preserved and enhanced through choosing to engage responsibly in the right business activities with the right clients.
 
ABN AMRO’s client-facing staff has the first-line responsibility for applying sustainability criteria to business selection. ABN AMRO implemented tools to support ABN AMRO’s staff to perform this task adequately.
 
Alongside ABN AMRO’s legal and compliance policies, ABN AMRO has several reputational risk policies to identify, assess and manage the non-financial issues present within ABN AMRO’s business engagements. These policies and standards are referred to as Environmental, Social and Ethical Risk Management policies, and currently include: Forestry and Tree plantations; Oil & Gas; Mining & Metals; Defense industry; Gambling; Human Rights, Dams, Tobacco and Animal Testing. Each of these policies contains client and transaction acceptance criteria, including appropriate filters. Such filters have been developed to assess
 
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whether an engagement could present potential environmental, social or ethical issues and thereby translate into reputational risk.
 
Business risk
ABN AMRO defines business risk as the risk that operating income is lower than expected because of lower than expected revenues (e.g. lower margins, lower market share, and market downturn) or higher than expected costs, not being caused by one of the other risk types.
 
Business risk is driven by the volatility of the revenue stream and the extent to which costs are fixed or vary with revenues. Business risk is managed by way of the regular budget and investment decision processes as well as performance management processes.
 
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Risk Factors
 
Set forth below are certain risk factors that could have a material adverse effect on ABN AMRO’s future business, operating results or financial condition. These risk factors and the other information in this document should be carefully considered before making investment decisions. Additional risks not currently known to ABN AMRO or that ABN AMRO now deems immaterial may also harm ABN AMRO and affect your investment.
 
Conditions in the global financial markets and economy have yet to normalise and may materially adversely affect ABN AMRO’s business and profitability
The outlook for the global economy over the near to medium term remains challenging as the global financial system has yet to fully normalise. Results of operations in the past have been, and in the future may continue to be, materially affected by many factors of a global nature, including political, economic and market conditions; the availability and cost of capital; the liquidity of global markets; the level and volatility of equity prices, commodity prices and interest rates; currency values and other market indices; technological changes and events; the availability and cost of credit; inflation; the stability and solvency of financial institutions and other companies; investor sentiment and confidence in the financial markets; or a combination of these or other factors. While there are some signs of a recovery in some countries, it appears that 2010 will continue be a year of slow growth, and it is not yet certain whether the recovery underway is stable.
 
Emergency measures designed to stabilise the European Union and the United States financial markets are beginning to wind down
Since mid-2008, a host of government actions have been implemented in response to the financial crisis and the recession. Some of the programs are beginning to expire and the impact of the wind-down of these programs on the financial sector and on the nascent economic recovery is unknown. As government support schemes are cancelled, changed or withdrawn, there is a possibility that ABN AMRO, in common with other financial institutions, may have insufficient access to, or incur higher costs associated with, funding alternatives, which could have a material adverse effect on ABN AMRO’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, a stall in the economic recovery or continuation or worsening of current financial market conditions could exacerbate these effects.
 
The financial services industry is subject to extensive regulation, which is undergoing major changes
As a financial services firm, ABN AMRO is subject to financial services laws, regulations, corporate governance requirements, administrative actions and policies in each location in which it operates. In 2009, as many emergency government programs slowed or wound down, global regulatory and legislative focus generally moved to a broader reform and a restructuring of financial institution regulation. Legislators and regulators, both in Europe and the United States, are currently considering a wide range of proposals that, if enacted, could result in major changes to the way ABN AMRO’s global operations are regulated. Some of these major changes may take effect as early as 2010, and could materially impact the profitability of ABN AMRO’s businesses, the value of assets we hold or the collateral available for our loans, require changes to business practices and expose us to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk.
 
As a financial holding company, certain reform proposals under consideration could result in ABN AMRO becoming subject to stricter capital requirements and leverage limits, and could also affect the scope, coverage, or calculation of capital, all of which could require us to reduce business levels or to raise capital, including in ways that may adversely impact our creditors. Regulatory reform proposals could also result in the imposition of additional restrictions on our activities proposals for heightened capital requirements at the level of the holding company are implemented and we are unable to meet such requirements.
 
Markets may experience periods of high volatility accompanied by reduced liquidity, which may lead to market risk losses and adversely influence ABN AMRO’s ability to hedge our risks effectively
Market volatility, illiquid market conditions and disruptions in the credit markets remain a risk to ABN AMRO’s business. In addition, financial markets are susceptible to severe events evidenced by rapid depreciation in asset values accompanied by a reduction in asset liquidity. Under these extreme conditions, hedging and other risk management strategies may not be as effective at mitigating trading risks as they would be under more normal market conditions. Moreover, under these conditions market participants are particularly exposed to trading strategies employed by many market participants simultaneously and on a
 
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large scale, such as crowded trades. ABN AMRO’s risk management and monitoring processes seek to quantify and mitigate risk to more extreme market moves. Severe market events have historically been difficult to predict, however, and ABN AMRO could realise significant losses if extreme market events were to persist for an extended period of time.
 
Changes in interest rate and foreign exchange rates may adversely affect ABN AMRO’s results
Fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates influence ABN AMRO’s performance. The results of ABN AMRO’s banking operations are affected by ABN AMRO’s management of interest rate sensitivity. Interest rate sensitivity refers to the relationship between changes in market interest rates and changes in net interest income. If the yield on our interest-earning assets does not increase at the same time or to the same extent as our cost of funds, or if our cost of funds does not decline at the same time or to the same extent as the decrease in yield on our interest-earning assets, our net interest income and net interest margin may be adversely impacted. This could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of ABN AMRO’s business or results from operations and cash flows.
 
In addition, ABN AMRO Holding publishes its consolidated financial statements in euros. Fluctuations in the exchange rates used to translate other currencies into euros affect ABN AMRO Holding’s reported consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows from year to year.
 
For an overview of how interest rate risk and foreign exchange rate fluctuation risk is managed, see ‘Market risk in the trading book’ in this section as well as note 38 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’.
 
Defaults by another large financial institution could adversely affect financial markets generally
The commercial soundness of many financial institutions may be closely interrelated as a result of credit, trading, clearing or other relationships between the institutions. As a result, concerns about, or a default or threatened default by, one institution could lead to significant market-wide liquidity and credit problems, financial losses and defaults by other institutions. This is sometimes referred to as “systemic risk” and may adversely affect financial intermediaries, such as clearing agencies, derivatives clearing organizations, banks, securities firms and exchanges, with which we interact on a daily basis, and therefore, lead to material losses for ABN AMRO.
 
Lack of liquidity is a risk to ABN AMRO’s business and its ability to access sources of liquidity has been, and will continue to be, constrained
Liquidity risk is the risk that a bank will be unable to meet its obligations, including funding commitments, as they fall due. This risk is inherent in banking operations and can be heightened by a number of enterprise specific factors, including an over-reliance on a particular source of funding (including, for example, short-term and overnight funding), changes in credit ratings or market-wide phenomena such as market dislocation and financial market crises. During the course of 2008 and 2009, credit markets worldwide experienced a severe reduction in liquidity and term-funding. During this time, perception of counterparty risk between banks also increased significantly. This increase in perceived counterparty risk also led to reductions in inter-bank lending, and hence, in common with many other banking groups, ABN AMRO’s access to traditional sources of liquidity has been, and may continue to be, restricted.
 
ABN AMRO’s liquidity management focuses on maintaining a diverse and appropriate funding strategy for its assets, controlling the mismatch of maturities and carefully monitoring its undrawn commitments and contingent liabilities. However, ABN AMRO’s ability to access sources of liquidity (for example, through the issue or sale of financial and other instruments or through the use of term loans) during the recent period of liquidity stress has been constrained to the point where it, like other banks, has had to rely more than otherwise on shorter term and overnight funding with a consequent reduction in overall liquidity, and to increase its recourse to liquidity schemes provided by central banks. While during the course of 2009 money market conditions improved, with ABN AMRO seeing a material reduction of funding from central banks and the issuance of non-government guaranteed term debt, further tightening of credit markets could have a negative impact on ABN AMRO. ABN AMRO, in line with other financial institutions, may need to seek funds from alternative sources, potentially at higher costs of funding than has previously been the case.
 
In addition, there is also a risk that corporate and institutional counterparties with credit exposures may look to reduce all credit exposures to banks, given current risk aversion trends. It is possible that credit market dislocation becomes so severe that overnight funding from non-government sources ceases to be available.
 
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Like many banking groups, ABN AMRO relies on customer deposits to meet a considerable portion of its funding. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing strategy to improve its liquidity position, ABN AMRO is actively seeking to increase the proportion of its funding represented by customer deposits. However, such deposits are subject to fluctuation due to certain factors outside ABN AMRO’s control, such as a loss of confidence, increasing competitive pressures or the encouraged or mandated repatriation of deposits by foreign wholesale or central bank depositors, which could result in a significant outflow of deposits within a short period of time. There is currently heavy competition among EU banks for retail customer deposits, which has increased the cost of procuring new deposits and impacted ABN AMRO’s ability to grow its deposit base. An inability to grow, or any material decrease in, ABN AMRO’s deposits could, particularly if accompanied by one of the other factors described above, have a negative impact on ABN AMRO’s ability to satisfy its liquidity needs unless corresponding actions were taken to improve the liquidity profile of other deposits or to reduce assets. The governments of some of the countries in which ABN AMRO operates have taken steps to guarantee the liabilities of the banks and branches operating in their respective jurisdiction. Whilst in some instances the operations of ABN AMRO are covered by government guarantees alongside other local banks, in other countries this may not necessarily always be the case.
 
There can be no assurance that these measures, alongside other available measures, will succeed in improving the funding and liquidity in the markets in which ABN AMRO operates, or that these measures, combined with any increased cost of any funding currently available in the market, will not lead to a further increase in ABN AMRO’s overall cost of funding, which could have an adverse impact on ABN AMRO’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
ABN AMRO's borrowing costs, our access to the debt capital markets and our liquidity depend significantly on our credit ratings
Rating agencies assess the creditworthiness of ABN AMRO and assign a rating to ABN AMRO and some of the financial instruments it has issued. This information is available to many investors and clients of ABN AMRO. Any downgrade in ABN AMRO’s ratings may further increase our borrowing costs, require ABN AMRO to replace funding lost due to the downgrade, which may include the loss of customer deposits, and may also limit ABN AMRO’s access to capital and money markets and trigger additional collateral requirements in derivatives contracts and other secured funding arrangements. As a result, any further reductions in ABN AMRO’s credit ratings could adversely affect ABN AMRO’s access to liquidity and competitive position, increase its funding costs and have a negative impact on ABN AMRO’s earnings and financial condition. On 4 August 2009 Moody’s Investor Service lowered the long-term ratings of ABN AMRO and several of its subsidiaries, including ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Moody’s also placed ABN AMRO’s long-term ratings on review for possible downgrade. There can be no assurance that Moody’s or another credit rating agency will not downgrade the credit rating of ABN AMRO or its subsidiaries.
 
ABN AMRO’s business performance could be adversely affected if its capital is not managed effectively or if there are changes to capital adequacy and liquidity requirements.
Effective management of ABN AMRO’s capital is critical to its ability to operate its businesses, to grow organically and to pursue its strategy of returning to standalone strength. ABN AMRO is required by regulators in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, the United States and in other jurisdictions in which it undertakes regulated activities, to maintain adequate capital resources. The maintenance of adequate capital is also necessary for ABN AMRO’s financial flexibility in the face of continuing turbulence and uncertainty in the global economy.
 
On 17 December 2009, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”) proposed a number of fundamental reforms to the regulatory capital framework in its consultative document entitled "Strengthening the resilience of the banking sector". If the proposals made by the Basel Committee are implemented, this could result in ABN AMRO being subject to significantly higher capital requirements. The proposals include: (a) the build-up of a counter-cyclical capital buffer in excess of the regulatory minimum capital requirement, which is large enough to enable ABN AMRO to remain above the minimum capital requirement in the face of losses expected to be incurred in a feasibly severe downturn; (b) an increase in the capital requirements for counterparty risk exposures arising from derivatives, repo-style transactions and securities financing transactions; (c) the imposition of a leverage ratio as a supplementary measure to the existing Basel II risk-based measure; (d) the phasing out of hybrid capital instruments as Tier 1 capital and the requirement that the predominant form of Tier 1 capital must be common shares and retained earnings; and (e) the imposition of  global minimum liquidity standards that include a requirement to hold a stock of unencumbered high quality liquid assets sufficient to cover cumulative net cash outflows over a 30-day period under a prescribed stress scenario. The proposed reforms are subject to a consultative process and
 
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an impact assessment and are not likely to be implemented before the end of 2012. The Basel Committee will also consider appropriate transition and grandfathering arrangements.
 
These and other future changes to capital adequacy and liquidity requirements in the jurisdictions in which it operates may require ABN AMRO to raise additional Tier 1, Core Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. If ABN AMRO is unable to raise the requisite Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital, it may be required to further reduce the amount of its risk-weighted assets and engage in the disposition of core and other non-core businesses, which may not occur on a timely basis or achieve prices which would otherwise be attractive to ABN AMRO.
 
Any change that limits ABN AMRO’s ability to manage effectively its balance sheet and capital resources going forward (including, for example, reductions in profits and retained earnings as a result of write-downs or otherwise, increases in risk-weighted assets, delays in the disposal of certain assets or the inability to syndicate loans as a result of market conditions, a growth in unfunded pension exposures or otherwise) or to access funding sources, could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and regulatory capital position.
 
The financial performance of ABN AMRO has been and will be affected by borrower credit quality
Risks arising from changes in credit quality and the recoverability of loans and amounts due from counterparties are inherent in a wide range of ABN AMRO's businesses. Whilst many economies have stabilised and left a recession over the course of 2009, ABN AMRO may continue to see adverse changes in the credit quality of its borrowers and counterparties, for example, as a result of their inability to refinance their indebtedness, with increasing delinquencies, defaults and insolvencies across a range of sectors (such as the personal and banking and financial institution sectors) and in a number of geographies. This trend has led and may lead to further and accelerated impairment charges, higher costs, additional write-downs and losses for ABN AMRO.
 
Increases in ABN AMRO’s allowances for loan losses may have an adverse effect on ABN AMRO’s results
ABN AMRO’s banking businesses establish provisions for loan losses, which are reflected in the loan impairment and other credit risk provisions on ABN AMRO’s income statement, in order to maintain ABN AMRO’s allowance for loan losses at a level that is deemed to be appropriate by management based upon an assessment of prior loss experiences, the volume and type of lending being conducted by each bank, industry standards, past due loans, economic conditions and other factors related to the collectability of each entity’s loan portfolio. Although management uses its best efforts to establish the allowances for loan losses, that determination is subject to significant judgment, and ABN AMRO’s banking businesses may have to increase or decrease their allowances for loan losses in the future as a result of increases or decreases in non-performing assets or for other reasons. For further detail please refer to the section ‘Accounting Policies’ in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’. Any increase in the allowances for loan losses, any loan losses in excess of the previously determined provisions with respect thereto or changes in the estimate of the risk of loss inherent in the portfolio of non-impaired loans could have an adverse effect on ABN AMRO’s results of operations and financial condition.
 
ABN AMRO operates in markets that are highly competitive. If ABN AMRO is unable to perform effectively, our business and results of operations will be adversely affected
There is substantial competition for the types of banking and other products and services that ABN AMRO provides in the regions in which ABN AMRO conducts large portions of our business. The intensity of this competition is affected by consumer demand, technological changes, the impact of consolidation, regulatory actions and other factors. In addition, technological advances and the growth of e-commerce have made it possible for non-depositary institutions to offer products and services that were traditionally banking products and for financial institutions to compete with technology companies in providing electronic and internet-based financial solutions. If ABN AMRO is unable to provide attractive product and service offerings that are profitable, ABN AMRO may lose market share or incur losses on some or all of ABN AMRO’s activities.
 
In addition, certain competitors may have access to lower cost funding and be able to offer retail deposits on more favourable terms than ABN AMRO and may have stronger multi-channel and more efficient operations as a result of greater historical investments. Furthermore, ABN AMRO’s competitors may be better able to attract and retain clients and talent, which may have a negative impact on ABN AMRO's relative performance and future prospects.
 
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Furthermore, increased government ownership of, and involvement in, banks generally may have an impact on the competitive landscape in the major markets in which ABN AMRO operates. Although, at present, it is difficult to predict what the effects of this increased government ownership and involvement will be or how they will differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, such involvement may cause ABN AMRO to experience stronger competition for corporate, institutional and retail clients and greater pressure on profit margins. Since the markets in which ABN AMRO operates are expected to remain highly competitive in all areas, these and other changes to the competitive landscape could adversely affect ABN AMRO's business, margins, profitability and financial condition.
 
ABN AMRO is subject to operational risks that could adversely affect our business
ABN AMRO, like all financial institutions, is exposed to many types of operational risk, including the risk of fraud or other misconduct by employees or outsiders, unauthorised transactions by employees and operational errors, including clerical or record keeping errors or errors resulting from faulty computer or telecommunications systems. As a consequence of the legal demerger and separation of ABN AMRO, and the accompanying separation of information technology platforms, ABN AMRO is subject to heightened operational risk. ABN AMRO may also be subject to disruptions of ABN AMRO’s operating systems, arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond ABN AMRO’s control (including, for example, computer viruses or electrical or telecommunication outages), which may give rise to losses in service to customers and to loss or liability to ABN AMRO. ABN AMRO is further exposed to the risk that external vendors may be unable to fulfil their contractual obligations to ABN AMRO, and to the risk that their business continuity and data security systems prove to be inadequate. ABN AMRO also faces the risk that the design of ABN AMRO’s controls and procedures prove to be inadequate or are circumvented. Although ABN AMRO has implemented risk controls and loss mitigation actions, and substantial resources are devoted to developing efficient procedures, to identify and rectify weaknesses in existing procedures and to train staff, it is not possible to be certain that such actions have been or will be effective in controlling each of the operational risks faced by ABN AMRO. Any weakness in these systems or controls, or any breaches or alleged breaches of applicable laws or regulations, could have a materially negative impact on ABN AMRO’s business, reputation and results of operations.
 
ABN AMRO depends on the accuracy and completeness of information about customers and counterparties
In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions with customers and counterparties, ABN AMRO may rely on information furnished to ABN AMRO by or on behalf of the customers and counterparties, including financial statements and other financial information. ABN AMRO also may rely on the audit report covering those financial statements. ABN AMRO’s financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected by relying on financial statements that do not comply with generally accepted accounting principles or that are materially misleading.
 
The value of certain financial instruments recorded at fair value is determined using financial models incorporating assumptions, judgements and estimates that may change over time or may ultimately not turn out to be accurate
Under IFRS, ABN AMRO recognises at fair value (i) financial instruments classified as ‘held-for-trading’ or ‘designated as at fair value through income’, (ii) financial assets classified as ‘available-for-sale’, and (iii) derivatives, each as further described in Section 6: ‘Accounting Policies’. Generally, to establish the fair value of these instruments, ABN AMRO relies on quoted market prices or, where the market for a financial instrument is not sufficiently active, internal valuation models that utilise observable market data. In certain circumstances, the data for individual financial instruments or classes of financial instruments utilised by such valuation models may not be available or may become unavailable due to changes in market conditions, as has been the case during the current financial crisis. In such circumstances, ABN AMRO's internal valuation models require ABN AMRO to make assumptions, judgements and estimates to establish fair value. In common with other financial institutions, these internal valuation models are complex, and the assumptions, judgements and estimates ABN AMRO is required to make often relate to matters that are inherently uncertain, such as expected cash flows, the ability of borrowers to service debt, residential and commercial property price appreciation and depreciation, and relative levels of defaults and deficiencies. Such assumptions, judgements and estimates may need to be updated to reflect changing facts, trends and market conditions. The resulting change in the fair values of the financial instruments has had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on ABN AMRO's earnings and financial condition. Also, recent market volatility and illiquidity have challenged the factual bases of certain underlying assumptions and have made it difficult to value certain of ABN AMRO’s financial instruments. Valuations in future periods, reflecting
 
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prevailing market conditions, may result in further significant changes in the fair values of these instruments, which could have a negative effect on ABN AMRO’s results of opersations and financial condition.
 
Our ability to retain and attract qualified employees is critical to the success of our business and the failure to do so may materially adversely affect our performance
Our people are our most important resource and competition for qualified employees is intense. In order to attract and retain qualified employees, we seek to compensate such employees at market levels. Typically, those levels have caused employee compensation to be our greatest expense as compensation is highly variable and changes with performance. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain qualified employees, or do so at rates necessary to maintain our competitive position, or if compensation costs required to attract and retain employees become more expensive, our performance, including our competitive position, could be materially adversely affected. The financial industry may experience more stringent regulation of employee compensation, or employee compensation may be made subject to special taxation, which could have an adverse effect on our ability to hire or retain the most qualified employees.
 
ABN AMRO is subject to legal risk, which may have an adverse impact on our results
In the ordinary course of business ABN AMRO is involved in a number of legal proceedings. Furthermore, periods of market dislocation, characterised by sharply deteriorating financial markets, are generally accompanied by an increase in investor litigation against intermediaries such as banks and investment advisors. It is inherently difficult to predict the outcome of many of the litigations, regulatory proceedings and other adversarial proceedings involving our businesses, particularly those cases in which the matters are brought on behalf of various classes of claimants, seek damages of unspecified or indeterminate amounts or involve novel legal claims. In presenting our consolidated financial statements, management may make estimates regarding the outcome of legal, regulatory and arbitration matters and takes a charge to income when losses with respect to such matters are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Changes in our estimates may have an adverse effect on ABN AMRO’s results.
 
ABN AMRO is subject to enforcement risks relating to the Department of Justice’s criminal investigation of its dollar clearing activities
As previously disclosed, the United States Department of Justice has been conducting a criminal investigation into ABN AMRO’s dollar clearing activities, Office of Foreign Assets Control (‘OFAC’) compliance procedures and other Bank Secrecy Act compliance matters all relating to activities before the Consortium Members acquired ABN AMRO. Both before and after the change of control, ABN AMRO cooperated and continues to cooperate fully with the investigation. Although no written agreement has yet been reached and negotiations are ongoing, in April 2007 the Bank reached an agreement in principle with the Department of Justice.
 
The precise terms of the deferred prosecution agreement are still under negotiation. Refer to ‘Ongoing Investigations’. The ultimate resolution of the Department of Justice investigation and the nature and severity of possible additional sanctions cannot be predicted, but regulatory and law enforcement authorities have been imposing severe and significant monetary and other penalties against a number of banking institutions for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act and related statutes.
 
The legal demerger of ABN AMRO Bank N.V. has resulted in a cross liability arrangement that changes the legal recourse available to investors
On 6 February 2010, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. was demerged into two entities, being RBS N.V. (the former ABN AMRO Bank N.V.) and the new ABN AMRO Bank.
 
In principle investors now only have recourse to the entity to which the relevant assets and liabilities have been transferred for payments in respect of the appropriate securities. Under the Dutch Civil Code, however, each entity remains liable to creditors for the monetary obligations of the other entity that existed at the date of the legal demerger in the event that the other entity cannot meet its obligations to those creditors. In each case, the liability relates only to obligations existing at the date of the legal demerger.
 
The liability of RBS N.V. is limited to the equity retained at legal demerger, which amounted to EUR 4.0 billion. The liability of the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. is limited to the amount of equity acquired at legal demerger, which amounted to EUR 1.8 billion.
 
RBS N.V. has made arrangements to mitigate the risks of liability to the creditors which transferred to the new ABN AMRO Bank upon legal demerger. The new ABN AMRO Bank has also made arrangements to
 
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mitigate the risks of liability to the creditors that remain in RBS N.V. Both of these entities hold the level of regulatory capital agreed upon with the Dutch Central Bank for purposes of covering any residual risks.
 
Please note that similar to the above, the legal demerger of certain commercial activities in relation to the EC remedy also resulted in a cross liability arrangement that changes the legal recourse available to investors. Also in this case, the liability relates only to obligations existing at the date of legal demerger of New HBU II N.V. The liability of New HBU II N.V. is limited to the equity acquired at legal demerger.
 
ABN AMRO’s legal demerger and legal separation process creates additional risks for ABN AMRO's business and stability
ABN AMRO is going through a period of transition and change, which poses additional risks to ABN AMRO’s business including (i) ABN AMRO’s ability to manage the break up of ABN AMRO in a controlled manner while minimising the loss of business, (ii) ABN AMRO’s ability to retain key personnel during the transition and (iii) enhanced operational and regulatory risks during this period. During this period of transition and change and as a result of the legal demerger and upcoming legal separation, RBS N.V. and the new ABN AMRO Bank will remain interdependent with respect to certain business areas, for which they will inter alia provide certain services to each other.
 
Investors in the United States may not be able to enforce civil liability judgments against ABN AMRO Holding and our directors and executive officers
ABN AMRO Holding is incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands and the members of our Supervisory Board, with one exception, and our Managing Board are residents of countries outside of the United States. Substantially all of the assets of ABN AMRO Holding and of the members of the Supervisory Board and the Managing Board are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process upon ABN AMRO or upon these persons, or to enforce judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws against ABN AMRO Holding and these persons. The United States and the Netherlands do not have a treaty providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. Therefore, a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any federal or state court in the United States based on civil liability, whether or not predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities laws, would not be enforceable in the Netherlands. However, a Dutch court may, under current practice, recognise the final judgment that has been rendered in the United States and may grant the same claim without rehearing the merits under certain circumstances, unless the consequences of the recognition of such judgment would contravene public policy in the Netherlands.
 
Risk factors in relation to the Asset Protection Scheme
 
On 22 December 2009, the RBS Group acceded to the Asset Protection Scheme (‘APS’) with HM Treasury acting on behalf of the UK Government. Under the Scheme, the RBS Group purchased credit protection over a portfolio of specified assets and exposures (“covered assets”) from HM Treasury including assets and exposures of ABN AMRO in the amount of EUR 30 billion (the "ABN AMRO Covered Assets"). On 22nd December 2009 ABN AMRO and RBS plc entered into a back to back contract in relation to the ABN AMRO Covered Assets (the "Contract").
 
The extensive governance, asset management and information requirements under the APS conditions and HM Treasury’s step-in rights reflected in the Contract may serve to limit materially ABN AMRO's operations. In addition, the market’s reaction to such controls and limitations may have an adverse impact on the price of the ABN AMRO’s securities.
HM Treasury has the right under the APS to appoint one or more step-in managers (identified or agreed to by HM Treasury) to exercise certain step-in rights upon the occurrence of certain specified events. The step-in rights extend to the ABN AMRO Covered Assets. The step-in rights are extensive and include certain oversight, investigation, approval and other rights, the right to require the modification or replacement of any of the systems, controls, processes and practices of the RBS Group (including ABN AMRO) and extensive rights in relation to the direct management and administration of the ABN AMRO Assets. The step-in manager may be a person identified by HM Treasury and not by the company. If HM Treasury seeks to exercise its right to appoint one or more step-in managers in relation to the management and administration of Covered Assets held by ABN AMRO or its wholly owned subsidiaries, ABN AMRO will, in certain circumstances, need to seek consent from the Dutch Central Bank to allow it to comply with such a step-in. The appointment of a step-in manager could result in a material adverse effect on ABN AMRO’s reputation or results of operations or result in a loss of value in ABN AMRO’s securities.
 
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In order to fulfil its disclosure obligations under the Contract, ABN AMRO may incur the risk of civil suits, criminal liability or regulatory actions.
The APS Conditions and the Contract require that certain information in relation to the Covered Assets including the ABN AMRO Covered Assets be disclosed to HM Treasury to enable HM Treasury to quantify, manage and assess its exposure under the APS. In complying with these requirements and providing such information to HM Treasury, ABN AMRO may, in certain jurisdictions, incur the risk of civil suits or regulatory action (which could include fines) to the extent that disclosing information related to the ABN AMRO Covered Assets results in ABN AMRO breaching common law or statutory confidentiality laws, contractual undertakings, data protection laws, banking secrecy and other laws restricting disclosure. Adverse regulatory action or adverse judgments in litigation could result in a material adverse effect on ABN AMRO’s reputation or results of operations or result in a loss of value in ABN AMRO’s securities.
 
Where ABN AMRO discloses information to HM Treasury as set out above, HM Treasury may disclose that information to a number of third parties for certain specified purposes. Such disclosures by HM Treasury may put ABN AMRO in breach of common law or statutory confidentiality laws, contractual undertakings, data protection laws, banking secrecy or other laws restricting disclosure.
 
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Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
 
ABN AMRO is involved in a number of legal proceedings in the ordinary course of ABN AMRO’s business in a number of jurisdictions. In presenting ABN AMRO’s consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates regarding the outcome of legal, regulatory and arbitration matters, and takes a charge to income when losses with respect to such matters are probable. Charges, other than those taken periodically for costs of defence, are not established for matters when losses cannot be reasonably estimated. ABN AMRO cannot guarantee that these proceedings will be concluded in a manner favourable to ABN AMRO and should ABN AMRO’s assessment of the risk change, ABN AMRO’s view on changes to income will also change.
 
In November 2009 the Supreme Court in the Netherlands gave a declaratory judgment against World Online International N.V., Goldman Sachs International and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. in relation to claims arising out of the World Online initial public offering of 2000. It held that these Defendants had committed certain wrongful acts in connection with the initial public offering. The judgment does not establish liability or the amount of any loss. Management does not believe that any final liability or loss will have a significant effect on ABN AMRO’s financial position or profitability.
 
On the basis of information currently available, and having taken legal counsel with advisors, ABN AMRO is of the opinion that the outcome of these proceedings is unlikely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position and the consolidated profit of ABN AMRO.
 
Ongoing Investigations
 
As previously disclosed, the United States Department of Justice has been conducting a criminal investigation into ABN AMRO’s dollar clearing activities, OFAC compliance procedures and other Bank Secrecy Act compliance matters. ABN AMRO has cooperated and continues to cooperate fully with the investigation. Although no written agreement has yet been reached and negotiations are ongoing, in April 2007 ABN AMRO reached an agreement in principle with the Department of Justice.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, in principle, ABN AMRO would also agree to continue cooperating in the United States’ ongoing investigation and to settle all then known civil and criminal claims currently held by the United States for the sum of USD 500 million. A charge for USD 500 million was recorded in the first half of 2007. The precise terms of the deferred prosecution agreement are still under negotiation.
 
In consideration for the foregoing provisions, as well as ABN AMRO’s extensive remedial actions to date and its willingness to demonstrate future good conduct and full compliance with all applicable federal laws, the United States Department of Justice would recommend to the United States District Court that the prosecution of ABN AMRO under the information be deferred for a fixed period. At the end of that fixed period, provided ABN AMRO is in full compliance with all of its obligations under the deferred prosecution agreement, the United States would seek dismissal with prejudice of the information filed against the ABN AMRO. The precise terms of the deferred prosecution agreement and agreed factual statement are still under negotiation.
 
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Section 5     Governance

 
   
Boards and Committees
71
Supervisory Board
71
Contacts with Dutch Central Works
73
Audit Committee
73
Nomination & Compensation Committee
74
Compliance Oversight Committee
75
Managing Board
76
   
Corporate Governance Codes
77
ABN AMRO’s approach
77
Corporate governance in the Netherlands
77
Corporate governance in the United States
79
   
ABN AMRO’s Human Resources
80
   
Sustainability
80
   
 
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SECTION 5     GOVERNANCE

 
Boards and Committees
 
ABN AMRO Holding, RBS N.V. and the new ABN AMRO Bank are companies with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands. All companies have a two-tier system of corporate governance; consisting of a Supervisory Board and a Managing Board. The day to day management of the companies is vested with the Managing Board.
 
The memberships of the Supervisory Boards and Managing Boards of ABN AMRO Holding, RBS N.V. and the new ABN AMRO Bank are the same.
 
ABN AMRO Holding, RBS N.V. and the new ABN AMRO Bank are not obliged to adhere to the principles of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, but do so in accordance with market practice.
 
Supervisory Board
 
Responsibilities of the Supervisory Board
ABN AMRO Holding’s Supervisory Board supervises the Managing Board, as well as ABN AMRO Holding’s general course of affairs and its business. In addition, it is charged with assisting and advising management. In performing their duties, the members of the Supervisory Board are guided by the interests of ABN AMRO Holding and the enterprises connected with it and shall take into account the relevant interests of ABN AMRO’s stakeholders. Certain powers are vested with the Supervisory Board, including the approval of certain resolutions by the Managing Board.
 
The Supervisory Board is an independent body. Members of the Supervisory Board are appointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The Supervisory Board nominates one or more candidates for each vacant seat.
 
Under the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, all members of the Supervisory Board must be independent with the exception of not more than one person. ABN AMRO is currently deviating from that standard to accommodate the inclusion of representation from each Consortium Member. ABN AMRO has three Supervisory Board members who can not be considered to be independent within the scope of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code: Juan Rodriguez Inciarte, Michael Enthoven and Miller McLean.
 
Supervisory Board members are appointed for a term of four years and may be re-appointed after that term. Members of the Supervisory Board may serve a maximum term of 12 years from the date of their first appointment. As a principle, each member agrees to retire by the day on which the annual General Meeting of Shareholders is held in the year in which he or she reaches the age of 70.
 
Candidates recommended for appointment or re-appointment to the Supervisory Board should meet the criteria of the membership profile, which are set out in the Rules Governing the Supervisory Board’s Principles and Best Practices of ABN AMRO Holding.
 
In case of a (potential) conflict of interest of material significance between a member of the Supervisory Board and ABN AMRO, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board shall be notified.
 
Details of the Supervisory Board’s remuneration package can be found in note 43 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’.
 
The Chairman and Vice Chairman are appointed by the Supervisory Board from among its members. The Supervisory Board also appoints from its members the Audit Committee of at least four members and the Nomination & Compensation Committee of at least three members. The committee members are appointed until further notice.
 
The Rules Governing the Supervisory Board’s Principles and Best Practices of ABN AMRO Holding are available on ABN AMRO’s website at www.abnamro.com. These rules also include the terms of reference of the Audit Committee and the Nomination & Compensation Committee.

 
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Composition of the Supervisory Board
The members of the Supervisory Board, and their respective Supervisory Board committee membership, as at 26 March 2010 are as follows:
 
Arthur Martinez (Chairman)
A, N  (Chairman)
   
André Olijslager (Vice Chairman)
A (Chairman)
   
Trude Maas-de Brouwer
N (Madam Chair)
   
Gert-Jan Kramer
A
   
Ana Maria Llopis Rivas
A
   
Juan Rodriguez Inciarte
 
   
Michael Enthoven
A, N
   
Miller McLean
 
 
A      member of the Audit Committee
N      member of the Nomination & Compensation Committee
 
On 25 June 2009 Messrs Rob van den Bergh and Anthony Ruys resigned as members of the Supervisory Board after having served on the board for four years.
 
For further information regarding the members of the Supervisory Board refer to Section 8: 'Additional Information'.
 
Activities of the Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board met on seven occasions and several conference calls were held during the period under review.  Meetings took place in person, by telephone and the members were also asked to give their approval on a few matters via email procedure.
 
In view of the ongoing transition activities and upcoming changes to the organisational structure no formal assessment of the functioning of the Managing Board and Supervisory Board took place in 2009. The assessment of the functioning of the relevant Managing Board members was done by the respective consortium parties, where applicable.
 
The Chairman and the Company Secretary prepared the agenda for the meetings of the Supervisory Board in close co-operation with the Chairman of the Managing Board.
 
The Supervisory Board reviewed and adopted the 2008 results at its March meeting and reviewed and approved the half-year financial report 2009 in August. Next to that the Board reviewed in these meetings regulatory, control and audit issues, including Sarbanes-Oxley Act 404 compliance.
 
The Board received regular updates on the transition program and transition risk and discussed and approved the demerger of a number of (major) assets, disposals and requests for Declaration of No Objection (‘DNO’) connected to the transition. The agenda of the Supervisory Board meetings in 2009 was predominantly governed by matters relating to the transition.
 
The financial performance of ABN AMRO was extensively discussed in a number of Supervisory Board meetings. Relevant executives discussed findings of internal and external auditors. These meetings were preceded by meetings of the Audit Committee, which advised the full Supervisory Board on the approval of the financial results. Comprehensive information provided by the Managing Board and reviewed by the Audit Committee gave the Supervisory Board a clear picture of the Bank’s risks, results, and capital and liquidity position. Next to that the enterprise risk was discussed in the Supervisory Board meetings on a regular basis providing the Supervisory Board with clear insight in the risk taxonomy and amongst others the business, operational, credit, market, macro and other strategic enterprise risk. All Supervisory Board committees continued to report their deliberations and findings to the full Board for further discussion and, where appropriate, decisions.
 
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The strategy of ABN AMRO was determined by the strategy of the respective consortium parties and therefore not an area of attention for the Supervisory Board in 2009.
 
The Board nominated new Managing Board members. The Shareholder adopted the nominations on 1 July 2009.
 
The Shareholder reappointed Deloitte Accountants B.V. as the external auditors of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. for the 2009 financial year.
 
The Board received regular updates on the transition program, discussed and approved the demerger of a number of assets, disposals and requests for Declaration of No Objection (‘DNO’) connected to the transition.
 
In light of the large number of Supervisory Board meetings that took place in 2009, all of the Supervisory Board members have complied with the requirement to attend meetings on a frequent basis.
 
Contacts with Dutch Central Works Council
Contrary to the covenant concluded in 2003 with the Dutch Central Works Council members of the Supervisory Board did not attend by rotation meetings of the Central Works Council in 2009. This was a result of the separation activities occurring within ABN AMRO. Instead several meetings were held with individual Supervisory Board members for specific topics related to the organisational changes resulting from the separation activities.
 
Supervisory Board committees
The Supervisory Board has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Nomination and Compensation Committee. The Compliance Oversight Committee ceased to exist on 1 September 2009.
 
Audit Committee
 
Responsibilities of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Supervisory Board from its own members. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include supervising, monitoring and advising the Supervisory Board on the effectiveness of internal risk management and control systems and reviewing and advising the Supervisory Board on the disclosure of financial information. As of 1 September 2009 the Audit Committee includes the responsibilities of the Compliance and Oversight Committee. The Committee derives its authority from the Supervisory Board and its Terms of Reference are set out in annex C of the Rules Governing the Supervisory Board’s Principles and Best Practices.
 
In line with good corporate governance, the Rules governing the ABN AMRO Supervisory Board’s Audit Committee have been reviewed to ensure that the objectives of the ABN AMRO Group Audit Committee are, where possible, fully aligned and consistent with the Terms of Reference of the RBS Group Audit Committee and adequate and appropriate oversight and escalation mechanisms are implemented.
 
The external auditors are appointed or reappointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders for a period of one year on the advice of the Supervisory Board. The Audit Committee has the delegated responsibility for the engagement of the external auditors. For this purpose it evaluates the independence of the external auditor, the measures used to control the quality of the external auditor’s work, and the annual audit budget. The Audit Committee’s policy on auditor independence governs the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the external auditors. To ensure the external auditors’ independence, the Auditor Independence Policy prohibits the external auditors from providing certain non-audit services to ABN AMRO.
 
The Audit Committee is furthermore responsible for pre-approving audit, audit-related and permitted non-audit services provided by the external auditor. In exercising its pre-approval authority, the Audit Committee considers whether the proposed services are consistent with the continued independence of the external auditor. Both the Auditor Independence Policy and the Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy for External Audit Firm Services can be viewed on ABN AMRO’s website at www.abnamro.com.
 
Composition of the Audit Committee
In 2009, the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board was chaired by André Olijslager. Other members included Arthur Martinez, Gert-Jan Kramer, Ana Maria Llopis Rivas and Michael Enthoven.
 
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The members of the Audit Committee collectively have sufficient accounting and financial management expertise to understand the company’s business, financial statements and risk profile. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board has determined that Arthur Martinez possesses the necessary relevant expertise in financial administration and accounting for listed companies and other large companies and therefore qualifies as a financial expert within the meaning of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. It has also determined that Arthur Martinez qualifies as an audit committee financial expert in accordance with Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and that he is independent under the applicable US standards.
 
Activities of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee convened six times during the course of 2009. Three of these meetings were regular meetings while three were extraordinary meetings.
 
The Audit Committee reviewed, discussed and advised the Supervisory Board with regards to the interim financial statements, the Annual Report, the external auditors’ long-form report, the internal auditors’ management letter including the Managing Board’s related comments, the evaluation of the design and operating effectiveness of the internal risk management and control systems, the Capital Adequacy Framework and the application of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act, in particular as to ABN AMRO’s compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of this Act.
 
Deloitte Accountants B.V. (‘Deloitte’) reported on its independence to the Audit Committee. Deloitte has reviewed its engagements with ABN AMRO and confirmed to the Audit Committee that these have not impaired Deloitte’s ability to act as the independent auditors of ABN AMRO.  The Audit Committee reviewed its pre-approval policy for audit and non-audit services provided by the external auditors. Following this review the Audit Committee pre-approved the nature and the budget for audit, audit-related and non-audit services, in line with this policy.
 
Throughout the period, representatives of the ABN AMRO Managing Board, Finance Officers, the Committee Secretary, representatives from Group Audit, Risk Management and the external auditors have been in attendance by standing invitation and were provided with copies of the agendas, papers and minutes.
 
The Chairman of the Audit Committee has met with the external auditors independently of the members of the Managing Board and the internal auditors.
 
The Audit Committee, in the presence of senior representatives from Group Risk Management, also reviewed and discussed ABN AMRO’s overall risk profile, the quality of the loan portfolio and the bank’s large exposures and provisioning for loan losses. It also reviewed the Enterprise Risk Management Framework and related reporting. In addition, the Committee reviewed various risk reports, produced both internally and by third parties, outlining the unique risk profile arising directly as a result of the transition and separation activities.
 
The Audit Committee reviewed, discussed and approved the 2009 Audit Plan prepared by Group Audit, as well as staff matters including training and recruitment. In addition, the Audit Committee discussed the operational and internal control aspects covered by Group Audit in its audit. In the middle of the year, Group Audit presented an assessment of the audit risks which reflected the impact of corporate activities. This was reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee.
 
Nomination & Compensation Committee
 
Responsibilities of the Nomination & Compensation Committee
The Nomination & Compensation Committee is a combined remuneration, selection and appointment committee as defined in the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. The tasks and responsibilities of the Nomination & Compensation Committee of the Supervisory Board can be divided into tasks related to nomination and to compensation.
 
The nomination responsibilities include preparing for the selection and nomination of members of the Supervisory and Managing Boards by preparing and periodically reviewing the succession plans of these Boards on the basis of agreed profiles. Where relevant, the Nomination & Compensation Committee informs the full Supervisory Board.
 
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The Nomination & Compensation Committee also acts on reward and performance issues. Standards and criteria for performance are defined, and on that basis the performance of the members of both Boards is reviewed periodically. The framework, concept and content of compensation and benefits, pension schemes and other relevant schemes are discussed and decided. Resolutions concerning the remuneration policies for the Managing Board are submitted to the full Supervisory Board and are then put forward for adoption by the General Meeting of Shareholders.
 
Composition of the Nomination & Compensation Committee
The membership of the Nomination & Compensation Committee of the Supervisory Board changed in 2009. The Committee consists of the following members: Trude Maas-de Brouwer (Madam Chair), Arthur Martinez, Michael Enthoven and Anthony Ruys (until 25 June 2009).
 
The Chairman of the Managing Board and the head of Group Human Resources were invited to the Nomination and Compensation Committee’s meetings to discuss relevant issues, such as the Managing Board’s composition and compensation.
 
Activities of the Nomination & Compensation Committee
The Nomination & Compensation Committee met two times in 2009. As a consequence of the transition, the activities of the Nomination & Compensation Committee in 2009 were limited to discussions about remuneration only.
 
For a description of the Bank’s reward philosophy and principles as well as a detailed description of the relevant aspects of Managing Board compensation in 2009 please refer to note 43 ‘Remuneration of the Managing Board and Supervisory Board’ in Section 6: ’Financial Statements’.
 
Compliance Oversight Committee
 
Responsibilities of the Compliance Oversight Committee
The role of the Compliance Oversight Committee was to supervise ABN AMRO’s compliance organisation, activities and risk profile. More specifically, the committee was responsible for supervising, monitoring and advising the Managing Board on the effects of internal risk management and control systems relating to compliance. These duties included supervising the enforcement of the relevant legislation and regulations, and overseeing compliance with the codes of conduct. The Compliance Oversight Committee was also responsible, along with the full Supervisory Board, for setting the right tone from the top by communicating the importance of compliance to the Managing Board and ABN AMRO as a whole, and by overseeing the Managing Board’s communications about the importance of compliance.
 
Composition of the Compliance Oversight Committee
The Compliance Oversight Committee consisted of three members all of whom were members of the Supervisory Board. In 2009 the members were Arthur Martinez (Chairman), Trude Maas-de Brouwer and Michael Enthoven.
 
Activities of the Compliance Oversight Committee
In line with its Charter, as set out in the Rules Governing the Supervisory Board’s Principles and Best Practices, the Compliance Oversight Committee met three times in 2009. During its meetings in 2009, the Committee reviewed and closely monitored the implementation of the annual Group Compliance plan with a particular focus on ensuring that Group Compliance remains appropriately staffed, compensated, resourced and supported during the transition phase. At each of these meetings the Committee further discussed the relevant quarterly Group Compliance Reports, elaborating on global regulatory developments and key Group Compliance initiatives during those quarters.
 
Continuation of Compliance Oversight Committee responsibilities
As of 1 September 2009, the responsibilities of the Compliance Oversight Committee were combined with those of the Audit Committee in order to simplify the process of supervising and monitoring ABN AMRO’s compliance risk profile in the transition period. The compliance topics which were under the responsibility of the Compliance Oversight Committee were as per that date discussed at meetings of the Audit Committee which were attended by the Head of Group Compliance. The Head of Group Compliance continues to have direct access to the Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
 
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Managing Board
 
Responsibilities of the Managing Board
The members of the Managing Board of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. collectively manage the company and are responsible for its strategy, structure and performance. The members are appointed by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The Supervisory Board nominates one or more candidates for each vacant seat. If the Supervisory Board nominates two or more candidates for a vacant seat, the nomination list is binding. The members of the Managing Board are accountable both collectively and individually for all decisions taken by the Managing Board.
 
The Chairman of the Managing Board leads the Board in its overall management of ABN AMRO to achieve its performance goals and ambitions. The Chairman is the main point of liaison with the Supervisory Board. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the financial affairs of ABN AMRO, and the Chief Risk Officer is responsible for ABN AMRO’s risk management and operational risk control. Alongside their overall corporate responsibilities, the members of the Managing Board are responsible for the management of the Business Units, Group Functions and Services. The Managing Board has delegated certain tasks to committees.
 
Composition of the Managing Board
The members of the Managing Board and their responsibilities as at 26 March 2010 are as follows:
 
Gerrit Zalm
Chairman and responsible for Human Resources, Communications and Audit
   
Ron Teerlink
Vice Chairman and responsible for Transition Management
   
David Cole
Chief Finance Officer, Chief Risk Officer and responsible for Risk, Finance, Legal and Compliance
   
Johan van Hall
Responsible for Integration and Services
   
Chris Vogelzang
Responsible for Business Unit Netherlands and Business Unit Private Clients and International Diamond & Jewelry Group
   
Donald Workman
Responsible for the global markets business
   
Javier Maldonado
Responsible for the shared assets included in Central Items
   
Jeroen Kremers
Global Country Risk, RBS Group
   
Brian Stevenson
Responsible for Global Transaction Services
 
On 1 July 2009 Jeroen Kremers and Brian Stevenson were appointed as members of the Managing Board for a period of four years. On the same day Michiel de Jong and Brad Kopp both stepped down from the Managing Board.
 
Senior Executive Vice Presidents
The number of Senior Executive Vice Presidents remained unchanged at two.
 
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Corporate Governance Codes
 
ABN AMRO’s approach
On 25 March 2008 ABN AMRO announced that it had resolved to apply for delisting of its ordinary shares and the (formerly convertible) preference shares from Euronext Amsterdam, the regulated market of Euronext Amsterdam N.V. (‘Euronext Amsterdam’) and to apply for the delisting of its American Depositary Shares (‘ADSs’) from the New York Stock Exchange (‘NYSE’). Its ordinary shares and its ADSs were delisted from Euronext Amsterdam and the NYSE respectively, effective 25 April 2008. The (formerly convertible) preference shares were delisted shortly after finalisation of the squeeze-out proceedings on 22 September 2008. As a result of the delisting, ABN AMRO is no longer required to adhere to the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.
 
ABN AMRO has always maintained high corporate governance standards and the RBS Group, Dutch State and Santander are committed to continue this through the transition period. For ABN AMRO, good corporate governance is critical in order to realise its strategic goal of creating sustainable long-term value for all ABN AMRO’s stakeholders – including Shareholder, clients, employees and society at large. It is the foundation of ABN AMRO’s licence to operate.
 
In order to achieve good corporate governance, ABN AMRO organises the business in a way that promotes first-class stewardship by the Managing Board and effective supervision by the Supervisory Board. Integrity, transparency and accountability are key elements of ABN AMRO’s corporate governance, as they are in ABN AMRO’s business as a whole. These key elements ensure that the controls and oversight necessary for effective risk management, proper compliance with regulations, and accurate and complete disclosure of information to the market are in place and functioning well.
 
ABN AMRO’s guiding compass in these matters is provided by its Corporate Values and Business Principles, which constitute ABN AMRO’s ‘code of ethics’.
 
As stated, even though ABN AMRO does not have to adhere to the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, it continues to place importance on a transparent governance structure and chooses to substantially adhere to the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. The Banking Code drawn up by the Netherland Bankers’ Association that has come into effect on 1 January 2010 also applies to ABN AMRO. As a company registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ABN AMRO is subject to US securities laws and the applicable corporate governance rules in connection with ABN AMRO’s listing of NYSE Alternext debt.
 
Corporate governance in the Netherlands
The Dutch Corporate Governance Code took effect on 1 January 2004 and was amended on 10 December 2008. Even though ABN AMRO is not required to adhere to the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, ABN AMRO confirms that it applies the principles and (applicable) best practice provisions of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, with the exception of the following best practice provisions: II.2.2, II.2.3, II.2.8, II.2.11, II.2.12, II.2.13, II.3.3, III.2.1, III.6.2 and IV.1.1.
 
Best practice provision II.2.2 states that the supervisory board shall determine the level and structure of the remuneration of the management board members by reference to the scenario analyses carried out and with due regard for the pay differentials within the enterprise. Best practice provision II.2.3 states that in determining the level and structure of the remuneration of management board members, the supervisory board shall take into account, among other things, the results, the share price performance and non-financial indicators relevant to the long term objectives of the company, with due regard for the risks to which variable remuneration may expose the enterprise. Best practice provision II.2.11 states that the supervisory board may recover from the management board members any variable remuneration awarded on the basis of incorrect financial or other data (clawback clause). Best practice provision II.2.12 states that the remuneration report of the supervisory board shall contain an account of the manner in which the remuneration policy has been implemented in the past financial year, as well as an overview of the remuneration policy planned by the supervisory board for the next financial year and subsequent years. The report shall explain how the chosen remuneration policy contributes to the achievement of the long-term objectives of the company and its affiliated enterprise in keeping with the risk profile. The report shall be posted on the company’s website. Best practice provision II.2.13 describes which information should in any event be included in the overview referred to in best practice provision II.2.12.
 
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At the end of 2008 the Corporate Governance Monitoring Committee presented an updated version of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code of 2003. These aformentioned best practice provisions are new compared to the previous version of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. In view of the ongoing transition activities, the upcoming changes to the organizational structure within ABN AMRO and the fact that ABN AMRO is not a listed entity, ABN AMRO has postponed the evaluation whether it fully adheres to these best practise provisions.
 
Best practice provision II.2.8 states that the maximum remuneration in the event of dismissal is one year’s salary (the ‘fixed’ remuneration component). If the maximum of one year’s salary would be manifestly unreasonable for a managing board member who is dismissed during his first term of office, this board member shall be eligible for a severance payment not exceeding twice the annual salary.
 
For some members of the Managing Board originating from ABN AMRO that have been appointed since 2006, ABN AMRO does not fully apply this best practice provision. The underlying ABN AMRO employment contracts of such members, which are Senior Executive Vice President Employment contracts under Dutch law, continue. However, all entitlements under these contracts, including the entitlements under the redundancy clause, have been suspended during membership of the Managing Board, and replaced by another employment contract applicable to Managing Board members. ABN AMRO has not included a redundancy clause in these contracts and shall apply best practice provision II.2.8 as follows: in the event of a termination of the Managing Board membership, the suspended employment contract will be reinstated. If it is deemed necessary to terminate that contract in the future, this will happen in accordance with Dutch labour law.
 
Principle II.3 states that any conflict of interest or apparent conflict of interest between the company and managing board members shall be avoided.
 
This principle has been elaborated in best practice provisions II.3.1 to II.3.4.
 
Several new members of the Managing Board also serve in a number of managing and supervising capacities at the various Consortium Members. They have taken part and will take part in discussions or decision making that involves or will involve a subject or transaction relating to the separation and transfer of the ABN AMRO businesses to the respective Consortium Members. This could constitute a conflict of interest within the scope of best practice provision II.3.2. In this respect ABN AMRO does not apply best practice provision II.3.3 with respect to these subjects and transactions, but otherwise ABN AMRO reports that best practice provisions II.3.2 to II.3.4 inclusive, have been complied with, where applicable.
 
Best practice provision III.2.1 states that all supervisory board members, with the exception of not more than one person, shall be independent within the meaning of best practice provision III.2.2.
 
A description of independence is given in best practice provision III.2.2. As mentioned under principle II.3 above, following the acquisition by the Consortium Members of RFS Holdings, the sole shareholder of ABN AMRO, a new structure and membership for the Supervisory Board was put in place. Michael Enthoven, Public Prosecutor of the Ministry of Finance and Miller McLean, Group Legal Counsel and Company Secretary of RBS, have been nominated alongside Juan Rodriguez-Inciarte of Santander to reflect the change in ownership.
 
In view of the criteria for independence mentioned in best practice provision III.2.2. these three Supervisory Board members cannot be considered to be independent. Therefore, ABN AMRO does not apply best practice provision III.2.1. In accordance with best practice provision III.2.3 the Supervisory Board members who cannot be considered to be independent are listed in the report of the Supervisory Board.
 
Principle III.6 states that any conflict of interest or apparent conflict of interest between the company and supervisory board members shall be avoided.
 
This principle has been elaborated in best practice provision III.6.1 to III.6.7. ABN AMRO’s explanation of principle II.3 applies mutatis mutandis to the three Supervisory Board members: Juan Rodriguez-Inciarte, and the two new members, Michael Enthoven and Miller McLean, who likewise have taken and will take part in discussions or decision-making that involves or will involve a subject or transaction relating to the separation and transfer of the ABN AMRO businesses to the respective Consortium Members. As this may
 
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constitute a conflict of interest within the scope of best practice provision III.6.1, ABN AMRO does not apply best practice provision III.6.2 with respect to these subjects and transactions, but otherwise ABN AMRO reports that best practice provisions III.6.1 to III.6.3 inclusive have been complied with, where applicable.
 
Similarly the transactions relating to the separation and transfer of the ABN AMRO businesses to the respective Consortium Members can fall within the scope of best practice provision III.6.4 in view of the holding by the Consortium Members of all of the ABN AMRO shares. For this reason ABN AMRO hereby confirms that best practice provision III.6.4 has been observed, where applicable.
 
Best practice provision IV.1.1 states that the general meeting of shareholders of a company not having a statutory two-tier status (‘structuurregime’) may pass a resolution to cancel the binding nature of a nomination for the appointment of a member of the managing board or of the supervisory board, and/or a resolution to dismiss a member of the managing board or of the supervisory board by an absolute majority of the votes cast. It may be provided that this majority should represent a given proportion of the issued capital, which proportion may not exceed one third. If the given proportion of the capital is not represented at the meeting, but an absolute majority of the votes cast is in favour of a resolution to cancel the binding nature of a nomination, or to dismiss a board member, a new meeting may be convened at which the resolution may be passed by an absolute majority of the votes cast, regardless of the proportion of the capital represented at the meeting.
 
ABN AMRO has one shareholder, RFS Holdings. In accordance with ABN AMRO’s Articles of Association, the following procedure has to be followed for the dismissal of members of the Managing Board and Supervisory Board. A distinction has been made between situations in which the Supervisory Board submits a proposal to the General Meeting of Shareholders to dismiss a member of the Managing Board or Supervisory Board and situations in which the proposal to dismiss a member of the Managing or Supervisory Board is submitted at the initiative of shareholders. The first of these situations requires an absolute majority of the General Meeting of Shareholder, and in this case ABN AMRO applies best practice provision IV.1.1. In the event of the second situation arising, a two-third majority of the votes cast is required. For this reason, ABN AMRO will continue to apply these procedures with regard to the nominations for the appointment and dismissal of Supervisory Board and Managing Board members.
 
Banking Code
On 1 January 2010 the Banking Code that was drawn up by the Netherlands Bankers’ Association came into effect. The Banking Code applies to RBS N.V. and the new ABN AMRO Bank.  In accordance with the Banking Code, banks licenced under the Financial Supervision Act in the Netherlands are required to describe what preparatory steps were taken in 2009 to ensure that they can apply the Banking Code from 1 January 2010 onwards.
 
A working group was established which assessed the extent to which the principles of the Banking Code are complied with by ABN AMRO. In view of the ongoing transition activities and the upcoming changes to the organisational structure within ABN AMRO, it was concluded that implementing additional measures to comply with the Banking Code at this stage would be of limited value given the separation. After separation RBS N.V. and the new ABN AMRO Bank will explain their compliance with the Banking Code independently.
 
Corporate governance in the United States
As an SEC-registered company, ABN AMRO is subject to US securities laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as certain corporate governance rules in connection with ABN AMRO’s listing of NYSE Alternext debt. Following the introduction of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, ABN AMRO established a Disclosure Committee that formalised the roles, tasks and disciplines that were already in place for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of information disclosed to the market.
 
ABN AMRO’s report on internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act is included in this Annual Report 2009 that is also a Form 20-F as filed with the SEC.
 
ABN AMRO proposes to its Shareholder that it adopts the 2009 financial statements, as included in this annual report, and discharges the Managing Board and Supervisory Board in respect of their management and supervision respectively.

 
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ABN AMRO’s Human Resources
 
As at 31 December 2009, ABN AMRO employed over 47,000 people working in over 50 countries. Throughout 2009 the primary activity of the HR Function has been focused on the ongoing separation and preparation for integration activities, and supporting managers and employees through the change process via dedicated communication channels such as dedicated integration web sites and working closely with employee representative bodies.
 
Throughout the year there has been ongoing consultation and engagement with social partners on both integration and business as usual activity. When making organisational changes, ABN AMRO adheres to local labour regulations in our various countries and to agreements with unions or staff councils if these are in place.
 
Although activity has centred on separation and integration, ABN AMRO has continued to review the Human Resources policies and processes to ensure ABN AMRO maintains a robust proposition ahead of integration to the respective consortium partner. Performance management, talent reviews and leadership and learning opportunities have remained a priority during 2009.

 
Sustainability
 
At ABN AMRO we believe that practising good business ethics in today’s world includes adopting a responsible approach to global problems such as climate change, environmental impairment, poverty and diversity. In line with this view, ABN AMRO aims to pursue corporate social responsibility (‘CSR’) in a way that promotes a financially and socially sustainable business.
 
As a bank, we play a key role in society by making our financial resources and expertise available to our clients. This is where our main strength lies. But we also pay close attention to the environmental, social and ethical aspects of our work. In our business decisions and our financial services we aspire to preserve a viable planet and promote the wellbeing of future generations.
 
Though ABN AMRO has recently experienced turbulent times, we have always remained true to our sustainability policy principles. Accordingly, ABN AMRO continued to pursue a proactive sustainability policy in 2009.
 
The sustainability policy is based on the following six pillars:
·
providing responsible financial services;
·
protecting our assets;
·
minimising our impact on the environment;
·
being accountable and transparent;
·
supporting local communities; and
·
being an employer of choice.

 
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Section 6     Financial Statements
 
   
Consolidated Financial Statements
82
Accounting policies
82
Income statement
100
Statement of comprehensive income
100
Statement of financial position
101
Statement of changes in equity
102
Statement of cash flows
103
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
104
1. Segment reporting
104
2. Acquisitions and disposals
109
3. Net interest income
111
4. Net fee and commission income
111
5. Net trading income
111
6. Results from financial transactions
112
7. Other operating income
112
8. Personnel expenses
112
9. General and administrative expenses
113
10. Depreciation and amortisation
113
11. Tax
114
12. Other comprehensive income
115
13. Cash and balances at central banks
116
14. Financial assets and liabilities held for trading
116
15. Financial investments
118
16. Loans and receivables – Banks
118
17. Loans and receivables – Customers
118
18. Loan impairment charges and allowances
119
19. Equity accounted investments
121
20. Property and equipment
122
21. Goodwill and other intangible assets
123
22. Other assets
124
23. Due to banks
125
24. Due to customers
125
25. Issued debt securities
126
26. Provisions
127
27. Pensions and other post-retirement employee benefits
129
28. Recognised tax assets and liabilities
132
29. Other liabilities
132
30. Subordinated liabilities
133
31. Share capital
136
32. Professional securities transactions
137
33. Assets pledged as security
138
34. Commitments and contingent liabilities
139
35. Statement of cash flows
141
36. Hedge accounting
142
37. Fair value of financial instruments
145
38. Financial risk management
154
39. Use of derivatives
164
40. Securitisations and other risk mitigants
166
41. Private equity investments
167
42. Joint ventures
168
43. Remuneration of the Managing Board and Supervisory Board
169
44. Share-based payment plans
171
45. Discontinued operations and assets and liabilities held for sale
173
46. Related parties
175
47. Post balance sheet events
177
48. Major subsidiaries
178
49. Supplemental condensed consolidating financial information
180
   
 
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SECTION 6     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Accounting policies
 
Corporate Information
ABN AMRO Holding N.V. (‘ABN AMRO Holding’) is the parent company of the ABN AMRO consolidated group of companies (referred to as ‘ABN AMRO’). ABN AMRO Holding is a public limited liability company, incorporated under Dutch law on 30 May 1990, and registered at Gustav Mahlerlaan 10, 1082 PP Amsterdam, the Netherlands. ABN AMRO provides a broad range of financial services on a worldwide basis, including consumer, commercial and investment banking.
 
On 17 October 2007 RFS Holdings B.V. (‘RFS Holdings’), a company incorporated by The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (‘RBS Group’), Fortis N.V., Fortis SA/NV (‘Fortis’) and Banco Santander S.A. (‘Santander’),  acquired 85.6% of ABN AMRO Holding and applied for de-listing of its ordinary shares from Euronext Amsterdam and the New York Stock Exchange. The de-listing of the ABN AMRO Holding ordinary shares and the (formerly convertible) preference shares with a nominal value of €2.24 each from Euronext Amsterdam and the de-listing of its American Depositary Shares (‘ADSs’) from the New York Stock Exchange was effected on 25 April 2008. Through subsequent purchases RFS Holdings completed the acquisition of the remainder of the shares in ABN AMRO Holding from minority shareholders in 2008. As a result RFS Holdings is the sole shareholder of ABN AMRO Holding.
 
On 3 October 2008, the Dutch State acquired all Fortis’ businesses in the Netherlands, including the Fortis share in RFS Holdings. On 24 December 2008, the Dutch State purchased from Fortis Bank Nederland (Holding) N.V. its investment in RFS Holdings, to become a direct shareholder in RFS Holdings.
 
RFS Holdings is controlled by RBS Group, which is incorporated in the UK and registered at 36 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, Scotland. RBS Group is the ultimate parent company of ABN AMRO Holding. The consolidated financial statements of ABN AMRO are included in the consolidated financial statements of RBS Group.
 
As debt securities issued by ABN AMRO Holding or its subsidiaries are listed on the New York Stock Exchange the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’) are applicable. This annual report complies with the SEC rules for foreign registrants and a cross reference table to the sections of the Form 20-F is included on page 189 of this report.
 
The consolidated financial statements of ABN AMRO for the year ended 31 December 2009 incorporate financial information of ABN AMRO Holding, its controlled entities, and interests in associates and joint ventures. The consolidated financial statements were signed and authorised for issue by the Managing Board on 22 March 2010 and Supervisory Board on 25 March 2010. The right to request an amendment of the financial statements is embedded in the Netherlands Civil Code. Interested parties have the right to ask the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal for a revision of the financial statements.
 
Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the European Union (‘EU’). ABN AMRO does not utilise the portfolio hedging ‘carve out’ permitted by the EU. Accordingly, the accounting policies applied by ABN AMRO comply fully with IFRS issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’).
 
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Summary significant accounting policies
 
Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS on a mixed valuation model basis as follows:
·
Fair value is used for: derivative financial instruments, financial assets and liabilities held for trading or designated as measured at fair value through profit or loss, and available-for-sale financial assets,
·
Other financial assets (including ‘loans and receivables’) and liabilities are valued at amortised cost,
·
The carrying value of assets and liabilities measured at amortised cost included in a fair value hedge relationship is adjusted with respect to fair value changes resulting from the hedged risk,
·
Non-financial assets and liabilities are generally stated at historical cost.
 
The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, which is the presentation currency of ABN AMRO, rounded to the nearest million (unless otherwise noted).
 
Adoption of IFRS standards and interpretations
IAS 1 (revised 2007) Presentation of Financial Statements
(effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009)
The revised IAS 1 affects the presentation of owner changes in equity and of comprehensive income. Information is to be aggregated based on shared characteristics, specifically requiring disclosure of changes in equity arising from transactions with owners separate from other changes in equity. The Standard requires the entity to present all items of recognised income and expense including gains and losses either in one single statement or in two linked statements. In order to implement the revised IAS 1, ABN AMRO presents two statements, a separate income statement displaying components of profit or loss and a second statement, the statement of comprehensive income, which begins with profit or loss and displays components of other comprehensive income. The ‘owner’ changes in equity remain in the statement of changes in equity.
 
In addition, the revised IAS 1 requires the entity to present a comparative statement of financial position as at the beginning of the earliest comparative period when the entity has applied an accounting policy retrospectively, makes a retrospective restatement, or reclassifies items in the financial statements. ABN AMRO has not provided a restated comparative set of financial position for the earliest comparative period, as it has not adopted any new accounting policies retrospectively, or has made a retrospective restatement, or retrospectively reclassified items in the statement of financial position.
 
The Standard has also introduced a number of terminology changes, including revised titles for the financial statements. ABN AMRO has renamed the balance sheet to ‘statement of financial position’ and the cash flow statement to ‘statement of cash flows’. Adoption of the revised Standard has had no impact on the reported results or financial position of ABN AMRO.
 
As described in note 1, ABN AMRO has made changes to the operating segments. The changes do not affect ABN AMRO’s results. Comparative data for the operating segments have been restated accordingly. IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ requires the presentation of a balance sheet as at the beginning of the earliest period when a company applies an accounting policy retrospectively.  For ABN AMRO, this balance sheet would be as at 31 December 2007.  However, the retrospective accounting for the changes made to the operating segments had no impact on the balance sheet as at 31 December 2007, and therefore that third balance sheet has not been represented in these Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures - Improving Disclosures about Financial Instruments
(effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009)
The amendments to IFRS 7 were issued in March 2009 to enhance fair value and liquidity disclosures. ABN AMRO has applied these amendments from 1 January 2009. The amendments require disclosure of a three-level fair value hierarchy, by class, for all financial instruments recognised at fair value, specific disclosures related to transfers between levels in the hierarchy and detailed disclosures related to level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In addition, the amendments modify the required liquidity disclosures with respect to derivative transactions and assets used for liquidity management. The notes to the consolidated financial statements provide detailed disclosures as required by the amendments.

 
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Adoption of amendments to the following standards and interpretations did not have an impact on the accounting policies, financial position or performance of ABN AMRO:
 
IAS 23 Borrowing costs
(effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009)
The revised standard eliminates the option of recognising borrowing costs immediately as an expense, to the extent that they are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset. The current ABN AMRO policy requires capitalisation of borrowing costs where material related to the qualifying asset.
 
Amendments to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements – Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation
(effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009)
The amendment to IAS 32 requires certain puttable financial instruments and obligations arising on liquidation to be classified as equity if certain criteria are met. The amendments to IAS 1 require disclosure of certain information relating to puttable instruments classified as equity. ABN AMRO does not have such puttable instruments.
 
Amendment to IFRS 2 Share-based Payment – Vesting Conditions and Cancellations
(effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009)
The amendment clarifies that vesting conditions comprise only service conditions and performance conditions. It also specifies the accounting treatment for a failure to meet a non-vesting condition.
 
IFRS 8 Operating segments
(effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009)
ABN AMRO adopted IFRS 8 on 1 January 2007. The Standard replaces IAS 14 ‘Segment Reporting’ in setting out requirements for disclosure of information about an entity’s operating segments, revenues derived from its products and services, the geographical areas in which it operates and its major customers.
 
Improvements to IFRSs issued in May 2008
In May 2008, the IASB issued its first collection of amendments to its Standards, primarily with a view to remove inconsistencies and clarify wording. The amendments are generally effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009. However, there are separate transitional provisions for each Standard.
 
IFRIC 9 Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives
(amendment issued in March 2009, effective for annual periods ending on or after 30 June 2009)
This amendment of the interpretation clarifies that the assessment whether an embedded derivative is required to be separated from the host contract on reclassification of a financial asset out of the fair value through profit or loss category shall be made on the basis of the circumstances that existed when the entity first became a party to the contract or when the contract was significantly modified, whichever is the later.
 
IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes
(effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2008)
This interpretation addresses how companies that grant their customers loyalty credits (often called ‘points’) when buying goods or services should account for their obligation to provide free or discounted goods or services if and when the customers redeem the points. Customer loyalty credits are required to be accounted for as a separate component of the sales transaction in which they are granted.
 
IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate
(effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009)
This interpretation standardises accounting practice across jurisdictions for the recognition of revenue by real estate developers before construction is complete.
 
IFRIC 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation
(effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 October 2008)
IFRIC 16 addresses three main issues. Firstly, the interpretation considers whether risk arises from (a) the foreign currency exposure to the functional currencies of the foreign operation and the parent entity, or from (b) the foreign currency exposure to the functional currency of the foreign operation and the presentation currency of the parent entity's consolidated financial statements. Secondly, it determines which entity within a group can hold a hedging instrument in a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation and in particular
 
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whether the parent entity holding the net investment in a foreign operation must also hold the hedging instrument. Finally it discusses how an entity should determine the amounts to be reclassified from equity to profit or loss or both the hedging instrument and the hedged item when the entity disposes of the investment.
 
IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers
(effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009)
The IFRIC issued interpretation IFRIC 18 ‘Transfers of Assets from Customers’ in January 2009. The interpretation addresses the accounting by suppliers that receive assets from customers, requiring measurement at fair value. The interpretation is effective for assets received from customers on or after 1 July 2009.
 
Critical accounting policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgements and estimates, at times, regarding matters that are inherently uncertain. These judgements and estimates affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those judgements and estimates. The most significant areas requiring management to make judgements and estimates that affect reported amounts and disclosures are as follows:
 
Allowance for loan losses
Allowances for loan losses are made for estimated losses in outstanding loans for which there is doubt about the borrower’s capacity to repay the principal and/or the interest. The allowance for loan losses is intended to adjust the value of ABN AMRO’s loan assets for probable credit losses as of the balance sheet date. Allowances are determined through a combination of specific reviews, statistical modelling and estimates. Certain aspects require judgement, such as the identification of loans that are deteriorating, the determination of the probability of default, the expected loss, the value of collateral and current economic conditions. Though we consider the allowances for loan losses to be adequate, the use of different estimates and assumptions could produce different allowances for loan losses, and amendments to allowances may be required in the future, as a consequence of changes in the value of collateral, the amounts of cash to be received or other economic events. For a further discussion on our allowance for loan losses, see note 18 to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Fair value of financial instruments
For financial instruments that are actively traded and for which quoted market prices or market parameters are readily available, there is little subjectivity in the determination of fair value. However, when observable market prices and parameters do not exist, management judgement is necessary to estimate fair value.
 
For instruments where no active liquid market exists, or quoted prices are unobtainable, recent market transactions are used or the fair value is estimated using a variety of valuation techniques – including reference to similar instruments for which market prices do exist or valuation models, such as discounted cash flow calculations or Black-Scholes.
 
ABN AMRO refines and modifies its valuation techniques as markets and products develop and the pricing for such products becomes more or less transparent. Financial markets are sometimes subject to significant stress conditions where steep falls in perceived or actual asset values are accompanied by a severe reduction in market liquidity, such as the events in the US sub-prime residential mortgage market starting in 2007. In such cases, observable market data may become less reliable or disappear altogether. Where there is doubt over the reliability of the market data due to either market illiquidity or unavailability, other valuation techniques are used. These alternative techniques would include scenario analysis and discounted cash flow calculations.
 
Unobservable inputs are estimated using a combination of management judgement, historical data, market practice and benchmarking to other relevant observable market data. Where inputs to the valuation of a new transaction cannot be reliably sourced from external providers, the transaction is initially recognised at its transaction price. The difference between the transaction price and the internal valuation at inception, calculated using a model, is reserved and amortised to income at appropriate points over the life of the instrument, typically taking account of the ability to obtain reliable external data, the passage of time and the use of offsetting transactions. Subsequent changes in fair value as calculated by the valuation model are reported in income.
 
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Fair values include appropriate adjustments to account for known inadequacies in the valuation models or to reflect the credit quality of the instrument or counterparty. Factors that could affect estimates are incorrect model assumptions, market dislocations and unexpected correlation. We believe our estimates of fair value are adequate. However, the use of different models or assumptions could result in changes in our reported results. For a further discussion on the use of fair values and the impact of applying reasonable possible alternative assumptions as inputs, see note 37 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Impairment of available-for-sale instruments
A financial asset or portfolio of financial assets is impaired and an impairment loss incurred if there is objective evidence that an event or events since initial recognition of the asset or on reclassification into available-for-sale from trading have adversely affected the amount or timing of future cash flows from the assets.
 
Significant management judgement is involved where the determination of future cash flows requires consideration of a number of variables, some of which may be unobservable in current market conditions. This is the case for more complex instruments such as asset backed securities, where factors such as the estimated cash flows on underlying pools of collateral and changes in national or local conditions that correlate with defaults on the assets are considered.
 
Assessment of risks and rewards
Whenever ABN AMRO is required to assess risks and rewards, when considering the recognition and derecognition of assets or liabilities and the consolidation and deconsolidation of subsidiaries, ABN AMRO may sometimes be required to use judgement. Although management uses its best knowledge of current events and actions in making assessments of expected risks and rewards, actual risks and rewards may ultimately differ.
 
Pension and post-retirement benefits
Significant pension and post-retirement benefit costs are based on actuarial calculations. Inherent within these calculations are assumptions including: discount rates, salary increases and the expected return on plan assets. Changes in pension and post-retirement costs may occur in the future as a consequence of changes in interest rates, the return on assets or other factors. For a further discussion on the underlying assumptions, see note 27 to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Deferred tax
Deferred tax assets arise from a variety of sources, the most significant being: (a) tax losses that can be carried forward to be utilised against profits in future years; and (b) valuation changes of assets which need to be tax effected for accounting purposes but are taxable only when the valuation change is realised.
 
The level of deferred tax asset recognition is influenced by management's assessment of ABN AMRO's historic and future profitability profile. At each balance sheet date, existing assessments are reviewed and, if necessary, revised to reflect changed circumstances. In a situation where recent losses have been incurred, the relevant accounting standards require convincing evidence that there will be sufficient future tax capacity.
 
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared annually for the year ended 31 December and include the parent company and its controlled subsidiaries as well as joint ventures on a proportionate share basis. Subsidiaries are included using the same reporting period and consistent accounting policies.
 
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are those enterprises controlled by ABN AMRO. Control is deemed to exist when ABN AMRO has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an enterprise so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are presently exercisable or convertible are taken into account when assessing whether control exists. ABN AMRO sponsors the formation of entities, including certain special purpose entities, which may or may not be directly owned, for the purpose of asset securitisation transactions and other narrow and well-defined objectives. Particularly in the case of securitisations these entities may acquire assets from other group companies. Some of these entities hold assets that are not available to meet the claims of creditors of ABN AMRO or any of its subsidiaries. Such entities are consolidated in ABN AMRO’s financial statements when
 
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the substance of the relationship between ABN AMRO and the entity indicates that control is held by ABN AMRO.
 
The financial statements of subsidiaries and special purpose entities are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control commences until the date on which control ceases.
 
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests is shown separately in the consolidated balance sheet as part of total equity. Current period profit or loss attributable to non-controlling interests is presented as an attribution of profit for the year.
 
Business combinations
IFRS 3 ‘Business combinations’ was adopted for all business combinations taking place after 1 January 2004. Goodwill on acquisitions prior to this date was charged against equity. The cost of an acquisition is measured at the fair value of the assets given up, shares issued or liabilities undertaken at the date of acquisition, plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition. The excess of the cost of acquisition over ABN AMRO’s share of the fair value of the identifiable net assets (including certain contingent liabilities) acquired is recorded as goodwill.
 
In a step acquisition, where a business combination occurs in stages and control of the business is obtained in stages, all assets and liabilities of the acquired business, excluding goodwill, are adjusted to their fair values at the date of the latest share acquisition transaction. Fair value adjustments relating to existing holdings are recorded directly in equity.
 
Equity accounted investments
Equity accounted investments comprises associates. Associates are those enterprises in which ABN AMRO has significant influence (this is generally assumed when ABN AMRO holds between 20% and 50% of the voting rights), but not control, over the operating and financial policies.
 
Investments in associates of a private equity nature are designated to be held at fair value with changes through profit or loss, consistent with the management basis for such investments.
 
Other investments in associates including ABN AMRO’s strategic investments, are accounted for using the ‘Net equity method’ and presented as ‘Equity accounted investments’. Under this method the investment is initially recorded at cost and subsequently increased (or decreased) for post acquisition net income (or loss), other movements impacting the equity of the investee and any adjustments required for impairment. ABN AMRO’s share of profit or loss of the investee is recognised and separately disclosed in ABN AMRO’s income statement. When ABN AMRO’s share of losses exceeds the carrying amount of the investment, the carrying amount is reduced to zero, including any other unsecured receivables, and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that ABN AMRO has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the investee.
 
Jointly controlled entities
Jointly controlled entities are those enterprises over whose activities ABN AMRO has joint control, established by contractual agreement. The consolidated financial statements include ABN AMRO’s proportionate share of these enterprises’ assets, liabilities, equity, income and expenses on a line-by-line basis, from the date on which joint control commences until the date on which joint control ceases.
 
Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations
A non-current asset (or disposal groups) is classified as held for sale if its carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction planned to occur within 12 months, rather than through continuing use. The asset must be available for immediate sale in its present condition and its sale must be highly probable. Held for sale assets are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Assets and liabilities of a business held for sale are separately presented. Businesses that may be transferred to shareholders by means of a distribution will not be presented as businesses held for sale.
 
The results of discontinued operations, an operation held for sale that represents a separate major line of business or a geographical area of operation, are presented in the income statement as a single amount comprising the net results of the discontinued operations and the after tax gain or loss realised on disposal. Comparative income statement data is re-presented if in the current period an activity qualifies as a discontinued operation and qualifies for separate presentation.
 
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Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any related unrealised gains, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with associates and jointly controlled entities are eliminated to the extent of ABN AMRO’s interest in the enterprise. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of impairment in the asset transferred.
 
Currency translation differences
The financial performance of ABN AMRO’s foreign operations, conducted through branches, subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, is reported using the currency (‘functional currency’) that best reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances relevant to that entity.
 
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and purchase accounting adjustments, are translated to ABN AMRO’s presentation currency, the euro, at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated to the euro at the rates prevailing at the end of the month. Currency translation differences arising on these translations are recognised directly in equity (‘currency translation account’). Exchange differences recorded in equity, arising after transition to IFRS on 1 January 2004, are included in the income statement on disposal or partial disposal of a foreign operation.
 
Transactions in a currency that differs from the functional currency of the transacting entity are translated into the functional currency at the foreign exchange rate at transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at reporting date are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at that date. Non-monetary assets accounted for at cost and denominated in foreign currency are translated to the functional currency at the foreign exchange rate prevailing at the date of initial recognition.
 
Non-monetary assets accounted for at fair value in a foreign currency are translated to the functional currency using the exchange rate at the date when the fair value was determined.
 
Currency translation differences on all monetary financial assets and liabilities are included in foreign exchange gains and losses in trading income. Translation differences on non-monetary items (such as equities) held at fair value through profit or loss are also reported through income and, for those classified as available-for-sale, directly in equity within ‘Net unrealised gains and losses on available-for-sale assets’.
 
Fiduciary activities
ABN AMRO commonly acts as trustee and in other fiduciary capacities that entail either the holding or placing of assets on behalf of individuals, trusts or other institutions. These assets are not assets of ABN AMRO and are therefore not included in these financial statements.
 
Income statement
 
Interest income and expenses
Interest income and expense is recognised in the income statement using the effective interest rate method. The application of this method includes the amortisation of any discount or premium or other differences, including transaction costs and qualifying fees and commissions, between the initial carrying amount of an interest-bearing instrument and its amount at maturity calculated on an effective interest rate basis. This item does not include interest income and expense in relation to trading balances which is included within net trading income.
 
Fee and commission income
Fees and commissions are recognised as follows:
·
Fees and commissions generated as an integral part of negotiating and arranging a funding transaction with customers, such as the issuance of loans are included in the calculation of the effective interest rate and are included in interest income and expense.
·
Fees and commissions generated for transactions or discrete acts are recognised when the transaction or act is completed.
·
Fees and commissions dependent on the outcome of a particular event or contingent upon performance are recognised when the relevant criteria have been met.
 
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·
Service fees are typically recognised on a straight-line basis over the service contract period; portfolio and other management advisory and service fees are recognised based on the applicable service contracts.
·
Asset management fees related to investment funds are also recognised over the period the service is provided. This principle is also applied to the recognition of income from wealth management, financial planning and custody services that are provided over an extended period.
 
Net trading income
Net trading income includes gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities held for trading, interest income, dividends received from trading instruments as well as related funding costs. Dividend income from trading instruments is recognised when entitlement is established. Net trading income also includes changes in fair value arising from changes in counter-party credit spreads and changes in ABN AMRO’s credit spreads where it impacts the value of ABN AMRO’s derivative liabilities. The charge related to the write-off of trading instruments is included in trading income.
 
Results from financial transactions
Results from financial transactions include gains and losses on the sale of non-trading financial assets and liabilities, ineffectiveness of certain hedging programmes, the change in fair value of derivatives used to hedge credit risks that are not included in hedge accounting relationships, fair value changes relating to assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss and changes in the value of any related derivatives. For liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss it includes changes in ABN AMRO credit spreads. Dividend income from non-trading equity investments, excluding associated companies is recognised in results from financial transactions when entitlement is established.
 
Segment reporting
Operating segments are the segments that engage in business activities from which the bank earns income and incurs expenses. These segments are the reporting segments whose operating results are reviewed by the Managing Board on a monthly basis. Geographical data is presented according to the location of the transacting group entity.
 
Financial assets and liabilities
 
Measurement classifications
ABN AMRO classifies its financial assets and liabilities into the following measurement (‘valuation’) categories:
 
Financial instruments held for trading are those that ABN AMRO holds primarily for the purpose of short-term profit-taking. These include shares, interest-earning securities, derivatives held for trading and liabilities from short sales of financial instruments. Derivatives are financial instruments that require little or no initial net investment, with future settlements dependent on a reference benchmark index, rate or price (such as interest rates or equity prices). Changes in expected future cash flows in response to changes in the underlying benchmark determine the fair value of derivatives.
 
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They generally arise when ABN AMRO provides money or services directly to a customer with no intention of trading or selling the loan.
 
Held-to-maturity assets are non-derivative financial assets quoted on an active market with fixed or determinable payments (i.e. debt instruments) and a fixed maturity that ABN AMRO has the intention and ability to hold to maturity. As of 31 December 2008 ABN AMRO no longer classifies financial assets into the held-to-maturity category and due to tainting rules can not do so until 31 December 2010.
 
Designated at fair value through profit or loss are financial assets and financial liabilities that ABN AMRO upon initial recognition designates to be measured at fair value with changes reported in profit or loss. Such a designation is done if:
·
The instrument includes an embedded derivative that would otherwise require separation. This applies to certain structured notes issued with hybrid features. Fair value measurement helps to achieve offset against changes in the value of derivatives and other fair value positions used to economically hedge these notes.
 
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·
The designation eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement inconsistency that would otherwise arise. In this regard unit-linked investments held for the account and risk of policyholders and the related obligation to policyholders are designated at fair value with changes through profit or loss.
·
It relates to a portfolio of financial assets and/or liabilities that are managed and evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy. This is applied to equity investments of a private equity nature.
 
Available-for-sale assets include interest-earning assets that have either been designated as available for sale or do not fit into one of the categories described above. Equity investments held without significant influence, which are not held for trading or designated at fair value through profit or loss are classified as available-for-sale.
 
Non-trading financial liabilities that are not designated at fair value through profit or loss are measured at amortised cost.
 
Recognition and derecognition
Traded instruments are recognised on trade date, defined as the date on which ABN AMRO commits to purchase or sell the underlying instrument. In the infrequent event when settlement terms are non-standard the commitment is accounted for as a derivative between trade and settlement date. Loans and receivables are recognised when they are acquired or funded by ABN AMRO and derecognised when settled. Issued debt is recognised when issued and deposits are recognised when the cash is deposited with ABN AMRO. Other financial assets and liabilities, including derivatives, are recognised in the balance sheet when ABN AMRO becomes party to the contractual provisions of the asset or liability.
 
Financial assets are generally derecognised when ABN AMRO loses control and the ability to obtain benefits over the contractual rights that comprise that asset. This occurs when the rights are realised, expire, substantially all risk and rewards are transferred, or not substantially all risk and rewards are transferred nor retained, although control is transferred. If a servicing function is retained, which is profitable, a servicing asset is recognised. A financial liability is derecognised when the obligations specified in the contract are discharged, cancelled or expire.
 
Financial assets continue to be recognised in the balance sheet, and liabilities recognised for the proceeds of any related funding transaction, unless a fully proportional share of all or specifically identified cash flows are transferred to the lender without material delay and the lender’s claim is limited to those cash flows and substantially all the risks and returns and control associated with the financial instruments have been transferred, in which case that proportion of the asset is derecognised.
 
ABN AMRO derecognises financial liabilities when settled or if ABN AMRO repurchases its own debt. The difference between the former carrying amount and the consideration paid is included in results from financial transactions in income. Any subsequent resale is treated as a new issuance.
 
ABN AMRO has securitised various consumer and commercial financial assets. This process generally necessitates a sale of these assets to a special purpose entity (SPE), which in turn issues securities to investors. ABN AMRO’s interests in securitised assets may be retained in the form of senior or subordinated tranches, issued guarantees, interest-only strips or other residual interests, together referred to as retained interest. In many cases these retained interests convey control, such that the SPE is consolidated, and the securitised assets continue to be recognised in the consolidated balance sheet.
 
Measurement
All trading instruments and financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value are measured at fair value, with transaction costs related to the purchase as well as fair value changes recorded through profit or loss.
 
The measurement of liabilities held at fair value includes the effect of changes in own credit spreads. The change in fair value applies to those financial liabilities designated at fair value where ABN AMRO’s own credit risk would be considered by market participants and excludes instruments for which it is established market practice not to include an entity-specific adjustment for own credit. The fair value changes are calculated based on a yield curve generated from observed external pricing for funding and quoted CDS data.
 
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All derivatives are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value with changes recorded through profit or loss except when designated in a cash flow or net investment hedge relationship (see hedge accounting below).
 
Available-for-sale assets are held at fair value with unrealised gains and losses recognised directly in equity, net of applicable taxes. Premiums, discounts and qualifying transaction costs of interest-earning available-for-sale assets are amortised to interest income on an effective interest rate basis. When available-for-sale assets are sold, collected or impaired the cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to results from financial transactions in income.
 
All other financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at cost including directly attributable incremental transaction costs. They are subsequently valued at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Through use of the effective interest rate method, premiums and discounts, including qualifying transaction costs, included in the carrying amount of the related instrument are amortised over the period to maturity or expected prepayment on the basis of the instrument’s original effective interest rate.
 
When available, fair values are obtained from quoted market prices in active liquid markets. For instruments where no active liquid market exists, or quoted prices are unobtainable, recent market transactions are used or the fair value is estimated using a variety of valuation techniques – including reference to similar instruments for which market prices do exist or valuation models, such as discounted cash flow or Black-Scholes. ABN AMRO refines and modifies its valuation techniques as markets and products develop and the pricing for individual products becomes more transparent.
 
Valuation models are validated prior to use by staff independent of the initial selection or creation of the models. Wherever possible, inputs to valuation models represent observable market data from reliable external data sources. Unobservable inputs are estimated using a combination of management judgement, historical data, market practice and benchmarking to other relevant observable market data.
 
Where significant inputs to the valuation of a new transaction cannot be reliably sourced from external providers, the transaction is initially recognised at its transaction price. The difference between the transaction price and the internal valuation at inception, calculated using a model, is reserved and amortised to income at appropriate points over the life of the instrument, typically taking account of the ability to obtain reliable external data, the passage of time and the use of offsetting transactions. Subsequent changes in fair value as calculated by the valuation model are reported in income.
 
Fair values include appropriate adjustments to account for known inadequacies and uncertainties in valuation models or to reflect the credit quality of the instrument or counterparty.
 
The change in fair value of notes designated at fair value through profit or loss attributable to changes in credit risk are calculated by reference to the credit spread implicit in the market value of ABN AMRO’s senior notes.
 
Reclassifications
Derivatives are not reclassified into and out of the fair value through profit or loss category whilst they are held or issued. Financial instruments designated at fair value through profit or loss upon initial recognition may not be reclassified out of that category. Non-derivative financial assets classified as held for trading upon initial recognition, if they are no longer held for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term, may be reclassified out of the fair value through profit or loss category if certain requirements are met. No financial instrument may be reclassified into the fair value through profit or loss category after initial recognition.
 
Professional securities transactions
Securities borrowing and securities lending transactions are generally entered into on a collateralised basis, with securities usually advanced or received as collateral. The transfer of the securities themselves is not reflected on the balance sheet unless the risks and rewards of ownership are also transferred. If cash is advanced or received, securities borrowing and lending activities are recorded at the amount of cash advanced (included in loans and receivables) or received (due to banks or customers). The market value of the securities borrowed and lent is monitored on a daily basis, and the collateral levels are adjusted in accordance with the underlying transactions. Fees and interest received or paid are recognised on an effective interest basis and recorded as interest income or interest expense.
 
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Sale and repurchase transactions involve purchases (sales) of investments with agreements to resell (repurchase) substantially identical investments at a certain date in the future at a fixed price. Investments purchased subject to commitments to resell them at future dates are not recognised. The amounts paid are recognised in loans and receivables to either banks or customers. The receivables are shown as collateralised by the underlying security. Investments sold under repurchase agreements continue to be recognised in the balance sheet. The proceeds from the sale of the investments are reported as liabilities to either banks or customers. The difference between the sale and repurchase price is recognised over the period of the transaction and recorded as interest income or interest expense.
 
Netting and collateral
ABN AMRO enters into master netting arrangements with counterparties wherever possible, and when appropriate, obtains collateral. If ABN AMRO has the right on the grounds of either legal or contractual provisions and the intention to settle financial assets and liabilities net or simultaneously, these are offset and the net amount is reported in the balance sheet. Due to differences in the timing of actual cash flows, derivatives with positive and negative fair values are generally not netted, even if they are held with the same counterparty.
 
Hedge accounting
Derivative instruments are used to manage exposures to interest rate, foreign currency and credit risks, including exposures arising from forecast transactions. Fair value, cash flow or net investment hedging is applied to qualifying transactions that are documented as such at inception.
 
The hedged item can be an asset, liability, highly probable forecast transaction or net investment in a foreign operation that (a) exposes the entity to risk of changes in fair value or future cash flows and (b) is designated as being hedged. The risk being hedged (the ‘hedged risk’) is typically changes in interest rates or foreign currency rates. ABN AMRO also enters into credit risk derivatives (sometimes referred to as ‘credit default swaps’) for managing portfolio credit risk. However, these are generally not included in hedge accounting relationships.
 
Both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, ABN AMRO formally assesses whether the derivatives used in its hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, by assessing and measuring whether changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item are offset by the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedging instrument.
 
Hedge ineffectiveness represents the amount by which the changes in the fair value of the derivative are in excess of changes:
·
in the fair value of the hedged item in a fair value hedge, or
·
in the value of a net investment in a foreign operation hedge, or
·
in the fair value change of the expected cash flow in a cash flow hedge.
 
Hedge ineffectiveness and gains and losses on components of a derivative that are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness are recorded directly in profit or loss.
 
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedge relationship has ceased to be effective or is no longer expected to be effective, or when the derivative or hedged item is sold or otherwise terminated.
 
Fair value hedges
Where a derivative financial instrument hedges the exposure to changes in the fair value of recognised or committed assets or liabilities, the hedged item is adjusted in relation to the risk being hedged. Gains or losses on re-measurement of both the hedging instrument and the hedged item are recognised in the income statement, typically within results from financial transactions.
 
When a fair value hedge of interest rate risk is terminated, any value adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged asset or liability is amortised to income over the original designated hedging period or taken directly to income if the hedged item is sold, settled or impaired.
 
Cash flow hedges
When a derivative financial instrument hedges the exposure to variability in the cash flows from recognised assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions, the effective part of any gain or loss on re-measurement of the hedging instrument is recognised directly in equity. When a cash flow hedging instrument or hedge
 
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relationship is terminated but the hedged transaction is still expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity remains in equity.
 
The cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to the income statement at the time when the hedged transaction affects net profit or loss and included in the same line item as the gain or loss on the hedged transaction. In the exceptional case that the hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is recognised in the income statement immediately.
 
Hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation
ABN AMRO uses foreign currency derivatives and currency borrowings to hedge various net investments in foreign operations. For such hedges, currency translation differences arising on translation of these instruments to euro are recognised directly in the currency translation account in equity, insofar as they are effective. The cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to profit or loss on the disposal of the foreign operation.
 
Derivatives upon which ABN AMRO applies hedge accounting have been disclosed in note 22 ‘Other assets’ and note 29 ‘Other liabilities’.
 
Impairment of financial assets
ABN AMRO assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a portfolio of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or portfolio of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are recognised if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset and prior to the balance sheet date (‘a loss event’) and that event adversely impacts estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or the portfolio.
 
Loans and receivables
An indication that a loan may be impaired is obtained through ABN AMRO’s credit review processes, which include monitoring customer payments and regular loan reviews of commercial clients every 6 or 12 months depending on the rating of the facility.
 
ABN AMRO first assesses whether objective evidence of impairment exists for loans (including any related facilities and guarantees) that are individually significant, and individually or collectively for loans that are not individually significant. If it is determined that no objective evidence of impairment exists for an individually assessed loan, the asset is included in a portfolio of loans with similar credit risk characteristics and collectively assesses them for impairment. Loans that are evaluated individually for impairment are not included in a collective assessment of impairment.
 
The amount of impairment loss is measured as the difference between the loan’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. The amount of the loss is recognised using an allowance account and the amount of the loss is included in the income statement line loan impairment and other credit risk provisions.
 
The calculation of the present value of the estimated future cash flows of a collateralised financial asset reflects the cash flows that are likely to result from foreclosure less costs for obtaining and selling the collateral.
 
Future cash flows of a group of loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment are estimated on the basis of the contractual cash flows of the loans in the portfolio and historical loss experience for loans with credit risk characteristics similar to those in ABN AMRO. Historical loss experience is adjusted on the basis of current observable data to reflect the effects of current conditions that did not affect the historical data and to remove the effects of conditions in the historical data that do not currently exist.
 
The methodology and assumptions used for estimating future cash flows are reviewed regularly to reduce any differences between loss estimates and actual loss experience. The impact of changes in estimates and recoveries is recorded in the income statement line loan impairment and other credit risk provisions.
 
Following impairment, interest income continues to be recognised using the original effective rate of interest. When a loan is deemed no longer collectible, it is written off against the related allowance for loan impairment. Such loans are written off after all the necessary procedures have been completed and the
 
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amount of the loss has been determined. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to the income statement line loan impairment and other credit risk provisions. Assets acquired in exchange for loans to achieve an orderly realisation are reflected in the balance sheet as a disposal of the loan and an acquisition of a new asset, initially booked at fair value.
 
Although the decrease in estimated future cash flows from a portfolio of loans cannot yet be identified with the individual loans in the portfolio, there may be indications that there is a measurable decrease. These include adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers in the portfolio and national or local economic conditions that correlate with defaults in the portfolio. This is dealt with through an allowance for incurred but not identified losses.
 
Renegotiated loans
Where possible, ABN AMRO seeks to restructure loans rather than to take possession of collateral. This may involve extending the payment arrangements and the agreement of new loan conditions. Once the items have been renegotiated, the loan is no longer considered past due. Management continuously reviews renegotiated loans to ensure that all criteria are met and that future payments are likely to occur. The loans continue to be subject to an individual or collective impairment assessment, calculated using the loan’s original effective interest rate.
 
Other financial assets
In the case of equity instruments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is also considered in determining whether impairment exists. Where such evidence exists, the cumulative net loss that has been previously recognised directly in equity is moved from equity and recognised in the income statement within results from financial transactions.
 
ABN AMRO performs a review of individual available-for-sale securities on a regular basis to determine whether any evidence of impairment exists. This review considers factors such as any reduction in fair value below cost, its direction and whether the reduction is significant or prolonged, and the credit standing and prospects of the issuer.
 
Property and equipment
 
Own use assets
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any amount for impairment. If an item of property and equipment is comprised of several major components with different useful lives, each component is accounted for separately. Additions and subsequent expenditures (including interest) are capitalised only to the extent that they enhance the future economic benefits expected to be derived from the asset. Expenditure incurred to replace a component of an asset is separately capitalised and the replaced component is written off. Other subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefit of the item of property and equipment. All other expenditure, including maintenance, is recognised in the income statement as incurred. When an item of property and equipment is retired or disposed, the difference between the carrying amount and the disposal proceeds net of costs is recognised in other operating income.
 
Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of items of property and equipment, and major components that are accounted for separately. ABN AMRO generally uses the following estimated useful lives:
·
Land
not depreciated
·
Buildings
25 to 50 years
·
Equipment
5 to 12 years
·
Computer installations
2 to 5 years.
 
Depreciation rates and residual values are reviewed at least annually to take into account any change in circumstances. Capitalised leasehold improvements are depreciated in a manner that takes into account the term and renewal conditions of the related lease.
 
Leasing
As lessee: most of the leases that ABN AMRO has entered into are classified as operating leases (including property rental). The total payments made under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised in the income
 
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statement as an integral part of the total lease expense. When it is decided that an operating lease will be terminated or vacated before the lease period has expired, the lesser of any penalty payments required and the remaining payments due once vacated (less sub-leasing income) is recognised as an expense.
 
As lessor: assets subject to operational leases are included in property and equipment. The asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over its useful life to its estimated residual value. Leases where ABN AMRO transfers substantially all the risks and rewards resulting from ownership of an asset to the lessee are classified as finance leases. A receivable at an amount equal to the present value of the lease payments, using the implicit interest rate, including any guaranteed residual value, is recognised. Finance lease receivables are included in loans and receivables to customers.
 
Intangible assets
 
Goodwill
Goodwill, being the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of ABN AMRO’s share of the acquired entity’s net identifiable assets at the date of acquisition, is capitalised and stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of calculating goodwill, the fair values of acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are determined by reference to market values or by discounting expected future cash flows to present value. If the recognition of the assessed fair value of acquired assets and liabilities at the time of acquisition took place on the basis of provisional amounts any changes in the assessed fair value of acquired assets and liabilities at the time of acquisition identified within one year following the acquisition are corrected against goodwill. Any revisions identified after one year are recorded in income.
 
Goodwill on the acquisition of equity accounted investments is included in the carrying amount of the investment.
 
Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity, including equity accounted investments, are determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying amount of the entity including related goodwill and any currency translation differences recorded in equity.
 
Goodwill is not amortised but is subject to an annual test for impairment or more frequently if events or circumstances, such as adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test.
 
Software
Costs that are directly associated with identifiable software products that are controlled by ABN AMRO, and likely to generate future economic benefits exceeding these costs, are recognised as intangible assets and stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and any adjustment for impairment losses. Expenditure that enhances or extends the performance of computer software beyond its original specification is recognised as a capital improvement and added to the original cost of the software. Software is amortised over 3 to 7 years. Amortisation rates and residual values are reviewed at least annually to take into account any change in circumstances.
 
Costs associated with maintaining computer software programmes are recognised as an expense as incurred.
 
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets that are acquired by ABN AMRO are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and any adjustment for impairment losses. Other intangible assets are comprised of separately identifiable items arising from acquisition of subsidiaries, such as customer relationships, and certain purchased trademarks and similar items. Amortisation is charged to the income statement systematically over the estimated useful lives of the intangible asset. Amortisation rates and residual values are reviewed at least annually to take into account any change in circumstances.
 
Impairment of property and equipment and intangible assets
Property and equipment and intangibles are assessed at each balance sheet date or more frequently, to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the assets are subject to an impairment review.
 
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Regardless of any indications of potential impairment, the carrying amount of goodwill is subject to a detailed impairment review at least annually. An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset that generates largely independent cash flows or the cash-generating unit to which it belongs exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less cost to sell and its value in use. To calculate value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market rates and the risks specific to the asset. When conducting impairment reviews, particularly for goodwill, cash-generating units are the lowest level at which management monitors the return on investment on assets.
 
The impairment analysis of goodwill and other intangibles requires management to make subjective judgements concerning estimates of how the acquired asset will perform in the future using a discounted cash flow analysis. Events and factors that may significantly affect the estimates include, among others, competitive forces, customer behaviours and attrition, changes in revenue growth trends and changes in discount rates and specific industry or market sector conditions.
 
Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement as a component of depreciation and amortisation expense. An impairment loss with respect to goodwill is not reversible. Other impairment losses are reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined if no impairment loss had previously been recognised.
 
Pension and other post-retirement benefits
For employees in the Netherlands and the majority of staff employed outside the Netherlands, pension or other retirement plans have been established in accordance with the regulations and practices of the countries in question. Separate pension funds or third parties administer most of these plans. The plans include both defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans.
 
In the case of defined contribution plans, contributions are charged directly to the income statement in the year to which they relate.
 
The net obligations under defined benefit plans are regarded as ABN AMRO’s own commitments regardless of whether these are administered by a pension fund or in some other manner. The net obligation of each plan is determined as the difference between the benefit obligations and the plan assets. Defined benefit plan pension commitments are calculated in accordance with the projected unit credit method of actuarial cost allocation. Under this method, the present value of pension commitments is determined on the basis of the number of active years of service up to the balance sheet date and the estimated employee salary at the time of the expected retirement date, and is discounted using the market rate of interest on high-quality corporate bonds. The plan assets are measured at fair value.
 
Pension costs for the year are established at the beginning of the year based on the expected service and interest costs and the expected return on the plan assets, plus the impact of any current period curtailments or plan changes. Differences between the expected and the actual return on plan assets, as well as actuarial gains and losses, are only recognised as income or expense when the net cumulative unrecognised actuarial gains and losses at the end of the previous reporting year exceed 10% of the greater of the commitments under the plan and the fair value of the related plan assets. The part in excess of 10% is recognised in income over the expected remaining years of service of the employees participating in the plans. Differences between the pension costs determined in this way and the contributions payable are accounted for as provisions or prepayments. Commitments relating to early retirement of employees are treated as pension commitments.
 
When the benefits of a plan are improved, the portion of the increased benefit relating to past service by employees is recognised as an expense in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested. To the extent that the benefits vest immediately, the past service cost is recognised immediately in the income statement.
 
ABN AMRO’s net obligation with respect to long-term service benefits and post-retirement healthcare is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in current and prior periods. The obligation is calculated using the projected unit credit method. It is then discounted to its present value and the fair value of any related assets is deducted.
 
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Share-based payments to employees
Until 2007, ABN AMRO engaged in equity and cash settled share-based payment transactions in respect of services received from certain of its employees. The cost of the services received was measured by reference to the fair value of the shares or share options granted on the date of the grant. The cost related to the shares or share options granted was recognised in the income statement over the period that the services of the employees were received, which was the vesting period, with a corresponding credit in equity for equity settled schemes and a credit in liabilities for cash settled schemes. For cash settled schemes the fair value of the plan was determined for each reporting period and the changes were recognised in the income statement. In addition, ABN AMRO recognised the effects of modifications that increased the total fair value of the share-based payment arrangements or were otherwise beneficial to the employee in the income statement.
 
The fair value of the options granted was determined using option pricing models, which took into account the exercise price of the option, the current share price, the risk free interest rate, the volatility of the ABN AMRO share price over the life of the option and the terms and conditions of the grant. Non-market vesting conditions were taken into account by adjusting the number of shares or share options included in the measurement of the cost of employee services, so that ultimately the amount cumulatively recognised in the income statement would reflect the number of shares or share options that eventually vested. Where vesting conditions were related to market conditions, these were fully reflected in the fair value initially determined at grant date and as a result, the charges for the services received were recognised regardless of whether or not the market related vesting condition was met, provided that the non-market vesting conditions were met.
 
In case of cancellation or settlement of a grant of shares or share options during the vesting period, the amount that otherwise would be recognised over the remainder of the vesting period was immediately recognised in the income statement. Any payment made to the employee upon the cancellation or settlement of the grant was accounted for as a deduction from equity for equity settled schemes and as a deduction from the liability for the cash settled schemes.
 
Provisions
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when ABN AMRO has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made. If the effect of time value is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market rates and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.
 
A provision for restructuring is recognised when an obligation exists. An obligation exists when ABN AMRO has approved a detailed plan and has raised a valid expectation in those affected by the plan by starting to implement the plan or by announcing its main features. Future operating costs are not provided for.
 
Provisions for insurance risks are determined by actuarial methods, which include the use of statistics, interest rate data and settlement costs expectations.
 
Other liabilities
Obligations to policyholders, whose return is dependent on the return of unit linked investments recognised in the balance sheet, are measured at fair value with changes through income.
 
Tax – current and deferred
Tax payable on profits, based on the applicable tax law in each jurisdiction, is recognised as an expense in the period in which profits arise. The future tax benefit of tax losses available for carry forward is recognised as an asset when it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which these losses can be utilised.
 
Deferred tax is also recognised for qualifying temporary differences. Temporary differences represent the difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following differences are not provided for: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and associates, to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future and the timing of such reversals is controlled by ABN AMRO. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date. A deferred tax asset is recognised only to
 
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the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised.
 
Deferred and current tax assets and liabilities are only offset when they arise in the same tax reporting group and where there is both the legal right and the intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and liability simultaneously.
 
Issued debt and equity securities
Issued debt securities are recorded on an amortised cost basis using the effective interest rate method, unless they are of a hybrid/structured nature and designated to be held at fair value through profit or loss.
 
Issued financial instruments or their components are classified as liabilities where the substance of the contractual arrangement results in ABN AMRO having a present obligation to either deliver cash or another financial asset or to satisfy the obligation other than by the exchange of a fixed number of equity shares. Preference shares that carry a non-discretionary coupon or are redeemable on a specific date or at the option of the holder are classified as liabilities. The dividends and fees on preference shares classified as a liability are recognised as interest expense.
 
Issued financial instruments, or their components, are classified as equity when they do not qualify as a liability and represent a residual interest in the assets of ABN AMRO. Preference share capital is classified as equity if it is non-redeemable and any dividends are discretionary. The components of issued financial instruments that contain both liability and equity elements are accounted for separately with the equity component being assigned the residual amount after deducting from the instrument’s initial value the fair value of the liability component.
 
Dividends on ordinary shares and preference shares classified as equity are recognised as a distribution of equity in the period in which they are approved by shareholders.
 
Share capital
Incremental external costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are deducted from equity net of any related taxes. When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, including incremental directly attributable costs net of taxes, is recognised as a change in equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and presented as a deduction from total equity. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received is added to shareholders’ equity.
 
Other equity components
 
Currency translation account
The currency translation account is comprised of all currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations net of the translation impact on liabilities or foreign exchange derivatives held to hedge ABN AMRO’s net investment. These currency differences are included in profit or loss on disposal of the operation.
 
Cash flow hedging reserve
The cash flow hedging reserve is comprised of the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments, net of taxes, related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.
 
Net unrealised gains and losses on available-for-sale assets
In this component, gains and losses arising from a change in the fair value of available-for-sale assets are recognised, net of taxes. When the relevant assets are sold, impaired or otherwise disposed of, the related cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to the income statement.
 
Statement of cash flows
Cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows include cash in hand, deposits available on demand with central banks and net credit balances on current accounts with other banks.
 
The statement of cash flows, based on the indirect method of calculation, gives details of the source of cash and cash equivalents which became available during the year and the application of these cash and cash
 
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equivalents over the course of the year. The cash flows are analysed into cash flows from operations, including banking activities, investment activities and financing activities. Movements in loans and receivables and inter-bank deposits are included in the cash flow from operating activities. Investment activities are comprised of acquisitions, sales and redemptions in respect of financial investments, as well as investments in and sales of subsidiaries and associates, property and equipment. The issuing of shares and the borrowing and repayment of long-term funds are treated as financing activities. Movements due to currency translation differences as well as the effects of the consolidation of acquisitions, where of material significance, are eliminated from the cash flow figures. The cash flows of discontinued operations are separately reported in the period in which the operation qualifies as a held for sale business.
 
The presentation of the statement of cash flows for 2007 has been amended to conform to the 2009 and 2008 presentation which does not separately disclose discontinued operations.
 
Future changes in accounting policies
ABN AMRO expects to adopt the following amended standards and interpretations with effect from 1 January 2010, where applicable pending their endorsement by the EU.
 
The International Accounting Standards Board published a revised IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ and related revisions to IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements’ following the completion in January 2008 of its project on the acquisition and disposal of subsidiaries. The standards improve convergence with US GAAP and provide new guidance on accounting for changes in interests in subsidiaries. The cost of an acquisition will comprise only consideration paid to vendors for equity; other costs will be expensed immediately. Acquirers will only account for goodwill on acquisition on obtaining control; subsequent changes in interest will be recognised in other comprehensive income and only on a loss of control will a profit or loss on disposal be recognised in profit or loss. The changes are effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009. These changes will affect ABN AMRO’s accounting for future acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries.
 
In May 2008, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 1 ‘First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards’ and IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements’ that change the investor’s accounting for the cost of an investment in a subsidiary, jointly controlled entity or associate. It does not affect the consolidated accounts but may prospectively affect the ABN AMRO Holding’s accounting and presentation of receipts of dividends from such entities.
 
The IASB issued amendments to a number of standards in April 2009 as part of its annual improvements project. The amendments are effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010 and are not expected to have a material effect on ABN AMRO.
 
The IASB issued an amendment, ‘Group Cash-settled Share-based Payment Transactions‘, to IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payment’ in June 2009 that will change the accounting for share awards by permitting accounting for equity settlement only by entities that either grant awards over their own equity or have no obligation to settle a share-based payment transaction. The amendment is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010 and is not expected to have a material effect on ABN AMRO.
 
The IASB published an amendment ‘Classification of Rights Issues’ to IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’ and consequential revisions to other standards in October 2009 to improve the accounting for issues of equity for consideration fixed other than in the reporting entity’s functional currency. The amendment is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 February 2010. It is not expected to have a material affect on ABN AMRO.
 
The International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) issued interpretation IFRIC 17 ‘Distributions of Non-Cash Assets to Owners’ and the IASB made consequential amendments to IFRS 5 ‘Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’ in December 2008. The interpretation requires distributions to be presented at fair value with any surplus or deficit to be recognised in profit or loss. The amendment to IFRS 5 extends the definition of disposal groups and discontinued operations to disposals by way of distribution.  The interpretation is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009, to be adopted at the same time as IAS 27 (as amended in May 2008). The implementation of IFRIC 17 is expected to have a material effect on ABN AMRO if a distribution in kind or a sale that in substance must be considered a distribution in kind is adopted as the mechanism for the legal separation for the Dutch State acquired businesses.
 
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Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 December
 
(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Interest income
    13,295       22,080       22,734  
Interest expense
    8,647       16,297       18,139  
Net interest income 3
    4,648       5,783       4,595  
                         
Fee and commission income
    2,742       3,068       4,181  
Fee and commission expense
    521       439       329  
Net fee and commission income 4
    2,221       2,629       3,852  
                         
Net trading income/(loss) 5
    1,562       (9,324 )     1,119  
Results from financial transactions 6
    (2,206 )     (1,684 )     1,134  
Share of result in equity accounted investments 19
    25       106       223  
Other operating income 7
    8       306       1,239  
Income of consolidated private equity holdings 41
    436       1,726       3,836  
Total income/(loss)
    6,694       (458 )     15,998  
                         
Personnel expenses 8
    4,119       5,236       6,363  
General and administrative expenses 9
    3,486       4,070       4,821  
Depreciation and amortisation 10
    982       1,045       857  
Goods and materials of consolidated private equity holdings 41
    228       1,278       2,744  
Operating expenses
    8,815       11,629       14,785  
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 18
    2,793       3,387       717  
Total expenses
    11,608       15,016       15,502  
                         
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (4,914 )     (15,474 )     496  
Tax 11
    (415 )     (2,580 )     (458 )
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    (4,499 )     (12,894 )     954  
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax 45
    99       16,489       9,021  
Profit/(loss) for the year
    (4,400 )     3,595       9,975  
                         
Attributable to:
                       
Shareholders of the parent company
    (4,399 )     3,580       9,848  
Non-controlling interests
    (1 )     15       127  
 
Numbers stated against items refer to notes. The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December
 
(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Profit/(loss) for the period
    (4,400 )     3,595       9,975  
                         
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
                       
Currency translation account
    (296 )     (244 )     (17 )
Available-for-sale financial assets
    20       (429 )     (1,209 )
Cash flow hedging reserve
    (254 )     (1,218 )     492  
Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income
    138       422       247  
Other comprehensive loss for the period, net of tax 12
    (392 )     (1,469 )     (487 )
                         
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period, net of tax
    (4,792 )     2,126       9,488  
                         
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to:
                       
Owners of the parent company
    (4,797 )     2,218       9,499  
Non-controlling interests
    5       (92 )     (11 )
      (4,792 )     2,126       9,488  
 
Numbers stated against items refer to the notes. The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
100

 
Consolidated statement of financial position at 31 December
 
(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Assets
           
Cash and balances at central banks 13
    28,382       5,854  
Financial assets held for trading 14
    78,058       212,653  
Financial investments 15
    74,897       67,061  
Loans and receivables - banks 16
    39,659       75,566  
Loans and receivables - customers 17
    218,246       270,507  
Equity accounted investments 19
    856       796  
Property and equipment 20
    1,961       2,035  
Goodwill and other intangibles 21
    645       924  
Assets of businesses held for sale 45
    4,889       1,583  
Accrued income and prepaid expenses
    5,871       7,011  
Tax assets 28
    6,022       5,100  
Other assets 22
    9,859       17,727  
Total assets
    469,345       666,817  
                 
Liabilities
               
Financial liabilities held for trading 14
    62,687       192,087  
Due to banks 23
    46,145       94,620  
Due to customers 24
    196,648       209,004  
Issued debt securities 25
    95,660       111,296  
Provisions 26
    4,790       4,144  
Liabilities of businesses held for sale 45
    8,894       864  
Accrued expenses and deferred income
    6,994       8,418  
Tax liabilities 28
    578       700  
Other liabilities 29
    13,489       15,012  
Subordinated liabilities 30
    14,544       13,549  
Total Liabilities
    450,429       649,694  
                 
Equity
               
Share capital 31
    1,852       1,852  
Share premium 31
    11,943       5,343  
Retained earnings
    6,697       11,096  
Net gains/(losses) not recognised in the income statement
    (1,612 )     (1,214 )
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company
    18,880       17,077  
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
    36       46  
Total equity
    18,916       17,123  
Total equity and liabilities
    469,345       666,817  
                 
Guarantees and other commitments 34
    36,767       42,148  
Committed credit facilities 34
    51,520       63,436  
 
Numbers stated against items refer to the notes. The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
101

 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December
 
(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Share capital31
                 
Balance at 1 January
    1,852       1,085       1,085  
Conversion of preference shares to ordinary shares
    -       767       -  
Balance at 31 December
    1,852       1,852       1,085  
                         
Share premium
                       
Balance at 1 January
    5,343       5,332       5,245  
Share-based payments
    -       10       145  
Conversion of preference shares to ordinary shares
    -       1       -  
Dividends paid in shares
    -       -       (58 )
Share premium increase 31
    6,600       -       -  
Balance at 31 December
    11,943       5,343       5,332  
                         
Treasury shares31
                       
Balance at 1 January
    -       (2,640 )     (1,829 )
Share buy back
    -       -       (1,847 )
Utilised for dividends paid in shares
    -       -       412  
Utilised for exercise of options and performance share plans
    -       -       624  
Sale of treasury shares
    -       3,708       -  
Gain on sale of treasury shares
    -       (1,068 )     -  
Balance at 31 December
    -       -       (2,640 )
                         
Other reserves including retained earnings
                       
Balance at 1 January
    11,096       25,650       18,599  
Profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders of the parent company
    (4,399 )     3,580       9,848  
Dividends paid to shareholders of the parent company
    -       (19,213 )     (1,540 )
Dividends paid in shares to shareholders of the parent company
    -       -       (586 )
Gain on sale of treasury shares
    -       1,068       -  
Settlement of share option and awards in cash 44
    -       -       (743 )
Other changes
    -       11       72  
Balance at 31 December
    6,697       11,096       25,650  
                         
Net gains/(losses) not recognised in the income statement
                       
                         
Currency translation account
                       
Balance at 1 January
    517       597       408  
Other comprehensive gain/(loss) for the period 12
    (218 )     (80 )     189  
Balance at 31 December
    299       517       597  
                         
Net unrealised gains/(losses) on available-for-sale assets
                       
Balance at 1 January
    (865 )     (543 )     364  
Other comprehensive gain/(loss) for the period 12
    25       (322 )     (907 )
Balance at 31 December
    (840 )     (865 )     (543 )
                         
Cash flow hedging reserve
                       
Balance at 1 January
    (866 )     94       (275 )
Other comprehensive gain/(loss) for the period 12
    (205 )     (960 )     369  
Balance at 31 December
    (1,071 )     (866 )     94  
                         
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company at 31 December
    18,880       17,077       29,575  
                         
Non-controlling interest
                       
Balance at 1 January
    46       1,134       2,298  
Other comprehensive gain/(loss) for the period
    5       (92 )     (11 )
Repayment to non-controlling interests
    (15 )     (996 )     (1,153 )
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests at 31 December
    36       46       1,134  
                         
Total equity at 31 December
    18,916       17,123       30,709  
 
Numbers stated against items refer to the notes. The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
102


 
Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 December
 
(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007 (1)
 
Operating activities
                 
Profit/(loss) for the period
    (4,400 )     3,595       9,975  
                         
Adjustments for
                       
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
    982       1,152       1,271  
Loan impairment losses
    2,803       4,332       2,794  
Share of result in equity accounted investments
    (25 )     (171 )     (278 )
                         
Movements in operating assets and liabilities
                       
Movement in operating assets 35
    224,174       199,957       (133,448 )
Movement in operating liabilities 35
    (178,308 )     (246,314 )     114,722  
                         
Other adjustments
                       
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
    33       34       81  
                         
Net cash flows from operating activities
    45,259       (37,415 )     (4,883 )
                         
Investing activities
                       
Acquisition of financial investments
    (85,270 )     (245,561 )     (201,808 )
Sales and redemption of investments
    77,354       263,840       197,850  
Acquisition of property and equipment
    (323 )     (436 )     (888 )
Sales of property and equipment
    109       94       674  
Acquisition of intangibles (excluding goodwill)
    (167 )     (284 )     (549 )
Disposal of intangibles (excluding goodwill)
    7       5       24  
Acquisition of subsidiaries and equity accounted investments
    (13 )     (45 )     (501 )
Disposal of subsidiaries and equity accounted investments
    41       23,907       15,736  
Net cash flows from investing activities
    (8,262 )     41,520       10,538  
                         
Financing activities
                       
Issuance of subordinated liabilities
    2,619       508       1,523  
Repayment of subordinated liabilities
    (1,566 )     (918 )     (1,225 )
Issuance of other long-term funding
    9,797       37,952       39,635  
Repayment of other long-term funding
    (19,816 )     (56,323 )     (33,284 )
Sale of treasury shares
    -       3,708       -  
Share buy back
    -       -       (1,847 )
Utilised for exercise of options and performance share plans
    -       -       624  
Increase in share premium
    6,600                  
Other
    6       7       (1,723 )
Dividends paid
    -       (19,213 )     (1,540 )
Net cash flows from financing activities
    (2,360 )     (34,279 )     2,163  
                         
Currency translation differences on cash and cash equivalents
    (414 )     3,975       62  
                         
Movement in cash and cash equivalents
    34,223       (26,199 )     7,880  
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
    (13,447 )     12,752       4,872  
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 35
    20,776       (13,447 )     12,752  
 
Numbers stated against items refer to the notes. The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
(1) The comparative amounts for 2007 have been restated to conform to the 2009 and 2008 presentation of cash flows.

 
103

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
(unless otherwise stated, all amounts are in millions of euros)
 
1     Segment reporting
 
Segment information is presented in respect of ABN AMRO’s business.
 
From 1 January 2009, ABN AMRO is comprised of three reportable segments, namely the “RBS acquired”, “Dutch State acquired” and “Central Items” segments. This segmentation reflects the focus of and the governance created by the Managing Board on the separate identification and subsequent legal separation of the Dutch State acquired businesses from the residual RBS acquired businesses and remaining Shared Assets in order to create two separate independent banks.
 
The “RBS acquired” segment represents the businesses acquired by the RBS Group and not sold or transferred to RBS plc. It principally contains international lending, international transaction services with operations in Europe, Asia and the Americas and the equities business. It also includes some retail and commercial businesses in Asia and South America that are to be divested.
 
The “Dutch State acquired” segment serves Dutch commercial clients, Dutch consumer clients, and Dutch and international private clients, and includes the International Diamond and Jewelry business.
 
The “Central Items” segment includes items that are not allocated to but are economically shared by the Consortium Members as well as settlement amounts accruing to Santander arising from the disposal of Banco Real and other sales and settlements of Santander acquired businesses completed in 2008. In addition, prior to April 2008, the majority of the Group Asset and Liability Management portfolios were economically shared. Since the allocation of these portfolios was effected on the basis of prospective agreements between Consortium Members, the results on these portfolios prior to this date are reported in Central Items.
 
Measurement of segment assets, liabilities, income and results is based on ABN AMRO’s accounting policies. Segment assets, liabilities, income and results include items directly attributable to a segment.
 
104

 
Operating segment information for the year ended 31 December 2009 (2)
 
   
RBS
acquired
   
Dutch State
acquired
   
Central Items
   
Subtotal
   
Discontinued Operations
   
Reconciling items (1)
   
Total
 
Net interest income - external
    1,894       2,803       (34 )     4,663             (15 )     4,648  
Net interest income - other segments
    (183 )     191       (8 )     -             -       -  
Net fee and commission income - external
    1,071       1,150       -       2,221             -       2,221  
Net fee and commission income - other segments
    (47 )     48       (1 )     -             -       -  
Net trading income
    1,449       110       3       1,562             -       1,562  
Result from financial transactions
    (2,261 )     299       (250 )     (2,212 )           6       (2,206 )
Share of result in equity accounted investments
    (65 )     83       7       25             -       25  
Other operating income
    (284 )     215       77       8             -       8  
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
    -       -       -       -             436       436  
Total operating income
    1,574       4,899       (206 )     6,267             427       6,694  
Total operating expenses
    4,457       3,796       140       8,393             422       8,815  
Loan impairment and credit risk provisions
    1,621       1,172       -       2,793             -       2,793  
Total expenses
    6,078       4,968       140       11,186             422       11,608  
                                                       
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (4,504 )     (69 )     (346 )     (4,919 )           5       (4,914 )
Tax
    (336 )     48       (132 )     (420 )           5       (415 )
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    (4,168 )     (117 )     (214 )     (4,499 )           -       (4,499 )
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
    -       -       -       -       99       -       99  
Profit/(loss) for the year
    (4,168 )     (117 )     (214 )     (4,499 )     99       -       (4,400 )
                                                         
Other information at 31 December 2009
                                                       
Total assets
    274,860       201,824       8,776       485,460       -       (16,115 )     469,345  
Of which equity accounted investments
    73       363       420       856       -       -       856  
Total liabilities
    269,532       197,550       (535 )     466,547       -       (16,118 )     450,429  
Capital expenditure
    206       337       5       548       -       -       548  
Depreciation and amortisation
    607       325       37       969       -       13       982  
Impairment of available-for-sale securities
    3       7       -       10       -       -       10  
 
(1) Segments are stated as they are reviewed by management and therefore exclude the effect of the consolidation of Private Equity businesses which is shown as a reconciling item. Inter-segment balances are shown as external balances in the segments and eliminated as a reconciling item.
(2) Changes have been made to ABN AMRO’s operating segments in 2009. Comparative data have been restated accordingly.
 
105

 
Operating segment information for the year ended 31 December 2008 (2)
 
   
RBS acquired
   
Dutch State acquired
   
Central Items
   
Subtotal
   
Discontinued Operations
   
Reconciling items(1)
   
Total
 
Net interest income - external
    1,401       3,758       669       5,828             (45 )     5,783  
Net interest income - other segments
    1,147       (535 )     (612 )     -             -       -  
Net fee and commission income - external
    1,461       1,223       (55 )     2,629             -       2,629  
Net fee and commission income - other segments
    (103 )     99       4       -             -       -  
Net trading income
    (9,115 )     190       (399 )     (9,324 )           -       (9,324 )
Result from financial transactions
    (1,518 )     181       (311 )     (1,648 )           (36 )     (1,684 )
Share of result in equity accounted investments
    9       31       66       106             -       106  
Other operating income
    54       242       10       306             -       306  
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
    -       -       -       -             1,726       1,726  
Total operating income
    (6,664 )     5,189       (628 )     (2,103 )           1,645       (458 )
Total operating expenses
    5,718       3,786       490       9,994             1,635       11,629  
Loan impairment and credit risk provisions
    2,609       776       2       3,387             -       3,387  
Total expenses
    8,327       4,562       492       13,381             1,635       15,016  
                                                       
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (14,991 )     627       (1,120 )     (15,484 )           10       (15,474 )
Tax
    (2,442 )     156       (304 )     (2,590 )           10       (2,580 )
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    (12,549 )     471       (816 )     (12,894 )           -       (12,894 )
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
    -       -       -       -       16,489       -       16,489  
Profit/(loss) for the year
    (12,549 )     471       (816 )     (12,894 )     16,489       -       3,595  
                                                         
Other information at 31 December 2008
                                                       
Total assets
    478,195       183,539       9,490       671,224       1,583       (5,990 )     666,817  
Of which equity accounted investments
    158       210       428       796       -       -       796  
Total liabilities
    472,244       176,494       6,517       655,255       864       (6,425 )     649,694  
Capital expenditure
    192       273       111       576       -       -       576  
Depreciation and amortisation
    481       334       230       1,045       -       -       1,045  
Impairment of available-for-sale securities
    333       -       -       333       -       -       333  
 
(1) Segments are stated as they are reviewed by management and therefore exclude the effect of the consolidation of Private Equity businesses which is shown as a reconciling item. Inter-segment balances are shown as external balances in the segments and eliminated as a reconciling item.
(2) Changes have been made to ABN AMRO’s operating segments in 2009. Comparative data have been restated accordingly.
 
106

 
Operating segment information for the year ended 31 December 2007 (2)
 
   
RBS acquired
   
Dutch State acquired
   
Central Items
   
Subtotal
   
Discontinued Operations
   
Reconciling items(1)
   
Total
 
Net interest income - external
    1,714       3,598       (497 )     4,815             (220 )     4,595  
Net interest income - other segments
    451       (158 )     (293 )     -             -       -  
Net fee and commission income - external
    2,543       1,346       (37 )     3,852             -       3,852  
Net fee and commission income - other segments
    (436 )     195       241       -             -       -  
Net trading income
    1,089       155       (128 )     1,116             3       1,119  
Result from financial transactions
    191       37       860       1,088             46       1,134  
Share of result in equity accounted investments
    48       54       120       222             1       223  
Other operating income
    139       335       765       1,239             -       1,239  
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
    -       -       -       -             3,836       3,836  
Total operating income
    5,739       5,562       1,031       12,332             3,666       15,998  
Total operating expenses
    6,122       3,610       1,419       11,151             3,634       14,785  
Loan impairment and credit risk provisions
    346       378       (7 )     717             -       717  
Total expenses
    6,468       3,988       1,412       11,868             3,634       15,502  
                                                       
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (729 )     1,574       (381 )     464             32       496  
Tax
    (298 )     394       (586 )     (490 )           32       (458 )
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    (431 )     1,180       205       954             -       954  
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
    -       -       -       -       9,021       -       9,021  
Profit/(loss) for the year
    (431 )     1,180       205       954       9,021       -       9,975  
                                                         
Other information at 31 December 2007
                                                       
Total assets
    686,791       161,335       114,931       963,057       60,458       1,698       1,025,213  
Of which equity accounted investments
    257       230       360       847       24       -       871  
Total liabilities
    668,185       157,748       128,791       954,724       39,780       -       994,504  
Capital expenditure
    274       373       454       1,101       -       -       1,101  
Depreciation and amortisation
    226       287       344       857       -       -       857  
Impairment of available-for-sale securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
 
(1) Segments are stated as they are reviewed by management and therefore exclude the effect of the consolidation of Private Equity businesses which is shown as a reconciling item. Inter-segment balances are shown as external balances in the segments and eliminated as a reconciling item.
(2) Changes have been made to ABN AMRO’s operating segments in 2009. Comparative data have been restated accordingly.
 
107

 
Geographical information
The geographical analysis presented below is based on the location of the ABN AMRO entity in which the transactions are recorded.
 
   
The Netherlands
   
Europe
   
North America
   
Latin America
   
Asia /Pacific
   
Total
 
2009
                                   
Net interest income
    2,689       846       238       55       820       4,648  
Net commission income
    684       1,035       111       12       379       2,221  
Other income
    895       (1,327 )     108       33       116       (175 )
Operating income
    4,268       554       457       100       1,315       6,694  
                                                 
Total assets
    276,171       148,215       8,875       1,229       34,855       469,345  
Capital expenditure
    442       57       6       1       42       548  
                                                 
2008
                                               
Net interest income
    3,674       841       256       80       932       5,783  
Net commission income
    915       947       199       10       558       2,629  
Other income
    (239 )     (9,076 )     (84 )     44       485       (8,870 )
Operating income
    4,350       (7,288 )     371       134       1,975       (458 )
                                                 
Total assets
    280,960       305,429       19,170       1,817       59,441       666,817  
Capital expenditure
    418       75       25       1       57       576  
                                                 
2007
                                               
Net interest income
    2,654       857       134       65       885       4,595  
Net commission income
    964       1,070       448       80       1,290       3,852  
Other income
    5,732       922       336       9       552       7,551  
Operating income
    9,350       2,849       918       154       2,727       15,998  
                                                 
Total assets
    309,659       510,540       80,526       46,581       77,907       1,025,213  
Capital expenditure
    464       180       130       239       88       1,101  
 
108

 
2          Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries
 
Acquisitions 2009
 
During 2009 there were no material acquisitions.
 
Disposals 2009
 
Sale of remaining Santander businesses
In April 2009 Banco ABN AMRO Paraguay S.A. was sold to Banco Regional for EUR 36 million resulting in a loss on sale of EUR 1 million.
 
Acquisitions 2008
 
During 2008 there were no acquisitions.
 
Disposals 2008
 
Sale of Asset Management
The sale of the shares in ABN AMRO Asset Management NV to Fortis Bank was completed in April. The sale price was EUR 3,699 million, resulting in a gain on sale of EUR 3,073 million.
 
Sale of Banca Antonveneta
The sale of Banca Antonveneta to Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena was completed in May. The sale price was EUR 9,894 million, resulting in a gain on sale of EUR 2,357 million.
 
Sale of businesses to Santander
In July 2008 Banco ABN AMRO Real S.A. (‘Banco Real’), Interbanca SpA and other entities acquired by Santander were sold to Santander for EUR 15,431 million resulting in a gain on sale of EUR 10,647 million.
 
Acquisitions 2007
 
Taitung Business Bank Taiwan
In September 2007 ABN AMRO acquired 100% of the shares of Taitung Business Bank Taiwan. The total consideration received amounted to EUR 147 million, resulting in goodwill recognised of EUR 160 million.
 
Prime Bank Ltd (Pakistan)
In April 2007 ABN AMRO completed the acquisition resulting in a 96.2% stake in Prime Bank. The total consideration paid amounted to EUR 176 million with goodwill of EUR 139 million recognised on acquisition.
 
Disposals 2007
 
ABN AMRO North America Holding Company
In October 2007 ABN AMRO completed the sale of ABN AMRO North America Holding Company (‘LaSalle Bank’) which principally consisted of the retail and commercial banking activities of LaSalle Bank Corporation to Bank of America. ABN AMRO's North American Asset Management businesses and certain businesses within ABN AMRO's North American Global Markets and Global Clients operations did not form part of the sale. The sale price was USD 21 billion and resulted in a gain of EUR 7,163 million after tax.
 
ABN AMRO Capital Holdings B.V.
During the second quarter of 2007, ABN AMRO sold a majority of the shares of AAC Capital Holdings B.V., the management company of a significant portion of the private equity investments held by ABN AMRO, to the executives of the management company. Also as part of the sale, the Bank transferred all power to govern the financial and operating policies of the management company and all investment decisions related to the portion of ABN AMRO’s private equity investments included in the transaction (the Netherlands, Nordic and UK business of ABN AMRO Capital) to a management company outside of ABN AMRO resulting in the loss of control over these investments. The ownership of the underlying investments
 
109

 
and therefore the economic interest in the investments was not changed. The loss of control over the management company resulted in the managed investments no longer being consolidated in the financial statements. As of the date of the transaction the investments are recognised and carried at fair value with changes through income. This transaction resulted in a gain of EUR 108 million reported in results from financial transactions.
 
ABN AMRO Mellon Global Securities Services
In December 2007, ABN AMRO sold its 50% share in the joint venture ABN AMRO Mellon Global Securities B.V. (ABN AMRO Mellon) to Mellon Bank N.A., Pittsburgh. The sale price amounted to EUR 387 million and resulted in a net gain of EUR 139 million.
 
Private Banking operations in Miami and Montevideo
In April 2007, the Private Clients business disposed of its operations in Miami and Montevideo to Banco Itau. The profit recognised on the sale included in other operating income, amounted to EUR 72 million after tax.
 
ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc.
In February 2007 ABN AMRO closed the sale of ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc., its US-based residential mortgage broker origination platform and servicing business, which includes ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, InterFirst and Mortgage.com, to Citigroup. Citigroup purchased approximately EUR 7.8 billion of net assets. The profit of the sale amounted to EUR 93 million after tax.
 
Interbank (NL) and DMC Groep
In November 2007 ABN AMRO closed the sale of Interbank N.V. and DMC Groep N.V. to SOFINCO for an amount of EUR 98 million. The gain on the sale amounted to EUR 56 million after tax.
 
110

 
3          Net interest income
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Interest income from:
                 
Cash and balances at central banks
    110       311       282  
Financial investments available-for-sale
    2,426       3,929       3,835  
Financial investments held-to-maturity
    -       105       121  
Loans and receivables-banks
    418       1,216       1,422  
Loans and receivables-customers
    10,341       16,519       17,074  
Subtotal
    13,295       22,080       22,734  
                         
Interest expense from:
                       
Due to banks
    1,366       4,270       4,656  
Due to customers
    4,591       7,508       9,114  
Issued debt securities
    2,445       5,156       6,521  
Subordinated liabilities
    500       703       759  
Funding of the trading business
    (255 )     (1,340 )     (2,911 )
Subtotal
    8,647       16,297       18,139  
Total
    4,648       5,783       4,595  
 
The interest income recognised on impaired financial assets is EUR 104 million (2008: EUR 30 million).
 
 
4           Net fee and commission income
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Fee and commission income
                 
Securities brokerage fees
    795       876       1,399  
Payment and transaction services fees
    767       836       764  
Asset management and trust fees
    276       359       495  
Fees generated on financing arrangements
    130       130       278  
Advisory fees
    216       321       578  
Other fees and commissions
    558       546       667  
Subtotal
    2,742       3,068       4,181  
                         
Fee and commission expense
                       
Securities brokerage expense
    65       103       83  
Other fee and commission expense
    456       336       246  
Subtotal
    521       439       329  
Total
    2,221       2,629       3,852  

 
5           Net trading income
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Interest instruments and credit trading
    75       (9,276 )     (1,531 )
Foreign exchange trading
    884       915       1,152  
Equity and commodity trading
    651       (1,017 )     1,438  
Other
    (48 )     54       60  
Total
    1,562       (9,324 )     1,119  

 
111


 
6           Results from financial transactions
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net result on the sale of available-for-sale debt securities
    48       (1,453 )     157  
Net result on the sale of loans and advances
    (625 )     (428 )     (23 )
Impairment of available-for-sale debt securities
    (10 )     (333 )     -  
Net result on available-for-sale equity investments
    16       (67 )     35  
Net results on fair value changes in own credit risk and repurchase of own debt
    233       490       251  
Dividends on available-for-sale equity investments
    15       54       9  
Net result on other equity investments
    (108 )     (1,185 )     669  
Net result on risk mitigants
    (1,680 )     1,545       116  
Other
    (95 )     (307 )     (80 )
Total
    (2,206 )     (1,684 )     1,134  
 
The net result on risk mitigants is related to swaps that are entered into to economically and on a portfolio basis hedge credit risks on loans and advances. It also includes the realised result on the settlement of purchased guarantees.

 
7           Other operating income
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Insurance activities
    11       45       36  
Leasing activities
    69       78       82  
Disposal of operating activities and equity accounted investments
    (198 )     (6 )     894  
Other
    126       189       227  
Total
    8       306       1,239  
 
In 2009 results from disposal of operating activities included losses on sales in progress in relation to the RBS acquired businesses in Asia and South America. The results from the disposal of operating activities and equity accounted investments for 2007 includes a gain on the sale of the Capitalia shares, of EUR 624 million, which were settled in Unicredit shares and the gain on sale of ABN AMRO Mellon of EUR 139 million.
 
Income from insurance activities can be analysed as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Premium income
    741       618       799  
Investment income
    271       (74 )     161  
Settlement and claims
    (1,001 )     (499 )     (924 )
Total
    11       45       36  

 
8           Personnel expenses
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Salaries (including bonuses and allowances)
    2,877       3,486       4,676  
Social security expenses
    289       353       447  
Pension and post-retirement healthcare costs
    393       294       330  
Share-based payment expenses
    -       (16 )     296  
Temporary staff costs
    211       248       260  
Termination and restructuring related costs
    177       469       65  
Other employee costs
    172       402       289  
Total
    4,119       5,236       6,363  
                         
Average number of employees (fte) excluding discontinued operations:
                       
Banking activities Netherlands
    21,902       24,044       26,041  
Banking activities foreign countries
    31,418       33,934       31,949  
Consolidated private equity holdings
    2,590       11,769       19,621  
Total
    55,910       69,747       77,611  

 
112


 
9           General and administrative expenses
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Professional fees
    731       1,025       1,113  
Information, communication and technology expenses
    1,234       1,071       1,240  
Property costs
    457       507       491  
Expenses of consolidated private equity holdings
    73       136       332  
Other general and administrative expenses
    991       1,331       1,645  
Total
    3,486       4,070       4,821  
 
Following is a summary of the fees to our independent auditors for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007.
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Audit fees
    24.0       30.0       45.2  
Audit-related fees
    1.6       1.2       13.2  
Tax fees
    0.8       0.6       2.5  
All other fees
    3.0       0.7       0.6  
Total fees
    29.4       32.5       61.5  
 
ABN AMRO Holding N.V. changed auditors in 2008. The audit fee for 2007 included costs relating to the audit of activities which were discontinued in 2008. Deloitte Accountants B.V. provided audit services to the amount of EUR 12.2 million in 2009. The remaining amounts relate to services provided by other Deloitte Member Firms.
 
Audit related fees consist mainly of accounting consultation and audits in connection with acquisitions and disposals of businesses, review of internal controls and advice on accounting control policies and procedures, attestation services not required by statute or regulation and consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards. Tax fees consist of tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning services and assistance and advice related to tax audits and appeals. Other fees are related to risk management and corporate finance advisory services, and other services. In line with the pre-approval policy, the Audit Committee has pre-approved all audit and non-audit fees.

 
10           Depreciation and amortisation
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Property depreciation
    106       111       117  
Equipment depreciation
    224       274       339  
Software amortisation
    222       307       328  
Amortisation of other intangible assets (note 21)
    8       11       23  
Impairment losses on goodwill
    240       163       11  
Impairment losses on property and equipment (note 20)
    26       22       35  
Impairment losses on software (note 21)
    156       157       4  
Total
    982       1,045       857  
 
Impairment losses on goodwill includes EUR 43 million (2008: EUR 72 million) impairment losses on Private Equity goodwill (of which EUR 30 million relates to businesses held for sale) and EUR 196 million (2008: EUR 91 million) impairment losses on other consolidated companies all relating to businesses held for sale (see note 21).
 
113

 
11           Tax
 
Recognised in the income statement
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Current tax expense
                 
Current year
    112       684       1,306  
Under/(over) provided in prior years
    4       28       97  
Subtotal
    116       712       1,403  
Deferred tax (benefit)/expense
                       
Origination and reversal of timing differences
    (533 )     (3,024 )     (930 )
Reduction in tax rate
    2       46       55  
Subtotal
    (531 )     (2,978 )     (875 )
Total
    (415 )     (2,266 )     528  
                         
Continuing operations
    (415 )     (2,580 )     (458 )
Discontinued operations
    -       314       930  
Taxation on disposal
    -       -       56  
Total
    (415 )     (2,266 )     528  
 
Reconciliation of the total tax charge
 
Total tax charge continuing operations
The effective tax rate on ABN AMRO’s result before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the statutory tax rate of the Netherlands of 25.5% (2008: 25.5%, 2007: 25.5%). This difference can be explained as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Dutch tax rate
    25.5 %     25.5 %     25.5 %
Current tax charge/(credit) at statutory rate on ordinary activities
    (1,253 )     (3,946 )     126  
                         
Foreign profit at other rates
    (42 )     204       (19 )
Total tax exempt income effect
    15       (43 )     (299 )
Tax related to adjustments to prior years’ tax calculations
    4       28       97  
Effect of deferred tax assets not recognised
    785       1,403       47  
Effect of changes in tax legislation and tax rates
    6       55       81  
Amount of benefit from a previously unrecognised tax loss, tax credit or temporary difference of a prior period used to reduce current tax expense
    (7 )     (32 )     (65 )
Amount of benefit from a previously unrecognised tax loss, tax credit or temporary difference of a prior period used to reduce deferred tax expense
    (57 )     (1 )     (93 )
Other differences
    134       (248 )     (333 )
Total
    (415 )     (2,580 )     (458 )
 
The effective tax rate for the year was 8.4% (2008: 16.7%, 2007: 92.7%)
 
The effect of deferred tax assets not recognised mainly relates to unrecognised tax losses available for carry-forward (refer to note 28).

 
114

 
12           Other comprehensive income
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
                 
Currency translation account
                 
(Losses) arising during the period
    (194 )     907       (276 )
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gains)/losses included in profit or loss
    (102 )     (1,151 )     259  
Subtotal
    (296 )     (244 )     (17 )
Available-for-sale financial assets
                       
(Losses) arising during the period
    75       (2,282 )     (523 )
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gains)/losses included in profit or loss
    (55 )     1,853       (686 )
Subtotal
    20       (429 )     (1,209 )
Cash flow hedging reserve
                       
(Losses)/gains arising during the period
    (253 )     (1,207 )     420  
Less: Reclassification adjustments for (gains)/losses included in profit or loss
    (1 )     (11 )     72  
Subtotal
    (254 )     (1,218 )     492  
                         
Other comprehensive loss
    (530 )     (1,891 )     (734 )
Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive expense
    138       422       247  
Other comprehensive loss for the period, net of tax
    (392 )     (1,469 )     (487 )
 
Available-for-sale financial assets includes other comprehensive income of EUR 3 million (net of tax) from available-for-sale financial assets which have been classified as held for sale (2008: nil, 2007: (25) million).
 
Tax effects of each component of other comprehensive income
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Before
 tax amount
   
Tax
   
Net of tax amount
   
Before tax amount
   
Tax
   
Net of tax amount
   
Before tax amount
   
Tax
   
Net of tax amount
 
Currency translation account
    (296 )     84       (212 )     (244 )     57       (187 )     (17 )     68       51  
Available-for-sale financial assets
    20       5       25       (429 )     107       (322 )     (1,209 )     302       (907 )
Cash flow hedging reserve
    (254 )     49       (205 )     (1,218 )     258       (960 )     492       (123 )     369  
Other comprehensive loss
    (530 )     138       (392 )     (1,891 )     422       (1,469 )     (734 )     247       (487 )
 
The currency translation account includes other comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests of EUR 6 million (2008: EUR (107) million; 2007: EUR (138) million).
 
115

 
13           Cash and balances at central banks
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash on hand
    724       670  
Balances at central bank
    27,658       5,184  
Total
    28,382       5,854  
 
The deposit balances with the central banks in which the bank has a presence includes EUR 4,791 million (2008: EUR 3,414 million) of mandatory reserve deposits. These are therefore not available for use in ABN AMRO's day-to-day operations.

 
14           Financial assets and liabilities held for trading
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Financial assets held for trading
           
Dutch State
    71       203  
US Treasury and US Government
    19       29  
Other OECD governments
    2,337       2,392  
Non-OECD governments
    569       1,598  
Mortgage and other asset backed securities
    3,079       9,170  
Financial institutions
    1,788       3,966  
Non financial institutions
    1,920       2,382  
Other securities
    1,695       1,587  
Subtotal interest earning financial assets
    11,478       21,327  
Equity instruments
    12,346       12,430  
Derivative financial instruments
    54,234       178,896  
Total assets held for trading
    78,058       212,653  
                 
Financial liabilities held for trading
               
Short positions in financial assets
    4,536       5,413  
Derivative financial instruments
    58,151       186,674  
Total liabilities held for trading
    62,687       192,087  
 
ABN AMRO has executed master netting agreements with the majority of its derivative counterparties resulting in a significant reduction in its net exposure to derivative assets.
 
Mortgage and other asset backed securities comprise mainly of prime RMBS (EUR 3.1 billion).
 
The decrease in derivative balances and in mortgage and other asset backed securities is largely explained by transfers of various business activities to the RBS Group. For further information refer to note 46.
 
116

 
Trading portfolio derivative financial instruments
 
     
2009
   
2008
 
     
Notional amounts
   
Fair values
   
Notional amounts
   
Fair values
 
           
Assets
   
Liabilities
         
Assets
   
Liabilities
 
Interest rate derivatives
                                   
OTC
Swaps
    934,908       17,769       19,804       2,643,789       70,922       68,508  
 
Forwards
    4,195       -       -       643,275       930       1,208  
 
Options (purchased)
    40,219       9,071       1       165,738       12,890       -  
 
Options (sold)
    35,229       -       8,709       146,059       -       18,365  
Exchange
Futures
    3,257       2       -       9,292       321       199  
 
Options (purchased)
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
 
Options (sold)
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
 
Subtotal
    1,017,808       26,842       28,514       3,608,153       85,063       88,280  
                                                 
Currency derivatives
                                               
OTC
Swaps
    63,446       2,389       2,535       439,902       20,122       17,986  
 
Forwards
    385,224       11,853       10,230       442,946       14,567       17,123  
 
Options (purchased)
    14,277       995       -       61,709       8,360       -  
 
Options (sold)
    14,257       -       1,015       72,733       -       8,951  
Exchange
Futures
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
 
Options (sold/purchased)
    68       -       -       317       55       48  
 
Subtotal
    477,272       15,237       13,780       1,017,607       43,104       44,108  
                                                 
Credit derivatives
                                               
OTC
Swaps
    311,501       4,937       6,901       509,322       41,246       42,585  
                                                 
Other
                                               
OTC
Equity, commodity and other
    11,901       1,954       872       16,172       2,889       2,094  
 
Equity options (purchased)
    20,342       4,583       -       21,359       5,702       -  
 
Equity options (sold)
    19,770       -       6,383       21,237       -       7,774  
Exchange
Equity, commodity and other
    17,022       219       965       14,509       537       1,379  
 
Equity options (purchased)
    37,173       462       -       25,638       355       -  
 
Equity options (sold)
    40,176       -       736       26,538       -       454  
 
Subtotal
    146,384       7,218       8,956       125,453       9,483       11,701  
Total
    1,952,965       54,234       58,151       5,260,535       178,896       186,674  
 
117


 
15           Financial investments
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Interest-earning securities: available-for-sale
           
Dutch State
    6,800       3,866  
US Treasury and US Government
    4,325       5,204  
Other OECD governments
    31,416       23,552  
Non-OECD governments
    2,365       4,152  
Mortgage and other asset backed securities
    21,258       22,572  
Financial institutions
    5,192       3,942  
Non financial institutions
    1,726       2,058  
Other interest-earning securities
    444       218  
Subtotal
    73,526       65,564  
                 
Equity instruments
               
Available-for-sale
    805       837  
Designated at fair value through income
    566       660  
Subtotal
    1,371       1,497  
Total
    74,897       67,061  
 
The mortgage and other asset backed securities of EUR 21.3 billion (2008: EUR 22.6 billion) consists mainly of EUR 10.9 billion (2008: EUR 10.9 billion) European mortgage covered bonds and EUR 7.7 billion (2008: EUR 8.0 billion) RMBS of mortgages covered by the Dutch mortgage guarantee scheme. Furthermore, EUR 2.4 billion (2008: EUR 3.3 billion) European covered bonds, backed by assets other than mortgages, are included in this position. At 31 December 2009 these were primarily AAA rated. The majority of the positions are held as part of the asset and liability management activities of the bank.

 
16           Loans and receivables – banks
 
This item is comprised of amounts due from or deposited with banking institutions.
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Current accounts
    3,817       4,254  
Time deposits placed
    12,488       11,012  
Professional securities transactions
    8,615       39,453  
Loans
    14,814       20,893  
Subtotal
    39,734       75,612  
Allowances for impairment (see note 18)
    (75 )     (46 )
Total
    39,659       75,566  

 
17           Loans and receivables – customers
 
This item is comprised of amounts receivable from non-bank customers.
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Public sector
    2,722       8,786  
Commercial
    103,418       138,484  
Consumer
    107,341       109,298  
Professional securities transactions
    10,136       13,193  
Multi-seller conduits
    265       5,264  
Subtotal
    223,882       275,025  
Allowances for impairment (see note 18)
    (5,636 )     (4,518 )
Total
    218,246       270,507  
 
During 2009 ABN AMRO’s remaining multi-seller conduits and the related issuance and sponsorship role were transferred to the RBS Group.

 
118


 
18           Loan impairment charges and allowances
 
Loan provisioning-commercial loans
ABN AMRO reviews the status of credit facilities issued to commercial clients at least every 12 months. The frequency of review increases to semi-annual or monthly when the creditworthiness of the obligor is below certain internal (rating) thresholds.  Additionally, credit officers continually monitor the quality of the credit, the client and the adherence to contractual conditions. Should the quality of a loan or the borrower’s financial position deteriorate to the extent that doubts arise over the borrower’s ability to meet its contractual obligations, management of the relationship is transferred to a specialised department responsible to restructure and/or recover the loans and other financial obligations the client may have to ABN AMRO.
 
After making an assessment, this specialised department determines the amount, if any, of the specific allowances that should be made, taking into account the value of collateral. Specific allowances are partly or fully released when the debt is repaid or expected future cash flows improve due to positive changes in economic or financial circumstances.
 
Loan provisioning-consumer loan products
The bank offers a wide range of consumer loan products and programs such as personal loans, home mortgages, credit cards and home improvement loans. Provisioning for these products is carried out on a portfolio basis with a provision for each product being determined by the portfolio’s size and loss experience.
 
Our consumer loan portfolio policy states that, in general, when interest or principal on a consumer loan is 90 days past due (180 days past due, if mortgages), such loans are classified as non-performing and as a result the loans are considered impaired.
 
Allowances against a given portfolio may be released where there is improvement in the quality of the portfolio. For consumer loans, the write-off rules are determined on days past due and vary by type of product and legal jurisdiction.
 
Allowance for incurred but not identified losses
In addition to impairment allowances calculated on a specific or portfolio basis, ABN AMRO also maintains an allowance to cover undetected impairments existing within loans due to delays in obtaining information that would indicate that losses exist at the balance sheet date. This process includes an estimate by management to reflect current market conditions. This estimate takes into account loan impairment levels forecasted by business owners, expected loss trends and market views on the expected future direction of the economies in which ABN AMRO operates.
 
Allowances
 
   
Banks
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
2009
                       
Balance at 1 January
    46       3,654       863       4,563  
Reclassification related to businesses held for sale/discontinued operations
    -       (48 )     (12 )     (60 )
Subtotal
    46       3,606       851       4,503  
                                 
New impairment allowances
    30       2,475       671       3,176  
Reversal of impairment allowances no longer required
    -       (332 )     (41 )     (373 )
Recoveries of amounts previously written off
    -       (4 )     (6 )     (10 )
Total loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    30       2,139       624       2,793  
                                 
Interest income from unwinding of discounting
    -       (43 )     -       (43 )
Currency translation differences
    (1 )     35       20       54  
Amounts written off (net)
    -       (799 )     (466 )     (1,265 )
Effect of (de)- consolidating entities
    -       -       (83 )     (83 )
Reclassfied to held for sale
    -       (18 )     (255 )     (273 )
Disposals of businesses
    -       (73 )     -       (73 )
Reserve for unearned interest accrued on impaired loans
    -       95       3       98  
Balance at 31 December
    75       4,942       694       5,711  
 
119


 
The new impairment allowances recorded in 2009 of EUR 2,475 million include EUR 548 million in relation to the exposure to LyondellBasell Industries.
 
   
Banks
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
2008
                       
Balance at 1 January
    2       1,774       1,227       3,003  
Reclassification related to businesses held for sale/discontinued operations
    -       (351 )     (711 )     (1,062 )
Subtotal
    2       1,423       516       1,941  
                                 
New impairment allowances
    46       2,951       584       3,581  
Reversal of impairment allowances no longer required
    -       (141 )     (10 )     (151 )
Recoveries of amounts previously written off
    -       (32 )     (11 )     (43 )
Total loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    46       2,778       563       3,387  
                                 
Interest income from unwinding of discounting
    -       (24 )     -       (24 )
Currency translation differences
    -       4       9       13  
Amounts written off (net)
    (2 )     (605 )     (207 )     (814 )
Effect of (de)consolidating entities
    -       12       (19 )     (7 )
Reserve for unearned interest accrued on impaired loans
    -       66       1       67  
Balance at 31 December
    46       3,654       863       4,563  
 
The impairment allowances recorded in 2008 of EUR 2,951 million include EUR 1,154 million in relation to the exposure to LyondellBasell Industries.
 
The reconciliation of the allowance for impairment losses for loans and receivables:
 
Impairment
 
   
Banks
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
               
Mortgages
   
Personal loans
   
Credit cards
   
Other consumer
       
2009
                                         
Individual impairment
    75       4,243       3       25       21       73       4,440  
Collective impairment
    -       699       145       1       -       426       1,271  
Balance at 31 December
    75       4,942       148       26       21       499       5,711  
                                                         
Carrying amount of loans, determined to be impaired, before deducting any assessed impairment allowance
    118       6,834       473       192       25       447       8,089  

 
   
Banks
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
               
Mortgages
   
Personal loans
   
Credit cards
   
Other consumer
       
2008
                                         
Individual impairment
    46       3,026       3       22       27       39       3,163  
Collective impairment
    -       628       105       132       27       508       1,400  
Balance at 31 December
    46       3,654       108       154       54       547       4,563  
                                                         
Carrying amount of loans, determined to be impaired, before deducting any assessed impairment allowance
    48       4,772       468       321       53       359       6,021  
 
Collective impairment of personal loans and credit cards has significantly decreased due to the reclassification of the related held for sale portfolios of consumer businesses in Asia.
 
120


 
19           Equity accounted investments
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Banking institutions
    719       658  
Other investments
    137       138  
Total
    856       796  
                 
The balance in 2009 and 2008 changed as follows:
               
                 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Balance at 1 January
    796       871  
Reclassification related to businesses held for sale/discontinued operations
    -       (51 )
Subtotal
    796       820  
Movements:
               
Purchases
    12       3  
Sales/reclassifications
    (44 )     (19 )
Share of results in equity accounted investments
    25       106  
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
    (33 )     (33 )
Recognised directly in equity
    107       (82 )
Currency translation differences
    (7 )     1  
Balance at  31 December
    856       796  
 
The principal equity accounted investments of ABN AMRO on an aggregated basis (not adjusted for ABN AMRO’s proportionate interest) have the following balance sheet and income statement totals:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Total assets
    18,423       19,035  
Total liabilities
    16,073       15,761  
Operating income
    1,938       1,039  
Operating results after tax
    129       338  
 
Included in equity accounted investments is ABN AMRO’s 40% holding in Saudi Hollandi Bank which is an entity with quoted shares. The fair value of the holding based on the share price as at the year end amounts to EUR 734 million (2008: EUR 808 million).
 
The majority of ABN AMRO’s equity accounted investments are regulated entities and therefore their ability to transfer funds to ABN AMRO is subject to regulatory approvals.
 
121


 
20           Property and equipment
 
The book value of property and equipment in 2009 and 2008 changed as follows:
 
   
Property
             
   
Used in
operations
   
Other
   
Equipment
   
Total
 
Balance at 1 January 2009
    1,377       17       641       2,035  
Reclassification related to businesses held for sale/discontinued operations
    16       73       41       130  
      1,393       90       682       2,165  
Movements:
                               
Divestment of businesses
    (31 )     -       (26 )     (57 )
Additions
    73       3       250       326  
Disposals
    (18 )     (5 )     (91 )     (114 )
Impairment losses
    (4 )     -       (22 )     (26 )
Depreciation
    (105 )     (1 )     (224 )     (330 )
Currency translation differences
    -       -       1       1  
Other
    2       (5 )     (1 )     (4 )
Balance at 31 December 2009
    1,310       82       569       1,961  
                                 
Representing:
                               
Cost
    2,447       88       2,348       4,883  
Cumulative impairment
    (32 )     -       (10 )     (42 )
Cumulative depreciation
    (1,105 )     (6 )     (1,769 )     (2,880 )

 
   
Property
             
   
Used in
operations
   
Other
   
Equipment
   
Total
 
Balance at 1 January 2008
    1,802       68       877       2,747  
Reclassification related to businesses held for sale/discontinued operations
    (304 )     (40 )     (168 )     (512 )
      1,498       28       709       2,235  
Movements:
                               
Acquired in business combinations
    4       -       36       40  
Divestment of businesses
    (6 )     -       -       (6 )
Additions
    74       6       252       332  
Disposals
    (13 )     (22 )     (74 )     (109 )
Impairment losses
    (21 )     -       (1 )     (22 )
Depreciation
    (109 )     (2 )     (274 )     (385 )
Currency translation differences
    (16 )     -       (16 )     (32 )
Other
    (34 )     7       9       (18 )
Balance at 31 December 2008
    1,377       17       641       2,035  
                                 
Representing:
                               
Cost
    2,457       28       2,146       4,631  
Cumulative impairment
    (31 )     -       (4 )     (35 )
Cumulative depreciation
    (1,049 )     (11 )     (1,501 )     (2,561 )
 
As lessor
ABN AMRO leases out various assets, included in ‘Other’, under operating leases. Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Less than one year
    21       23  
Between one and five years
    187       181  
More than five years
    80       87  
Total
    288       291  
 
During the year ended 31 December 2009, EUR 66 million (2008: EUR 77 million) was recognised as rental income in the income statement and EUR 60 million (2008: EUR 61 million) in respect of directly related expenses.
 
122


 
21           Goodwill and other intangible assets
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Goodwill
    238       301  
Software
    375       583  
Other intangibles
    32       40  
Total
    645       924  
 
The book value of goodwill and other intangibles changed as follows:
 
   
Goodwill
   
Private Equity Goodwill
   
Software
   
Other
intangibles
   
Total
 
Balance at 1 January 2009
    301       -       583       40       924  
Reclassification related to businesses held for sale/discontinued operations
    -       174       -       24       198  
      301       174       583       64       1,122  
Movements:
                                       
Divestment of businesses
    -       -       (3 )     (13 )     (16 )
Additions
    1       -       167       -       168  
Disposals
    -       -       (1 )     (6 )     (7 )
Impairment losses
    (196 )     (43 )     (156 )     (1 )     (396 )
Amortisation
    -       -       (222 )     (8 )     (230 )
Currency translation differences
    1       -       7       (4 )     4  
Balance at 31 December 2009
    107       131       375       32       645  
                                         
Representing:
                                       
Cost
    277       234       2,204       44       2,759  
Cumulative impairment
    (170 )     (103 )     (319 )     -       (592 )
Cumulative amortisation
    -       -       (1,510 )     (12 )     (1,522 )

 
   
Goodwill
   
Private Equity Goodwill
   
Software
   
Other
intangibles
   
Total
 
Balance at 1 January 2008
    474       -       904       46       1,424  
Reclassification related to businesses held for sale/discontinued operations
    (69 )     -       (79 )     -       (148 )
      405       -       825       46       1,276  
Movements:
                                       
Business combinations
    6       -       -       5       11  
Divestment of businesses
    -       -       (11 )     -       (11 )
Additions
    1       -       250       5       256  
Disposals
    -       -       (3 )     (2 )     (5 )
Impairment losses
    (91 )     -       (157 )     -       (248 )
Amortisation
    -       -       (307 )     (11 )     (318 )
Currency translation differences
    (20 )     -       (25 )     (3 )     (48 )
Other
    -       -       11       -       11  
Balance at 31 December 2008
    301       -       583       40       924  
                                         
Representing:
                                       
Cost
    392       -       2,125       48       2,565  
Cumulative impairment
    (91 )     -       (200 )     -       (291 )
Cumulative amortisation
    -       -       (1,342 )     (8 )     (1,350 )
 
123


 
Impairment testing
Goodwill is allocated for impairment testing purposes to individual cash generating units. At 31 December 2009 goodwill is allocated across multiple cash generating units and various Private Equity investments whose recoverable amounts are assessed independently of one another.
 
Cash generating units and Private Equity investments with significant goodwill balances were as follows:
 
Segment
 
Entity
 
Basis of recoverable amount
 
Discount rate
   
Impairment loss
   
Goodwill
 
                       
2009
   
2008
 
Dutch State acquired
 
Private Equity investments portfolios
 
Value in use
    15 %     13       87       -  
Dutch State acquired
 
Delbrueck Bethmann Maffei AG
 
Fair value less costs to sell
    n/a       -       63       63  
Dutch State acquired
 
ABN AMRO Belgian Branch
 
Fair value less costs to sell
    n/a       -       20       20  
RBS acquired
 
Prime Bank
 
Fair value less costs to sell
    n/a       34       -       34  
RBS acquired
 
Taitung Business Bank Taiwan
 
Fair value less costs to sell
    n/a       162       -       162  
 
For Private Equity investments, the recoverable amount is determined based on a value in use basis, calculated by using a discounted cash flow model. Key assumptions impacting the recoverable amount based on the value in use are the discount rate and exit value. The values assigned to each key assumption reflect past experience that was modified based on management’s expectation for the future and are consistent with external sources of information. The recognition of the impairment losses was mainly driven by the economic recession affecting some Private Equity investments. If the discount rate increases to 20%, the goodwill of more Private Equity entities will be impaired.
 
Fair value less costs to sell is based upon market conform multiples for different classes of assets under current management at Delbrueck Bethmann Maffei AG and AA Belgian Branch. For Delbrueck Bethmann Maffei AG, the recoverable amount of this cash generating unit exceeds its carrying value by EUR 9 million. Securities are the largest class of assets under management at the cash generating unit and the respective expected multiple for these assets would need to fall by 0.2 percentage point to cause its recoverable amount to fall below the carrying value. For ABN AMRO Belgian Branch the recoverable amount exceeds its carrying value by EUR 33 million. The securities would need to fall by 1.0 percentage point to cause its recoverable amount to fall below the carrying value.
 
Sales agreements entered into in 2009 between ABN AMRO and ANZ for the disposal of Taitung Business Bank Taiwan and ABN AMRO and MCB for the disposal of Prime Pakistan resulted in a full impairment of goodwill balances related to those cash generating units.
 
Impairment of software was caused mainly by the migration of various platforms to the RBS environment due to restructuring activities, as well as changes in the planned software roll-out schedule.

 
22           Other assets
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Non-trading derivative assets (see note 37)
    2,312       6,222  
Unit-linked investments held for policy holder accounts (see note 37)
    3,714       3,898  
Pension assets (see note 27)
    214       71  
Sundry assets and other receivables
    3,619       7,536  
Total
    9,859       17,727  
 
Unit-linked investments held for policy holders are designated at fair value through the profit and loss.
 
124


 
23           Due to banks
 
This item is comprised of amounts due to banking institutions, including central banks and multilateral development banks.
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Professional securities transactions
    5,760       26,650  
Current accounts
    13,373       24,909  
Time deposits
    26,533       42,423  
Other
    479       638  
Total
    46,145       94,620  
 
 
24           Due to customers
 
This item is comprised of amounts due to non-banking customers.
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Consumer current accounts
    19,710       17,706  
Commercial current accounts
    65,131       60,531  
Consumer savings accounts
    65,243       64,429  
Commercial deposit accounts
    40,615       58,248  
Professional securities transactions
    4,040       6,053  
Other
    1,909       2,037  
Total
    196,648       209,004  

 
125


 
25           Issued debt securities
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Effective rate %
         
Effective rate %
       
Bonds and notes issued
    2.5       73,232       5.1       75,198  
Certificates of deposit and commercial paper
    1.4       21,179       3.7       30,020  
Cash notes, savings certificates and bank certificates
    4.5       1,249       4.6       1,222  
Subtotal
            95,660               106,440  
                                 
Commercial paper issued by multi-seller conduits
    -       -       4.3       4,856  
Total
            95,660               111,296  
 
Bonds and notes are issued in the capital markets with a focus on the euro market and are denominated mostly in euros and US dollars.
 
Issued debt securities in (currency):
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
EUR
    64,108       64,857  
USD
    19,242       35,955  
Other
    12,310       10,484  
Total
    95,660       111,296  
 
The balance above includes various structured liabilities that have been designated at fair value through income of EUR 40,535 million (2008: EUR 36,856 million).
 
Financial liabilities designated at fair value through income
The carrying amount at 31 December 2009 of issued debt securities designated at fair value was EUR 145 million lower than the contractual amount at maturity (2008: EUR 502 million lower). The following table presents the change in fair value attributable to changes in own credit risk of issued debt securities designated at fair value through profit and loss (decrease/(increase)):
 
Own credit component:
 
2009
   
2008
 
During the year
    175       352  
Foreign currency translation difference
    47       102  
Cumulative
    937       715  
 
126

 
26           Provisions
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Insurance fund liabilities
    3,001       2,461  
Provisions for contributions to post-retirement healthcare
    5       10  
Provision for pension commitments (see note 27)
    154       167  
Other staff provision
    297       374  
Restructuring provision
    112       186  
Other provisions
    1,221       946  
Total
    4,790       4,144  
 
The other staff provisions relate in particular to occupational disability and other benefits, except early retirement benefits payable to non-active employees which are included in Provision for pension commitments. Other provisions include provision for claims and litigation. Insurance fund liabilities include the actuarial reserves, the premium and claims reserves of ABN AMRO’s insurance companies.
 
Insurance fund liabilities
Movements in insurance fund liabilities are as follows:
 
 
2009
2008
Balance at 1 January
2,461
3,652
Premium carried from income statement
452
372
Claims paid
(204)
(295)
Interest
86
79
Acquisitions/disposals
5
(1,091)
Changes in estimates and other movements
171
(239)
Currency translation differences
30
(17)
Balance at 31 December
3,001
2,461
 
The assumptions that have the greatest effect in calculating actuarial reserves are future mortality, morbidity, persistency and levels of expenses. Mortality estimates are based on standard industry and national mortality tables, adjusted where appropriate to reflect ABN AMRO’s own experience. Other key metrics include interest (2009: 3.47%, 2008: 3.77%), unit growth (2009: 14.34%, 2008: 3.70%) and expense inflation (2009: 3.15%, 2008: 2.00%). Changes in assumptions during the year were not significant to the profit recognised. The amount and timing of claims payment is typically resolved within one year.
 
There are no options and guarantees relating to life insurance contracts that could in aggregate have a material effect on the amount, timing and uncertainty of the future cash flows.
 
ABN AMRO is exposed to insurance risk, either directly through its businesses or through using insurance to reduce other risk exposures. Insurance risk is the risk of fluctuations in the timing, frequency or severity of insured events, relative to the expectations at the time of underwriting. ABN AMRO uses base tables of standard mortality appropriate to the type of contract being written and the territory in which the insured person resides.
 
Had changes in the relevant risk variable that were reasonably possible at the balance sheet date occurred, there would have been no material impact on ABN AMRO’s profit or loss and equity.
 
127

 
Movements in provisions are as follows:
 
   
Other staff provisions
   
Restructuring
   
Other
Provisions
 
Balance at 1 January 2009
    374       186       946  
Reclassification related to businesses held for sale/discontinued operations
    -       -       (42 )
      374       186       904  
Movements:
                       
Additions
    56       116       666  
Utilised
    (51 )     (102 )     (180 )
Acquisitions/disposals
    (25 )     (85 )     (157 )
Currency translation differences
    -       2       6  
Released
    (45 )     (18 )     (87 )
Other
    (12 )     13       69  
Balance at 31 December 2009
    297       112       1,221  
                         
Balance at 1 January 2008
    109       124       2,264  
Reclassification related to businesses held for sale/discontinued operations
    6       -       (1,547 )
      115       124       717  
Movements:
                       
Additions
    458       179       381  
Utilised
    (131 )     (82 )     (153 )
Acquisitions/disposals
    5       (4 )     (21 )
Currency translation differences
    1       (2 )     (4 )
Released
    (112 )     (29 )     (143 )
Other
    38       -       169  
Balance at 31 December 2008
    374       186       946  
 
Whilst the sale of the EC Remedy business is highly probable of occurring as at balance sheet date 31 December 2009, the business cannot be sold in its current form. A number of the conditions of the Share Purchase Agreement (‘SPA’) are not usual and customary for the sale of such assets and were not met at 31 December 2009. Therefore, the EC Remedy business is not presented as held for sale under IFRS 5 as at 31 December 2009.
 
The expected loss on the sale of EC Remedy business will be recognised by ABN AMRO Bank N.V. immediately after legal separation, when all conditions precedent under the contract are met.
 
The potential capital shortfall on the recognition of the loss on the sale of the EC Remedy business in ABN AMRO Bank N.V. has been addressed through the issuance of a Mandatory Convertible Security (issued on 23 December 2009) that can convert into share capital only at legal separation. As a result, it is not within management’s control to effect the sale of the EC Remedy business before the legal separation.
 
As at 31 December 2009 a provision has been recorded for the unavoidable costs of the contract, a penalty of EUR 35 million, if the sale would not be closed and the contract would be terminated.
 
128


 
27           Pension and other post-retirement employee benefits
 
ABN AMRO sponsors a number of pension schemes. These schemes include both defined contribution and defined benefit plans. Most of ABN AMRO’s defined benefit plans provide pensions that are based on average or final salary with annual price evaluation of vested rights. In general, employees do not make contributions for basic pensions but may make voluntary contributions to secure additional benefits. The majority of the beneficiaries of the defined benefit plans are located in The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, India and Switzerland. Plans in all countries comply with applicable local regulations concerning investments and funding levels.
 
Following the disposal of LaSalle in 2007 and Banco Real in 2008 ABN AMRO no longer has material post-retirement benefit obligations other than pensions.
 
Amounts recognised in the profit and loss
Pension costs and contributions for post-retirement healthcare are included in personnel expenses and are shown in the following table:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Current service cost
    209       226  
Interest cost
    540       540  
Expected return on plan assets
    (447 )     (580 )
Net amortisation of net actuarial (gains)/losses
    4       (15 )
Net amortisation of past service cost
    13       7  
(Gain)/loss on curtailment or settlements
    (15 )     6  
Defined benefit plans
    304       184  
Defined contribution plans
    70       94  
Healthcare contributions
    3       2  
Total costs
    377       280  
 
Reconciliation to balance sheet
Contributions were made to 31 (2008: 33) defined benefit plans that provide pension benefits for employees upon retirement. The amounts recognised in the balance sheet are as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Present value of funded obligations
    10,486       10,002  
Present value of unfunded obligations
    80       93  
Fair value of plan assets
    (10,211 )     (9,489 )
Present value of net obligations/(assets)
    355       606  
                 
Unrecognised past service cost
    (18 )     (1 )
Unrecognised actuarial (losses)/gains
    (397 )     (508 )
Net liability/(asset) for defined benefit obligations
    (60 )     97  
                 
Provision for pension commitments
    154       167  
Pension assets
    (214 )     (70 )
Net recognised liability/(asset) for defined benefit obligations
    (60 )     97  
 
Explanation of the assets and liabilities
Movements in defined benefit obligations are as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Balance at 1 January
    10,095       9,742  
Current service cost
    209       226  
Interest cost
    540       540  
Employee contributions
    5       3  
Actuarial (gains)/losses
    180       74  
Benefits paid
    (361 )     (351 )
Acquisitions/(disposals)
    (13 )     (2 )
Recognised settlement and curtailment
    (22 )     (1 )
Currency translation differences
    44       (179 )
Other
    (111 )     43  
Balance at 31 December
    10,566       10,095  
 
129

 
Movements in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Balance at 1 January
    9,489       9,969  
Expected return on plan assets
    447       579  
Actuarial gains/(losses)
    203       (909 )
Employers contribution
    439       370  
Employee contributions/refunds
    4       3  
Benefits paid
    (348 )     (333 )
Acquisitions/(disposals)
    2       (2 )
Recognised settlement and curtailment
    (11 )     -  
Currency translation differences
    47       (191 )
Other
    (61 )     3  
Balance at 31 December
    10,211       9,489  
 
Principal actuarial assumptions
The weighted averages of the main actuarial assumptions used to determine the value of the provisions for pension obligations and the pension costs as at 31 December were as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Discount rate
    5.2 %     5.4 %
Inflation rate
    2.0 %     2.0 %
Expected increment in salaries
    2.4 %     2.6 %
Expected return on investments
    4.8 %     4.8 %
 
The expected return on plan assets is weighted on the basis of the fair value of these investments. All other assumptions are weighted on the basis of the defined benefit plan obligations. The discount rate is determined based on the average annual yield for AA rated corporate bonds with a term of 10 years or more.
 
For the pension plans, the expected return on the major classes of plan assets are as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Plan asset category:
 
Value in millions of euro
   
% of total fair value of scheme assets
   
Expected rate of
return %
   
Value in millions of euro
   
% of total fair value of scheme assets
   
Expected rate of
return %
 
Equity securities
    2,914       28.5 %     7.1 %     1,210       12.8 %     7.6 %
Issued debt securities
    6,604       64.7 %     3.9 %     7.609       80.2 %     4.3 %
Real estate
    355       3.5 %     5.9 %     350       3.6 %     6.3 %
Other
    338       3.3 %     1.5 %     320       3.4 %     4.9 %
Total
    10,211                       9,489                  
 
For both 2009 and 2008, the schemes have not invested in ordinary shares or debt issued by ABN AMRO, or invested in property occupied or other assets used by ABN AMRO.
 
Forecast of pension benefits payments
 
2010
    373  
2011
    359  
2012
    350  
2013
    354  
2014
    367  
Years 2015 - 2019
    2,030  
 
The expected contribution to be paid to defined pension schemes in 2010 amounts to EUR 282 million (2009: EUR 423 million).

 
130

 
Actuarial gains and losses
The actuarial gains and losses arising on plan liabilities and plan assets (pension plans only) are as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Present value of obligations
    (10,566 )     (10,095 )     (9,742 )     (12,301 )     (12,403 )
Fair value of plan assets
    10,211       9,489       9,969       11,149       10,212  
Net surplus/ (deficit) in the plans
    (355 )     (606 )     227       (1,152 )     (2,191 )
                                         
Actuarial (losses)/gains
                                       
- arising on benefit obligation
    (180 )     (74 )     1,501       518       (925 )
- arising on benefit obligation (in % of plan liabilities)
    (1.7 )     (0.7 )     15.4       4.2       (7.5 )
                                         
Actuarial (losses)/gains
                                       
- arising on plan assets
    203       (909 )     (288 )     150       399  
- arising on plan assets (% in of plan assets)
    2.0       (9.5 )     (2.9 )     1.3       3.9  
                                         
Experience adjustments on plan liabilities
    212       81       212       81       (925 )
Experience adjustments on plan assets
    203       (909 )     (288 )     150       399  
Actual return on plan assets
    649       (303 )     332       782       984  
 
Contingent liabilities
There are no contingent liabilities arising from post-employment obligations.
 
131

 
28           Recognised tax assets and liabilities
 
The components of tax balances are as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
 
Current tax
    595       337       583       450  
Deferred tax
    5,427       241       4,517       250  
Total
    6,022       578       5,100       700  
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following items. In the table below only movements related to continuing operations are shown.
 
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
   
Recognised in
Tax expense
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Property and equipment
    (122 )     (172 )     18       25       (35 )     63  
Derivatives
    419       388       12       54       4       62  
Investment securities
    425       477       114       95       (114 )     29  
Employee benefits
    19       21       2       2       (4 )     (73 )
Servicing rights
    34       40       -       -       (5 )     2  
Allowances for loan losses
    243       124       26       27       114       17  
Other
    135       206       69       47       (84 )     454  
Tax value of carry-forward losses recognised (1)
    4,274       3,433       -       -       655       2,424  
Total
    5,427       4,517       241       250       531       2,978  
 
(1) see note 46: Related parties.
 
Deferred tax assets that have not been recognised in respect of carry-forward losses amount to EUR 2,317 million (2008: EUR 1,780 million) where it is uncertain that future taxable profits will be available to utilise these losses. Unrecognised deferred tax assets related to deductible temporary differences amounts to EUR 331 million. The increase in 2009 relates to the Netherlands and the United States.
 
Expiration of carry-forward losses
At 31 December 2009 carry-forward losses, both recognised and not recognised, expire as follows:
 
2010
    19  
2011
    -  
2012
    1  
2013
    -  
2014
    -  
Years after 2014
    7,765  
No expiration
    15,667  
Total
    23,452  
 
Tax exposure to distributable reserves
At the balance sheet date, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed earnings of subsidiaries for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised is approximately EUR 4.2 billion (2008: EUR 3.5 billion). The estimated impact of foreign withholding tax is EUR 113 million (2008: EUR 103 million). No liability has been recognised in respect of these differences because ABN AMRO is in a position to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

 
29           Other liabilities
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Non-trading derivative liabilities (see note 36)
    4,550       7,144  
Liabilities to unit-linked policyholders
    3,714       3,898  
Sundry liabilities and other payables
    5,225       3,970  
Total
    13,489       15,012  
 
Liabilities to unit-linked policy holders are designated at fair value through profit and loss.
 
132

 
30           Subordinated liabilities
 
Issued liabilities qualify as subordinated debt if claims by the holders are subordinated to all other current and future liabilities of ABN AMRO Holding N.V and its subsidiaries.
 
As at 31 December 2009 the majority of the subordinated liabilties were issued by ABN AMRO Holding’s subsidiary, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. As at 6 February 2010, the Dutch State acquired businesses were legally demerged from this entity and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. was renamed to Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. (‘RBS N.V.’). The Dutch State acquired businesses transferred at or around 6 February 2010 into a separate legal entity ABN AMRO II N.V., also a subsidiary of ABN AMRO Holding, ABN AMRO II N.V. was renamed to ABN AMRO Bank N.V. on 6 February 2010 and is referred to as the ‘new ABN AMRO Bank’.
 
The following tables show the balance of subordinated liabilities as at 31 December 2009. Therefore the references to ABN AMRO Bank N.V. relate to the situation prior to the legal demerger in 2010.
 
The following table analyses the subordinated liabilities by issuer:
 
 
2009
2008
ABN AMRO Bank N.V. – RBS acquired allocation
5,085
5,522
ABN AMRO Bank N.V. – Dutch State acquired allocation
6,380
5,673
Subtotal
11,465
11,195
     
Other ABN AMRO companies – RBS acquired allocation
2,246
2,354
Other ABN AMRO companies – Dutch State acquired allocation
833
-
Subtotal
3,079
2,354
Total
14,544
13,549

 
133

 

The following table lists the subordinated liabilities issued by ABN AMRO Bank N.V.:

By issuance
 
2009
   
2008
 
   
RBS acquired
   
Dutch State acquired
   
RBS acquired
   
Dutch State acquired
 
EUR 182 million 6.00% subordinated notes 2009
    -       -       176       -  
EUR 182 million 6.13% subordinated notes 2009
    -       -       172       -  
EUR 1,150 million 4.625% subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2009
    -       -       -       1,148  
EUR 250 million 4.70% CMS linked subordinated notes 2019
    212       -       202       -  
EUR 800 million 6.25% subordinated notes 2010
    819       -       838       -  
EUR 100 million 5.125% flip flop Bermudan callable subordinated notes 2017 (callable December 2012)
    94       -       92       -  
EUR 500 million floating rate Bermudan callable subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2018 (callable May 2013)
    -       499       -       498  
EUR 1,000 million floating rate Bermudan callable subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2016 (callable September 2011)
    -       997       -       997  
EUR 13 million zero coupon subordinated notes 2029 (callable June 2009)
    4       -       8       -  
EUR 82 million floating rate subordinated notes 2017
    -       82       -       82  
EUR 103 million floating rate subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2020
    -       103       -       103  
EUR 170 million floating rate sinkable subordinated notes 2041
    213       -       213       -  
EUR 15 million CMS linked floating rate subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2020
    11       -       10       -  
EUR 1,500 million floating rate Bermudan callable subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2015 (callable June 2010)
    1,495       -       1,495       -  
EUR 5 million floating rate Bermudan callable subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2015 (callable October 2010)
    5       -       5       -  
EUR 65 million floating rate Bermudan callable subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2015 (callable October 2010)
    -       65       -       65  
EUR 26 million 7.42% subordinated notes 2016
    32       -       32       -  
EUR 7 million 7.38% subordinated notes 2016
    9       -       9       -  
EUR 1,000 million 4.31% perpetual Bermudan callable subordinated tier 1 notes (callable March 2016)
    -       1,027       -       960  
EUR 800 million 10.00% fixed perpetual mandatory convertible tier 1 notes 2099
    -       800       -       -  
EUR 967 million 10.00% fixed perpetual mandatory convertible tier 1 notes 2072
    -       967       -       -  
USD 165 million 6.14% subordinated notes 2019
    148       -       158       -  
USD 72 million 5.98% subordinated notes 2019
    38       -       52       -  
USD 500 million 4.65% subordinated notes 2018
    359       -       411       -  
USD 1,500 million floating rate Bermudan callable subordinated notes 2015 (callable March 2010)
    1,004       -       1,036       -  
USD 100 million floating rate Bermudan callable subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2015 (callable October 2010)
    -       69       -       72  
USD 36 million floating rate Bermudan callable subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2015 (callable October 2010)
    -       25       -       26  
USD 1,000 million floating rate Bermudan callable subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2017 (callable January 2012)
    -       692       -       714  
USD 250 million 7.75% subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2023
    -       174       -       179  
USD 150 million 7.13% subordinated notes 2093
    104       -       107       -  
AUD 575 million 6.50% Bermudan callable subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2018 (callable May 2013)
    371       -       311       -  
AUD 175 million floating rate Bermudan callable subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2018 (callable May 2013)
    109       -       86       -  
GBP 42 million amortising MTN subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2010
    8       -       16       -  
GBP 25 million amortising MTN subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2011
    9       -       9       -  
GBP 750 million 5.0% Bermudan callable perpetual subordinated upper tier 2 notes issued for an indefinite period (callable February 2016)
    -       880       -       829  
PKR 800 million floating rate subordinated notes 2012
    -       -       7       -  
MYR 200 million subordinated notes 2017
    41       -       42       -  
TRY 60 million floating rate callable subordinated notes 2017 (callable 2012)
    -       -       35       -  
Total
    5,085       6,380       5,522       5,673  

As at date of signing of this annual report, all Dutch State acquired allocated subordinated liabilities, with the exception of the USD 250 million 7.75% subordinated lower tier 2 notes 2023, had been transferred to the new ABN AMRO Bank.

At legal separation, the EUR 800 million and EUR 967 million 10.00% fixed perpetual mandatory convertible tier 1 notes held by the Dutch State convert to equity of the new ABN AMRO Bank.


 
134

 

The following table lists the subordinated liabilities issued by other ABN AMRO companies:

By issuance
 
2009
   
2008
 
   
RBS acquired
   
Dutch State acquired
   
RBS acquired
   
Dutch State acquired
 
EUR 833 million 10.00% fixed perpetual mandatory convertible tier 1 notes 2073
    -       833       -       -  
USD 1,285 million 5.90% Trust Preferred V
    891       -       921       -  
USD 200 million 6.25% Trust Preferred VI
    135       -       143       -  
USD 1,800 million 6.08% Trust Preferred VII
    1,220       -       1,290       -  
Total
    2,246       833       2,354       -  

At legal separation, the EUR 833 million 10.00% fixed perpetual mandatory convertible tier 1 notes held by the Dutch State convert to equity of the new ABN AMRO Bank.

The RBS acquired subordinated liabilities in the table above will be subject to a restriction on the payment of dividends and coupons and on the exercise of any call rights, unless in any such case there is a legal obligation to do so, for an effective period of two years after the proposed capital restructuring of RFS Holdings B.V. (which is intended to take place soon after separation) and following the expiry of any “pusher” periods (which will last for 12 months) following separation and such capital restructuring.

Of the total subordinated liabilities EUR 5,014 million (2008: EUR 3,317 million) qualifies as tier 1 capital for capital adequacy purposes when taking into account remaining maturities.

The maturity profile of subordinated liabilities is as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
RBS acquired
   
Dutch State acquired
   
RBS acquired
   
Dutch State acquired
 
Within one year
    827       -       348       1,148  
After one and within two years
    9       -       854       -  
After two and within three years
    -       -       9       -  
After three and within four years
    -       -       7       -  
After four and within five years
    -       -       -       -  
After five years
    6,495       7,213       6,658       4,525  
Total
    7,331       7,213       7,876       5,673  

The 10.00% fixed mandatory convertible tier 1 notes of EUR 2,600 million are perpetual and included in the category “after five years” despite their agreed conversion at legal separation to equity.

The carrying amount at 31 December 2009 of subordinated liabilities designated at fair value was EUR 2 million lower than the contractual amount at maturity (2008: zero). The following table presents the change in fair value attributable to changes in own credit risk of issued debt securities (decrease/(increase)):

Own credit component
 
2009
   
2008
 
During the year
    (2 )     138  
Cumulative
    234       236  

Preference financing shares (including formerly convertible preference shares)
As at 24 November 2008, 1,369,815,864 Preference financing shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.56 per share have been converted into ordinary shares at a 1:1 rate. At the same date 44,988 (formerly convertible) Preference shares with a nominal value of EUR 2.24 per share have been converted into ordinary shares at a 4:1 rate. As a result of the conversion the number of issued and fully paid shares is 3,306,843,332 (nominal value EUR 1,851,832,266) per 24 November 2008.


 
135

 

31           Share capital

The table below provides a breakdown of ABN AMRO Holding’s issued and fully paid ordinary shares and treasury shares.

Ordinary shares

   
Number
   
In millions of euros
 
Issued and fully paid
           
At 1 January 2009
    3,306,843,332       1,852  
Balance at 31 December 2009
    3,306,843,332       1,852  
                 
Issued and fully paid
               
At 1 January 2008
    1,936,847,516       1,085  
Conversion of preference shares to ordinary shares
    1,369,995,816       767  
Balance at 31 December 2008
    3,306,843,332       1,852  
                 
Issued and fully paid
               
At 1 January 2007
    1,936,847,516       1,085  
Balance at 31 December 2007
    1,936,847,516       1,085  

There are no issued ordinary shares that have not been fully paid. Par value per share is EUR 0.56.

Each ordinary share entitles the holder to cast one vote. Subject to certain exceptions provided for by law or in the articles of association, resolutions are passed by an absolute majority of the votes cast.

When shares are issued, each holder of shares shall have pre-emptive right, in proportion to the aggregate amount of their shares, except in the case of an issue of shares for a consideration other than in cash or an issue of shares to employees of ABN AMRO or of a group company.

In the event of the dissolution and liquidation of ABN AMRO Holding, the assets remaining after payment of all debts will be distributed to the holders of ordinary shares on a pro-rata basis.

Treasury shares

   
Number
   
In millions of euros
 
Issued and fully paid
           
At 1 January 2009
    -       -  
Balance at 31 December 2009
    -       -  
                 
Issued and fully paid
               
At 1 January 2008
    92,719,820       2,640  
Sold to RFS Holdings B.V.
    (92,719,820 )     (3,708 )
Gain on sale of treasury shares
    -       1,068  
Balance at 31 December 2008
    -       -  
                 
Issued and fully paid
               
At 1 January 2007
    83,060,725       1,829  
Used for options exercised and performance share plans
    (27,649,180 )     (624 )
Share buy back
    55,512,333       1,847  
Dividends paid in shares
    (18,204,058 )     (412 )
Balance at 31 December 2007
    92,719,820       2,640  

Share premium reserve

During 2009 RFS Holdings B.V. contributed EUR 6.6 billion of share premium.


 
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32           Professional securities transactions

Professional security transactions include balances relating to reverse repurchase activities, cash collateral on securities borrowed and security settlement accounts. ABN AMRO controls credit risk associated with these activities by monitoring counterparty credit exposure and collateral values on a daily basis and requiring additional collateral to be deposited with or returned to ABN AMRO when deemed necessary.

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Banks
   
Customers
   
Banks
   
Customers
 
Assets
                       
Cash advanced under securities borrowing
    2,230       2,085       739       4,408  
Reverse repurchase agreements
    4,130       6,977       32,716       7,236  
Unsettled securities transactions
    2,255       1,074       5,998       1,549  
Total
    8,615       10,136       39,453       13,193  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Cash received under securities lending
    165       523       564       1,711  
Repurchase agreements
    3,903       2,187       24,555       2,525  
Unsettled securities transactions
    1,692       1,330       1,531       1,817  
Total
    5,760       4,040       26,650       6,053  

Under reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and other collateralised arrangements, ABN AMRO obtains securities on terms which permit it to repledge or resell the securities to others.

   
2009
   
2008
 
Securities received under reverse repurchase and/or securities borrowing arrangements which can be repledged or resold
    7,257       35,982  
Of the above amount, the amount that has either been repledged or otherwise transferred to others in connection with ABN AMRO’s financing activities or to satisfy its commitments under short sale transactions
    6,465       32,055  

These transactions are conducted under terms that are usual and customary to standard securities borrowing and reverse repurchase agreements.

In 2009, ABN AMRO does not have any obligation to return any amount of securities borrowings (2008: EUR 3,458 million).

Please refer to note 33 for an overview of the assets pledged to secure ABN AMRO's liabilities.


 
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33           Assets pledged as security

ABN AMRO trades in debt instruments, equity instruments and derivatives. These transactions are conducted under terms that are usual and customary to standard lending and stock borrowing activities. ABN AMRO has therefore financial assets pledged as security to third parties for liabilities.

Financial assets pledged to secure liabilities are as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Financial assets held for trading
    -       74  
Interest earnings securities available-for-sale
    -       400  
Loans and receivables – customers
    1,086       6,794  
Total
    1,086       7,268  

These assets have been pledged in respect of the following liabilities and contingent liabilities:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Due to banks
    130       4,298  
Issued debt securities
    894       2,064  
Total
    1,024       6,362  

These transactions are conducted under terms that are usual and customary to collateralised transactions including, where relevant, standard securities lending and repurchase agreements.

Please refer to note 32 for an overview of the assets repledged to secure liabilities relating to reverse repurchase agreements and to note 40 for an overview of assets charged as security for liabilities relating to securitisations.


 
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34           Commitments and contingent liabilities

Credit facilities
At any time ABN AMRO has outstanding commitments to extend credit. These commitments take the form of approved but undrawn loans, overdraft revolving and underwriting facilities and credit card limits. New loan offers have a commitment period that does not extend beyond the normal underwriting and settlement period.

Guarantees and other commitments
ABN AMRO provides financial guarantees and letters of credit to guarantee the performance of customers to third parties. These transactions have fixed limits and generally extend for periods of up to five years. Expirations are not concentrated in any particular period. ABN AMRO also provides guarantees by acting as a settlement agent in securities borrowing and lending transactions. In addition, ABN AMRO has entered into transactions to guarantee various liabilities in respect to insurance related regulatory reserve financing transactions.

The contractual amounts of commitments and contingent liabilities are set out by category in the following table. The amounts stated in the table for commitments assume that amounts are fully advanced. The amounts reflected in the table for guarantees and letters of credit represent the maximum accounting loss that would be recognised at the balance sheet date if the relevant contract parties completely failed to perform as contracted.

Many of the contingent liabilities and commitments are expected to expire without being advanced in whole or in part. This means that the amounts stated do not represent expected future cash flows. Additionally, guarantees and letters of credit are supported by varying levels of collateral.

Aside from the items stated above, non-quantified guarantees have been given for ABN AMRO’s securities custody operations, for interbank bodies and institutions and for participating interests. Collective guarantee schemes are applicable to ABN AMRO’s companies in various countries. Furthermore, statements of liability have been issued for a number of companies, including ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

Our committed credit facilities, guarantees and other commitments at 31 December 2009 and 2008 are summarised below.

   
Payments due by period
 
   
Total
   
Less than
1 year
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
After
5 years
 
2009
                             
Committed facilities
    51,520       10,811       24,881       9,390       6,438  
Guarantees and other commitments:
                                       
Guarantees granted
    33,567       20,411       5,336       1,892       5,928  
Irrevocable letters of credit
    3,199       3,189       9       -       1  
Recourse risks arising from discounted bills
    1       1       -       -       -  
                                         
2008
                                       
Committed facilities
    63,436       14,231       27,336       17,616       4,253  
Guarantees and other commitments:
                                       
Guarantees granted
    37,509       22,377       5,890       2,021       7,221  
Irrevocable letters of credit
    4,515       4,280       217       6       12  
Recourse risks arising from discounted bills
    124       124       -       -       -  

Leasing
ABN AMRO is lessee under finance and operating leases, providing asset financing for its customers and leasing assets for its own use. In addition, assets leased by ABN AMRO may be sublet to other parties. An analysis of the impact of these transactions on the statement of financial position and income statement is provided below.

Operating lease commitments
ABN AMRO leases various offices, branches and other premises under non-cancellable operating lease arrangements. The leases have various terms, escalation and renewal rights. There are no contingent rents payables. ABN AMRO also leases equipment under non-cancellable lease arrangements.
 
 
139

 
Where ABN AMRO is the lessee, the future minimum lease payment under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

   
Property
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Not more than one year
    182       165  
Over one year but not more than five years
    391       337  
More than five years
    323       254  
Total
    896       756  

Transactions involving the legal form of a lease
ABN AMRO has entered into IT outsourcing arrangements that involve leases in form but not in substance. The life of the arrangement is for 5 years through 2010, where the total amount of underlying assets is EUR 130 million.

Contractual and contingent obligations
The table below shows the discounted contractual expiry by maturity of ABN AMRO's obligations.

   
Payments due by period
 
   
Total
   
Less than
 1 year
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
After
5 years
 
2009
                             
Issued debt securities
    95,660       39,591       13,245       13,245       29,579  
Subordinated liabilities
    14,544       827       9       -       13,708  
Purchase obligations
    61       44       17       -       -  
Other obligations
    305,480       292,775       3,158       3,158       6,389  
                                         
2008
                                       
Issued debt securities
    111,296       44,944       21,044       21,044       24,264  
Subordinated liabilities
    13,549       1,513       825       47       11,164  
Purchase obligations
    44       44       -       -       -  
Other obligations
    495,711       477,317       5,863       5,864       6,667  

Other contingencies
ABN AMRO is involved in a number of legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business in a number of jurisdictions. In presenting our consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates regarding the outcome of legal, regulatory and arbitration matters, and takes a charge to income when losses with respect to such matters are probable. Charges, other than those taken periodically for costs of defence, are not established for matters when losses cannot be reasonably estimated.

In November 2009, the Supreme Court in the Netherlands gave a declaratory judgement against World Online International N.V., Goldman Sachs International and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. in relation to claims arising out of the World Online initial public offering of 2000. It held that these defendants had committed certain wrongful acts in connection with the initial public offering. The judgement does not establish liability or the amount of any loss. Management does not believe that any final liability or loss will have a significant effect on ABN AMRO’s financial position or profitability.

On the basis of information currently available, and having taken legal counsel with legal advisors, ABN AMRO is of the opinion that the outcome of the proceedings that ABN AMRO is involved in is unlikely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position and the consolidated results of ABN AMRO.

 
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35           Statement of cash flows

The following table analyses the determination of cash and cash equivalents at 31 December:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash and balances at central banks
    28,382       5,854       12,469  
Loans and receivables - banks
    3,794       4,237       9,165  
Due to banks
    (11,582 )     (23,588 )     (14,376 )
Cash and cash equivalents from continued operations
    20,594       (13,497 )     7,258  
                         
Cash and balances at central banks
    146       -       -  
Loans and receivables - banks
    40       8       43  
Due to banks
    (4 )     -       -  
Cash and cash equivalents from businesses held for sale
    182       8       43  
                         
Cash and balances at central banks
    -       37       4,707  
Loans and receivables - banks
    -       6       788  
Due to banks
    -       (1 )     (44 )
Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations
    -       42       5,451  
Total
    20,776       (13,447 )     12,752  

The following table states the interest, tax and dividend amounts included in the cash flow from operating activities:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Interest received
    14,617       31,067       34,304  
Interest paid
    9,139       20,092       24,960  
Taxation paid
    -       790       1,544  
Dividends received
    53       121       155  

The following table analyses movements in operating assets and liabilities:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Movement in operating assets:
                 
Financial assets held for trading
    134,101       27,065       (37,865 )
Loans and receivables
    81,914       171,870       (87,918 )
Net (increase)/decrease in accrued income and prepaid expenses
    1,111       4,015       (4,121 )
Net (increase)/decrease in other assets
    7,048       (2,993 )     (3,544 )
Total movement in operating assets
    224,174       199,957       (133,448 )
                         
Movement in operating liabilities:
                       
Financial liabilities held for trading
    (128,926 )     37,222       10,559  
Due to banks
    (36,414 )     (119,407 )     82,462  
Due to customers
    (4,911 )     (87,941 )     27,816  
Issued debt securities maturing within 1 year
    (11,606 )     (42,235 )     (6,475 )
Provisions
    376       700       61  
Net increase/(decrease) in accrued expense and deferred income
    (1,363 )     (1,970 )     2,981  
Net increase/(decrease) in other liabilities
    4,536       (32,683 )     (2,682 )
Total movement in operating liabilities
    (178,308 )     (246,314 )     114,722  


 
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36           Hedge accounting

ABN AMRO enters into various derivative instrument transactions to hedge risks on assets, liabilities, net investments and forecasted cash flows. The accounting treatment of the hedged item and the hedging derivative is dependent on whether the hedge relationship qualifies for hedge accounting. Qualifying hedges may be designated as either fair value or cash flow hedges.

Hedges not qualifying for hedge accounting
The fair value changes of derivative transactions used to hedge against economic risk exposures that do not qualify for hedge accounting, or for which it is not cost beneficial to apply hedge accounting, are recognised directly through income.

ABN AMRO enters into credit default swaps for managing credit risk in the loan portfolio. However, these are generally not included in hedge accounting relationships due to difficulties in demonstrating that the relationship will be highly effective. Accordingly any fair value changes in the swaps are recorded directly in income, while the gains and losses on the credit positions hedged are recognised in interest income and as impairment charges if appropriate.

Derivatives designated and accounted for as hedging instruments

Fair value hedges
Fair value hedges principally consist of interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps used to protect against changes in the fair value of fixed-rate assets, notably available-for-sale securities, and liabilities due to changes in market interest rates.

For qualifying fair values hedges, all changes in the fair value of the derivative and in the fair value of the hedged item for the risk being hedged are recognised in the income statement.

Life-to-date gains/(losses) arising from fair value hedges:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Gains/(losses) on the hedged assets attributable to the fair value hedged risk
    2,084       2,812  
Gains/(losses) on hedging instruments used for the hedged assets
    (2,084 )     (2,812 )
Gains/(losses) on the hedged liabilities attributable to the fair value hedged risk
    (915 )     (2,619 )
Gains/(losses) on hedging instruments used for the hedged liabilities
    915       2,619  
Net effect fair value hedge
    -       -  

Cash flow hedges
Cash flow hedge accounting for Group Asset and Liability Management
ABN AMRO uses derivatives, mainly interest rate swaps, to offset identified exposures to interest rate risk in the projected balance sheet. For asset liability management purposes, assets and liabilities in a similar interest rate index cluster in a particular month are first considered as a natural offset for economic hedging. A swap transaction may be entered into to risk manage the remaining interest income sensitivity. The notional amount of a pay- or receive-floating swap is designated to hedge the re-pricing cash flow exposure of a designated portion of current and forecasted assets and current and forecasted liabilities, respectively, in the clusters described above. The swap transaction is designated for hedge accounting purposes as a hedge of a gross position of a cluster of projected assets or a cluster of projected liabilities. As a result, the swap will only hedge an identified portion of a cluster of projected assets or projected liabilities. Also the swap will only hedge the applicable floating swap rate portion of the interest re-pricing and re-investment risk of the cluster.

Cash flow hedge accounting operated by Group Asset and Liability Management relates to portfolio cash flow hedge accounting for the hedging activities of ABN AMRO’s non-trading financial assets and liabilities.

The Group Asset and Liability Committee is the governing body for the risk management of ABN AMRO’s banking portfolio and determines the interest rate risk level, sets risk measurement and modelling including applicable assumptions, sets limits, and is responsible for the asset and liability management policy.
 
 
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ABN AMRO manages its exposure to interest rate risk per currency in the non-trading portfolios on a group wide basis distinguished between RBS and Dutch State acquired businesses. In order to manage the sensitivity of the interest income per currency, ABN AMRO projects future interest income under different growth and interest rate scenarios. Systems are available to accumulate the relevant critical information throughout ABN AMRO about the existing financial assets, financial liabilities and forward commitments, including loan commitments. For the major currencies these positions are placed into a projected balance sheet available for asset liability management activities. The primary interest sensitive positions in the balance sheet stemming from the non-trading book are: loans and receivables, liabilities due to banks and customers, and issued debt securities.

The information gathered in the Group Asset and Liability Management’s systems relates to the contractual terms and conditions, such as nominal amounts, currency, duration, interest basis, effective interest rate and interest re-pricing date. In addition other information such as estimates of prepayments, growth rate and interest scenarios is used in the interest sensitivity models of Group Asset and Liability Management. These assumptions are determined following agreed upon principles based amongst others on statistical market and client data and an economic outlook. Projected assets and liabilities are superimposed on the run-off of the currently existing positions. This information is used to create projected balance sheets that form the basis for measuring interest rate sensitivity. The new assets and liabilities and the future re-pricing of existing assets and liabilities are mapped to specific interest rate indices at the yield curve (i.e. one month, two months, three months, six months, one year, etc). In this way a new asset or liability that is for example based on a three month rate, is mapped to a specific three-month rate index. For each projected month into the future, the assets and liabilities are grouped per interest rate-index and currency. The balance sheet projection that is embedded in ABN AMRO’s interest rate risk management, not only allows ABN AMRO to estimate future interest income and perform scenario analysis, but also provides the opportunity to define the projected transactions that are eligible as hedged items in a cash flow hedge. The hedged positions are the monthly asset and liability clusters per currency and per interest rate index. These clusters are homogeneous in respect of the interest rate risk that is being hedged, because they are designed to:
·
share the interest rate risk exposure that is being hedged, and
·
be sensitive to interest rate changes proportional to the overall sensitivity to interest rate changes in the cluster.

The longer the term of the hedge, the larger the excess of available cash flows from projected assets or liabilities in the clusters has to be, given that the cash flow projections further in the future are inherently less certain. The availability of an excess of cash flows in the clusters and the increase of excess over time is evaluated on a monthly basis.

Furthermore back testing is performed on the sensitivity model for interest risk management purposes. This back testing also supports cash flow hedge accounting. The back testing relates to the interest sensitivity models applied and the assumptions used in the information gathering process for the balance sheet projection. Historical data are used to review the assumptions applied.

The schedule of undiscounted cash flows for cash flow hedges are expected to impact profit or loss as follows:
   
≤ 3 months
   
> 3 months and
 ≤ 1 year
   
> 1 year and ≤ 5 years
   
> 5 years and
 ≤ 10 years
   
> 10 years
   
Total
 
At 31 December 2009
                                   
Cash inflow from hedging derivative assets
    42       127       1,234       207       (166 )     1,444  
Cash outflow from hedging derivative liabilities
    (74 )     (223 )     (1,498 )     (906 )     (862 )     (3,563 )
Net cash (outflow)/inflow
    (32 )     (96 )     (264 )     (699 )     (1,028 )     (2,119 )
                                                 
At 31 December 2008 (1)
                                               
Cash inflow from hedging derivative assets
    17       43       291       259       85       695  
Cash outflow from hedging derivative liabilities
    (36 )     (90 )     (399 )     (303 )     (129 )     (957 )
Net cash (outflow)/inflow
    (19 )     (47 )     (108 )     (44 )     (44 )     (262 )
(1) Prior year comparatives have been restated to conform with current year presentation.

 
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Net gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges transferred from equity to the income statement are as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Interest income
    184       43  
Interest expense
    (139 )     (42 )
Other operating income
    (43 )     -  
Taxation
    -       -  
Total
    2       1  

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations
As explained in note 38, ABN AMRO limits its exposure to investments in foreign operations by hedging its net investment in its foreign operations with currency borrowings and with forward foreign exchange contracts in the currency of the foreign operations or a closely correlated currency to mitigate foreign exchange risk.

For qualifying net investment hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative hedging instrument are recorded in the currency translation account differences reserve within equity. There is no hedge ineffectiveness recorded relating to net investment hedges.

Overview of the fair value of hedging derivatives

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Positive
   
Negative
   
Positive
   
Negative
 
Qualifying for hedge accounting
                       
Fair value hedges
                       
Interest
                       
Swaps
    625       2,360       737       2,146  
Foreign currency
                               
Swaps
    170       43       1,072       1,540  
Forwards
    -       -       244       302  
                                 
Cash flow hedges
                               
Interest swaps
    331       1,337       351       687  
Foreign currency
                               
Forwards
    -       8       2       14  
                                 
Net investment hedges
    11       89       119       40  
                                 
Total
    1,137       3,837       2,525       4,729  
                                 
Hedges not qualifying for hedge accounting
    1,175       713       3,697       2,414  

Notional amounts

   
2009
   
2008
 
Interest rate risk
    133,963       95,699  
Foreign currency risk
    4,579       13,115  
Net investment hedge
    3,057       2,245  


 
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37           Fair value of financial instruments

Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction. Fair values are determined from quoted prices in active markets for identical financial assets or financial liabilities where available. Where the market for a financial instrument is not active, fair value is established using a valuation technique. Valuation techniques involve a degree of estimation, the extent of which depends on the instrument’s complexity and the availability of market-based data.

Internal controls over fair valuation
ABN AMRO has designated controls and processes for the determination of the fair value of financial instruments. A process has been designed to ensure there are formalised review protocols for independent review and validation of fair values separate from those businesses entering into the transactions. This includes specific controls to ensure consistent pricing policies and procedures, incorporating disciplined price verification for both proprietary and counterparty risk trades.
 
The business entering into the transaction is responsible for the initial determination and recording of the fair value of the transaction.  There are daily controls over the profit or loss recorded by trading and treasury front office staff.
 
A key element of the control environment, segregated from the recording of the transaction’s valuation, is the independent price verification process. Valuations are first calculated by the business.  Such valuations may be direct prices, or may be derived using a model and variable model inputs. These valuations are reviewed, and if necessary amended, by the independent price verification process. This process involves a team independent of those trading the financial instruments performing a review of valuations in the light of available pricing evidence. Independent price verification is performed at a frequency to match the availability of independent data and the size of the exposure.  For liquid instruments the process is performed daily. The minimum frequency of review is monthly for trading positions, and six monthly for non-trading positions. The independent price verification control includes formalised reporting and escalation of any valuation differences in breach of defined thresholds. When models are used to value products, those models are subject to a model review process.  This process requires different levels of model documentation, testing and review, depending on the complexity of the model and the size of ABN AMRO’s exposure to the model.
 
Valuation techniques
ABN AMRO uses a number of methodologies to determine the fair values of financial instruments for which observable prices in active markets for identical instruments are not available. These techniques include relative value methodologies based on observable prices for similar instruments, present value approaches where future cash flows from the asset or liability are estimated and then discounted using a risk-adjusted interest rate, option pricing models such as Black-Scholes or binomial option pricing models and simulation models such as Monte-Carlo.
 
Values between and beyond available data points are obtained by interpolation and extrapolation. When utilising valuation techniques, the fair value can be significantly impacted by the choice of valuation model and underlying assumptions made concerning factors such as the amounts and timing of cash flows, discount rates and credit risk. The principal inputs to these valuation techniques are listed below.
·
Bond prices – quoted prices are generally available for certain government bonds, certain corporate securities and some mortgage-related products.
·
Credit spreads – where available, these are derived from prices of credit default swaps (CDS) or other credit based instruments, such as debt securities. For others, credit spreads are obtained from pricing services.
·
Interest rates – these are principally benchmark interest rate curves such as the interbank rates and quoted interest rates in the swap, bond and futures markets.
·
Foreign currency exchange rates – there are observable markets both for spot and forward contracts and futures in the world’s major currencies.
·
Equity and equity index prices – quoted prices are generally readily available for equity shares listed on the world’s major stock exchanges and for major indices on such shares.
·
Commodity prices – many commodities are actively traded in spot and forward contracts and futures on exchanges in London, New York and other commercial centres.
 
 
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·
Price volatilities and correlations – volatility is a measure of the tendency of a price to change with time. Correlation measures the degree to which two or more prices or other variables are observed to move together. If they move in the same direction there is positive correlation; if they move in opposite directions there is negative correlation. Volatility is a key input in valuing options and the valuation of certain products such as derivatives with more than one underlying variable that are correlation-dependent. Volatility and correlation values are obtained from broker quotations, pricing services or derived from option prices.
·
Prepayment rates – the fair value of a financial instrument that can be prepaid by the issuer or borrower differs from that of an instrument that cannot be prepaid. In valuing prepayable instruments that are not quoted in active markets, ABN AMRO includes the value of the prepayment option in the fair value.
·
Counterparty credit spreads – adjustments are made to market prices (or parameters) when the creditworthiness of the counterparty differs from that of the assumed counterparty in the market price (or parameters).
·
Recovery rates / loss given default -  these are used as an input to valuation models and reserves for asset-backed securities and other credit products as an indicator of severity of losses on default. Recovery rates are primarily sourced from market data providers or inferred from observable credit spreads.

ABN AMRO refines and modifies its valuation techniques as markets and products develop and as the pricing for individual products becomes more or less readily available.  While ABN AMRO believes its valuation techniques are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions could result in different estimates of fair value at the balance sheet date.

In order to determine a reliable fair value, where appropriate, management applies valuation adjustments to the pricing information derived from the above sources. These adjustments reflect management’s assessment of factors that market participants would consider in setting a price, to the extent that these factors have not already been included in the information from the above sources. Furthermore, on an ongoing basis, management assesses the appropriateness of any model used. To the extent that the price provided by internal models does not represent the fair value of the instrument, for instance in highly stressed market conditions, management makes adjustments to the model valuation to calibrate to other available pricing sources. Where unobservable inputs are used, management may determine a range of possible valuations based upon differing stress scenarios to determine the sensitivity associated with the valuation. As a final step ABN AMRO considers the need for further adjustments to the modelled price to reflect how market participants would price instruments. Such adjustments include the credit quality of the counterparty and adjustments to correct model valuations for any known limitations. In addition, ABN AMRO makes adjustments to defer income for financial instruments valued at inception where the valuation of that financial instrument materially depends on one or more unobservable model inputs.

Valuation hierarchy
ABN AMRO analyses financial instruments held at fair value into the three categories as outlined below.

Level 1 financial instruments are those that are valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments. These financial instruments consist primarily of liquid listed equity shares, certain exchange-traded derivatives, and G10 government securities.

Level 2 financial instruments are those valued using techniques based significantly on observable market data. Instruments in this category are valued using quoted prices for similar instruments or identical instruments in markets which are not considered to be active; or valuation techniques where all the inputs that have a significant effect on the valuation are directly or indirectly based on observable market data. Financial instruments included are other government agency securities, investment grade corporate bonds, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, less liquid listed equities, state and municipal obligations, certain money market securities and most OTC derivatives.

Level 3 financial instruments are those valued using techniques that incorporate information other than observable market data. Instruments in this category have been valued using a valuation technique where at least one input, which could have a significant effect on the instrument’s valuation, is not based on observable market data. Financial instruments included are primarily cash instruments which trade
 
 
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infrequently, unlisted equity shares, super senior tranches of high grade and mezzanine CDOs, and other less liquid debt securities. Also included are certain structured issued debt securities, OTC derivatives where valuation depends upon unobservable exotic and credit derivatives including those with Credit Derivative Product Company counterparties.

The following table presents the valuation methods used in determining the fair values of financial instruments carried at fair value. Financial instruments recorded in assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale are not included in these tables. 

   
2009
 
   
Quoted market price
(Level 1)
   
Valuation techniques -
observable
market inputs (Level 2)
   
Valuation techniques -
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Financial assets
                       
Financial assets held-for-trading
    14,477       61,656       1,925       78,058  
Available-for-sale interest earning securities
    31,178       42,296       52       73,526  
Available-for-sale equities
    282       371       152       805  
Equities designated at fair value through income
    13       17       536       566  
Derivatives not held for trading
    -       2,312       -       2,312  
Unit-linked investments
    700       3,014       -       3,714  
Other assets
    -       706       -       706  
Total assets at fair value
    46,650       110,372       2,665       159,687  
                                 
Financial liabilities
                               
Financial liabilities held for trading
    6,769       55,113       805       62,687  
Due to customers
    -       -       -       -  
Issued debt securities
    -       38,566       1,969       40,535  
Derivatives not held for trading
    -       4,550       -       4,550  
Unit-linked liabilities
    700       3,043       -       3,743  
Subordinated liabilities
    -       704       -       704  
Total liabilities at fair value
    7,469       101,976       2,774       112,219  


   
2008
 
   
Quoted market price (Level 1)
   
Valuation techniques -
observable
market inputs (Level 2)
   
Valuation techniques -
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Financial assets
                       
Financial assets held-for-trading
    14,091       193,458       5,104       212,653  
Available-for-sale interest earning securities
    4,923       60,621       20       65,564  
Available-for-sale equities
    192       546       99       837  
Equities designated at fair value through income
    5       193       462       660  
Derivatives held not held for trading
    -       6,222       -       6,222  
Unit-linked investments
    -       3,899       -       3,899  
Other assets
    -       1,468       -       1,468  
Total assets at fair value
    19,211       266,407       5,685       291,303  
                                 
Financial liabilities
                               
Financial liabilities held for trading
    6,587       184,194       1,306       192,087  
Due to customers
    -       22       -       22  
Issued debt securities
    -       33,133       3,723       36,856  
Derivatives not held for trading
    -       7,143       -       7,143  
Unit-linked liabilities
    -       3,898       -       3,898  
Subordinated liabilities
    -       722       -       722  
Total liabilities at fair value
    6,587       229,112       5,029       240,728  

Transfers between level 1 and 2
The movement between levels 1 and 2 is attributable to amongst others a move of EUR 15 billion interest earning securities from level 2 to level 1 due to increased liquidity of the markets and availability of prices.  Additionally certain OTC foreign exchange derivatives (assets of EUR 2.1 billion and liabilities of EUR 2.1 billion) and Asian government debt securities (EUR 1.5 billion) were transferred from level 1 to level 2 reflecting refinements of hierarchy level classification in 2009.
 
 
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Level 3 sensitivity analysis
The tables below present the Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value as at the balance sheet date, the valuation basis, main assumptions and unobservable inputs used in the valuation of these instruments for which the reasonably possible alternative assumptions would have a significant impact on the fair value of the instrument.

(in millions of euros)
 
Reasonably possible alternative assumptions
   
 Valuation technique
 
 Main assumptions
 
Carrying value
 
Increase in fair value
 
Decrease in fair value
Financial assets
Debt securities:
                   
Structured loans
 
Proprietary model
 
Credit spreads, indices
 
575
 
51
 
29
Other
 
Proprietary model
 
Credit spreads, indices
 
148
 
28
 
7
Derivatives:
                   
   Credit
 
Proprietary CVA model, industry option models, correlation model
 
Counterparty credit risk, correlation, volatility
 
813
 
39
 
39
   Other
     
401
 
35
 
34
Equity shares
 
Private equity – valuation statements
 
Fund valuations
 
728
 
178
 
122
Balance at 31 December 2009
     
2,665
 
331
 
231
Financial liabilities
Derivatives:
                   
   Credit
 
Proprietary CVA model, industry option models, correlation model
 
Correlation, volatility, counterparty credit risk
 
279
 
52
 
39
   Other
     
526
 
107
 
31
Issued debt securities
 
Proprietary model
 
Credit spreads, volatility, correlation
 
1,969
 
13
 
53
Balance at 31 December 2009
     
2,774
 
172
 
123


 
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(in millions of euros)
 
Reasonably possible alternative assumptions
   
 Valuation technique
 
 Main assumptions
 
Carrying value
 
Increase in fair value
 
Decrease in fair value
Financial assets
Debt securities:
         
1,059
 
117
 
151
   CDOs
 
Proprietary model, industry standard, simulation model
 
Implied collateral valuation, default rates, housing prices, correlation, credit spreads and recovery rates
 
670
 
107
 
107
   CLOs
     
105
 
2
 
10
   Other
     
284
 
8
 
34
Derivatives:
         
4,065
 
629
 
830
   Credit
 
Proprietary CVA model, industry option models, correlation model
 
Counterparty credit risk, correlation, volatility
 
1,645
 
208
 
371
   Other
         
2,420
 
421
 
459
Equity shares
 
Private equity – valuation statements
 
Fund valuations
 
561
 
40
 
80
Balance at 31 December 2008
     
5,685
 
786
 
1,061
Financial liabilities
Derivatives:
         
1,306
 
175
 
199
   Credit
 
Proprietary CVA model, industry option models, correlation model
 
Correlation, volatility, counterparty credit risk
 
1,029
 
130
 
147
   Other
     
277
 
45
 
52
Issued debt securities
 
Proprietary model
 
Credit spreads, volatility, correlation
 
3,723
 
151
 
166
Balance at 31 December 2008
     
5,029
 
326
 
365

The total estimated change in fair value using a valuation technique with unobservable inputs recognised in the profit and loss account for the year 2009 is a loss of EUR 421 million (2008: loss of EUR 662 million).

For each of the portfolio categories shown in the above table, set out below is a description of the types of products that comprise the portfolio and the valuation techniques that are applied in determining fair value, including a description of models used and inputs to those models.  Where reasonably possible alternative assumptions of unobservable inputs used in models would change the fair value of the portfolio significantly, the alternative inputs are indicated along with the impact these would have on the fair value.  Where there have been significant changes to valuation techniques during the year a discussion of the reasons for this is also included.

Financial assets in level 3 in 2009 primarily comprise derivatives and equity shares.

Derivatives
Level 3 derivative assets and liabilities are comprised of credit derivatives and other derivatives.

Derivatives are priced using quoted prices for the same or similar instruments where these are available. Certain derivatives are valued using pricing models. Inputs for these models are usually observed directly in the market, or derived from observed prices. However, it is not always possible to observe or corroborate all model inputs. Unobservable inputs used are based on estimates taking into account a range of available information including historic analysis, historic traded levels, market practice, comparison to other relevant benchmark observable data and consensus pricing data.

Credit derivatives
ABN AMRO’s credit derivatives include vanilla and bespoke portfolio tranches, gap risk products and certain other unique trades. The bespoke portfolio tranches are synthetic tranches referenced to a portfolio of corporate names on which ABN AMRO purchases credit protection. Bespoke portfolio tranches are valued using Gaussian Copula, a standard method which uses observable market inputs (credit spreads, index tranche prices and recovery rates) to generate an output price for the tranche via a mapping methodology. In essence this method takes the expected loss of the tranche expressed as a fraction of the
 
 
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expected loss of the whole underlying portfolio and calculates which detachment point on the liquid index, and hence which correlation level, coincides with this expected loss fraction. Where the inputs into the valuation technique used are observable in the market, bespoke tranches are considered to be level 2 assets. Where inputs are not observable, bespoke tranches are considered to be level 3 assets.

Gap risk products are leveraged trades with the counterparty’s potential loss capped at the amount of the initial principal invested. Gap risk is the probability that the market will move discontinuously too quickly to exit a portfolio and return the principal to the counterparty without incurring losses, should an unwind event be triggered. This optionality is embedded within these portfolio structures and is very rarely traded outright in the market. Gap risk is not observable in the markets and, as such, these structures are deemed to be level 3 instruments.

Other unique trades are valued using a specialised model for each instrument and the same market data inputs as all other trades where applicable. By their nature, the valuation is also driven by a variety of other model inputs, many of which are unobservable in the market.  Where these instruments have embedded optionality it is valued using a variation of the Black-Scholes option pricing formula, and where they have correlation exposure it is valued using a variant of the Gaussian Copula model. The volatility or unique correlation inputs required to value these products are generally unobservable and the instruments are therefore deemed to be level 3 instruments.

Equity derivatives
Equity derivative products are split into equity exotic derivatives and equity hybrids. Equity exotic derivatives have payouts based on the performance of one or more stocks, equity funds or indices. Most payouts are based on the performance of a single asset and are valued using observable market option data. Unobservable equity derivative trades are typically complex basket options on stocks. Such basket option payouts depend on the performance of more than one equity asset and require correlations for their valuation. Valuation is then performed using industry standard valuation models, with unobservable correlation inputs calculated by reference to correlations observed between similar underlyings.

Equity hybrids have payouts based on the performance of a basket of underlyings where the underlyings are from different asset classes. Correlations between these different underlyings are typically unobservable with no market information for closely related assets available. Where no market for the correlation input exists, these inputs are based on historical time series.

Interest rate, commodity and foreign exchange derivatives
Interest rate, commodity and foreign exchange options provide a payout (or series of payouts) linked to the performance of one or more underlying, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodities. Exotic options do not trade in active markets except in a small number of cases. Consequently, ABN AMRO uses models to determine fair value using valuation techniques typical for the industry. These techniques can be divided, firstly, into modelling approaches and, secondly, into methods of assessing appropriate levels for model inputs. ABN AMRO uses a variety of proprietary models for valuing exotic trades.

Exotic valuation inputs include correlation between interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. Correlations for more liquid rate pairs are valued using independently sourced consensus pricing levels.  Where a consensus pricing benchmark is unavailable, these instruments are categorised as level 3.

Reasonably possible alternative assumptions
For all level 3 derivatives, unobservable inputs are principally comprised of correlations, volatilities and counterparty credit risks.  Where a derivative valuation relies significantly on an unobservable input, the valuation is shown in level 3. It is usual for such derivative valuations to depend on several observable, and one or few unobservable model inputs. In determining reasonably possible alternative assumptions, the relative impact of unobservable inputs as compared to those which may be observed was considered within a certain range.

Equities designated at fair value through income
Equities designated at fair value through income classified as level 3 include mainly private equity investments. In general private equity investments cannot be valued directly from quoted market prices or
 
 
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by using valuation techniques supported by observable market prices or other market data. The fair value is determined using a valuation technique applied in accordance with the European Private Equity and Venture Capitalist Association guidelines (EVCA). Reasonably possible alternative assumptions relate mainly to terminal and explicit growth rates, as well as a range of observable price multiples.

Other assets
Other level 3 financial instruments comprise mainly trading customer structured debt securities. Where observable market prices for a particular debt security are not available, the fair value will typically be determined with reference to observable market transactions in other related products, such as similar debt securities or credit derivatives.These loans are primarily traded alongside a CDS hedge to eliminate the credit risk and valued at the traded spread over LIBOR using standard discounted cashflow methodology. In determining reasonable possible alternative assumptions ABN AMRO considered spreads from available market prices in determining the inputs to the valuation methodology applied.

Issued debt securities
Issued debt securities classified as level 3 are valued using independent quotes from market participants for the debt issuance spreads above average interbank rates (at a range of tenors) which the market would demand when purchasing new senior or sub-debt issuances from ABN AMRO. Where necessary, these quotes are interpolated using a curve shape derived from CDS prices.

The movements in level 3 assets and liabilities are presented below.

   
Level 3 movements
 
   
At 01 January 2009
   
Gains and losses recognised in income statement or OCI
   
Transfers in/(out) of level 3
   
Transfers to RBS
   
Purchases and issues
   
Sales and settlements
   
Foreign exchange
   
At 31 December 2009
   
Gains and losses relating to instruments held at year end
 
Financial assets
                                                     
Debt Securities
                                                     
Held for trading
    1,039       4       44       (1,020 )     12       (64 )     80       95       (85 )
Available-for-sale
    17       (4 )     54       (70 )     70       (13 )     (1 )     53       (1 )
Designated at fair value
    3       -       -       -       -       (3 )     -       -       -  
                                                                         
Equity shares
                                                                       
Held for trading
    -       -       41       -       -       -       -       41       -  
Available-for-sale
    99       84       (29 )     -       -       (2 )     -       152       85  
Designated at fair value
    462       (10 )     147       -       (10 )     (50 )     (3 )     536       (32 )
                                                                         
Derivatives
    4,065       (783 )     (647 )     (1,951 )     238       (28 )     319       1,213       (784 )
Other assets
    -       29       546       -       -       -       -       575       4  
Total assets
    5,685       (680 )     156       (3,041 )     310       (160 )     395       2,665       (813 )
                                                                         
Financial liabilities
                                                                       
Derivatives
    1,306       (254 )     (214 )     -       -       (119 )     86       805       (238 )
Issued debt securities
    3,723       37       (1,933 )     -       472       (409 )     79       1,969       37  
Total liabilities
    5,029       (217 )     (2,147 )     -       472       (528 )     165       2,774       (201 )

Net gains and losses relating to assets recognised in the income statement and other comprehensive income were EUR 764 million loss and EUR 84 million respectively. Net gains and losses relating to liabilities have been recognised in the income statement.

Gains and losses recognised on assets held for trading and derivatives have been included in income from trading activities. Gains and losses on available-for-sale assets have been included in results from financial transactions and interest income.

Level 3 movements
Level 3 assets and liabilities decreased in the year mainly due to novations of positions to RBS Group, disposals, write downs and reclassifications in 2009.
 
 
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The decrease in debt securities and derivatives of respectively EUR 0.9 billion and EUR 2.9 billion was primarily due to novations to RBS Group of portfolios that are not part of the RBS acquired businesses included in ABN AMRO in the future.

Issued debt securities show a decrease of EUR 1.9 billion mainly due to a transfer from level 3 to level 2 of constant proportion portfolio insurance notes reflecting the expiration of the derivatives embedded in these notes in 2009.

In addition refinements of hierarchy levels resulted in transfers to level 2 of derivative assets and liabilities as well as from level 2 to level 3 of trading book loans.

Day one profits
Where model inputs are considered unobservable and have more than an insignificant impact on the valuation, any gains on initial recognition are deferred on the balance sheet, as a Day 1 profit and loss reserve, and amortised over the life of the instruments. The table below shows the movement in the reserve:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Unamortised balance at 1 January
    124       191  
Deferral of profit on new transactions
    18       107  
Recognised in the income statement during the period:
               
Subsequent to observability
    (4 )     (3 )
Amortisation
    (17 )     (58 )
Maturity or termination
    (78 )     (83 )
Exchange differences
    6       (30 )
Unamortised balance at 31 December
    49       124  

Own credit
In certain circumstances ABN AMRO designates financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss. Designation is performed either to eliminate an accounting mismatch, for example, where the liability funds trading positions, or because the debt is managed and assessed on a fair value basis. When valuing financial liabilities recorded at fair value, IFRS requires that an entity take into account the impact of its own credit standing, which, in aggregate, could have a significant impact on the valuation of the liabilities. The categories of financial liabilities on which own credit spread adjustments are made include issued debt securities, subordinated liabilities, and derivatives. An own credit adjustment is applied to positions where it is believed that counterparties will consider ABN AMRO’s creditworthiness when pricing trades including retail notes issuances.

ABN AMRO’s trading systems discount future cash outflows for liabilities measured at fair value at interbank offer rates. The adjustment for own credit spread represents the difference between the interbank offer rate and the rate which includes ABN AMRO’s own market-perceived risk of default. In general, it is anticipated that gains and losses arising from changes in ABN AMRO’s own credit spread will reverse over the life of the instrument unless repurchased.

For issued debt securities, this adjustment is based on independent quotes from market participants for the debt issuance spreads above average interbank rates (at a range of tenors) which the market would demand when purchasing new debt issuances from ABN AMRO.  Where necessary, these quotes are interpolated using a curve shape derived from CDS prices. For subordinated liabilities and covered bonds the own credit adjustment is based on the fair values of ABN AMRO’s senior notes which are observable.

ABN AMRO also considers the impact of own credit spreads when valuing derivative liabilities. In general, the impact is significant only for derivative liabilities that are not collateralised. In these circumstances, the own credit spread is calculated using credit spreads implied by CDSs.

The table below shows the own credit spread adjustments on liabilities recorded in the income statement during the year and a cumulative adjustment as at year end.
 
 
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Subordinated liabilities
   
Issued debt securities
   
Subtotal
   
Derivatives
   
Total 2009
   
2008
 
Cumulative at 1 January
    236       715       951       75       1,026       359  
Effect of changes to credit spreads
    (2 )     175       173       (18 )     155       565  
Foreign exchange effect
    -       47       47       1       48       102  
At 31 December
    234       937       1,171       58       1,229       1,026  

Financial assets and liabilities not carried at fair value
The following methods and significant assumptions have been applied to estimate the fair values of financial instruments carried at cost:

·
The fair value of variable rate financial instruments and those of a fixed rate nature maturing within 6 months of the balance sheet date are assumed to approximate their carrying amounts.  In the case of such loans, the fair value estimate does not reflect changes in credit quality, as the main impact of credit risk is already recognised separately through the deduction of the allowances for credit losses from the carrying amounts.
·
The fair value of fixed rate loans and mortgages carried at amortised cost is estimated by comparing market interest rates when the loans were granted with current market rates offered on similar loans. Changes in the specific credit quality of loans within the portfolio are not taken into account in determining fair values, as the main impact of specific credit risk is already recognised separately through the deduction of the allowances for credit losses from the carrying amounts and the latent loss provisions.
·
The fair value of demand deposits and savings accounts (included in due to customers) with no specific maturity is assumed to be the amount payable on demand at the balance sheet date. The fair value of the other loans to customers and loans to banks is estimated by comparing market interest rates when the loans were granted with current market rates offered on similar loans.
·
The fair value of issued debt securities and subordinated liabilities is based on quoted prices. Where these are not available, fair value is based on expected cashflows discounted using independent quotes from market participants for the debt issuance spreads above average interbank rates (at a range of tenors) which the market would demand when purchasing new senior or sub-debt issuances from ABN AMRO.  Where necessary, these quotes are interpolated using a curve shape derived from CDS prices.

The following table compares the carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities recorded at amortised cost to their estimated fair values(1):

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Carrying amount
   
Fair value
   
Difference
   
Carrying amount
   
Fair value
   
Difference
 
Financial assets
                                   
Cash and balances at central banks
    28,382       28,382       -       5,854       5,854       -  
Interest earning securities HTM
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Loans and receivables - banks
    39,659       39,357       (302 )     75,566       75,322       (244 )
Loans and receivables - customers
    218,246       210,698       (7,548 )     270,119       267,258       (2,861 )
                                                 
Total
    286,287       278,437       (7,850 )     351,539       348,434       (3,105 )
                                                 
Financial liabilities
                                               
Due to banks
    46,145       45,960       185       94,620       94,627       (7 )
Due to customers
    196,648       196,597       51       208,984       210,392       (1,408 )
Issued debt securities
    55,124       54,469       655       74,440       72,030       2,410  
Subordinated liabilities
    13,839       13,059       780       12,837       8,183       4,654  
                                                 
Total
    311,756       310,085       1,671       390,881       385,232       5,649  

(1) Negative amounts represent a reduction to net assets. Positive amounts represent an increase to net assets.

 
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38           Financial risk management

 
Financial instrument risk disclosures
This section provides details of the exposure to risk arising from financial instruments and how those risks are managed. In addition, this note includes a discussion on the extent to which financial instruments are used, the associated risks and the business purpose served.

The most important types of risk associated with financial instruments are:
·
Credit risk and country event risk;
·
Liquidity risk;
·
Interest rate risk (banking book positions); and
·
Market risk (trading portfolio) including liquidity risk, currency risk, interest rate risk, equity price risk and commodity risk of the trading book.

Below is a short description of credit, liquidity, interest rate and market risk within ABN AMRO’s financial instruments portfolio and their impact on ABN AMRO’s financial position and performance as shown in the quantitative tables.

Credit risk

Measurement and control
ABN AMRO is subject to credit risk through its lending, trading, hedging and investing activities as well as in cases where it acts as an intermediary on behalf of customers or other third parties or issues guarantees.

Senior management is responsible for establishing the credit policies and the mechanisms, organisation and procedures required to analyse, manage and control credit risk. In this respect, counterparty limits are set and an internal system of credit ratings is applied.

The primary exposure to credit risk arises through loans, credit facilities and guarantees issued, financial assets held for trading (interest earning securities and derivatives) and derivatives used for hedging.

The risk that counterparties might default on their obligations is monitored on an ongoing basis. For each transaction it is evaluated whether collateral or a master netting agreement is required to help mitigate the credit risk.

Maximum exposure to credit risk
The amounts stated in the table represent the maximum accounting loss that would be recognised at the balance sheet date if counterparties failed completely to perform as contracted and any collateral or security proved to be of no value. Consequently, the amounts significantly exceed expected losses in the event of counterparty default.

   
2009
   
2008
 
Derivative assets held for trading
    54,234       178,896  
Interest earning securities
    73,526       65,564  
Loans and receivables – banks
    31,044       36,113  
Loans and receivables – customers
    207,845       252,050  
Professional securities transactions
    18,751       52,646  
Multi-seller conduits
    265       5,264  
Committed credit facilities
    51,520       63,436  
Credit related contingent liabilities
    36,767       42,148  
Total
    473,952       696,117  

The maximum credit exposure on derivative assets held for trading is measured as the current positive fair value. For interest-earning securities the amortised cost rather than the carrying value is included to reflect the credit risk exposure.

For a breakdown of counterparties for interest-earning securities in the available-for-sale category please refer to note 15. According to the requirements of the DNB, ABN AMRO has no individually significant exposure to any single counterparty in the category loans and receivables.
 
 
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Credit risk concentrations
Concentrations of credit risk (whether on- or off-balance sheet) that share similar characteristics such that their ability to meet contractual obligations is likely to be affected in a similar way to changes in economic or other conditions. As part of managing risk concentrations, country risk and sector risk are managed on a portfolio basis. Refer to the following tables for details of the credit risk concentrations on the customer portfolio.

Credit risk concentrations by geography and sector

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Outstanding
      % (1)  
Outstanding
      % (1)
Netherlands
                           
Loans and receivables to banks
    10,404       26       15,041       20  
Loans and receivables to public sector
    1,678       61       1,590       18  
Loans and receivables to commercial
    56,504       55       66,043       48  
Loans and receivables to consumer
    103,822       97       102,727       94  
Total
    172,408               185,401          
                                 
Europe (excluding Netherlands)
                               
Loans and receivables to banks
    23,921       60       56,815       75  
Loans and receivables to public sector
    478       18       544       6  
Loans and receivables to commercial
    30,081       29       45,477       33  
Loans and receivables to consumer
    110       -       2,384       2  
Total
    54,590               105,220          
                                 
North America
                               
Loans and receivables to banks
    663       2       902       1  
Loans and receivables to public sector
    89       3       105       1  
Loans and receivables to commercial
    5,032       5       9,206       7  
Loans and receivables to consumer
    1       -                
Total
    5,785               10,213          
                                 
Latin America
                               
Loans and receivables to banks
    181       1       156       -  
Loans and receivables to public sector
    -       -                
Loans and receivables to commercial
    368       -       531       -  
Loans and receivables to consumer
    3       -       4       -  
Total
    552               691          
                                 
Asia Pacific
                               
Loans and receivables to banks
    4,565       11       2,698       4  
Loans and receivables to public sector
    477       18       6,547       75  
Loans and receivables to commercial
    11,433       11       17,227       12  
Loans and receivables to consumer
    3,405       3       4,183       4  
Total
    19,880               30,655          
                                 
Total
                               
Loans and receivables to banks(2)
    39,734               75,612          
Loans and receivables to public sector
    2,722               8,786          
Loans and receivables to commercial
    103,418               138,484          
Loans and receivables to consumer
    107,341               109,298          
Total
    253,215               332,180          
Professional securities transactions - customers
    10,136               13,193          
Multi-seller conduits
    265               5,264          
Total loans and receivables
    263,616               350,637          

(1) Calculated as a percentage of the total for banks, public, commercial and consumer sectors respectively.
(2) Includes professional securities transactions - banks amounting to EUR 8,615 million (2008: EUR 39,453 million)

 
155

 

Credit risk concentrations from credit facilities and guarantees issued by geography:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Outstanding
      % (1)  
Outstanding
      % (1)
Netherlands
                           
Guarantees and other commitment
    4,703       13       4,228       10  
Committed credit facilities
    14,053       27       17,552       28  
Total
    18,756               21,780          
                                 
Europe (excluding Netherlands)
                               
Guarantees and other commitment
    21,055       57       25,083       59  
Committed credit facilities
    20,570       40       23,351       36  
Total
    41,625               48,434          
                                 
North America
                               
Guarantees and other commitment
    6,423       17       6,884       16  
Committed credit facilities
    14,115       28       18,220       29  
Total
    20,538               25,104          
                                 
Latin America
                               
Guarantees and other commitment
    154       1       230       1  
Committed credit facilities
    220       -       320       1  
Total
    374               550          
                                 
Asia Pacific
                               
Guarantees and other commitment
    4,432       12       5,723       14  
Committed credit facilities
    2,562       5       3,993       6  
Total
    6,994               9,716          
                                 
Total
                               
Guarantees and other commitment
    36,767               42,148          
Committed credit facilities
    51,520               63,436          
Total
    88,287               105,584          

(1) Calculated as a percentage of the totals for credit related contingent liabilities and committed credit facilities respectively.

Total commercial loans and receivables by industry are presented in the table below:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Outstanding
   
%
   
Outstanding
   
%
 
Central and local government
    663       1       523       -  
Manufacturing
    19,530       19       30,980       22  
Construction
    1,638       1       1,967       1  
Finance
    25,784       25       33,996       25  
Service industries and other business activities
    45,599       44       56,353       41  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
    5,216       5       5,099       4  
Property and mortgages
    4,988       5       9,566       7  
Total
    103,418               138,484          

Total consumer loans and receivables by product type are presented in table below:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Outstanding
   
%
   
Outstanding
   
%
 
Mortgages
    95,069       89       94,147       86  
Personal lending
    740       1       1,667       2  
Credit Card
    327       -       1,394       1  
Other consumer loans
    11,205       10       12,090       11  
Total
    107,341               109,298          

Collateral
It is ABN AMRO’s policy to reduce or mitigate credit risk on credit facilities or exposure, as much as possible in a given commercial environment by securing credit facilities or exposure with collateral. To correctly assess the extent to which the collateral mitigates the credit risk the collateral must be valued according to a specified valuation method and properly documented and monitored.
 
 
156


 
Collateral is obtained if and when required prior to the disbursement of approved loans. Guarantees and letters of credit are also subject to strict credit assessments before being provided. The extent of collateral held for guarantees and letters of credit is on average 13% (2008: 16%).

ABN AMRO does not disclose the fair value of collateral held as security or other credit enhancements on loans and advances past due but not impaired, or on individually assessed impaired loans and advances, as it is not practicable to do so.

The following table details loans and receivables from commercial and consumer clients by type of collateral obtained.

   
2009
   
2008
 
Commercial customers
           
Public authority guarantees
    7,484       5,712  
Mortgages
    5,553       5,687  
Securities
    1,827       2,291  
Bank guarantees
    3,673       5,082  
Other types of collateral
    23,665       48,289  
Unsecured
    61,216       71,423  
Total
    103,418       138,484  
                 
Consumer customers
               
Public authority guarantees
    498       187  
Mortgages
    95,069       94,146  
Securities
    560       804  
Bank guarantees
    13       19  
Other types of collateral
    2,408       4,861  
Unsecured
    8,793       9,281  
Total
    107,341       109,298  

Credit quality of financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired 31 December 2009
The credit quality of the portfolio of financial assets can be assessed with reference to ABN AMRO’s internal credit rating system which reflects the probability of default of an obligor, i.e. the likelihood that a counterparty fails to pay interest and/or principal and/or other financial obligations to the bank.

ABN AMRO’s internal counterparty ratings are a crucial tool for managing and monitoring the credit risk of the bank, both at counterparty and portfolio level. The counterparty rating is based on many aspects including both a financial and non-financial analysis of the counterparty.

Each counterparty to whom ABN AMRO grants any type of credit facility or who has an exposure is assigned a Uniform Counterparty Rating (UCR) on a scale of 1 to 8, whereby UCR 1 is of prime quality while UCR 6-8 is, by definition, 'in default' according to the ABN AMRO definition of default.

The table below gives an overview of the relation between the internal ratings of ABN AMRO (UCR) and the counterparty’s long-term average (through-the-cycle) probability of default and an indication of how the internal ratings of ABN AMRO compare to the external rating agencies Standards & Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s.

 
1
2+ till 2-
3+ till 3-
4+ till 4-
5+ till 5-
6+
6-8
UCR
             
Expected default rates (%) 2009
0-0.03
0.04-0.10
0.19-0.42
0.68-1.96
3.54-12.92
26.18
100
Standards & Poor’s / Fitch
AAA/AA-
A+/A-
BBB+/BBB-
BB+/BB-
B+/B-
CCC+/C
Moody’s
AAA/Aa3
A1/A3
Baa1/Baa3
Ba1/-Ba3
B1-B3
Caa1/C

The following tables show the credit quality of the financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired on respectively 31 December 2009 and 2008:


 
157

 

Neither past due nor impaired at 31 December 2009(1):

      1    
2+ till 2-
   
3+ till 3-
   
4+ till 4-
   
5+ till 5-
      6 +  
Not rated
   
Total 2009
 
UCR
                                                   
Interest earning securities in Banking Book
    61,475       5,754       1,868       631       2       264       3,532       73,526  
Loans and receivables - Banks
    25,473       6,880       872       4,744       129       407       1,111       39,616  
Loans and receivables - Public sector
    962       1,148       11       325       208       60       8       2,722  
Loans and receivables - Commercial
    5,949       8,172       19,443       33,437       12,843       8,485       7,632       95,961  
Derivatives
    20,470       17,611       6,091       6,029       866       1,023       4,456       56,546  
Off-balance instruments
    2,625       15,678       18,591       8,237       2,147       3,480       762       51,520  
Total
    116,954       55,243       46,876       53,403       16,195       13,719       17,501       319,891  

(1) Excluding discontinued operations

Neither past due nor impaired at 31 December 2008(1):

      1    
2+ till 2-
   
3+ till 3-
   
4+ till 4-
   
5+ till 5-
      6 +  
Not rated
   
Total 2008
 
UCR
                                                   
Interest earning securities in Banking Book
    53,518       4,103       874       1,710       42       388       4,930       65,565  
Loans and receivables - Banks
    54,495       10,402       2,499       1,416       247       879       5,626       75,564  
Loans and receivables - Public sector
    7,562       236       175       462       196       29       125       8,785  
Loans and receivables - Commercial
    8,934       15,872       34,947       43,852       11,710       6,692       11,204       133,211  
Derivatives
    117,976       31,868       6,011       7,895       1,014       3,440       16,914       185,118  
Off-balance instruments
    7,841       17,576       19,058       4,497       1,235       8,132       5,097       63,436  
Total
    250,326       80,057       63,564       59,832       14,444       19,560       43,896       531,679  

(1) Excluding discontinued operations

Credit quality of consumer loans
Loans and receivables consumer of EUR 104,200 million (2008: EUR 106,457 million) are not rated. An indication of the credit quality of these loans and receivables can be derived from the table below and the collateral obtained for the loans and receivables as well as the geographical breakdown of the underlying products of the portfolio as included in the earlier table within this note.

Credit quality of financial assets that are past due but not impaired
The tables below show the analysis of the financial assets that are past due but not impaired:

   
Past due
≤ 30 days
   
Past due
> 30 - ≤90 days
   
Past due
> 90 - ≤180 days
   
Past due
> 180 days - ≤ 1 year
   
Past due > 1 year
   
Total
 
31 December 2009
                                   
Loans and receivables – commercial
    360       122       106       28       7       623  
Loans and receivables – consumer
    1,357       635       4       5       1       2,002  

   
Past due
≤ 30 days
   
Past due
> 30 - ≤90 days
   
Past due
 > 90 - ≤180 days
   
Past due
 > 180 days - ≤ 1 year
   
Past due > 1 year
   
Total
 
31 December 2008
                                   
Loans and receivables – commercial
    191       229       66       9       6       501  
Loans and receivables – consumer
    1,554       912       28       5       4       2,503  

ABN AMRO does not disclose the fair value of collateral held as security or other credit enhancements on loans and advances past due but not impaired, or on individually assessed impaired loans and advances, as it is not practicable to do so.

 
158

 

Credit structuring
ABN AMRO structures investments to provide specific risk profiles to investors. This may involve the sale of credit exposures, often by way of credit derivatives, to an entity which subsequently funds the credit exposures by issuing securities. These securities may initially be held by ABN AMRO prior to a sale to external parties.

Liquidity risk

Measurement and control
Liquidity risk arises in any bank’s general funding of its activities. For example, a bank may be unable to fund its portfolio of assets at appropriate maturities and rates, or may find itself unable to liquidate a position in a timely manner at a reasonable price. ABN AMRO holds capital to absorb unexpected losses, and manages liquidity to ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet not only the known cash funding requirements, but also any unanticipated ones that may arise. At all times, ABN AMRO maintains what we believe to be adequate levels of liquidity on a group-wide basis to meet deposit withdrawals, repay borrowings and fund new loans, even under stressed conditions.

ABN AMRO manages liquidity on a daily basis in all the countries in which it operates. Each national market is unique in terms of the scope and depth of its financial markets, competitive environment, products and customer profile. Therefore local line management is responsible for managing our local liquidity requirements under the supervision of Group Asset and Liability Management on behalf of the Group Asset and Liability Committee.

On a day-to-day basis ABN AMRO’s liquidity management depends on, among other things, the effective functioning of local and international financial markets. As this is not always the case, group-wide contingency funding plans are in place. These plans are put into effect in the event of a dramatic change in the normal business activities or in the stability of the local or international financial markets. As part of this liquidity management contingency planning, ABN AMRO continually assess potential trends, demands, commitments, events and uncertainties that could reasonably result in increases or decreases in our liquidity. More specifically, ABN AMRO considers the impact of these potential changes on its sources of short-term funding and long-term liquidity planning.

As ABN AMRO has entered into committed credit facilities, the liquidity management process also involves assessing the potential effect of the contingencies inherent in these types of transactions on normal sources of liquidity and finance.

During the year the remainder of the multiseller conduits were transferred to RBS Group with only one own asset conduit remaining within ABN AMRO. The outstanding of this program as at 31 December 2009 was approximately EUR 8.7 billon (2008: EUR 17.8 billion)

Maturity analysis of assets and liabilities
The table below summarises the maturity profile of ABN AMRO's financial assets and liabilities as at 31 December. Trading derivatives are shown at fair value in a separate column. All derivatives used for hedging purposes are shown by maturity, based on their contractual remaining undiscounted cash flows. This is not consistent with how ABN AMRO looks at liquidity as the models used also take into account the expected behaviour of customers and other factors.
 
 

 
159

 

Maturity based on contractual undiscounted cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2009:

   
On demand
   
Trading derivatives
   
≤ 1 year
   
> 1 year-
< 5 years
   
> 5 years
   
Maturity not applicable
   
Total
 
Assets
                                         
Cash and balances at central banks
    7,208       -       21,325       -       30       -       28,563  
Financial assets held for trading
    11,478       54,234       -       -       -       12,346       78,058  
Financial investments
    74       -       12,316       25,183       52,306       1,371       91,250  
Loans and receivables - banks
    21,323       -       15,567       1,828       1,297       -       40,015  
Loans and receivables - customers
    27,143       -       39,808       40,274       169,458       -       276,683  
Other assets - non derivatives
    -       -       182       536       60       29,375 *     30,153  
Other assets - derivatives
    -       -       690       2,974       511       -       4,175  
Total
    67,226       54,234       89,888       70,795       223,662       43,092       548,897  
                                                         
Liabilities
                                                       
Financial liabilities held for trading
    4,536       58,151       -       -       -       -       62,687  
Due to banks
    14,435       -       28,241       3,150       1,201       -       47,027  
Due to customers
    94,190       -       94,732       3,652       6,758       -       199,332  
Issued debt securities
    245       -       40,005       29,152       39,486       -       108,888  
Subordinated liabilities
    -       -       843       47       18,869       -       19,759  
Other liabilities - non derivatives
    1,661       -       59       673       1,811       31,002       35,206  
Other liabilities - derivatives
    -       -       963       3,554       3,684       -       8,201  
Total
    115,067       58,151       164,843       40,228       71,809       31,002       481,100  
                                                         
Off-balance liabilities (see note 34)
                                                 
Guarantees
    33,568                                               33,568  
Irrevocable facilities
    3,199                                               3,199  
Committed facilities
    51,520                                               51,520  

* includes equity accounted investments, property and equipment, goodwill and other intangibles, assets which are held for sale, accrued income and prepaid expenses, tax and other assets.

Maturity based on contractual undiscounted cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2008:

   
On demand
   
Trading derivatives
   
≤ 1year
   
> 1 year-
≤ 5 years
   
> 5 years
   
Maturity not applicable
   
Total
 
Assets
                                         
Cash and balances at central banks
    5,400       -       426       -       50       -       5,876  
Financial assets held for trading
    21,327       178,896               -       -       12,430       212,653  
Financial investments
    -       -       7,979       17,166       63,540       1,497       90,182  
Loans and receivables - banks
    4,237       -       69,445       3,005       1,317       -       78,004  
Loans and receivables - customers
    33,976       -       73,520       51,979       185,126       -       344,601  
Other assets - non derivatives
    21       -       509       57       60       32,027       32,674  
Other assets - derivatives
    -       -       1,976       151       547       -       2,674  
Total
    64,961       178,896       153,855       72,358       250,640       45,954       766,664  
                                                         
Liabilities
                                                       
Financial liabilities held for trading
    5,413       186,674       -       -       -       -       192,087  
Due to banks
    25,309       -       65,461       4,816       1,376       -       96,962  
Due to customers
    79,226       -       118,548       8,204       7,599       -       213,577  
Issued debt securities
    608       -       45,360       47,921       35,474       -       129,363  
Subordinated liabilities
    -       -       1,551       1,005       16,835       -       19,391  
Other liabilities - non derivatives
    3,757       -       40       56       57       20,888       24,798  
Other liabilities - derivatives
    -       -       2,403       436       2,303       -       5,142  
Total
    114,313       186,674       233,363       62,438       63,644       20,888       681,320  
                                                         
Off-balance liabilities (see note 34)
                                                 
Guarantees
    37,509                                               37,509  
Irrevocable facilities
    4,639                                               4,639  
Committed facilities
    63,436                                               63,436  


 
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Interest rate risk of the banking book
The Earnings Risk table below shows the cumulative sensitivity of net interest income and equity over a time horizon of 12 and 24 months, under ’rate rise’ and ‘rate fall’ scenarios. Sensitivity is defined as the percentage change in net interest income relative to a base case scenario. The base case scenario assumes continuation of the present yield curve environment. The ‘rates rise’ and ‘rates fall’ scenarios assume a gradual parallel shift of the yield curve during 12 months, after which the curve remains unchanged. The sensitivity analysis is limited to the euro as this is the main currency in which ABN AMRO has its earnings. The rates rise and rates fall scenarios for the euro are 200 basis points for both years presented. In case of a rate fall there is an effective floor of 0%.

The following table shows the possible cumulative percentage change in income over the relevant time horizon.

Earnings Risk (in percentages)
   
 
Horizon
December 2009
December 2008
Rate rise
One year
(1.1%)
(4.1%)
 
Two years
(1.6%)
(5.0%)
Rate fall
One year
(4.5%)
2.4%
 
Two years
(9.2%)
0.5%

The Earnings risk table below gives the 2009 cumulative change in net interest income over the relevant time horizon in absolute numbers.

Earnings Risk (in millions of euros)
   
 
Horizon
December 2009
December 2008
Rate rise
One year
(35)
(105)
 
Two years
(109)
(271)
Rate fall
One year
(146)
62
 
Two years
(610)
26

The Market Value Risk table below shows the sensitivity of the market value of equity to changes in interest rates for the euro. Market value of equity is defined as the discounted value of assets, minus discounted value of liabilities, plus the market value of derivatives and other interest sensitive items in the banking book. Sensitivity is measured as the percentage value change due to an overnight interest rate change shock. The size of the shock is based on observed changes of the curve in a month and a 99% confidence level. The shock rate change for the euro was 50 basis points for both years. Due to the separation of ABN AMRO and related transfers of some portfolios after the take-over both years are not fully comparable.

Market Value Risk (in percentages)
   
   
December 2009
December 2008
Rate rise
(2.5%)
(3.8%)
Rate fall
1.7%
3.3%

Sensitivity analysis is based upon our interest rate risk modelling of assets and liabilities and is used for risk management purposes only. The model above assumes that during the course of the year no other changes are made in the respective portfolio. Earnings Risk shows one possible prediction based upon the model and actual changes in net interest income will vary from the model.

Market risk of the trading books
All trading portfolios are subject to market risk. Several major sources of market risk are interest rate, foreign exchange, equity price, commodity price, credit spread, volatility, and correlation risks. We define market risk as the risk that changes in financial market prices will decrease the value of our trading portfolios. The instruments in our trading portfolios are recognised at fair value and changes in market conditions directly affect net trading income.


 
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Measurement and control
ABN AMRO applies a Value-at-Risk (VaR) methodology to estimate the market risk of its trading portfolios. ABN AMRO uses VaR as its primary tool for the day-to-day monitoring of market risks. The Group Asset and Liability Committee sets limits on the maximum level of VaR at an aggregate level. The risk committees may set VaR limits on lower aggregation levels.

Other control measures used in the market risk management process include historical and stress scenarios, limits on net open positions, interest rate sensitivity per basis point, spread sensitivities, option parameters, position concentrations, and position ageing.

Value-at-Risk
VaR is a methodology for assessing market risk exposure in a single number. VaR is a statistical measure that estimates potential losses and is defined as the predicted loss that might be caused by changes in risk factors under normal circumstances, over a specified period of time, and at a specified level of statistical confidence. ABN AMRO uses a proprietary VaR model that has been approved by the DNB.

The VaR methodology adopted by ABN AMRO for its VaR calculation is historical simulation, using approximately 1.5 years of weighted (exponential decay method) historical data. The VaR is calculated at a 99% confidence level for a one-day holding period using absolute changes for interest rate-related and all implied volatility risk factors, and relative changes for other risk factors. The positions captured by our VaR calculations include derivative and cash positions that are reported as assets and liabilities held for trading. The VaR is reported daily per trading portfolio, per product line, and for ABN AMRO as a whole. It is reported daily to the senior management of the businesses, Group Risk Management, and the responsible members of the Managing Board.

The table below provides the 2009 and 2008 Value at Risk per risk category (99% confidence level, one-day holding period):

(in millions of euros)
 
For the year ended 31 December 2009
   
For the year ended 31 December 2008
 
   
Minimum
   
Maximum
   
Average
   
Year-end
   
Minimum
   
Maximum
   
Average
   
Year-end
 
Interest rate risk
    9.0       74.6       25.8       14.1       28.5       93.8       49.6       68.8  
Equity price risk
    2.6       21.0       11.2       12.0       12.6       79.9       29.7       19.4  
Foreign exchange risk
    0.4       16.4       5.1       1.7       2.7       19.6       8.5       13.9  
Commodity price risk
    0.3       2.5       0.8       0.6       0.4       12.7       2.2       2.0  
Diversification effect
    -       -       -       (14.3 )     -       -       -       (33.4 )
Aggregate VaR (1)
    7.0       70.7       24.4       14.1       30.7       113.5       57.4       70.7  

(1) The maximum (and minimum) for each category occurred on different days and therefore have no direct relation to the maximum (and minimum) of the aggregate Value-at-Risk. The aggregate Value-at-Risk includes the diversification effect of imperfect or negative correlations between certain risk types. Therefore the aggregate Value-at-Risk can be lower than the sum of the individual risk types on the same day (e.g. year-end).

Back testing is performed on the actual and hypothetical profit and loss and the results are reported to the DNB on a quarterly basis. At a 99% confidence level, the statistical expectation is that on one out of every 100 trading days a loss exceeding the VaR occurs. Back testing is an essential instrument for the ex post validation of our internal VaR model.

Stress testing
The limitations of the VaR model mean that it must be supplemented with other statistical tests. These include a series of stress tests, scenarios, and sensitivity stress tests that shed light on the hypothetical behaviour of our portfolio and the impact of extreme market movements on our financial results. Sensitivity stress tests and stress scenarios have been developed internally to reflect specific characteristics of ABN AMRO’s portfolios and are performed daily for each trading portfolio and at several aggregation levels. These apply parallel increases and decreases in a number of risk elements or in one risk element, actual historical scenarios (non-parallel moves in a number of risk elements) or plausible future shocks.

Capital management
ABN AMRO manages capital to comply with the rules on capital adequacy based on the Bank for International Settlements’ guidelines and Dutch Central Bank (‘DNB’) directives. These requirements compare ABN AMRO’s capital with its assets and off-balance sheet exposures, weighted according to the relative risk involved. Capital is also set aside for market risk associated with trading activities. The potential loss on derivatives, which is assessed as the fair value based on market conditions at balance
 
 
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sheet date, is increased by a percentage of the relevant notional amounts, depending on the nature and remaining term of the contract. This method takes into account the possible adverse development of the fair value during the remaining term of the contract.

The primary capital measure, referred to as ‘Tier 1 capital’ consists of shareholders’ equity (net of gains/losses not recognised in income) and qualifying subordinated liabilities less goodwill and capital deductions. Tier 2 capital represents additional qualifying subordinated liabilities, taking into account the remaining maturities. Core tier 1 capital is tier 1 capital excluding qualifying subordinated liabilities.

Subsequent to its acquisition by RFS Holdings, ABN AMRO received approval for a transitional period from the DNB to report figures on the basis of Basel I until legal separation. In accordance with this, specific minimal requirements have been set for the tier 1 and total capital ratios, including a requirement to treat capital deductions in the same manner as required by Basel II.

In this respect the minimum required ratios, as determined by the DNB, were increased in 2008 and remained unchanged for 2009. The minimum Tier 1 ratio required is 9% (2007: 4%) and the minimum total capital ratio is 12.5% (2007: 8%). ABN AMRO has exceeded these standards throughout the year including at balance sheet date with a Tier 1 ratio of 19.9% (2008: 10.9%), of which the core Tier 1 ratio is 16.9% (2008: 10.1%). The total capital ratio is 25.5% (2008: 14.4%) at 31 December 2009.

The management of these ratios reflects a total capital base increase of 17.9% (2008: decreased by 25.1%) to EUR 29.9 billion at 31 December 2009 (2008: EUR 25.4 billion) and a Risk weighted assets reduction of EUR 58.5 billion to EUR 117.5 billion at 31 December 2009 (2008: 176.0 billion).

Capital ratios are significantly higher than the current minima set by the DNB. This reflects remaining amounts to be repatriated to Santander, and the capital actions undertaken by RBS Group and the Dutch State to enable legal separation. The increase in capital is to ensure standalone compliance; and to meet expected requirements on the transition to Basel II in 2010, for the two separated banks.

The following table analyses ABN AMRO’s capital ratios at 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Tier 1 capital
    23,374       19,152       28,850  
Tier 2 capital
    6,575       5,981       4,816  
Tier 3 capital
    -       272       272  
Total capital base (including supervisory deductions)
    29,949       25,405       33,938  
                         
Risk-weighted assets on balance
    83,892       119,667       172,059  
Off-balance
    32,061       43,292       53,611  
Market risks
    1,582       13,069       6,642  
Total risk-weighted assets
    117,535       176,028       232,312  
                         
Tier 1 capital ratio
    19.89 %     10.88 %     12.42 %
Total capital ratio
    25.48 %     14.43 %     14.61 %

The following table analyses actual capital and the minimum standard needed in order to comply with supervisory requirements:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Required
   
Actual
   
Required
   
Actual
 
Total capital
    14,692       29,949       22,004       25,405  
Total capital ratio
    12.50 %     25.48 %     12.50 %     14.43 %
                                 
Tier 1 capital
    10,578       23,374       15,843       19,152  
Tier 1 capital ratio
    9.00 %     19.89 %     9.00 %     10.88 %
                                 
Core tier 1
    n/a       19,845       n/a       17,778  
Core tier 1 ratio
    n/a       16.88 %     n/a       10.10 %

As part of the management of capital, the ratios are hedged to mitigate the impact of any material changes in the EUR/USD exchange rate.
 
 
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ABN AMRO’s investments in foreign operations in currencies other than the USD are hedged on a selective basis. Hedging is considered in cases where the expected currency loss is larger than the interest rate differential between the two currencies that represents the cost of the hedge.

The table shows the sensitivity of our equity capital to a 10% appreciation and 10% depreciation, respectively, in the euro against all foreign currencies.

 (in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Euro appreciates 10%
    (259 )     312  
Euro depreciates 10%
    259       (312 )


39           Use of derivatives

Derivative instruments
ABN AMRO uses derivative instruments (a) to provide risk management solutions to its clients, (b) to manage ABN AMRO’s own exposure to various risks (including interest, currency and credit risks) and (c) for proprietary trading purposes. A derivative is a financial instrument that is settled at a future date and requires little or no initial net investment, and whose value varies in response to changes in the price of another financial instrument, an index or some other variable.

The majority of derivative contracts are arranged as to amount (‘notional’), tenor and price directly with the counterparty (over-the-counter). The remainder are standardised in terms of their amounts and settlement dates and are bought and sold in organised markets (exchange traded).

The notional, or contractual, amount of a derivative represents the reference quantity of the underlying financial instrument on which the derivative contract is based. The value of the derivative contract is typically determined by applying a calculated price to this notional amount, and is the basis upon which changes in the value of the contract are measured. The notional amount provides an indication of the underlying volume of business transacted by ABN AMRO but does not provide any measure of risk, and is not included on the balance sheet.

Positive and negative fair values on different transactions are only netted if the transactions are with the same counterparty and the cash flows will be settled on a net basis, and ABN AMRO has the legal right to offset separate transactions with that counterparty.

Types of derivative instruments
The most common types of derivatives used are as follows:

Forwards are binding contracts to buy or sell financial instruments, most typically currency, on a future date at a specified price. Forward contracts are tailor-made agreements that are transacted between counterparties in the over-the-counter (OTC) market.

Futures are exchange traded agreements to buy or sell a standard quantity of specified grade or type of financial instrument, currency or commodity at a specified future date.

Commodity derivatives are contracts to buy or sell a non-financial item. They can be either exchange traded or OTC.

Swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows on a specified notional amount for a predetermined period. Most swaps are traded OTC. The major types of swap transactions undertaken by ABN AMRO are as follows:
·
Interest rate swap contracts – typically the contractual exchange of fixed and floating rate interest payments in a single currency, based on a notional amount and a reference interest rate, most commonly LIBOR.
·
Cross currency swaps – the exchange of interest payments based on two different currency principal balances and reference interest rates, and usually the exchange of principal amounts at the start and end of the contract.
 
 
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·
Credit default swaps (CDSs) – bilateral agreements under which one party (protection buyer) makes one or more payments to the other party (protection seller) in exchange for an undertaking by the seller to make a payment to the buyer following a specified credit event. Credit default swaps may be on a single name (counterparty) or on a multiple (or basket) of names (counterparties). Settlement following a credit event may be a net cash amount, or cash in return for physical delivery of one or more obligations of the credit entity and is made regardless of whether the protection buyer has actually suffered a loss.
·
Total rate of return swaps - these give the total return receiver exposure to all of the cash flows and economic benefits and risks of an underlying asset, without having to own the asset, in exchange for a series of payments, often based on a reference interest rate, such as LIBOR. The total return payer has an equal and opposite position. A specific type of total return swap is an equity swap.

Options are contractual agreements under which, typically, the seller (writer) grants the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, either to buy (call option) or to sell (put option) by or at a set date, a specified quantity of a financial instrument or commodity at a predetermined price. The purchaser pays a premium to the seller for this right. Options may be traded OTC or on a regulated exchange, and may be traded in the form of a security (warrant).

Derivatives transacted for trading purposes
Most of the derivative transactions relate to sales and trading activities. Sales activities include the structuring and marketing of derivative products to customers to enable them to take, transfer, modify or reduce current or expected risks.

Trading activities are entered into principally for the purpose of generating profits from short-term fluctuations in price or margin, and include market-making, positioning and arbitrage activities:
·
Market making involves quoting bid and offer prices to other market participants with the intention of generating income based on spread and volume
·
Positioning means managing market risk positions with the expectation of profiting from favourable movements in prices, rates or indices
·
Arbitrage activities involve identifying and profiting from price differentials between markets and products.

Derivatives transacted for hedging purposes
ABN AMRO enters into derivative transactions for the purposes of hedging assets, liabilities, forecast transactions, cash flows and credit exposures. The accounting treatment of hedge transactions varies according to the nature of the instrument hedged and whether the hedge qualifies for accounting purposes (see accounting policies).

ABN AMRO also enters into derivative transactions which provide economic hedges for credit risk exposures but do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting treatment, for example, ABN AMRO uses CDSs as economic hedges for credit risk exposures in the loan and traded product portfolios, but generally do not apply hedge accounting to such positions.

Risks of derivative instruments
Derivative instruments are transacted in many trading portfolios, which generally include several types of instruments, not just derivatives. The market risk of derivatives is managed and controlled as an integral part of the market risk of these portfolios. ABN AMRO’s approach to market risk is described in the market risk section.

Derivative instruments are transacted with many different counterparties. The credit risk of derivatives is managed and controlled in the context of ABN AMRO’s overall credit exposure to each counterparty. ABN AMRO’s approach to credit risk is described in the financial credit risk section in note 38. It should be noted that although the values shown on the balance sheet can be an important component of ABN AMRO’s credit exposure, the positive fair values for any one counterparty are rarely an adequate reflection of ABN AMRO’s credit exposure on its derivatives business with that counterparty. This is because, on the one hand, fair values can increase over time (‘potential future exposure’), while on the other hand, exposure may be mitigated by entering into master netting agreements and bilateral collateral arrangements with counterparties.

 
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40           Securitisations and other credit risk mitigants

As part of ABN AMRO’s funding and credit risk mitigation activities, the cash flows of selected financial assets may be transferred to third parties for funding purposes. Substantially all financial assets included in these transactions are typically mortgage or other loan portfolios. The extent of ABN AMRO’s continuing involvement in these financial assets varies by transaction.

Full recognition and continuing involvement
ABN AMRO participates in sales transactions where financial assets and consequently the related cash flows are sold to a special purpose entity (‘SPE’). When in these transactions neither substantially all risks and rewards nor control over the financial assets has been transferred, the entire asset continues to be recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position. In the case of sales transactions involving a consolidated SPE, the retained risks and rewards are usually an interest related spread and/or an exposure on first credit losses. The carrying amounts of the assets and associated liabilities approximated EUR 1,323 million, EUR 4,609 million, and EUR 5,437 million at 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. In the event of a credit downgrade ABN AMRO may be required to post additional collateral in respect of these transactions.

Additionally, ABN AMRO participates in various mortgage related transactions in the Netherlands that have been conducted without the involvement of an SPE. In these transactions, the derecognition criteria are not met and the entire asset continues to be recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position. ABN AMRO also retains exposure to certain interest rate risks. The carrying amounts of these mortgage assets and associated liabilities approximated EUR 146 million, EUR 151 million, and EUR 203 million at 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

ABN AMRO has not participated in any transaction where partial derecognition of specified portions of an entire financial asset have occurred.

Synthetic transactions
ABN AMRO has synthetic securitisations for an amount of EUR 119 billion (2008: EUR 111 billion). Through a synthetic securitisation ABN AMRO is able to buy obtain protection without the actual transfer of any assets to an SPE. As a result, ABN AMRO as the owner of the assets buys protection to transfer a part of the credit risk on a portfolio of assets to another entity that sells the protection. Although a substantial part of the credit risk related to these loan portfolios is transferred, actual ownership and continued recognition of the portfolio of assets remains with ABN AMRO. If an SPE is involved, the securities are issued by the SPE only, and the third party investors that hold the securities have only recourse to the assets of the SPE and not to ABN AMRO.

The 31 December 2009 balance includes a EUR 34.4 billion transaction entered into in August 2009 with the Dutch State to reduce the credit risk, through a CDS, on the Netherlands mortgage portfolio.

Credit default swaps and guarantees
In addition to the transactions mentioned above, ABN AMRO also uses credit default swaps and guarantees to reduce credit risk for parts of the loan portfolio by selling these risks directly to the capital markets.

At 31 December 2009 ABN AMRO has bought credit protection, in the form of CDSs, for an amount of EUR 10,973 million (2008: EUR 23,413 million) directly from the capital markets. In order to mitigate the income statement volatility associated with the fair value changes of these credit default swaps and in line with ABN AMRO’s risk appetite and hedging strategy, hedges of these credit default swaps are entered into that are based on credit risk indices. The correlation of these with the credit default swaps is monitored and the strategy is adapted where necessary.

On 26 November 2009, The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc ('RBS Group') and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc ('RBS plc') signed an accession agreement to the UK Government's Asset Protection Scheme ('APS'). This scheme also encompasses some assets within the RBS acquired businesses of ABN AMRO. For these assets ABN AMRO has purchased credit protection through a guarantee and a CDS
 
 
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arrangement with RBS plc to strengthen the capital position and to de-risk future earnings. These arrangements relate to approximately EUR 30.0 billion of covered assets predominately commercial loan facilities.


41           Private equity investments

Private equity investments are either consolidated or held at fair value through income.

Consolidated private equity holdings
Investments of a private equity nature that are controlled by ABN AMRO are consolidated. These holdings represent a wide range of non-banking activities. Personnel and other costs relating to production and manufacturing activities are presented within material expenses. The impact on the income statement of consolidating these investments is set out in the following table.

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
    436       1,726       3,836  
Other income included in operating income
    (15 )     (45 )     (226 )
Total operating income of consolidated private equity holdings
    421       1,681       3,610  
                         
Goods and material expenses of consolidated private equity holdings
    228       1,278       2,744  
Included in personnel expenses
    107       176       390  
Included in administrative costs
    73       136       332  
Included in depreciation and amortisation
    14       45       168  
Total operating expenses
    422       1,635       3,634  
Operating profit/(loss) before tax of consolidated private equity holdings
    (1 )     46       (24 )

Goods and material expenses include personnel costs relating to manufacturing and production activities.

The assets and liabilities of the consolidated holdings that are allocated to Central items are included in the balance sheet as assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale as ABN AMRO has a plan to sell these private equity investments. The total assets of these consolidated entities at 31 December 2009 were EUR 50 million (2008: EUR 435 million), excluding goodwill.

Unconsolidated private equity investments
The private equity investments over which ABN AMRO does not have control are accounted for at fair value with changes through income. Although control is not with ABN AMRO, in many cases ABN AMRO has significant influence, usually evidenced by an equity stake of between 20% and 50%. Significant influence is held in approximately 18 (2008: 29) investments with a positive material fair value. The total fair value of these investments is EUR 244 million at 31 December 2009 (2008: EUR 271 million), operating in various sectors including information technology, life sciences, media and telecommunications.

 
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42           Joint ventures

ABN AMRO’s activities conducted through joint ventures include cash transfer, insurance, finance, lease, global custody and equity capital market transactions. The consolidated financial statements of the joint ventures include the following assets and liabilities, income and expenses, represent ABN AMRO’s proportionate share:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Assets
           
Financial assets held for trading
    -       203  
Financial investments
    2,731       1,946  
Loans and receivables - banks and customers
    76       34  
Property and equipment
    19       17  
Accrued income and prepaid expenses
    64       56  
Other assets
    2,107       2,391  
Total
    4,997       4,647  
                 
Liabilities
               
Financial liabilities held for trading
    3       4  
Due to banks and customers
    9       32  
Issued debt securities
    51       -  
Provisions
    2,678       2,142  
Other liabilities
    2,117       2,391  
Total
    4,858       4,569  
                 
Total operating income
    26       56  
Operating expenses
    18       30  
Operating profit
    8       26  
Tax expense
    3       9  
Net profit
    5       17  

Most significant joint ventures:

   
Interest held (%)
 
Main activities
Neuflize Vie
    60  
Insurance


 
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43           Remuneration of Managing Board and Supervisory Board

Remuneration Managing Board
The remuneration package, as it has been in place since 2001 for the ABN AMRO Managing Board, was only applicable to the Board members who were appointed before the takeover of ABN AMRO by the Consortium of RBS, Fortis and Santander. By the end of 2008 the last of these Managing Board members left ABN AMRO’s employment.

The Managing Board in 2009 consists of members originating from ABN AMRO and from the Consortium Members, RBS Group and Santander. The remuneration for the Managing Board members from RBS Group and Santander is paid by the respective Consortium Members and is accordingly not included in the tables below.

For the remaining members of the Managing Board who are employed by ABN AMRO two remuneration packages apply. For those Board members who are also designated board members of the future ABN AMRO Bank N.V. integrated with Fortis Bank (Nederland) N.V., the remuneration in 2009 is based on the remuneration package for the Chairman and members of the new ABN AMRO Bank as approved by the designate Supervisory Board and shareholder of the new ABN AMRO Bank. The package currently consists of a base salary of EUR 600,000 for the members and EUR 750,000 for the Chairman. A variable income component as well as various benefits will form part of this remuneration package.

For those Board members who are not joining the Board of the combined bank their previous remuneration package as (Senior) Executive Vice President (‘(S)EVP‘ - member of the Top Executive Group of ABN AMRO) is continued during the Managing Board membership. This remuneration package consists of a fixed salary component of EUR 418,000 per year, short and long term variable income and benefits.

The tables below summarise the salaries, other rewards and bonuses of individual ABN AMRO Managing Board members as they are employed by ABN AMRO and as far as these rewards are included in the income statement.

The following table summarises total reward, ABN AMRO options and shares, and outstanding loans of the members of the Managing Board and Supervisory Board.

(in thousands of euros)
 
Managing Board
   
Supervisory Board
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Salaries and other short-term benefits
    3,055       2,028       779       725  
Pensions
    411       353       -       -  
Termination benefits
    2,571       19,790       -       -  
Profit-sharing and bonus payments
    875       -       -       -  
Share-based payments
    26       83       -       -  
Loans (outstanding)
    2,930       2,868       -       -  


 
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The following table summarises the salaries, other rewards and bonuses of individual Managing Board members, as far as these rewards are included in the income statement.

(in thousands of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
   
Base salary
   
Other payments
(1)
   
Bonus
   
Share based
payments (2)
   
Pension costs
(3)
   
Base salary
   
Other payments
(1)
   
Bonus
   
Share based
payments (2)
   
Pension costs
(3)
 
                                                             
G. Zalm
    750       -       -       -       204       -       -       -       -       -  
M.G.J. de Jong (4)
    209       2,571       -       26       30       418       -       -       83       54  
R. Teerlink (5)
    -       -       -       -       -       171       -       -       -       25  
D.A. Cole (6)
    348       360       875       -       51       -       -       -       -       -  
J. van Hall (7)
    500       63       -       -       62       -       -       -       -       -  
C.F.H.H. Vogelzang (8)
    500       325       -       -       64       -       -       -       -       -  
W.G. Jiskoot (9)
    -       -       -       -       -       285       4,490       -       -       90  
J.Ch.L. Kuiper (10)
    -       -       -       -       -       114       -       -       -       52  
H.G. Boumeester (11)
    -       -       -       -       -       114       3,800       -       -       24  
P.S. Overmars (12)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       3,500       -       -       -  
J.P. Schmittmann (13)
    -       -       -       -       -       678       8,248       -       -       108  

(1) Other payments are comprised of termination payments, long term incentive payments, deferred cash payments and jubilee gratification.
(2) Share-based payments are calculated in accordance with IFRS 2 by recognising the fair value of the originally equity settled shares or options at grant date over the vesting period. For originally cash-settled transactions these costs are measured at the fair value at settlement date.
(3) Pension costs exclusively comprise pension service cost for the year computed on the basis of IAS 19.
(4) M.G.J. de Jong joined the board on 1 January 2008. As at 28 February 2009 he became a member of the Managing Board on behalf of RBS Group and stepped down on 30 June 2009. Mr de Jong received a termination payment of EUR 2.5 million and currently is involved in a legal procedure claiming an additional termination payment of EUR 4 million. EUR 26 thousand share based payments in 2009 relates to the pro-rated award from RBS that was paid in cash upon the termination of employment. EUR 83 thousand in 2008 share based payment award relates to the RBS Group Restricted Share Plan.
(5) R. Teerlink stepped down on 31 March 2008 and at the same date his employment with ABN AMRO was terminated. As at 28 February 2009 he became a member of the Managing Board on behalf of RBS Group.
(6) D.A. Cole was appointed as Member of the Managing Board on 28 February 2009. Mr Cole’s remuneration is based on the ABN AMRO SEVP contract of employment. On the basis of a retention package agreed in 2007 Mr Cole received a guaranteed bonus of EUR 1,050 thousand with respect to the 2009 performance year. Mr Cole received a long term incentive plan entitlement of EUR 390 thousand in 2008, which was fully accrued in 2009 and is conditionally payable in 2010. The amounts of the bonus and LTIP have been pro-rated to reflect the appointment date. In 2009 Mr Cole also received a jubilee gratification of EUR 35 thousand.
(7) J.van Hall was appointed as Member of the Managing Board on 28 February 2009. Mr Van Hall received a long term incentive plan entitlement of EUR 75 thousand in 2008, which was fully accrued in 2009 and is conditionally payable in 2010. The amount accrued in 2009 was pro-rated to reflect the appointment date.
(8) C.F.H.H. Vogelzang was appointed as Member of the Managing Board on 28 February 2009. Mr Vogelzang received a long term incentive plan entitlement of EUR 390 thousand in 2008, which was fully accrued in 2009 and is conditionally payable in 2010. The amount accrued in 2009 was pro-rated to reflect the appointment date.
(9) W.G. Jiskoot stepped down on 31 May 2008 and received a EUR 4.5 million termination payment (including pension costs).
(10) J.Ch.L. Kuiper retired on 1 March 2008.
(11) H.G. Boumeester stepped down on 29 February 2008 and received a EUR 3.8 million termination payment.
(12) P.S. Overmars stepped down on 31 December 2007 and received a EUR 3.5 million termination payment.
(13) J.P. Schmittmann stepped down on 30 December 2008 and received a EUR 8.0 million termination payment, EUR 192 thousand deferred cash award and EUR 56 thousand jubilee gratification.

Loans from ABN AMRO to Managing Board members

(in thousands of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
   
Outstanding at
31 December
   
Interest rate
(%)
   
Outstanding at
31 December
   
Interest rate
(%)
 
M.G.J. de Jong (1)
    -       -       2,868       3.6  
G. Zalm (2)
    -       -       -       -  
D.A. Cole (3)
    1,171       3.7       -       -  
J. van Hall (4)
    284       5.3       -       -  
C.F.H.H. Vogelzang (5)
    1,475       3.9       -       -  
R. Teerlink (6)
    -       -       -       -  

(1) M.G.J. de Jong was appointed on 1 January 2008 and stepped down on 30 June 2009.
(2) G. Zalm was appointed on 1 January 2009.
(3) D.A. Cole was appointed on 28 February 2009.
(4) J. van Hall was appointed on 28 February 2009.
(5) C.F.H.H. Vogelzang was appointed on 28 February 2009.
(6) R. Teerlink stepped down during 2008 and joined ABN AMRO again as at February 2009 on behalf of RBS Group.


 
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Remuneration Supervisory Board
The table provides information on the remuneration of individual members of the Supervisory Board. As of 1 May 2006 the remuneration was adjusted. The members of the Supervisory Board receive an equal remuneration of EUR 60,000 per annum. For the Vice Chairman this remuneration is EUR 70,000 and for the Chairman EUR 85,000 per annum. For the membership of the Audit Committee an additional allowance of EUR 15,000 is applied on an annual basis. The annual allowance for the members of the Nomination & Compensation Committee and the Compliance Oversight Committee is EUR 10,000. The annual allowance for the Chairman of the Audit Committee is EUR 20,000 and for the Chairmen of the two other Committees EUR 15,000 per annum. The general expenses allowances were abolished and actual business expenses incurred can be declared and are eligible for reimbursement. Supervisory Board members that are not residents in the Netherlands are entitled to general allowances for each Supervisory Board meeting that they attend, namely EUR 7,500 for members who live outside Europe and EUR 5,000 for members who live in Europe. This allowance applies to meetings of both the Supervisory Board and the various committees and is paid only once when meetings are being held on the same day or on consecutive days and is only paid when the members physically attend the meetings.

All amounts are based on a full year, but the actual payment depends on the period of membership during the year. Members of the Supervisory Board are not entitled to emoluments in the form of ABN AMRO shares or options on ABN AMRO shares.

Remuneration of the Supervisory Board as far as chargeable to ABN AMRO (1)

(in thousands of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
A.C. Martinez
    125       125  
A.A. Olijslager
    90       90  
Mrs. T.A. Maas-de Brouwer
    85       85  
R.F. van den Bergh (2)
    35       70  
A. Ruys (2)
    35       70  
G.J. Kramer
    75       75  
Mrs. Llopis Rivas
    75       75  
M. Enthoven (3)
    95       7  

(1) The remuneration is excluding an attendance fee.
(2) Resigned on 25 June 2009
(3) Appointed on 21 November 2008.

Loans from ABN AMRO to Supervisory Board members
There a no loans from ABN AMRO to Supervisory Board members.


44           Share-based payment plans

Before the acquisition of ABN AMRO by the consortium of RBS, Fortis and Santander ABN AMRO granted long-term share-based incentive awards to members of the Managing Board, other Top Executives and Key Staff under a number of plans.

The plans for the Managing Board consisted of a Performance Share Plan (PSP) and a Share Investment & Matching Plan (SIMP). At a lower level, the PSP was also applicable to the second tier of Top Executives, the SEVPs. Both the SEVPs and the third level of Top Executives, the Corporate EVPs could defer a part of their bonus into the Bank’s shares on the basis of the SIMP. Furthermore, there was a Restricted Share Plan (RSP) applicable for the Corporate EVPs/MDs and Key Staff. Until 2007 all these plans were equity based but the awards took place in the form of phantom shares. The last awards under the PSP and RSP plans were granted in the 2007 performance year, and also the participation in the SIMP took place for the last time in 2007.

Next to the above described plans there was also a cash-settled PSP for the Corporate EVPs for the performance cycle 2005-2008.

With effect from 2005 share options were no longer granted via the Top Executives Plan and from 2006 share options were no longer granted to Key Staff. The options were replaced by restricted shares in line with the changes for the Top Executives in 2005.
 
 
171


 
All outstanding awards and options under the Bank’s LTIPs were cash settled on 17 October 2007 as a consequence of the take over of ABN AMRO. The total settlement amounted to EUR 1,013 million of which EUR 442 million related to share options, EUR 301 million to originally equity settled share plans and EUR 270 million to phantom shares. With respect to the calculation of the cash settlement amount, the value of an ABN AMRO share was the value of a tendered share on the settlement date, 17 October 2007. This value resulted in EUR 35.60 plus EUR 2.28 representing the value of 0,296 RBS share against the closing price of the RBS share on 17 October 2007. The value (further referred to as Settlement Price) per ABN AMRO Holding N.V. share (a ‘Share’) thus resulted in EUR 37.88.



 
172

 

45           Discontinued operations and assets and liabilities held for sale

The following tables provide a further analysis of the results reporting in the line Results from discontinued operations net of tax.

Discontinued operations
Profits from discontinued operations include the related operating results and when sold, the applicable gain on sale.

Income statement of discontinued operations:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Operating income
    9       3,960       10,285  
Operating expense
    6       2,330       6,077  
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    -       902       1,513  
Operating profit before tax
    3       728       2,695  
Gain on disposal
    96       16,075       7,312  
Profit before tax
    99       16,803       10,007  
Tax on operating profit
    -       314       930  
Tax arising on disposal
    -       -       56  
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
    99       16,489       9,021  

The tables below provide a further breakdown of the operating result and gain on disposal of discontinued operations in 2009 by major lines of business.

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Banca Antonveneta, Banco Real and other Santander acquired businesses (including Interbanca)
                 
Operating income
    9       3,781       6,917  
Operating expense
    6       2,173       4,156  
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    -       902       1,444  
Operating profit before tax
    3       706       1,317  
Gain on disposal
    96       13,004       -  
Profit before tax
    99       13,710       1,317  
Tax on operating profit
    -       306       569  
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
    99       13,404       748  

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Asset Management
                 
Operating income
    -       179       891  
Operating expense
    -       157       629  
Operating profit before tax
    -       22       262  
Gain on disposal
    -       3,073       -  
Profit before tax
    -       3,095       262  
Tax on operating profit
    -       8       91  
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
    -       3,087       171  

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
ABN AMRO North America Holdings and ABN AMRO Mortgage Group Inc
                 
Operating income
    -       -       2,477  
Operating expense
    -       -       1,344  
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    -       -       69  
Operating profit before tax
    -       -       1,064  
Gain / (loss) on disposal
    -       (2 )     7,312  
Profit / (loss) from discontinued operations before tax
    -       (2 )     8,376  
Tax on operating profit
    -       -       270  
Tax arising on disposal
    -       -       56  
Profit / (loss) from discontinued operations net of tax
    -       (2 )     8,050  

 
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2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Bouwfonds non-mortgage business
                 
Operating income
    -       -       -  
Operating expense
    -       -       (52 )
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    -       -       -  
Operating profit before tax
    -       -       52  
Gain on disposal
    -       -       -  
Profit from discontinued operations before tax
    -       -       52  
Tax on operating profit
    -       -       -  
Tax arising on disposal
    -       -       -  
Profit from discontinued operations net of tax
    -       -       52  

Businesses held for sale
The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale as at 31 December are as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Assets
           
Cash and balances at central banks
    146       37  
Financial assets held for trading
    494       -  
Financial investments
    582       566  
Loans and receivables-banks
    84       79  
Loans and receivables-customers
    3,284       255  
Property and equipment
    55       72  
Goodwill and other intangible assets
    30       202  
Accrued income and prepaid expenses
    46       17  
Other assets
    168       355  
Assets of businesses held for sale
    4,889       1,583  
                 
Liabilities
               
Financial assets held for trading
    474       -  
Due to banks
    66       8  
Due to customers
    7,823       378  
Issued debt securities
    (12 )     220  
Provisions
    286       12  
Accrued expenses and deferred income
    74       13  
Other liabilities
    177       233  
Subordinated liabilities
    6       -  
Liabilities of businesses held for sale
    8,894       864  
Net assets directly associated with disposal business
    (4,005 )     719  

Net assets directly associated with disposal businesses represent the balance of net assets and excludes intercompany balances.

As at 31 December 2009 the assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale represent balances of a number of RBS acquired businesses in the Asian region, loan portfolios in the Latin American region and remaining Private Equity portfolios within the Central Items business segment. As at 31 December 2008 these balances mainly consisted of the Private Equity businesses and some smaller businesses acquired by Santander in Latin America.

Cash flows attributable to discontinued operations:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net cash flows from operating activities
    (42 )     (2,547 )     4,409  
Net cash flows from investing activities
    -       (2,446 )     (202 )
Net cash flows from financing activities
    -       (416 )     (1,686 )


 
174

 

46           Related parties

ABN AMRO has a related party relationship with associates, joint ventures, key management and shareholders of its parent company, RFS Holdings. The shareholders of RFS Holdings are RBS Group, Santander and the Dutch State. The ultimate consolidating parent of ABN AMRO, RBS Group, is controlled by the UK Government. Both the UK Government and the Dutch State are therefore related parties.

Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability to control or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial or operational decisions. ABN AMRO enters into a number of banking transactions with related parties in the normal course of business. These transactions, which include loans, deposits and foreign currency transactions, have taken place on an arm’s length basis. These transactions are carried out on commercial terms and at market rates. Employees are offered preferential terms for certain banking products. No allowances for loan losses have been recognised in respect of loans to related parties in 2009 and 2008.

Transactions conducted directly with the Dutch State and UK Government are limited to normal banking transactions, taxation and other administrative relationships with the exception of the mandatory convertible securities and guarantee of the Dutch State. In addition ABN AMRO participates in the Dutch State treasuries market and utilises the liquidity support made available to all banks regulated by the DNB.

There may be other significant transactions with entities under the common control of or subject to significant influence by the UK Government. These would include, amongst others, loans, deposits, guarantees, fee based relationships, or equity holdings. Disclosure is made of any significant transactions with these entities.

Balances with joint ventures and associates

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Joint Ventures
   
Associates
   
Joint Ventures
   
Associates
 
                         
Receivables
    25       165       143       201  
Liabilities
    54       73       -       139  
Guarantees given
    -       7       -       332  
Irrevocable facilities
    -       22       -       8  
Income received
    28       70       40       68  
Expenses paid
    26       4       37       2  
Total
    133       341       220       750  

Balances with Consortium Members
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
RBS
   
Santander
   
RBS
   
Santander
 
                         
Financial assets held for trading
    25,537       232       56,529       1,525  
Loans and receivables
    10,306       7,911       7,144       7,900  
Other assets
    3,049       -       211       -  
                                 
Financial liabilities held for trading
    28,505       298       59,436       1,519  
Due to banks
    5,872       1       8,026       2  
Other liabilities
    4,502       -       838       -  
                                 
Guarantees given
    108       -       23       -  
Irrevocable facilities
    43       -       -       -  
Recoverable facilities
    -       -       -       10  
Payment commitments
    -       -       2,181       -  

Financial assets and liabilities positions held for trading with RBS include positions of which risks have been transferred to RBS in 2008. The assets and liabilities can not be offset under IFRS, however master netting agreements are in place that reduce the credit risk in the assets. As Fortis has left the Consortium, no balances have been included for 2009 and comparative balances have not been included to conform with current year presentation.
 
 
175


 
Refer to note 40: Securitisations and other credit risk mitigants for details on credit protection purchased from RBS plc in the form of a guarantee and a CDS.

Balances with the Dutch State

   
2009
   
2008
 
Assets
           
Balances at central banks
    22,994       1,225  
Financial assets held for trading
    72       203  
Financial investments – available-for-sale
    6,800       3,866  
                 
Liabilities
               
Deposits by banks
    7,637       2,320  
Subordinated liabilities (refer to note 30)
    2,600       -  
                 
Tax balances
               
Current tax asset
    351       394  
Current tax liability
    22       -  
Deferred tax asset
    740       719  
Deferred tax liability
    6       -  
Tax on profit
    63       (21 )
Receipts from tax authorities
    61       42  

Refer to note 40: Securitisations and other credit risk mitigants for details on credit protection purchased from the Dutch state in the form of a CDS.

Balances with the UK Government and its related parties

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Bank of England
   
Banks
   
Total
   
Bank of England
   
Banks
   
Total
 
Assets
                                   
Balances at central banks
    19       -       19       30       -       30  
Debt securities
    -       -       -       20       11       31  
Loans and advances to banks
    -       -       -       -       30       30  
Derivatives
    -       -       -       -       -       4  
                                                 
Liabilities
                                               
Deposits by banks
    -       -       -       -       30       30  
Derivatives
    -       699       699       -       -       3  

UK central and local government

   
2009
   
2008
 
Debt securities
    10       9  
Tax balances
               
Current tax asset
    35       28  
Current tax liability
    10       -  
Deferred tax asset
    4,181       3,320  
Deferred tax liability
    13       -  
Tax on profit
    (634 )     (2,892 )
Receipts from tax authorities
    -       5  

The deferred tax asset predominantly relates to losses incurred on businesses which are in the process of transferring to RBS plc. RBS Group has agreed to reimburse ABN AMRO for the value of the losses attached to the transferring businesses.


 
176

 

47           Post balance sheet events

On 5 February 2010 ABN AMRO made a distribution of EUR 7.5 billion of capital to the parent of ABN AMRO Holding, RFS Holdings B.V., for the benefit of Santander. The boards of ABN AMRO Holding have furthermore resolved to make a further distribution for an amount in the range of EUR 1.2 to 1.5 billion for the benefit of Santander, subject to Dutch Central Bank approval, immediately before legal separation. After such further distribution, the indirect interest of Santander in ABN AMRO will have decreased to its share in the remaining Shared Assets.

On 6 February 2010 the ABN AMRO Group announced the legal renaming of ABN AMRO Bank N.V. to The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V.

On 8 February 2010 ABN AMRO announced that on 6 February 2010, the businesses of ABN AMRO acquired by the Dutch State were legally demerged from the RBS acquired businesses in accordance with the demerger filing as lodged with the Chamber of Commerce on 30 September 2009. As a result, there are now two separate banks within ABN AMRO Holding N.V., The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. ('RBS N.V.') and the new entity named ABN AMRO Bank N.V., each licensed separately by the Dutch Central Bank. Both banks are governed by the current managing and supervisory boards of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. until the legal separation of the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. from ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

On 11 March 2010 a request for a Declaration of Non-Objection (‘DNO’) on the separation of ABN AMRO Bank N.V. from ABN AMRO Holding NV by means of sale to ABN AMRO Group N.V. was submitted to the DNB. The sale is planned to be executed on 1 April 2010.

On 4 January 2010 the RBS Group announced the lapse of sale of the sale of The Royal Bank of Scotland Limited (RBS Pakistan) to MCB Bank Limited (MCB). The RBS Group continues to pursue the sale of the Pakistan operations with other buyers.

On 8 January 2010 the RBS Group and ABN Bank N.V. reached an agreement to sell to The Bank of America certain offshore loans, loan participations, credit facilities or other extensions of credit generated by or related to its operations in Argentina, Chile and Venezuela. A loss relating to this sale of EUR 179 million was recognized in the 2009 results.

There have been no other significant events between the year end and the date of approval of these accounts which would require a change to or disclosure in the accounts.

 
177

 

48           Major subsidiaries and participating interests

Unless otherwise stated, ABN AMRO’s interest is 100% or almost 100%, on 17 March 2010. Those major subsidiaries and participating interests that are not 100% consolidated but are accounted for under the equity method (a) or proportionally consolidated (b) are indicated separately. For renamed entities, the entity names used are those applicable as at 26 March 2010.

As at 31 December 2009, ABN AMRO Holding had two subsidiaries: ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and ABN AMRO II N.V. renamed ABN AMRO Bank N.V. on 6 February 2010. ABN AMRO II N.V. did not have any subsidiaries as at 31 December 2009.

On 6 February 2010, the majority of the businesses acquired by the Dutch State were legally demerged from ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Effective at the same date, the existing legal entity, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. was renamed The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. and the legal entity into which the Dutch State acquired businesses were demerged was also renamed from ABN AMRO II N.V. to ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (the ‘new ABN AMRO Bank’).

The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V., Amsterdam (formerly ABN AMRO Bank N.V.), Amsterdam

Netherlands
RBS Ventures II B.V., Amsterdam
RBS Participaties B.V., Amsterdam
Hollandsche Bank-Unie N.V., Rotterdam

Europe (Outside the Netherlands)
RBS Global Banking (Luxembourg) S.A., Luxembourg
RBS Bank (Polska) S.A., Warsaw
RBS Bank (Romania) S.A., Bucharest
The Royal Bank of Scotland ZAO, Moscow
RBS Corporate Finance Limited, London
CM Capital Markets Holding S.A., Madrid (45.20%) (a)
RBS Hoare Govett Limited, London

North America
RBS Capital Markets (Canada) Limited., Toronto
The Royal Bank of Scotland Mexico S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple, Mexico City
RBS WCS Holding Company, New York                                                                           
RBS Capital (USA) LLC, Chicago

South America
The Royal Bank of Scotland (Chile), Santiago de Chile
The Royal Bank of Scotland (Colombia) S.A., Bogota
RBS Securities (Venezuela) C.A., Caracas
RBS Finance (Chile) S.A., Santiago de Chile
RBS Securitizadora S.A., Santiago de Chile

Rest of the World
RBS Asia Limited, Hong Kong
RBS Asia Corporate Finance Ltd., Hong Kong
The Royal Bank of Scotland Berhad, Kuala Lumpur
ABN AMRO Bank (China) Co. Ltd., Shanghai
ABN AMRO Leasing (China) Co. Ltd., Beijing
JSC SB RBS (Kazakhstan) Ltd., Almaty (80%)
Royal Bank of Scotland Uzbekistan MB, Tashkent (58.82%)
The Royal Bank of Scotland Limited, Karachi (99.22%)
RBS Business Services Private Limited, Mumbai
RBS Financial Services (India) Private Limited, Mumbai
The Royal Bank of Scotland Securities (Kazakhstan) JSC, Almaty
 
 
178

 
RBS Group (Australia) Pty Limited, Sydney
RBS Asset Securitisation (Australia) Pty Limited, Sydney
RBS Corporate Finance (Australia) Limited, Sydney
RBS Nominees (Australia) Pty Limited., Sydney
RBS Equities (Australia) Limited, Sydney
RBS Equity Capital Markets (Australia) Limited, Sydney
RBS Funds Management (Australia) Limited, Sydney
RBS Group (New Zealand) Limited, Auckland
RBS (New Zealand) Limited, Auckland
Saudi Hollandi Bank, Riyadh (40%) (a)

ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (formerly ABN AMRO II N.V.), Amsterdam

Netherlands
AA Interfinance B.V., Amsterdam
ABN AMRO Arbo Services B.V., Amsterdam
ABN AMRO Groenbank B.V., Amsterdam
ABN AMRO Hypotheken Groep B.V., Amersfoort
ABN AMRO Jonge Bedrijven Fonds B.V., Amsterdam
ABN AMRO Participaties Fund I B.V., Amsterdam
Altajo B.V., Amsterdam (50%) (b)
Amstel Lease Maatschappij N.V., Utrecht
Delta Lloyd ABN AMRO Verzekeringen Holding B.V., Zwolle (49%) (a)
IFN Group B.V., Rotterdam
MoneYou B.V., Hoevelaken
New HBU II N.V., Amstelveen
Solveon Incasso B.V., Utrecht
Stater N.V., Amersfoort

Rest of the World
ABN AMRO Bank (Luxembourg) S.A., Luxembourg
ABN AMRO Bank (Switzerland) A.G., Zurich
ABN AMRO Life Capital Belgium N.V., Brussels
ABN AMRO Life S.A., Luxembourg
Banque Neuflize OBC SA, Paris (99.86%)
Delbrück Bethmann Maffei AG, Frankfurt am Main
Neuflize Vie (60%), Paris

The list of participating interests for which statements of liability have been issued, has been filed with the Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam.

The majority of the ABN AMRO’s subsidiaries and participating investments are regulated entities and therefore their ability to transfer funds to ABN AMRO is subject to regulatory approvals.



 
179

 

49           Supplemental condensed consolidating financial information

ABN AMRO Bank N.V. is a wholly owned subsidiary of ABN AMRO and is able to offer and sell certain securities in the US from time to time pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-3 filed with the SEC. ABN AMRO has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of ABN AMRO Bank N.V. that have been incurred: this guarantee includes all securities issued by ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

ABN AMRO Bank N.V. utilises an exception in Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X and therefore does not file its financial statements with the SEC. In accordance with the requirement to qualify for the exception, presented below is condensed consolidating financial information for (i) ABN AMRO Holding N.V., on a standalone basis as guarantor ('Holding Company'); (ii) ABN AMRO Bank N.V. on a standalone basis ('Bank Company'); (iii) other subsidiaries of ABN AMRO on a combined basis ('Subsidiaries'); (iv) consolidation adjustments ('Eliminate and reclassify'); and total consolidated amounts ('ABN AMRO consolidated').

The condensed consolidated financial information is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and IFRS as issued by the IASB, where ABN AMRO has applied Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X which requires a company to account for its investments in subsidiaries using the equity method, differing from IAS 27 which requires ABN AMRO account for investments in their subsidiaries at cost subject to impairment.

The following consolidating information presents condensed balance sheets at 31 December 2009 and 2008 and condensed statements of income and cash flows for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007 of Holding Company, Bank Company and its subsidiaries.

The condensed statement of financial position at 31 December 2009 and 2008 are presented in the following tables:

Supplemental condensed consolidating statement of financial position as at 31 December 2009

   
Holding
 company
   
Bank company
   
Subsidiaries
(1)  
Eliminate and reclassify
   
ABN AMRO
consolidated
 
Cash and balances at central banks
    -       27,026       1,355       1       28,382  
Financial assets held for trading
    -       74,495       4,206       (643 )     78,058  
Financial investments
    -       109,278       6,022       (40,403 )     74,897  
Loans and receivables-banks
    6,600       142,272       139,926       (249,139 )     39,659  
Loans and receivables-customers
    -       143,613       90,778       (16,145 )     218,246  
Equity accounted investments(2)
    12,320       8,316       576       (20,356 )     856  
Property and equipment
    -       1,187       773       1       1,961  
Goodwill and other intangible assets
    -       300       345       -       645  
Assets of businesses held for sale
    -       3,766       1,123       -       4,889  
Accrued income and prepaid expenses
    -       4,580       1,291       -       5,871  
Tax assets
    -       5,526       498       (2 )     6,022  
Other assets
    -       4,266       5,591       2       9,859  
Total assets
    18,920       524,625       252,484       (326,684 )     469,345  
                                         
Financial liabilities held for trading
    -       60,177       2,510       -       62,687  
Due to banks
    33       148,833       (130,829     (233,550 )     46,145  
Due to customers
    -       196,237       32,145       (31,734 )     196,648  
Issued debt securities
    -       72,817       63,888       (41,045 )     95,660  
Provisions
    -       1,275       3,516       (1 )     4,790  
Liabilities of businesses held for sale
    -       6,573       2,321       -       8,894  
Accrued expenses and deferred income
    -       5,594       1,399       1       6,994  
Tax liabilities
    6       157       414       1       578  
Other liabilities
    1       8,424       5,066       (2 )     13,489  
Subordinated liabilities
    -       12,223       2,320       1       14,544  
Shareholders equity attributable to the parent company
    18,880       12,315       8,039       (20,354 )     18,880  
Non-controlling interests
    -       -       37       (1 )     36  
Total liabilities and equity
    18,920       524,625       252,484       (326,684 )     469,345  

(1) Includes ABN AMRO II N.V.
(2) Includes participating interest in group companies which are eliminated.

 
180

 

Supplemental condensed consolidating statement of financial position as at 31 December 2008

   
Holding
 company
   
Bank company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminate and reclassify
   
ABN AMRO
consolidated
 
Cash and balances at central banks
    -       4,184       1,670       -       5,854  
Financial assets held for trading
    -       208,132       5,199       (678 )     212,653  
Financial investments
    -       94,144       6,593       (33,676 )     67,061  
Loans and receivables-banks
    -       163,197       113,983       (201,614 )     75,566  
Loans and receivables-customers
    -       193,527       94,339       (17,359 )     270,507  
Equity accounted investments(1)
    17,130       10,097       587       (27,018 )     796  
Property and equipment
    -       1,319       716       -       2,035  
Goodwill and other intangible assets
    -       674       250       -       924  
Assets of businesses held for sale
    -       418       1,165       -       1,583  
Accrued income and prepaid expenses
    -       5,499       1,512       -       7,011  
Tax assets
    -       4,653       447       -       5,100  
Other assets
    -       11,498       6,229       -       17,727  
Total assets
    17,130       697,342       232,690       (280,345 )     666,817  
                                         
Financial liabilities held for trading
    -       189,886       2,201       -       192,087  
Due to banks
    8       154,423       111,344       (171,155 )     94,620  
Due to customers
    -       232,367       24,456       (47,819 )     209,004  
Issued debt securities
    -       74,674       70,976       (34,354 )     111,296  
Provisions
    -       1,113       3,031       -       4,144  
Liabilities of businesses held for sale
    -       484       380       -       864  
Accrued expenses and deferred income
    -       6,880       1,538       -       8,418  
Tax liabilities
    45       278       377       -       700  
Other liabilities
    -       8,964       6,048       -       15,012  
Subordinated liabilities
    -       11,147       2,402       -       13,549  
Shareholders equity attributable to the parent company
    17,077       17,130       9,887       (27,017 )     17,077  
Non-controlling interests
    -       (4 )     50       -       46  
Total liabilities and equity
    17,130       697,342       232,690       (280,345 )     666,817  
 
(1) Includes participating interest in group companies which are eliminated.
 
The condensed income statements for 2009, 2008 and 2007 are presented in the following tables:

Supplemental condensed consolidating statement of income 2009

   
Holding
 company
   
Bank company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminate and reclassify
   
ABN AMRO
consolidated
 
Net interest income
    26       3,283       1,339       -       4,648  
Results from consolidated subsidiaries
    (4,517 )     250       -       4,267       -  
Net commissions
    -       1,233       988       -       2,221  
Trading income
    -       1,146       416       -       1,562  
Results from financial transactions
    -       (1,932 )     (274 )     -       (2,206 )
Other operating income
    -       (168 )     637       -       469  
Total operating income
    (4,491 )     3,812       3,106       4,267       6,694  
Operating expenses
    1       6,509       2,305       -       8,815  
Provision loan losses
    -       2,355       438       -       2,793  
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (4,492 )     (5,052 )     363       4,267       (4,914 )
Taxes
    6       (535 )     114       -       (415 )
Discontinued operations
    99       3       3       (6 )     99  
Profit/(loss) for the year
    (4,399 )     (4,514 )     252       4,261       (4,400 )
Non-controlling interests
    -       -       (1 )     -       (1 )
Net profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders of the parent company
    (4,399 )     (4,514 )     253       4,261       (4,399 )



 
181

 

 
 
Supplemental condensed consolidating statement of income 2008

   
Holding
 company
   
Bank company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminate and reclassify
   
ABN AMRO
consolidated
 
Net interest income
    178       4,382       1,223       -       5,783  
Results from consolidated subsidiaries
    (13,041 )     (509 )     -       13,550       -  
Net commissions
    -       1,546       1,083       -       2,629  
Trading income
    -       (9,765 )     441       -       (9,324 )
Results from financial transactions
    -       (565 )     (1,119 )     -       (1,684 )
Other operating income
    -       170       1,968       -       2,138  
Total operating income
    (12,863 )     (4,741 )     3,596       13,550       (458 )
Operating expenses
    1       7,888       3,740       -       11,629  
Provision loan losses
    -       3,169       218       -       3,387  
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (12,864 )     (15,798 )     (362 )     13,550       (15,474 )
Taxes
    45       (2,757 )     132       -       (2,580 )
Discontinued operations
    16,489       6,940       319       (7,259 )     16,489  
Profit/(loss) for the year
    3,580       (6,101 )     (175 )     6,291       3,595  
Non-controlling interests
    -       -       15       -       15  
Net profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders of the parent company
    3,580       (6,101 )     (190 )     6,291       3,580  

Supplemental condensed consolidating statement of income 2007

   
Holding
 company
   
Bank company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminate and reclassify
   
ABN AMRO
consolidated
 
Net interest income
    26       3,545       1,024             4,595  
Results from consolidated subsidiaries
    818       2,151             (2,969 )      
Net commissions
          2,454       1,398             3,852  
Trading income
          717       402             1,119  
Results from financial transactions
          446       688             1,134  
Other operating income
          293       5,005             5,298  
Total operating income
    844       9,606       8,517       (2,969 )     15,998  
Operating expenses
    2       8,805       5,978             14,785  
Provision loan losses
          632       85             717  
Operating profit before tax
    842       169       2,454       (2,969 )     496  
Taxes
    15       (649 )     176             (458 )
Discontinued operations
    9,021       9,021       1,812       (10,833 )     9,021  
Profit for the year
    9,848       9,839       4,090       (13,802 )     9,975  
Non-controlling interests
                127             127  
Net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company
    9,848       9,839       3,963       (13,802 )     9,848  
 
182


The condensed consolidating statement of cash flows 2009, 2008 and 2007 are presented in the following tables:

Supplemental condensed consolidating statement of cash flows 2009

   
Holding
 company
   
Bank company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminate and reclassify
   
ABN AMRO
consolidated
 
Total net cash flows from operating activities
    (20 )     58,096       (11,783 )     (1,034 )     45,259  
Net outflow of investment/sale of securities investment portfolios
    -       (8,527 )     611       -       (7,916 )
Net outflow of investment/sale of participating interests
    -       22       6       -       28  
Net outflow of investment/sale of property and equipment
    -       (99 )     (115 )     -       (214 )
Net outflow of investment of intangibles
    -       (133 )     (27 )     -       (160 )
Net cash flows from investing activities
    -       (8,737 )     475       -       (8,262 )
Net increase (decrease) of subordinated liabilities
    -       220       833       -       1,053  
Net increase (decrease) of long-term funding
    -       (15,496 )     5,477       -       (10,019 )
Net increase (decrease) of (treasury) shares
    -       -       -       -       -  
Other changes in equity
    6,600       -       6       -       6,606  
Cash dividends paid
    -       -       (1,034 )     1,034       -  
Net cash flows from financing activities
    6,600       (15,276 )     5,282       1,034       (2,360 )
Currency translation differences on cash and cash equivalents
    -       (368 )     (46 )     -       (414 )
Cash flows
    6,580       33,715       (6,072 )     -       34,223  

Supplemental condensed consolidating statement of cash flows 2008

   
Holding
 company
   
Bank company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminate and reclassify
   
ABN AMRO
consolidated
 
Total net cash flows from operating activities
    16,403       (12,469 )     (39,722 )     (1,627 )     (37,415 )
Net outflow of investment/sale of securities investment portfolios
    -       9,178       9,101       -       18,279  
Net outflow of investment/sale of participating interests
    -       3       23,859       -       23,862  
Net outflow of investment/sale of property and equipment
    -       (116 )     (226 )     -       (342 )
Net outflow of investment of intangibles
    -       (201 )     (78 )     -       (279 )
Net cash flows from investing activities
    -       8,864       32,656       -       41,520  
Net increase (decrease) of subordinated liabilities
    -       (881 )     471       -       (410 )
Net increase (decrease) of long-term funding
    -       (19,706 )     1,335       -       (18,371 )
Net increase (decrease) of (treasury) shares
    3,708       -       -       -       3,708  
Other changes in equity
    -       -       7       -       7  
Cash dividends paid
    (19,213 )     -       (1,627 )     1,627       (19,213 )
Net cash flows from financing activities
    (15,505 )     (20,587 )     186       1,627       (34,279 )
Currency translation differences on cash and cash equivalents
    -       3,855       120       -       3,975  
Cash flows
    898       (20,337 )     (6,760 )     -       (26,199 )
 
183


Supplemental condensed consolidating statement of cash flows 2007

   
Holding
 company
   
Bank company
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminate and reclassify
   
ABN AMRO
consolidated
 
Total net cash flows from operating activities
    113       9,541       (13,928 )     (609 )     (4,883 )
Net outflow of investment/sale of securities investment portfolios
          148       (4,106 )           (3,958 )
Net outflow of investment/sale of participating interests
          (27 )     15,262             15,235  
Net outflow of investment/sale of property and equipment
          (114 )     (100 )           (214 )
Net outflow of investment of intangibles
          (280 )     (245 )           (525 )
Net cash flows from investing activities
          (273 )     10,811             10,538  
Net increase (decrease) of subordinated liabilities
          (668 )     966             298  
Net increase (decrease) of long-term funding
          (2,988 )     9,339             6,351  
Net increase (decrease) of (treasury) shares
    (1,223 )                       (1,223 )
Other changes in equity
    (743 )           (980 )           (1,723 )
Cash dividends paid
    (1,540 )           (609 )     609       (1,540 )
Net cash flows from financing activities
    (3,506 )     (3,656 )     8,716       609       2,163  
Currency translation differences on cash and cash equivalents
          (75 )     137             62  
Cash flows
    (3,393 )     5,537       5,736             7,880  
 

Other information
The parent company financial statements are included in this condensed consolidating footnote. The number of ordinary shares in issuance at 31 December 2009 was 3,306,843,332 (2008: 3,306,843,332 and 2007: 1,936,847,516). The total number of authorised ordinary shares amounts to 8,400,000,400.

Proposed profit appropriation of ABN AMRO Holding, pursuant to article 37.2 and 37.3 of the articles of association, is as follows:

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
(Release from) / addition to reserves
    (4,399 )     (15,633 )     8,777  
Dividends on ordinary shares
    -       19,213       1,071  
      (4,399 )     3,580       9,848  
Dividends on preference shares
    -       -       36  
 
184

 
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185


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186


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187

 
Guarantees

ABN AMRO Holding N.V. guarantees all liabilities of The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. At legal separation the guarantee for ABN AMRO Bank N.V. will be revoked and any remaining liabilties demerged.
 
Amsterdam, 26 March 2010
 
Supervisory Board
Managing Board
   
Arthur Martinez
Gerrit Zalm
André Olijslager
Ron Teerlink
Trude Maas-de Brouwer
David Cole
Gert-Jan Kramer
Johan van Hall
Ana Maria Llopis Rivas
Chris Vogelzang
Juan Rodriguez Inciarte
Donald Workman
Michael Enthoven
Javier Maldonado
Miller McLean
Jeroen Kremers
 
Brian Stevenson
   

188


SEC Form 20-F Cross Reference

SEC Form 20-F cross reference and other information.
New disclosure for the combined report AR-20-F.

Form 20-F – Item number
Page
reference in this document
  Form 20-F – Item number
Page
reference in this document
             
1
Identity of Directors, Senior
    11
Quantitative and Qualitative
 
 
Management and Advisers
NA
   
disclosures about market risk
44
2
Offer statistics and expected timetable
NA
  12
Description of securities other than
 
3
Key information
     
equity securities
NA
 
Selected financial data
12
  13 
Defaults, dividend, arrearages and
 
 
Capitalisation and indebtedness
NA
   
delinquencies
NA
 
Reason for the offer and use of proceeds
NA
  14
Material modifications to the rights of
 
 
Risk factors
61
   
security holders and use of proceeds
NA
4
Information on the Company
    15 
Controls and procedures
192
 
History and development of the Company
8
  16A
Audit Committee financial expert
74
 
Business Overview
8/32
  16B
Code of Ethics
238
 
Organisational structure
11
  16C 
Principal accountant fees and
 
 
Property, plants and equipment
122
   
services
113
4A
Unresolved staff comments
NA
  16D 
Exemptions from the listing standards
 
5
Operating and financial review and
     
for audit committees
NA
 
prospects
    16E
Purchases of equity securities by the
 
 
Operating results
16
   
issuer and affiliated purchases
145
 
Liquidity and capital resources
29
  16F
Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
NA
 
Research and Development, Patent and
    17
Financial statements
NA
 
Licenses etc.
NA
  18
Financial statements
81
 
Trend information
237
  19
Exhibits
NA
 
Off-balance sheet arrangements
238
       
 
Tabular disclosure of contractual
         
 
obligations
140
       
6
Directors, senior management and
         
 
employees
         
 
Directors and senior management
71
       
 
Compensation
169
       
 
Board practices
71
       
 
Employees
80
       
 
Share ownership
236
       
7
Major shareholders and related party
         
 
transactions
         
 
Major shareholders
236
       
 
Related party transactions
175
       
 
Interest of experts and counsel
NA
       
8
Financial information
         
 
Consolidated statements and other
         
 
financial information
81
       
 
Significant changes
177
       
9
The offer and listing
NA
       
10
Additional information
         
 
Share capital
136/237
       
 
Memorandum and Articles of Association
236
       
 
Material contracts
237
       
 
Exchange controls
NA
       
 
Taxation
NA
       
 
Dividends and paying agents
NA
       
 
Statement by experts
NA
       
 
Documents on display
241
       
 
Subsidiary information
NA
       

189

 
Section 7     Other Information


   
Management Reports
191
   
Auditors' Reports
193
   
Stipulations of the Articles of Association with Respect to Profit Appropriation
197
Proposed Profit Appropriation
197
Stipulations of the Articles of Association of Holding with Respect to Shares and Voting Rights
198
   
 
190

 
SECTION 7     OTHER INFORMATION


Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting under the Dutch Code

Under Best practice provision II.1.5 of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, the ABN AMRO Managing Board is requested to substantiate the operation of the internal risk management and control system during the year under review, and to state its adequacy and effectiveness.

ABN AMRO’s internal risk management and control system is a process, effected by the Managing Board, management, and other personnel, which is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in the following categories: (i) effectiveness and efficiency of operations; (ii) reliability of financial reporting; and (iii) compliance with laws and regulations. It has been adjusted and improved during the year under review, to reflect changes resulting from transition of the ABN AMRO businesses.

Different sections of this Annual Report, including Section 4: ‘Risk and the Capital Management’, elaborate on ABN AMRO’s identified risks, such as credit risk, funding liquidity risk, market risk, financial reporting risk, operational risk, compliance and regulatory risk, legal risk, financial reporting risk, and other risks.

Due to its inherent limitations, ABN AMRO’s internal risk management and control system does not provide certainty on either the realisation of operational and financial business objectives, or that these systems can at all times prevent misstatements, inaccuracies, errors, fraud and non-compliance with rules and regulations.

ABN AMRO’s assessment of the internal risk management and control system is based on criteria established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. The evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal risk management and control system including changes and improvements of it during the year have been discussed with the Supervisory Board and its Audit Committee.

Based on the assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal risk management and control system, the Managing Board believes that best practice provision II.1.5 of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code is fulfilled.

Managing Board

Amsterdam, 26 March 2010


Management’s report on the Annual Report

The Managing Board certifies that, to the best of their knowledge:
(i)
the financial statements give a true and fair view, in all material respects, of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit and loss of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and its consolidated entities;
(ii)
the annual report gives a true and fair view, in all material respects, of  ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and its related entities as per 31 December 2009 and their state of affairs during 2009; and
(iii)
the annual report describes the material risks that ABN AMRO Holding N.V. is facing.

Managing Board

Amsterdam, 26 March 2010
 
191

 
Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting under section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

Under Section 404 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, ABN AMRO is required to assess the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2009 and report, based on that assessment, whether ABN AMRO’s internal controls over financial reporting are effective.

The management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for ABN AMRO as defined in Rule 13(a) - 15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

ABN AMRO’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. For ABN AMRO generally accepted accounting principles refers to International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of ABN AMRO and its consolidated entities; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of ABN AMRO are being made only in accordance with authorisations of management and directors of ABN AMRO; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use or disposition of ABN AMRO’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

ABN AMRO’s management assessed the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as of 31 December 2009. In making this assessment, ABN AMRO used the criteria established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. ABN AMRO’s assessment included documenting, evaluating and testing of the design and operating effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. The management of ABN AMRO reviewed the results of its assessment with the Supervisory Board and its Audit Committee.

The continuing transition of ABN AMRO to its new Consortium Members may have an impact on the control environment in 2010. This is incorporated and monitored as part of the transition management.

Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of 31 December 2009, ABN AMRO’s internal control over financial reporting was effective. The effectiveness of ABN AMRO’s internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2009 has been audited by Deloitte Accountants B.V., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing on page 194.


Gerrit Zalm
Chairman of the Managing Board

David Cole
Chief Financial Officer

Amsterdam, 26 March 2010
 
192

 
To the Shareholders, Supervisory Board and Managing Board of ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of 31 December 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity, and statement of cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.  The consolidated financial statements of the Company, before the effects of the retrospective adjustments for (1) incorporating the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and related Note 12 adjustments as required by IAS1 (revised 2007),  (2) the operations discontinued in 2008 as discussed in the Accounting policies,  (3) the disclosures for changes in the composition of reportable segments in 2009 as discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, and (4) the presentation of discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of cash flows,for the year ended 31 December 2007 were audited by other auditors whose report, dated 25 March 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such 2009 and 2008 consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and subsidiaries at 31 December 2009 and 2008, and the result of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We have also audited the retrospective adjustments to the 2007 consolidated financial statements for (1) incorporating the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and related Note 12 adjustments as required by IAS1 (revised 2007), (2) the operations discontinued in 2008 as discussed in the Accounting Policies, (3) the disclosures for changes in the composition of reportable segments in 2009, as discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, and (4) the consolidated statement of cash flows restated for the presentation of discontinued operations as discussed in the Accounting Policies. Our procedures included (1) obtaining the Company's underlying accounting analysis prepared by management of the retrospective adjustments for consolidated statement of comprehensive income and related Note 12 adjustments, discontinued operations, reportable segments and cash flows and comparing the retrospectively adjusted amounts to the consolidated financial statements, (2) testing the mathematical accuracy of the accounting analysis, and (3) on a test basis, obtaining the Company's supporting documentation for these adjustments. In our opinion, such retrospective adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2007 consolidated financial statements of the Company other than with respect to the retrospective adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2007 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report, dated 26 March 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Deloitte Accountants B.V.
Signed by J.G.C.M. Buné
Amsterdam, 26 March 2010
 
193

 
To the Shareholders, Supervisory Board and Managing Board of ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of 31 December 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting on page 192. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorisations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended 31 December 2009 of the Company and our report, dated 26 March 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and includes an explanatory paragraph concerning the retrospective adjustments to the 2007 consolidated financial statements.

Deloitte Accountants B.V.
Signed by J.G.C.M. Buné
Amsterdam, 26 March 2010
 
194

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
 
To the Supervisory Board and the Managing Board of ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

We have audited, before the effects of adjustments to retrospectively reflect the discontinued operation and the change in the composition of reportable segments, discussed in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements, the consolidated balance sheet (not presented separately herein) of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and subsidiaries as of 31 December 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity and cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2007 (the 2007 consolidated financial statements before the effects of the retrospective adjustments described above are not presented herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit, before the effects of the adjustments described above, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above, before the effects of the adjustments described above, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and subsidiaries as at 31 December 2007, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2007, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by European Union and International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income and related Note 12 or the adjustments to retrospectively reflect the discontinued operations and the change in the composition of reportable segments described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements and accordingly, we do not express an opinion nor any other form of assurance about whether such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied.  Those retrospective adjustments were audited by other auditors.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands
25 March 2008


Ernst & Young Accountants LLP
 
 
195

 
 
[Page 196 intentionally left blank]
 

 
 
196

 
 
Stipulations of the Articles of Association with respect to profit appropriation

The Articles of Association of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. were last amended by a deed of amendment dated 24 November 2008.

Profit is appropriated in accordance with article 37 of the articles of association. The main stipulations with respect to shares currently in issue are as follows:

The Managing Board may decide to make appropriations to reserves, subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board (article 37.2.a.).

The allocation of the amount remaining after these appropriations shall be determined by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The Managing Board, subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board, shall make a proposal to that effect. A proposal to pay a dividend shall be dealt with as a separate agenda item at the General Meeting of Shareholders (article 37.2.a.).

ABN AMRO Holding N.V.’s policy on reserves and dividends shall be determined and can be amended by the Supervisory Board, upon the proposal of the Managing Board. The adoption of and each subsequent amendment to the policy on reserves and dividends shall be discussed and accounted for at the General Meeting of Shareholders under a separate agenda item (article 37.2.b.).

Subject to approval of the Supervisory Board, the Managing Board may make the dividend or interim dividend on the shares payable, at the discretion of the holders, either in cash or, provided it is authorised to issue shares, partly or wholly in shares in the Company’s capital or in a combination thereof, such combination to be determined by the Managing Board (article 37.3.).

Subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board, the Managing Board shall be authorised, in so far as such is permitted by the profit as evidenced by an interim balance sheet drawn up with due observance of the provisions of Section 105, Subsection 4 of Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code, to make payable an interim dividend on the shares once or more frequently in the course of any financial year and prior to the approval of the Annual Accounts by the General Meeting of Shareholders (article 37.4.).

Subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board, the Managing Board may decide on a distribution charged against reserves in cash or, if the Board is authorised to issue shares, in the form of shares (article 37.5.).

Proposed profit appropriation

Appropriation of net profit pursuant to article 37.2 and 37.3 of the articles of association:

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
 
(Release from) / addition to reserves
    (4,399 )     (15,633 )
Dividends on ordinary shares
    -       19,213  
      (4,399 )     3,580  
Dividends on preference shares
    -       -  

197


Stipulations of the Articles of Association of Holding with respect to shares and voting rights

Each ordinary share of EUR 0.56 face value in the capital of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. entitles the holder to cast one vote. Subject to certain exceptions provided for by law or in the Articles of Association, resolutions are passed by an absolute majority of the votes cast.

When shares are issued, each holder of shares shall have pre-emptive right, in proportion to the aggregate amount of their shares, except in the case of an issue of shares for a consideration other than in cash or an issue of shares to employees of the company or of a group company.

In the event of the dissolution and liquidation of ABN AMRO Holding N.V., the assets remaining after payment of all debts will be distributed to the holders of ordinary shares on a pro-rata basis.
 
198

 
Section 8          Additional Information


   
Exchange Rates
200
   
Supervisory Board
201
   
Managing Board
203
   
Pro Forma Financial Information
208
   
Selected Statistical Information
214
   
Major Shareholders and Ownership
236
   
Articles of Association
236
   
Material Contracts
237
   
Trend Information
237
   
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
238
   
Code of Ethics
238
   
Central Works Council
239
   
Abbreviations
240
   
Documents on Display
241
   
Signatures
243
   
How to order reports
244
   
 
199

 
SECTION 8          ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

Exchange rates

The following table shows, for the years and months indicated, certain information regarding the Noon Buying Rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in euros as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York expressed in US dollar.

Value of 1 USD in EUR
 
At period end (1)
   
Average rate (2)
   
High
   
Low
 
2003
    0.79       0.89       0.97       0.79  
2004
    0.74       0.81       0.85       0.73  
2005
    0.84       0.80       0.86       0.74  
2006
    0.76       0.76       0.76       0.75  
2007
    0.68       0.73       0.77       0.67  
2008
    0.72       0.68       0.80       0.62  
September 2009
    0.68       0.69       0.70       0.68  
October 2009
    0.68       0.67       0.69       0.67  
November 2009
    0.67       0.67       0.68       0.66  
December 2009
    0.70       0.69       0.70       0.66  
January 2010
    0.72       0.70       0.72       0.69  
February 2010
    0.73       0.73       0.74       0.72  
19 March 2010
    0.74       0.73       0.74       0.73  

(1) The period-end rate is the Noon Buying Rate announced on the last day of the period.
(2) The average rate for each yearly period is the average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month during the year. The average rate for each monthly period is the average of the Noon Buying Rates of each day of the month. The Noon Buying Rate on 19 March 2010, the latest practicable date, was 1 USD = EUR 0.7391.

These rates are provided solely for your convenience and are not necessarily the rates used by us in preparation of our consolidated financial statements or in financial data included elsewhere in this report, such as the unaudited translation into US dollar of the figures as of or for the year ended 31 December 2009 provided for your convenience. We do not make any representation that amounts in US dollar have been, could have been, or could be converted into euros at any of the above rates.

A significant portion of our assets and liabilities are denominated in currencies other than the euro. Accordingly, fluctuations in the value of the euro relative to other currencies, such as the US dollar, can have an effect on our financial performance. See ‘Section 3: Operating results – Operating and Financial Review and Prospects’.

200


Supervisory Board

As at 26 March 2010, the composition of the Supervisory Board of ABN AMRO Holding N.V., The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. was as follows, including relevant information about the members:

Name
Term expires
Principal (former) occupation
Other relevant positions
 
Arthur Martinez 1, 2
(70, American, M)
Chairman
2002 3
2010 4
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sears, Roebuck & Co. Inc.
Non-Executive Director International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc.
Non-Executive Director Liz Claiborne, Inc.
Non-Executive Director PepsiCo., Inc.
Non-Executive Director IAC/Interactive Corp.
Chairman of HSN. Inc.
Non-Executive Director of American International Group
 
André Olijslager 1
(66, Dutch, M)
Vice Chairman
2004 3
2012 4
Former Chairman of the Board of Management of Royal Friesland Foods N.V.
Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Avebe U.A.
Member of the Supervisory Board of Center Parcs N.V.
Member of the Investment Committee of NPM Capital N.V.
Member of the Management Board of Foundation N.V. Trust Office Unilever
Non-Executive Director of Tourism Real Estate Property (TREP) Holding SE
Chairman Dutch Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (NVP)
Chairman of Stichting Maatschappij en Onderneming (SMO)
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Friesland College
Chairman of the Advisory Board of ‘Lifelines’ (UMC Groningen)
Member of the Advisory Board of Stichting Nyenrode
Member of the Supervisory Board of Fries Museum/Princessehof
 
Trude Maas - de Brouwer 2
(63, Dutch, F)
2000 3
2012 4
Former President of Hay Vision Society
Vice-chairman of the Supervisory Board of Schiphol Group
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Royal Philips Electronics Netherlands (PEN)
Member of the Supervisory Board of Arbo Unie
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Nuffic (Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher Education)
Chairman of the Bernard van Leer Foundation
Member of the Governing Council of  Van Leer Group Foundation
Member of the curatorium of VNO NCW
Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Dutch Data Protection Authority
Member of the Supervisory Board of the Van Gogh Museum
Chairman of the Utrecht Development Board
 
Gert-Jan Kramer 1
(67, Dutch, M)
2006 3
2010 4
Former Chairman of Fugro N.V.
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ASM International N.V.
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Scheuten Solar Holding B.V.
Vice-chairman of the Supervisory Board of Damen Shipyards Group
Member of the Supervisory Board of Fugro N.V.
Member of the Supervisory Board of Trajectum B.V. (Mammoet B.V.)
Member of the Supervisory Board of N.V. Bronwaterleiding Doorn
Member of the Supervisory Board of Energie
 
201

 
     
Beheer Nederland B.V.
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Delft University of Technology
Chairman of IRO (Association of Dutch Suppliers of the Oil and Gas Industry)
Member of the Board of Nederland Maritiem Land
Vice-chairman of St. Preferente Aandelen Arcadis N.V.
Chairman of the Board of Amsterdam Sinfonietta
Member of the Board of Stichting Het Concertgebouw Fonds
Member of the Board of Stichting Pieterskerk, Leiden
       
Ana Maria Llopis Rivas 1
(59, Spanish, F)
2007 3
2011 4
Founder and former CEO of Open Bank (the branchless internet bank of the Spanish Santander Group)
Member of the Advisory Board on e-administration to the Minister of Public Administration, Spain
Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco
Member of the Board of Directors of Service Point Solutions S.A.
Personal strategic and business advisor to Peter Wood, Chairman and CEO of esure (internet insurer)
Executive Chairman ideas4all.com
 
Juan Rodriguez Inciarte
(57, Spanish, M)
2007 3
2011 4
Executive Board Member of Grupo Santander
Managing Director of RFS Holdings B.V.
Chairman of the US-Spain Councila and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland
Vice-chairman of the Board of Abbey National plc, a fully owned unit of Santander
Member of the Board of other Santander subsidiaries
 
Michael Enthoven 1, 2
(58, Dutch, M)
2008 3
2012 4
Advisor  at the Ministry of Finance
Managing Director of RFS Holdings B.V.
Member of the Supervisory Board of Fortis Bank Nederland N.V.
Treasurer of the Leids Universitair Fonds
 
Miller M McLean
(60, British, M)
2009 3
2013 4
Group General Counsel and Group Secretary of RBS Group plc
Managing Director of RFS Holdings B.V.
Chairman to the Board of the Whitehall and Industry Group
Chairman of Adam & Company Group plc
Non-executive director at Ulster Bank Group Limited
Chairman of the Trustee of the RBS Pension Fund
Chairman of the Trustee of the RBS Insurance Pension Fund

Age, nationality and gender shown in brackets
1 Member of the Audit Committee.
2 Member of the Nomination & Compensation Committee.
3 Year of appointment.
4 Current term expires.


202


Managing Board

As at 26 March 2010, the composition of the Managing Board of ABN AMRO Holding N.V., The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. was as follows:

Name
Term expires
 
Principal responsibilities 2010
Gerrit Zalm
(57, Dutch, M)
2008 2
2012 3, 4
Chairman
Human Resources, Communications and Group Audit
Ron Teerlink
(49, Dutch, M)
2009 2
2013 2, 4
Vice Chairman
Transition Management Committee
David Cole
(48, Dutch and American, M)
2009 2
2013 2, 4
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Risk Officer
Group Finance
Group Risk
Group Legal
Group Compliance
Javier Maldonado
(47, Spanish, M)
2007 2
2011 3, 4
The shared assets included in Central Items
Donald Workman
(57 British, M)
2008 2
2012 3, 4
Global Banking and Markets and BU Americas
Johan van Hall
(50, Dutch, M)
2009 2
2013 3, 4
Integration and Services
Chris Vogelzang
(47, Dutch, M)
2009 2
2013 3, 4
Business Units Netherlands
Business Units Private Clients
International Diamond & Jewelry Group
Jeroen Kremers
(51, Dutch, M)
2009 2
2013 3
Global Country Risk, RBS Group
Brian Stevenson
(56, British, M)
2009 2
2013 3
Global Transaction Services

Age, nationality and gender shown in brackets
1 Managing Board members are appointed until reaching the contractually agreed mandatory retirement age of 65, unless otherwise indicated.
2 Year of appointment.
3 Current terms expires.
4 In line with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code these members have been appointed for a maximum period of four years and may be reappointed for a term of not more than four year at a time.

203


Curriculum vitae
Managing Board members as at 26 March 2010

Gerrit Zalm is the Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’) of ABN AMRO as of 28 February 2009. He was appointed to the Managing Board on 23 December 2008 in the role of Vice Chairman. Gerrit Zalm is the Board Member responsible for the ABN AMRO businesses acquired by the Dutch State. He is also responsible for Human Resources, Communications and Audit. In 1975 he started working for the Ministry of Finance as an employee of the Economic Affairs section of the Budget Preparation Division. In 1977 he was appointed Head of that section and in 1978 he became Head of the Division. In 1981 he was appointed the Deputy Director for Budgetary Affairs. Two years later Mr Zalm was appointed as the Deputy Director for General Economic Policy at the Ministry for Economic Affairs, and in 1985, he eventually became Director. From 1988, Mr Zalm was employed at the Central Planning Bureau, first as Deputy Director and later as Director. From 1990 he also began teaching Economic Policy at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Mr Zalm was Minister of Finance during the first and second terms of Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok from 22 August 1994 until 22 July 2002. During 2002 and 2003, he was a Member of the Dutch Parliament and Chairman of his party’s parliamentary group VVD. From 27 May 2003 until 22 February 2007, Mr Zalm was Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister in the second and third terms of Prime Minister Balkenende. After leaving the Dutch Government in February 2007, Mr Zalm was the CFO and Chief Economist at DSB Bank until December 2008. After completing his secondary education, he studied General Economics at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He graduated in 1975.

Ron Teerlink is the Vice Chairman of ABN AMRO. He is the Managing Board member responsible for Transition Management. He was appointed to the Managing Board in January 2006. He stepped down from the Managing Board on 1 April 2008 to become CEO Group Manufacturing at RBS. On 28 February 2009 he was re-appointed to the Managing Board. From 2006 till April 2008 he was responsible for the Business Unit (‘BU’) Latin America and expansion of the mid-market strategy in that region; the BU Transaction Banking; Services; and the Consumer Client Segment. He was responsible for EU Affairs & Market Infrastructure. Mr Teerlink was named Chief Executive Officer of Group Shared Services (‘GSS’) in 2004. Under his leadership, the GSS programme was accelerated and contracts signed with vendors for the partial outsourcing, multi-vendor strategies and off-shoring of IT services. Mr Teerlink was appointed Chief Operating Officer Wholesale Clients business in 2002; Senior Executive Vice President in 2002; and Managing Director Wholesale Clients business/Operations Europe in 2001. Mr Teerlink joined ABN AMRO in 1986 as IT/System analyst, appointed head Project and Development ASI in 1992; International/Director Administration & Organisation, Cologne in 1994; and Director Administration and Organisation in Frankfurt in 1995. From 1999, he was responsible for International Organisation and Information, Amsterdam and Europe/Operations in 2000. He has a Masters degree in Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 1986.

David Cole is the Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’) and Chief Risk Officer (‘CRO’). He is also responsible for Group Finance, Group Risk, Group Legal and Group Compliance. He was appointed to the Managing Board on 28 February 2009. Mr Cole joined ABN AMRO in Amsterdam in 1984 as a corporate client relationship manager. He held a series of credit and relationship management positions over the next 15 years in New York, Houston, Chicago and Amsterdam before being appointed Executive Vice President and Regional Head of Risk Management for Latin America in 1999, where he was based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In 2001, Mr Cole returned to Amsterdam to undertake Corporate Centre responsibility within GRM for Credit Portfolio Management. Later that year he was appointed Managing Director and Head of Wholesale Clients (‘WCS’) Change Management. In 2002 Mr Cole became CFO of WCS and in 2004 he was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of WCS. Mr Cole was appointed Head of Group Risk Management (GRM) for ABN AMRO in January 2006. GRM is responsible for the management of credit, country, market, operational and reputational risk across the bank. He studied at the University of Georgia where he graduated in 1984 (Bachelor of Business Administration). He also studied International Business at Nijenrode University in the Netherlands.

Javier Maldonado is the Managing Board member responsible for the shared assets included in Central Items. He was appointed to the Managing Board on 1 November 2007. Prior to the board appointment, Mr Maldonado worked from 2004 to 2007 at Abbey National plc as Chief Executive of the Wealth Management Division, which includes James Hay, Cater Allen, Abbey International and Abbey Share dealing. He was responsible for the development and delivery of objectives set for the Wealth Management Division which includes: managing over 800 people; development of the structure and organisation of the Wealth Management Division; development of
 
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business strategy taking into account the regulatory environment; co-ordination of the areas of support necessary for the development and delivery of the products; analysis of markets, compliance and local regulatory requirements; setting of objectives and budgets for the division. Mr Maldonado was also Head of Complaints and Service Quality Division. From February till October 2006 he was Chief Executive Insurance & Asset Management Division at Abbey. From November 2004 to February 2006, he was Assistant to the Chief Executive Office and Head of Complaints. Prior to his career at Abbey, Mr Maldonado worked at Banco Santander SA from 1995 till 2004 as MD Global M&A & Corporate Finance, MD Legal Department, Head of International Legal Department at Santander Investment New York. He started his career at Baker and McKenzie in 1986. In 1991 he moved to the law firm Hernandez-Canut in Madrid. He has a Juris Doctor Degree, Northwestern University Law School, Chicago and a Law Degree, University of Madrid.

Donald Workman is the Managing Board member responsible for Global Banking and Markets. He was appointed to the Managing Board on 22 September 2008. Prior to his appointment Mr Workman was Chief Executive, ABN AMRO Global Banking and Markets and has been responsible for the 'Shared Assets' Transition Steering Group in ABN AMRO charged with the disposal of non-core assets such as the private equity portfolios, minority stakes in other banks and investment funds. He is also responsible for the RBS relationship with the Global Markets and Corporate Banking Divisions of Bank of China. Having joined RBS in 1992 Mr Workman has been responsible for a number of large projects including the integration of the corporate banking parts of NatWest into RBS as well as having responsibility for various specialist units within RBS. Having originally a private equity background, he represented the Group on the Board of Southern Water, which was sold last year, and continues to represent the Group on the Board of Star Capital Partners, a specialist infrastructure investor. Before joining RBS he worked at 3i, Castleforth Fund Managers and stockbrokers Laing and Cruickshank where he was head of Corporate Finance. He was educated at the Edinburgh Academy and Magdalen College, Oxford.

Johan van Hall is the Managing Board member responsible for Integration and Services. He was appointed to the Managing Board on 28 February 2009. In 1982 Mr Van Hall joined ABN AMRO, where he started his career as a chartered accountant and registered Electronic Data Processing (‘EDP’) Auditor. In the following 12 years he accepted various responsibilities within EDP Audit, both in and outside the Netherlands. His last role was Global Head of EDP Audit, reporting to the Director of Group Audit. He subsequently changed to the role of Division Information Manager within the domestic division of the bank. In that function he was responsible for among others Information Communication Technology (‘ICT’) strategy, ICT budgeting, end user development and management information. As of 1999 he took responsibility for the development of the Multi Channel Platform, focusing on the development and integration of new distribution channels (including internet, mobile) and customer relationship management systems. Early 2004 Mr van Hall became member of the Management Team of the BU Netherlands, responsible for Business Solutions & Services. This includes, for example: multi channel business services, facility management services, ICT, operations and organisation & process development. Furthermore, he is chairman of the Ambassadors’ Network Diversity & Inclusion within BU Netherlands. Mr van Hall obtained a post master degree in IT Audit at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam in 1989. Two years earlier, he had completed his chartered accountancy studies (NIVRA).

Chris Vogelzang is the Managing Board member responsible for BU Netherlands, BU Private Clients and the International Diamond and Jewelry Group. He was appointed to the Managing Board on 28 February 2009. Mr Vogelzang joined ABN AMRO in 2000 as a Corporate Executive Vice President, responsible for Retail Marketing and later became head of Business Development Netherlands. He was subsequently named head of Consumer Banking Netherlands, responsible for all domestic sales, marketing and product development activities in the consumer market, and was a member of the Management Team of BU Netherlands. In January 2007 Mr Vogelzang was appointed Global Head of Private Clients. He also served as the CEO of Fortis Private Banking between January and October of last year. Prior to joining ABN AMRO, Mr Vogelzang was with Royal Dutch Shell Group, where he began his career in 1988. While there, he held senior management positions in sales, oil-trading and marketing and had various international assignments in a number of countries in Africa and Europe. Mr Vogelzang has a Master of Business degree in Economics (1988) from the University of Groningen.
 
Jeroen Kremers is Head of Global Country Risk at the Royal Bank of Scotland Group since March 2009, and was appointed to the ABN AMRO Managing Board on 1 July 2009. He is not responsible for a specific portfolio in the Managing Board. He began his career in
 
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1986 as an Economist for the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC. In 1989 he became Senior Economist at the Netherlands Ministry of Finance, and in 1992, Deputy Director for Financial and Economic Policy. He then moved to become Director for Financial Markets in 1997 and in addition was appointed Deputy Treasurer General. He also was a Professor of Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam from 1991 till 2003. In 2003, Mr Kremers was elected Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund, representing a constituency of 13 European countries. He remained until 2007, when he moved to ABN AMRO to become Head of Group Public Affairs. He left ABN AMRO in 2008 and, after a spell back in academia, he joined RBS in 2009. He earned a DPhil at Nuffield College Oxford in 1985, following degrees in Quantitative Economics at Bristol University and in Econometrics at Tilburg University. Mr Kremers also chairs the Board of Tinbergen Institute and serves on the Senior Advisory Board of Oliver Wyman Financial Services.
 
Brian Stevenson is the Managing Board member responsible for Global Transaction Services. He was appointed to the Managing Board on 1 July 2009. Global Transaction Services (‘GTS’) was established in February 2008 as a new division of RBS Group. It comprises cash and liquidity management, trade finance and merchant acquisition and commercial cards and serves corporate, financial institution and public sector clients across more than 50 countries. In 1970 Brian joined Barclays Group and over the next years held various positions in Barclays Bank PLC, Barclays Merchant Bank & BZW. From 1992 to 2004, Brian was with Deutsche Bank where he was responsible for running Deutsche Bank's Global Banking Business in London, before becoming the Chief Operating Officer for Global Banking. In his last position at Deutsche Bank, Brian was based in Hong Kong, where he was responsible for the Global Banking Business in Asia Pacific. Prior to joining the Board, Mr Stevenson was the Head of Corporates, Global Banking and Markets. He joined RBS Group in 2004 as Managing Director, Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking. Brian completed his MBA at Henley Management College. He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in the UK (‘ACIB’), and is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland.
 
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Business and Functions heads
Situation as at 26 March 2010

Business
       
BU Netherlands
 
Global Markets Business
Chris Vogelzang
 
Donald Workman
 
       
BU Private Clients
 
Global Transaction Services
Chris Vogelzang
 
Brian Stevenson
 
       
Functions
     
       
Group Audit
 
Group Finance
 
Joop van Gennip
 
Petri Hofsté
 
       
Group Communications
 
Group Human Resources
Gerard van Buttingha Wichers
Tony Williams
 
       
Group Compliance
 
Group Risk Management
Andrew Robinson
 
Jan Meines
 
       
Group Legal
     
John Collins
     
       
Senior Executive Vice Presidents
Gerard Hartsink
     
Petri Hofsté
     
       
Company Secretary
     
Gwendolyn van Tunen
     
       
Executive Committee of new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. as at 1 February 2010
       
Personnel
Key responsibility
Gerrit Zalm
Chair
Wietze Reehoorn
Finance, Risk and Strategy
Johan van Hall
Operations, Property and Information Technology
Chris Vogelzang
Retail and Private Banking
Joop Wijn
Commercial and Merchant Banking
Caroline Princen
Integration (Human Resources and Culture), Communication and Compliance
   
 
207

 
Unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information relating to ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

Background
This section provides pro forma financial information to supplement the 2009 Annual report of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. The legal separation is a significant event and therefore this information is included to provide investors with relevant historical financial information on a pro forma basis allowing an assessment of the impact of the legal separation, which is planned for 1 April 2010.

The legal separation has been preceded by a legal demerger, through which the majority of the Dutch State acquired businesses were demerged to a new legal entity, ABN AMRO II N.V. At the date of demerger, 6 February 2010, ABN AMRO II N.V. was renamed ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. was renamed The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. (‘RBS N.V.’). After legal separation of the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V., ABN AMRO Holding N.V. will be renamed RBS Holdings N.V.  For further information, refer to section 2: Information about the Company. For the purposes of the pro forma, the following legal entity names shall apply:

·
ABN AMRO represents ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and its consolidated subsidiaries until legal separation.
·
The new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. represents the entity previously named ABN AMRO II N.V. and its consolidated subsidiaries. This entity will be legally separated from ABN AMRO Holding N.V.
·
ABN AMRO Holding N.V. represents the entity to be renamed RBS Holdings N.V. at the date of legal separation. After separation it will have one direct subsidiary, RBS N.V. (previously named ABN AMRO Bank N.V.) and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The pro forma financial information has been prepared for illustrative purposes only on the basis of estimates and assumptions which are preliminary. The pro forma information addresses a hypothetical situation and does not represent the actual position or the results of ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

The pro forma financial information includes the following pro forma information for ABN AMRO Holding N.V. (i) a pro forma Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2009, (ii) a pro forma income statement for the year ended 31 December 2009, (iii) a pro forma income statement for the year ended 31 December 2008, (iv) a pro forma income statement for the year ended 31 December 2007, and (v) Notes to the pro forma financial information.  This pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the related notes in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’ of the 2009 Annual Report of ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

Management is not aware of any matters that could impact the results and financial position as presented in the pro forma financial information.

208


Unaudited pro forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position ABN AMRO Holding N.V. as at 31 December 2009

(in millions of euros)
 
ABN AMRO(1)
   
The new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (2)
   
Santander dividend (3)
   
Intercompany reclassification (4)
   
Pro Forma Total (5)
 
                               
Assets
                             
Cash and balances at central banks
    28,382       (802 )                 27,580  
Financial assets held for trading
    78,058       (4,228 )                 73,830  
Financial investments
    74,897       (20,153 )                 54,744  
Loans and receivables - banks
    39,659       (17,380 )     (9,000 )     16,424       29,703  
Loans and receivables - customers
    218,246       (149,223 )                     69,023  
Other assets
    30,103       (10,298 )                     19,805  
Total assets
    469,345       (202,084 )     (9,000 )     16,424       274,685  
                                         
Liabilities
                                       
Financial liabilities held for trading
    62,687       (2,944 )                     59,743  
Due to banks
    46,145       (4,577 )             16,424       57,992  
Due to customers
    196,648       (143,782 )                     52,866  
Issued debt securities
    95,660       (23,451 )                     72,209  
Other liabilities
    34,745       (16,012 )                     18,733  
Subordinated liabilities
    14,544       (7,040 )                     7,504  
Total liabilities
    450,429       (197,806 )             16,424       269,047  
                                         
Equity
                                       
Equity attributable to shareholders
    18,880       (4,270 )     (9,000 )             5,610  
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
    36       (8 )                     28  
Total equity
    18,916       (4,278 )     (9,000 )             5,638  
Total equity and liabilities
    469,345       (202,084 )     (9,000 )     16,424       274,685  

(1)
The financial information for ABN AMRO has been extracted from audited financial information for the year ended 31 December 2009 included in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’ of this Annual Report.
(2)
See note 3 to pro forma information.
(3)
On 5 February 2010 ABN AMRO made a distribution of EUR 7.5 billion of capital to the parent of ABN AMRO Holding, RFS Holdings B.V., for the benefit of Santander. The boards of ABN AMRO Holding have furthermore resolved to make a further distribution for an amount in the range of EUR 1.2 to 1.5 billion for the benefit of Santander, subject to Dutch Central Bank approval, immediately before legal separation. For purposes of disclosure in this table EUR 1.5 billion has been assumed. After such further distribution, the indirect interest of Santander in ABN AMRO will have decreased to its share in the remaining Shared Assets.
(4)
This column removes the effect of reclassification of balances between ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. that were intercompany transactions before the legal demerger. The reclassification is performed to show ABN AMRO Holding N.V. as if it were a standalone legal entity.
(5)
See note 4 to pro forma financial information.
 
209

 
Unaudited pro forma Condensed Consolidated Income Statement ABN AMRO Holding N.V. for the year ended 31 December 2009

(in millions of euros)
 
ABN AMRO (1)
   
The new ABN AMRO Bank N.V.(2)
   
Pro Forma Total (3)
 
                   
Net interest income
    4,648       2,979       1,669  
Net fee and commission income
    2,221       1,198       1,023  
Net trading income
    1,562       110       1,452  
Results from financial transactions
    (2,206 )     305       (2,511 )
Share of result in equity accounted investments
    25       83       (58 )
Other operating income
    8       215       (207 )
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
    436       409       27  
Operating income
    6,694       5,299       1,395  
                         
Operating expenses
    8,815       4,194       4,621  
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    2,793       1,172       1,621  
Total expenses
    11,608       5,366       6,242  
                         
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (4,914 )     (67 )     (4,847 )
Tax
    (415 )     50       (465 )
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    (4,499 )     (117 )     (4382 )
 
Attributable to:
                       
Shareholders
    (4,499 )     (112 )     (4,387 )
Non-controlling interests
    -       (5 )     5  

(1)
The financial information for ABN AMRO has been extracted from audited financial information for the year ended 31 December 2009 included in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’ of this Annual Report.
(2) 
See note 3 to pro forma financial information.
(3) 
See note 4 to pro forma financial information.
 
Unaudited pro forma Condensed Consolidated Income Statement ABN AMRO Holding N.V. for the year ended 31 December 2008

(in millions of euros)
 
ABN AMRO (1)
   
The new ABN AMRO Bank N.V.(2)
   
Pro Forma Total (3)
 
                   
Net interest income
    5,783       3,223       2,560  
Net fee and commission income
    2,629       1,322       1,307  
Net trading income
    (9,324 )     190       (9,514 )
Results from financial transactions
    (1,684 )     181       (1,865 )
Share of result in equity accounted investments
    106       31       75  
Other operating income
    306       242       64  
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
    1,726       -       1,726  
Operating income
    (458 )     5,189       (5,647 )
                         
Operating expenses
    11,629       3,786       7,843  
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    3,387       776       2,611  
Total expenses
    15,016       4,562       10,454  
                         
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    (15,474 )     627       (16,101 )
Tax
    (2,580 )     156       (2,736 )
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    (12,894 )     471       (13,365 )
 
Attributable to:
                       
Shareholders
    (12,894 )     471       (13,365 )
Non-controlling interests
    -       -       -  

(1)
The financial information for ABN AMRO has been extracted from audited financial information for the year ended 31 December 2008 included in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’ of this Annual Report.
(2)
See note 3 to pro forma financial information.
(3
See note 4 to pro forma financial information.

210



Unaudited pro forma Condensed Consolidated Income Statement ABN AMRO Holding N.V. for the year ended 31 December 2007

(in millions of euros)
 
ABN AMRO (1)
   
The new ABN AMRO Bank N.V.(2)
   
Pro Forma Total (3)
 
                   
Net interest income
    4,595       3,440       1,155  
Net fee and commission income
    3,852       1,541       2,311  
Net trading income
    1,119       155       964  
Results from financial transactions
    1,134       37       1,097  
Share of result in equity accounted investments
    223       54       169  
Other operating income
    1,239       335       904  
Income of consolidated private equity holdings
    3,836       -       3,836  
Operating income
    15,998       5,562       10,436  
                         
Operating expenses
    14,785       3,610       11,175  
Loan impairment and other credit risk provisions
    717       378       339  
Total expenses
    15,502       3,988       11,514  
                         
Operating profit/(loss) before tax
    496       1,574       (1,078 )
Tax
    (458 )     394       (852 )
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations
    954       1,180       (226 )
                         
Attributable to:
                       
Shareholders
    882       1,177       (295 )
Non-controlling interests
    72       3       69  

(1)
The financial information for ABN AMRO has been extracted from audited financial information for the year ended 31 December 2007 included in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’ of this Annual Report.
(2)
See note 3 to pro forma financial information.
(3)
See note 4 to pro forma financial information.
 
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Notes to pro forma financial information for ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

1           Basis of preparation

The pro forma financial information for ABN AMRO Holding N.V. as at 31 December 2009, and for the years ended 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2007 has been based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and IFRS as adopted by the European Union. The pro forma financial information does not include events subsequent to 31 December 2009, with the exception of the below.

The pro forma financial information has been prepared on the following basis:

·
The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of financial position of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. at 31 December 2009 is presented to show the effect of the legal separation of the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and is based upon the respective consolidated balance sheets at 31 December 2009 of ABN AMRO and the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. as if the proposed transaction had occurred on 31 December 2009.
·
The pro forma condensed consolidated income statement of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007 is presented to show the effect of the legal separation of the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and is based upon the respective consolidated income statements for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007 of ABN AMRO and the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. as if the proposed transaction had occurred on 1 January of the earliest period presented.
·
The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of financial position at 31 December 2009 of the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. assumes that all assets and liabilities acquired by the Dutch State are demerged or otherwise legally transferred and subsequently legally separated with no residual assets or liabilities (see note 3 for information on assets and liabilities to be transferred after the legal separation). Consequently the pro forma total for ABN AMRO Holding N.V. does not include these residual assets.

The same accounting policies and methods of computation are followed in the pro forma financial information as were applied in the preparation of the ABN AMRO financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2009. Please refer to the accounting policies section within Section 6: Financial Statements for a more detailed description.
 
2           Overview of RBS N.V. business after legal demerger

RBS N.V. will be a strong and stable wholesale banking enterprise. RBS Group will target the highest possible credit rating for RBS N.V.

RBS N.V. will operate on a significant scale across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), the Americas and Asia. At legal separation, RBS N.V. will have a sizeable balance sheet, a significant staff presence and a broad set of products offered in country; provided by a sales force operating in up approximately 50 countries, reducing over time following intended asset sales or exits of selected network countries.

RBS N.V. will comprise the following core businesses:
·
Global Banking & Markets: Global Lending, Equities, Short Term Markets & Funding, and Local Markets;
·
Global Transaction Services: Global Lending, Transaction Banking and International Cash Management;
·
Risk & Restructuring: The Non-Core Division in Risk & Restructuring contains assets that are no longer core to RBS Group’s strategic objectives and include Trading, Wholesale Banking and Retail & Commercial Business Units, as well as selected network countries. The assets will reduce over time through wind-down, sale or transfer.

These RBS N.V. businesses are part of global business units in RBS Group that operate across multiple legal entities. The strategy of RBS N.V. is part of the overall businesses’ strategies.
 
212

 
3           Assets and liabilities to be transferred after demerger

A number of assets and liabilities included in some Private Clients and the International Diamond & Jewelry Group businesses in branches and subsidiaries were not part of the legal demerger. These assets and liabilities are part of the Dutch State acquired businesses and are being transferred to the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as soon as possible after the effective date of the demerger, when all required technical and regulatory separation activities are complete and approvals obtained.

At the date of signing this report, EUR 4.0 billion of EUR 202.1 billion of assets and EUR 5.1 billion of EUR 197.8 billion liabilities, which are included in the pro forma financial information of the new ABN AMRO Bank at 31 December 2009, have remained in ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and consolidated subsidiaries. These remaining assets are adequately funded and capitalised until they are transferred. The majority of these assets are planned to be transferred during the interim period between date of signing of this report and legal separation once the necessary consents have been obtained.

It is expected that at the date of legal separation, EUR 0.6 billion of these EUR 4.0 billion of assets and EUR 0.5 billion of these EUR 5.1 billion of liabilities will remain in ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and will be transferred as soon as possible after legal separation. The remaining assets are adequately funded and capitalised until their transfer after legal separation.

The assets and liabilities that will be transferred at a later stage are presented as part of the new ABN AMRO Bank N.V. in the pro forma income statement and statement of financial position as they are not significant.

4           Central Items

The pro forma financial information for ABN AMRO Holding N.V. includes not only the RBS acquired businesses but also other items as detailed below, the so-called “Central Items”. For further detail on the Central Items, refer to Section 2: Information about the Company.

ABN AMRO Holding N.V., after the legal separation, continues to include assets and liabilities that have not yet been settled between the consortium shareholders, the so-called “Shared Assets”, in which each of the consortium shareholders has a joint and indirect interest.  The net asset value of the assets and liabilities that are currently expected to remain for an interim period in ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and consolidated subsidiaries amounts to EUR 0.5 billion at 31 December 2009. As part of the legal demerger, capital related to the demerged businesses transferred to the new ABN AMRO Bank. However sufficient capital remains in ABN AMRO Holding N.V. to cover the Dutch State interest and the Santander interest in the remaining Shared Assets until such time that these are sold, redeemed or otherwise settled.

213

 
Selected statistical information

This section of the report contains supplementary information that is more detailed than the data presented in the operational results per segment.

Average Balance Sheet
The following tables present ABN AMRO’s average balances, based on month-end averages, and interest amounts and average rates for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007.

Average assets (1)

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
(in millions of euros,  
except percentages)
 
Average balance
   
Interest
income
   
Average
rate (%)
   
Average balance
   
Interest
income
   
Average
rate (%)
   
Average balance
   
Interest
income
   
Average
rate (%)
 
Balances at central banks
                                                     
·The Netherlands
    4,920       60       1.2       5,916       253       4.3       5,562       221       4.0  
· Rest of the world
    1,638       50       3.1       1,997       58       2.9       2,573       61       2.4  
Financial investments
                                                                       
· The Netherlands
    59,138       2,051       3.5       67,512       3,377       5.0       69,871       3,179       4.5  
· Rest of the world
    9,136       375       4.1       15,634       657       4.2       18,294       777       4.2  
Loans and receivables - banks
                                                                       
· The Netherlands
    21,485       206       1.0       11,977       541       4.5       13,091       589       4.5  
· Rest of the world
    7,070       212       3.0       13,327       675       5.1       15,255       833       5.5  
Loans and receivables – customers (2)
                                                                       
· The Netherlands
    165,556       7,633       4.6       181,576       10,325       5.7       163,815       9,170       5.6  
· Rest of the world
    63,247       2,708       4.3       124,254       6,194       5.0       147,552       7,904       5.4  
Total interest-earning assets
    332,190       13,295       4.0       422,193       22,080       5.2       436,013       22,734       5.2  
Total interest-earning assets -trading
    67,364                       169,897                       258,104                  
Subtotal
    399,554                       592,090                       694,117                  
Non-interest-earning assets
    150,804                       260,672                       214,520                  
Total average assets
    550,358       13,295       2.4       852,762       22,080       2.6       908,637       22,734       2.5  
                                                                         
Interest earning assets as a percentage of total  interest earning assets
                                                                       
· The Netherlands
    76 %                                                                
· Rest of the world
    24 %                                                                

(1) 
Assets temporarily sold (subject to repurchase) are included in the relevant balance sheet item.
(2)
For purpose of presentation in this table, loans include professional securities transactions and public sector which represents central, regional and local governments and governmental authorities.
 
214

 
Average liabilities and group equity

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
(in millions of euros,  
except percentages)
 
Average
balance
   
Interest
expense
   
Average
rate (%)
   
Average
balance
   
Interest
expense
   
Average
rate (%)
   
Average
balance
   
Interest
expense
   
Average
rate (%)
 
Due to banks
                                                     
· The Netherlands
    35,489       1,128       3.2       60,664       2,598       4.3       63,668       2,743       4.3  
· Rest of the world
    14,216       238       1.7       39,069       1,672       4.3       44,674       1,913       4.3  
Due to customers (1)
                                                                       
· The Netherlands
    133,033       3,637       2.7       136,403       4,691       3.4       140,954       4,788       3.4  
· Rest of the world
    57,647       954       1.7       89,986       2,817       3.1       113,366       4,326       3.8  
Issued debt securities
                                                                       
· The Netherlands
    62,529       2,165       3.5       80,803       3,960       4.9       95,801       4,651       4.9  
· Rest of the world
    10,472       280       2.7       30,915       1,196       3.9       36,906       1,870       5.1  
Subordinated liabilities
                                                                       
· The Netherlands
    10,407       331       3.2       11,115       540       4.9       12,862       564       4.4  
· Rest of the world
    2,758       169       6.1       2,718       163       6.0       3,163       195       6.2  
Internal funding of the trading book
    (27,248 )     (255 )     0.9       (34,760 )     (1,340 )     3.9       (74,979 )     (2,911 )     3.9  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    299,303       8,647       2.9       416,913       16,297       3.9       436,415       18,139       4.2  
Total interest-bearing securities -trading
    82,223                       179,273                       250,807                  
Subtotal
    381,526                       596,186                       687,222                  
Non-interest-bearing liabilities
    152,377                       223,892                       195,778                  
Group equity (2)
    16,455                       32,684                       25,637                  
                                                                         
Total average liabilities and equity
    550,358       8,647       1.6       852,762       16,297       1.9       908,637       18,139       2.0  
                                                                         
Interest bearing liabilities as a percentage of total interest bearing liabilities
                                                                       
· The Netherlands
    74 %                                                                
· Rest of the world
    26 %                                                                

(1)
For presentation in this table, due to customers includes professional securities transactions and savings accounts.
(2) 
Equity includes non-controlling interests.

215

 
Changes in net interest income - volume and interest rate analysis
The following tables allocate, by categories of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, changes in interest income and expenses due to changes in volume and in rates for 2009 compared to 2008 and for 2008 compared to 2007. Volume and rate variances have been calculated on the basis of movements in average balances and changes in interest rates. Changes due to a combination of volume and rate have been allocated proportionally.

Assets
 
 
(in millions of euros)
 
2009 over 2008
   
Volume/Rate changes
   
2008 over 2007
    Volume/Rate changes  
   
Change interest
income
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Change interest
income
   
Volume
   
Rate
 
Balances at central banks
                                   
· The Netherlands
    (193 )     (37 )     (156 )     32       15       17  
· Rest of the world
    (8 )     (11 )     3       (3 )     (15 )     12  
                                                 
Financial investments
                                               
· The Netherlands
    (1,326 )     (382 )     (944 )     198       (110 )     308  
· Rest of the world
    (282 )     (267 )     (15 )     (120 )     (112 )     (8 )
                                                 
Loans and receivables - banks
                                               
· The Netherlands
    (335 )     260       (595 )     (48 )     (50 )     2  
· Rest of the world
    (463 )     (248 )     (215 )     (158 )     (100 )     (58 )
                                                 
Loans and receivables - customers (1)
                                               
· The Netherlands
    (2,692 )     (856 )     (1,836 )     1,155       1,008       147  
· Rest of the world
    (3,486 )     (2,708 )     (778 )     (1,710 )     (1,188 )     (522 )
                                                 
      (8,785 )     (4,249 )     (4,536 )     (654 )     (552 )     (102 )

(1)     For purposes of presentation in this table, loans include professional securities transactions.
 
Liabilities

(in millions of euros)
 
2009 over 2008
   
Volume/Rate changes
   
2008 over 2007
   
Volume/Rate changes
 
   
Change interest
expense
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Change interest
expense
   
Volume
   
Rate
 
Financial liabilities held for trading
    1,085       241       844       1,571       1,551       20  
                                                 
Due to banks
                                               
· The Netherlands
    (1,470 )     (907 )     (563 )     (145 )     (129 )     (16 )
· Rest of the world
    (1,434 )     (733 )     (701 )     (241 )     (240 )     (1 )
                                                 
Due to customers (1)
                                               
· The Netherlands
    (1,054 )     (113 )     (941 )     (97 )     (156 )     59  
· Rest of the world
    (1,863 )     (806 )     (1,057 )     (1,509 )     (807 )     (702 )
                                                 
Issued debt securities
    (2,711 )     (1,405 )     (1,306 )     (1,365 )     (1,009 )     (356 )
                                                 
Subordinated liabilities
                                               
· The Netherlands
    (209 )     (33 )     (176 )     (24 )     (81 )     57  
· Rest of the world
    6       2       4       (32 )     (27 )     (5 )
                                                 
      (7,650 )     (3,754 )     (3,896 )     (1,842 )     (898 )     (944 )

(1)     Due to customers includes savings accounts.

216


Yields, spreads and margins
The following table presents selected yield, spread and margin information applicable to ABN AMRO for 2009, 2008 and 2007.

Yields, spreads and margins

(in percentages)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Gross yield (1)
                 
· The Netherlands
    4.0       5.4       5.2  
· Rest of the world
    4.1       4.9       5.2  
· Total group
    4.0       5.2       5.2  
                         
Interest rate spread (2)
                       
· The Netherlands
    1.0       1.4       1.1  
· Rest of the world
    1.7       1.4       0.8  
· Total group
    1.1       1.3       1.0  
                         
Net interest margin (3)
                       
· The Netherlands
    1.2       1.2       0.9  
· Rest of the world
    0.5       0.4       0.3  
· Total group
    0.8       0.7       0.5  

(1) 
Gross yield represents the interest rate earned on average interest earning assets.
(2)
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the interest rate earned on average interest earning assets and the rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities.
(3)
Net interest income as a percentage of total interest earning assets.
 
217

 
Assets

Securities
Investment portfolios
For an overview of ABN AMRO’s financial investments at 31 December 2009 and 2008, under IFRS, please refer to note 15 in Section 6: ’Financial Statements’.

Trading portfolios
ABN AMRO’s trading portfolio at 31 December 2009, 2008 and 2007, under IFRS, is as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Financial assets held for trading
                 
Dutch State
    71       203       1,434  
US Treasury and US Government
    19       29       2,383  
Other OECD governments
    2,337       2,392       20,214  
Non-OECD governments
    569       1,598       4,196  
Mortgage and other asset backed securities
    3,079       9,170       16,191  
Financial institutions
    1,788       3,966       13,428  
Non financial institutions
    1,920       2,382       11,823  
Other securities
    1,695       1,587       3,196  
Subtotal: Interest earning financial assets
    11,478       21,327       72,865  
Equity instruments
    12,346       12,430       45,947  
Derivative financial instruments
    54,234       178,896       123,465  
Total assets held for trading
    78,058       212,653       242,277  
                         
Financial liabilities held for trading
                       
Short positions in financial assets
    4,536       5,413       35,988  
Derivative financial instruments
    58,151       186,674       119,488  
Total liabilities held for trading
    62,687       192,087       155,476  

Concentration
At 31 December 2009, ABN AMRO held the following securities positions in issuers, which exceeded 10% of ABN AMRO’s shareholders’ equity at that date:

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
German central government
    12,131       8,358  
Dutch central government
    10,696       3,687  
French central government
    6,942       2,986  
Italian central government
    3,391       2,087  
US central government
    4,889       5,013  
 
Loans and receivables – banks
The following table show loans to and receivables from banks.

Loans and receivables – banks

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
· The Netherlands
    10,401       15,041       11,309       15,290       11,256  
· North America
    653       902       1,325       2,488       4,304  
· Rest of the world
    28,605       59,623       163,064       117,041       93,075  
Total loans to banks
    39,659       75,566       175,698       134,819       108,635  

The table below shows an analysis of the remaining life of loans to and receivables from banks at 31 December 2009.

 
218

 
Loans and receivables – banks – maturities

(in millions of euros)
 
Remaining life
 
   
At 31 December 2009
 
   
Within 1 year
   
After 1 year and within 5 years
   
After 5 years
   
Total
 
· The Netherlands
    9,057       881       463       10,401  
· North America
    653       -       -       653  
· Rest of the world
    27,066       870       669       28,605  
Total loans to banks
    36,776       1,751       1,132       39,659  

Loans and receivables - customers
ABN AMRO’s loan portfolio consists of loans, overdrafts, assets subject to operating leases, finance lease receivables to governments, corporations and consumers and reverse repurchase agreements. Geographic analyses of loans are, unless otherwise specifically indicated, based on the location of the branch or office from which the loan is made.

Loans and receivables – customers

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Public sector
    2,722       8,786       5,739       11,567       7,461  
Commercial
    103,418       138,484       144,613       180,262       152,411  
Consumer
    107,341       109,298       123,253       135,484       122,708  
Professional securities transactions
    10,136       13,193       98,270       93,716       74,724  
Multi-seller conduits
    265       5,264       29,457       25,872       25,931  
Total loans (gross)
    223,882       275,025       401,332       446,901       383,235  
Allowances for impairment
    (5,636 )     (4,518 )     (3,001 )     (3,646 )     (2,987 )
Total loans and receivables - customers
    218,246       270,507       398,331       443,255       380,248  

The decrease of total loans from EUR 275 billion to EUR 224 billion reflects the transfer of businesses to RBS Group.

(in millions of euros)
 
Total loans and receivables customers by geography at 31 December 2009
 
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Professional securities transactions
   
Public
sector
   
Multi-seller conduits
   
Total
 
The Netherlands
    52,863       103,328       371       1,678       -       158,240  
Europe
    29,479       -       9,546       478       -       39,503  
North America
    4,753       1       -       89       -       4,843  
Latin America
    352       3       -       -       -       355  
Asia
    11,029       3,315       219       477       265       15,305  
Total
    98,476       106,647       10,136       2,722       265       218,246  


(in millions of euros)
 
Total loans and receivables customers by geography at 31 December 2008
 
   
Commercial
   
Consumer
   
Professional securities transactions
   
Public
sector
   
Multi-seller conduits
   
Total
 
The Netherlands
    63,628       102,351       916       1,590       1,698       170,183  
Europe
    44,712       2,077       8,467       544       -       55,800  
North America
    9,028       1       3,458       105       -       12,592  
Latin America
    525       4       -       -       -       529  
Asia
    16,935       4,003       352       6,547       3,566       31,403  
Total
    134,828       108,436       13,193       8,786       5,264       270,507  

For a breakdown of loans and receivables – customers by region, please refer to note 38 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’.

For a breakdown of credit risk concentrations from credit facilities and guarantees issued, please refer to note 38 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’.

Balances relating to professional securities transactions and multi-seller conduits are not covered by the following analysis as these balances do not share the same characteristics as the main lending activities of the Bank. In particular professional securities transactions are short term in nature.
 
219

 
Outstanding loans
The following table provides an overview of our loans by region and customer type.

Outstanding loans

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
The Netherlands
                             
· Public sector
    1,678       1,590       1,547       3,286       2,300  
· Commercial
    56,504       66,043       60,189       55,951       56,182  
· Consumer
    103,822       102,727       102,378       97,600       94,603  
Total The Netherlands
    162,004       170,360       164,114       156,837       153,085  
Rest of Europe
                                       
· Public sector
    478       544       1,003       1,527       1,454  
· Commercial
    30,081       45,477       42,416       57,425       30,882  
· Consumer
    110       2,384       3,863       12,529       1,539  
Total Rest of Europe
    30,669       48,405       47,282       71,481       33,875  
North America
                                       
· Public sector
    89       105       77       677       735  
· Commercial
    5,032       9,206       9,542       42,179       44,693  
· Consumer
    1       -       -       13,017       15,218  
Total North America
    5,122       9,311       9,619       55,873       60,646  
Latin America
                                       
· Public sector
    -       -       350       507       596  
· Commercial
    368       531       14,085       10,095       8,024  
· Consumer
    3       4       12,601       8,320       7,270  
Total Latin America
    371       535       27,036       18,922       15,890  
Rest of the World
                                       
· Public sector
    477       6,547       2,762       5,570       2,376  
· Commercial
    11,433       17,227       18,381       14,612       12,630  
· Consumer
    3,405       4,183       4,411       4,018       4,078  
Total Rest of the World
    15,315       27,957       25,554       24,200       19,084  
Total loans (gross)
    213,481       256,568       273,605       327,313       282,580  
 
220

 


Maturities
The following table provides an analysis of loan maturities at 31 December 2009. Determinations of maturities are based on contract terms.

Loans maturities

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December 2009
 
   
Within 1 year
   
After 1 year and within 5 years
   
After 5 years
   
Total
 
The Netherlands
                       
· Public sector
    356       633       689       1,678  
· Commercial
    22,067       19,008       15,429       56,504  
· Consumer
    6,952       12,068       84,802       103,822  
Total The Netherlands
    29,375       31,709       100,920       162,004  
Rest of Europe
                               
· Public sector
    85       176       217       478  
· Commercial
    15,896       9,700       4,485       30,081  
· Consumer
    -       -       110       110  
Total Rest of Europe
    15,981       9,876       4,812       30,669  
North America
                               
· Public sector
    9       49       31       89  
· Commercial
    2,988       753       1,292       5,033  
Total North America
    2,997       802       1,323       5,122  
Latin America
                               
· Commercial
    235       83       50       368  
· Consumer
    -       2       1       3  
Total Latin America
    235       85       51       371  
Rest of the World
                               
· Public sector
    257       136       84       477  
· Commercial
    10,146       1,080       207       11,433  
· Consumer
    1,839       1,190       376       3,405  
Total Rest of the World
    12,242       2,406       667       15,315  
Total loans (gross)
    60,830       44,878       107,773       213,481  


 
221

 

Interest rate sensitivity
The following table analyses at 31 December 2009 the interest rate sensitivity of loans due after one year and within five years, and loans due after five years, broken down by region.

Loans - interest rate sensitivity

(in millions of euros)
 
At variable rate (1)
   
At adjustable rate (2)
   
At fixed rate (3)
   
Total
 
Due after 1 and within 5 years
                       
The Netherlands
                       
· Public sector
    7       -       626       633  
· Commercial
    313       3,551       15,144       19,008  
· Consumer
    118       -       11,950       12,068  
Total The Netherlands
    438       3,551       27,720       31,709  
Rest of Europe
                               
· Public sector
    153       -       23       176  
· Commercial
    7,439       360       1,901       9,700  
· Consumer
    -       -       -       -  
Total Rest of Europe
    7,592       360       1,924       9,876  
North America
                               
· Public sector
    49       -       -       49  
· Commercial
    718       7       27       752  
· Consumer
    -       -       1       1  
Total North America
    767       7       28       802  
Latin America
                               
· Public sector
    -       -       -       -  
· Commercial
    66       -       17       83  
· Consumer
    1       -       1       2  
Total Latin America
    67       -       18       85  
Rest of the World
                               
· Public sector
    136       -       -       136  
· Commercial
    884       -       196       1,080  
· Consumer
    791       19       380       1,190  
Total Rest of the World
    1,811       19       576       2,406  
Total (gross)
    10,675       3,937       30,266       44,878  
                                 
Due after 5 years
                               
The Netherlands
                               
· Public sector
    14       94       581       689  
· Commercial
    159       3,197       12,073       15,429  
· Consumer
    2,785       -       82,017       84,802  
Total The Netherlands
    2,958       3,291       94,671       100,920  
Rest of Europe
                               
· Public sector
    67       -       150       217  
· Commercial
    3,471       60       954       4,485  
· Consumer
    -       -       110       110  
Total Rest of Europe
    3,538       60       1,214       4,812  
North America
                               
· Public sector
    31       -       -       31  
· Commercial
    803       -       489       1,292  
· Consumer
    -       -       -       -  
Total North America
    834       -       489       1,323  
Latin America
                               
· Public sector
    -       -       -       -  
· Commercial
    50       -       -       50  
· Consumer
    -       -       1       1  
Total Latin America
    50       -       1       51  
Rest of the World
                               
· Public sector
    84       -       -       84  
· Commercial
    207       -       -       207  
· Consumer
    330       -       46       376  
Total Rest of the World
    621       -       46       667  
Total (gross)
    8,001       3,351       96,421       107,773  
                                 
Due within 1 year
                            60,830  
Total (gross) loans
                            213,481  

(1)
Variable rate loans are EURIBOR, London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) and prime rate-based loans as well as adjustable rate loans with fixed interest periods of up to one year.
(2)           Adjustable rate loans are loans with fixed interest rates for a period that is shorter than the entire term of the loan.
(3)           Fixed rate loans are loans for which the interest rate is fixed for the entire term.
 
 
222

 
 
Private sector loans by type of collateral
The following table analyses private sector loans by type of collateral at the dates indicated. Unsecured loans include loans for which ABN AMRO has the right to require collateral.

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Commercial
                             
Public authority guarantees
    7,484       5,712       5,341       5,417       4,404  
Mortgages
    5,553       5,687       7,742       18,490       28,441  
Securities
    1,827       2,291       2,606       2,039       3,487  
Bank guarantees
    3,673       5,082       9,180       2,954       3,121  
Other types of collateral
    23,665       48,289       38,772       52,163       50,439  
Unsecured
    61,216       71,423       80,972       99,199       62,519  
Total commercial loans
    103,418       138,484       144,613       180,262       152,411  
                                         
Consumer
                                       
Public authority guarantees
    498       187       141       159       3  
Mortgages
    95,069       94,146       95,472       103,272       93,826  
Securities
    560       804       1,120       872       2,074  
Bank guarantees
    13       19       14       31       856  
Other types of collateral
    2,408       4,861       10,274       12,062       7,077  
Unsecured
    8,793       9,281       16,232       19,088       18,872  
Total consumer loans
    107,341       109,298       123,253       135,484       122,708  
Total private sector loans (gross)
    210,759       247,782       267,866       315,746       275,119  
Total private sector loans (net) (1)
    205,123       243,265       264,865       312,112       272,132  

(1)
The difference between total private sector loans (gross) and total private sector loans (net) represents ABN AMRO’s specific allowance for loan losses. For a discussion of ABN AMRO’s provisioning policy, refer to Note 19 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’.

Commercial Loans by Industry
In 2008 ABN AMRO changed its industry breakdown in order to align with RBS Group reporting based on SIC codes. Restating comparative figures prior to 2007 would be impracticable, hence these comparatives are presented in line with prior periods’ categorisation.

The following tables analyses commercial loans by industry at the dates indicated.

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Central and local government
    663       523        
Manufacturing
    19,530       30,980       28,375  
Construction
    1,638       1,967       2,386  
Finance
    25,784       33,996       36,578  
Service industries and other business activities
    45,599       56,353       57,857  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
    5,216       5,099       8,220  
Property and mortgages
    4,988       9,566       11,197  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    103,418       138,484       144,613  

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Basic material
    10,724       15,126       8,263  
Real estate
    11,197       23,712       26,301  
Industrial
    36,607       39,666       22,757  
Energy
    10,699       5,424       7,391  
Financial services
    22,573       21,407       22,555  
TMT (media and communications)
    10,249       10,092       10,575  
Consumer cyclical
    22,242       43,775       36,673  
Consumer non-cyclical
    16,992       16,204       12,291  
Health
    3,330       4,856       5,605  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    144,613       180,262       152,411  

Loan Portfolio by Region
Set out below is an analysis of ABN AMRO’s loan portfolio by region. The loan portfolio of ABN AMRO’s Netherlands, European (outside the Netherlands) and North American operations comprised 93% (2008: 89%) of ABN AMRO’s total loan portfolio at 31 December 2009. The remainder of the total loan portfolio (categorised hereunder ‘Rest of the World’) at 31 December 2009 includes 6% from Asian operations (2008: 10%), less than 1% from Latin American operations (2008: less than 1%) and less than 1% from Middle East and African operations (2008: less than 1%).
 
 
223

 
The Netherlands loan portfolio
The Netherlands loan portfolio is comprised of loans originated from offices and branches located in the Netherlands. The following tables analyse, at the dates indicated, the Netherlands loan portfolio broken down into the location of the borrower, and, in the case of private sector loans, type of collateral and industry of the borrower.

The Netherlands - loans by customer portfolio

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Public sector
                             
· The Netherlands
    466       421       297       421       480  
· Rest of Europe
    1,064       889       874       1,985       1,468  
· North America
    -       -       -       300       -  
· Rest of the World
    148       280       376       580       352  
Total public sector loans (gross)
    1,678       1,590       1,547       3,286       2,300  
Private sector
                                       
· The Netherlands
    143,883       149,117       141,087       136,362       135,842  
· Rest of Europe
    8,986       10,750       10,557       7,241       5,941  
· North America
    2,490       761       973       1,929       2,244  
· Rest of the World
    4,967       8,142       9,950       8,019       6,758  
Total private sector loans (gross)
    160,326       168,770       162,567       153,551       150,785  

The Netherlands - private sector loans by type of collateral

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Commercial
                             
Public authority guarantees
    3,407       1,092       922       2,234       971  
Mortgages
    4,114       4,111       344       3,660       11,209  
Securities
    451       1,361       379       707       240  
Bank guarantees
    133       265       204       428       293  
Other types of collateral
    5,664       19,198       16,730       15,394       16,012  
Unsecured
    42,735       40,016       41,610       33,528       27,457  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    56,504       66,043       60,189       55,951       56,182  
Consumer
                                       
Public authority guarantees
    498       186       141       159       -  
Mortgages
    94,309       93,045       92,158       83,006       77,412  
Securities
    264       327       566       548       1,526  
Bank guarantees
    6       7       7       9       807  
Other types of collateral
    858       3,868       3,853       6,211       2,545  
Unsecured
    7,887       5,294       5,653       7,667       12,313  
Total consumer loans (gross)
    103,822       102,727       102,378       97,600       94,603  
Total private sector loans (gross)
    160,326       168,770       162,567       153,551       150,785  


 
224

 

The Netherlands - commercial loans by industry

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Central and local government
    443       155       -  
Manufacturing
    8,880       13,915       7,880  
Construction
    868       1,251       1,424  
Finance
    12,075       12,723       16,945  
Service industries and other business activities
    25,739       25,869       25,477  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
    4,995       4,742       5,302  
Property and mortgages
    3,504       7,388       3,161  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    56,504       66,043       60,189  

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Basic material
    3,494       6,480       3,552  
Real estate
    3,161       4,656       10,801  
Industrial
    15,535       9,524       3,215  
Energy
    2,466       666       892  
Financial services
    11,175       7,798       4,364  
TMT (media and communications)
    3,120       1,945       1,465  
Consumer cyclical
    11,976       17,981       22,860  
Consumer non-cyclical
    8,337       5,193       6,029  
Health
    925       1,708       3,004  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    60,189       55,951       56,182  

European loan portfolio
The European loan portfolio is comprised of loans made from offices and branches located in Europe, excluding the Netherlands. The following tables analyse, at the dates indicated, the European private sector loan portfolio by type of collateral and industry of the borrower.

Europe - private sector loans by type of collateral

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Commercial
                             
Public authority guarantees
    2,520       2,749       2,503       1,863       1,799  
Mortgages
    1,066       1,103       6,646       1,710       1,153  
Securities
    1,020       649       1,860       670       2,833  
Bank guarantees
    476       834       5,298       1,144       1,101  
Other types of collateral
    15,178       24,535       10,108       6,580       8,656  
Unsecured
    9,821       15,607       16,001       45,458       15,340  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    30,081       45,477       42,416       57,425       30,882  
Consumer
                                       
Public authority guarantees
    -       -       -       -       3  
Mortgages
    63       401       1,827       6,243       251  
Securities
    40       168       290       132       336  
Bank guarantees
    7       6       3       5       11  
Other types of collateral
    -       463       313       1,736       455  
Unsecured
    -       1,346       1,430       4,413       483  
Total consumer loans (gross)
    110       2,384       3,863       12,529       1,539  
Total private sector loans (gross)
    30,191       47,861       46,279       69,954       32,421  


 
225

 

Europe - commercial loans by industry

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Central and local government
    157       276       -  
Manufacturing
    5,069       8,119       7,125  
Construction
    303       363       480  
Finance
    10,169       16,139       11,006  
Service industries and other business activities
    13,179       19,413       17,165  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
    174       209       315  
Property and mortgages
    1,030       958       6,325  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    30,081       45,477       42,416  

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Basic material
    2,181       3,646       2,750  
Real estate
    6,325       5,902       1,423  
Industrial
    11,281       13,109       2,975  
Energy
    4,931       2,995       2,847  
Financial services
    6,075       7,577       6,587  
TMT (media and communications)
    4,012       3,649       8,038  
Consumer cyclical
    3,095       14,156       4,269  
Consumer non-cyclical
    3,251       5,438       1,292  
Health
    1,265       953       701  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    42,416       57,425       30,882  

North American loan portfolio
The following tables analyse, at the dates indicated, the North American private sector loan portfolio by type of collateral and by industry of the borrower. The decrease in balances is mainly attributable to the sale of LaSalle.

North America - private sector loans by type of collateral

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Commercial
                             
Public authority guarantees
    1,330       1,231       1,616       765       1,227  
Mortgages
    21       19       22       12,688       15,724  
Securities
    -       -       -       77       73  
Bank guarantees
    318       493       53       13       871  
Other types of collateral
    160       464       1,295       22,268       20,083  
Unsecured
    3,203       6,999       6,556       6,368       6,715  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    5,032       9,206       9,542       42,179       44,693  
Consumer
                                       
Mortgages
    -       -       -       12,694       14,750  
Securities
    -       -       -       32       33  
Bank guarantees
    -       -       -       -       -  
Other types of collateral
    1       -       -       22       378  
Unsecured
    -       -       -       269       57  
Total consumer loans (gross)
    1       -       -       13,017       15,218  
Total private sector loans (gross)
    5,033       9,206       9,542       55,196       59,911  


 
226

 

North America - commercial loans by industry

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Central and local government
    3       31       -  
Manufacturing
    1,812       3,109       3,478  
Construction
    23       17       44  
Finance
    964       2,448       4,075  
Service industries and  other business activities
    2,139       3,470       1,725  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
    -       -       29  
Property and mortgages
    91       131       191  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    5,032       9,206       9,542  

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Basic material
    555       2,503       1,135  
Real estate
    191       11,849       10,516  
Industrial
    2,235       9,331       11,071  
Energy
    1,906       1,064       3,091  
Financial services
    2,173       3,694       7,937  
TMT (media and communications)
    689       1,585       1,479  
Consumer cyclical
    845       7,216       5,523  
Consumer non-cyclical
    649       3,251       2,745  
Health
    299       1,686       1,196  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    9,542       42,179       44,693  

Rest of the World loan portfolio
The Rest of the World loan portfolio is comprised of loans made from offices and branches around the world, excluding the Netherlands, Europe and North America. The following tables analyse, at the dates indicated, the Rest of the World private sector loan portfolio by type of collateral and industry of the borrower.

Rest of the World - private sector loans by type of collateral

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Commercial
                             
Public authority guarantees
    227       640       300       555       407  
Mortgages
    352       454       730       432       355  
Securities
    356       281       367       585       341  
Bank guarantees
    2,746       3,490       3,625       1,369       856  
Other types of collateral
    2,663       4,092       10,639       7,921       5,688  
Unsecured
    5,457       8,801       16,805       13,845       13,007  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    11,801       17,758       32,466       24,707       20,654  
Consumer
                                       
Public authority guarantees
    -       1       -       -       -  
Mortgages
    697       700       1,487       1,329       1,413  
Securities
    256       309       264       160       179  
Bank guarantees
    -       6       4       17       38  
Other types of collateral
    1,549       530       6,108       4,093       3,699  
Unsecured
    906       2,641       9,149       6,739       6,019  
Total consumer loans (gross)
    3,408       4,187       17,012       12,338       11,348  
Total private sector loans (gross)
    15,209       21,945       49,478       37,045       32,002  


 
227

 

Rest of the World - commercial loans by industry

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Central and local government
    60       61       -  
Manufacturing
    3,769       5,837       9,893  
Construction
    444       336       438  
Finance
    2,576       2,686       4,552  
Service industries and other business activities
    4,542       7,601       13,489  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
    47       148       2,574  
Property and mortgages
    363       1,089       1,520  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    11,801       17,758       32,466  

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Basic material
    4,494       2,497       1,653  
Real estate
    1,520       1,305       927  
Industrial
    7,556       7,702       3,938  
Energy
    1,396       699       605  
Financial services
    3,150       2,338       4,163  
TMT (media and communications)
    2,428       2,913       1,975  
Consumer cyclical
    6,326       4,422       4,452  
Consumer non-cyclical
    4,755       2,322       2,257  
Health
    841       509       684  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    32,466       24,707       20,654  

Analysis of loan loss experience: provisions and allowances for loan losses
For details on ABN AMRO’s provisioning policy please refer to the accounting policies section and note 18 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’.

As ABN AMRO is not required by Dutch regulations to classify loans as ‘non-accrual’, ‘accruing past due’, ‘restructured’ and ‘potential problem’ loans, as defined by the SEC, the tables below are based on available data.

Doubtful and non-performing loans
Loans are classified as doubtful as soon as there is doubt about the borrower’s ability to meet its payment obligations to ABN AMRO in accordance with the original contractual terms. Where deemed necessary an allowance for loan losses (impairment loss) is determined on a per item or portfolio basis. Any loan that bears an impairment loss on principal and/or interest cash flows is defined as non-performing.

Potential credit risk loans
The tables below provide an analysis of ABN AMRO’s doubtful loans for each of the last five years. ‘Doubtful loans’ are all loans classified as ‘doubtful’ or ‘loss’ for which in general a specific provision has been made, although doubtful loans can still be performing. The amounts are stated before deduction of the value of collateral held, the specific allowances carried and interest not recognised.


 
228

 

Doubtful loans

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Non-performing loans (1)
                             
· The Netherlands
    5,587       3,787       1,300       1,740       2,048  
· Rest of Europe
    1499       903       461       3,940       628  
· North America
    601       453       777       719       933  
· Latin America
    7       -       904       657       834  
· Rest of the World
    853       720       398       232       293  
Total non-performing loans
    8,547       5,863       3,840       7,288       4,736  
Other doubtful loans (2)
                                       
· The Netherlands
    1739       646       601       852       626  
· Rest of Europe
    207       656       26       13       14  
· North America
    0       -       37       6       153  
· Latin America
    23       10       274       256       68  
· Rest of the World
    247       131       4       5       2  
Total other doubtful loans
    2216       1,443       942       1,132       863  
Total doubtful loans
    10,763       7,306       4,782       8,420       5,599  

(1)
Under IFRS, ‘Non-performing loans’ are doubtful loans for which there is objective evidence that not all contractually agreed amounts will be collected and for which an allowance for loan losses is established.
(2)           ‘Other doubtful loans’ are potential problem loans on which ABN AMRO charges interest that is included in interest revenue.

Restructured loans
The table below provides a breakdown of the restructured loans per geography.

 Restructured loans

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
The Netherlands
    101       317       407       315       18  
Rest of the World
    -       -       610       507       303  
Total
    101       317       1,017       822       321  

Non-performing loans

   
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Total non-performing loans (in millions of euros)
    8,547       5,863       3,840       7,288       4,736  
Non-performing loans to private sector loans (gross)
    4.06 %     2.37 %     1.43 %     2.31 %     1.72 %
Allowances for loan losses to private sector loans (gross)
    2.71 %     1.82 %     1.12 %     1.15 %     1.09 %

Provisions for loan losses
The table below shows the composition of the aggregate charge to income regarding the allowance for loan losses.

Charge to income

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Net provision
    2,793       3,387       717       668       614  

The tables below show the geographical composition of ABN AMRO’s total income charge with respect to provisions for loan losses.

Provisions for loan losses

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
The Netherlands
    1,754       2,043       538       316       401  
North America
    222       113       32       (16 )     (177 )
Rest of the World
    817       1,231       147       368       390  
Total provisions
    2,793       3,387       717       668       614  
Provision/private sector loans
    1.33 %     1.37 %     0.27 %     0.24 %     0.22 %

 
 
229


 
(in millions of euros)
 
Provisioning by geographical composition
 
   
Total 2009
   
The Netherlands
   
Europe
   
North America
   
Latin America
   
Asia
   
Total 2008
   
Total 2007
 
Provisioning
    2793       1754       233       222       10       574       3,387       717  
Provisioning to average RWA (bps)
    185       157       777       159       50       287       155       25  
Average RWA
    151       112       3       14       2       20       218       289  

Movements in allowances
The following tables analyse the allowances for loan losses and for sovereign risk and the movements in the allowances for loan losses and for sovereign risk: amounts written off (net of recoveries), new provisions charged against profit (increases and releases) and growth in the allowance for interest not recognised that is included in the specific allowance for loan losses.

Allowances

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
The Netherlands
    4,085       2,792       948       1,100       1,646  
North America
    279       178       186       353       180  
Rest of the World
    1,272       1,548       1,867       2,193       1,161  
Total allowances for loan losses
    5,636       4,518       3,001       3,646       2,987  
Banks
    75       46       -       -       -  
Total allowances
    5,711       4,564       3,001       3,646       2,987  

Movements in allowances for loan losses

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Balance at beginning of year
    4,563       3,001       3,646       2,987       3,174  
Acquisitions, dispositions, currency translation differences and other adjustments
    (478 )     (1,055 )     194       1,219       196  
Amounts written-off
                                       
- Commercial
    (480 )     (226 )     (244 )     (344 )     (322 )
- Consumer
    (63 )     (87 )     (242 )     (202 )     (204 )
Total The Netherlands
    (543 )     (313 )     (486 )     (546 )     (526 )
North America
    (84 )     (131 )     (62 )     (95 )     (178 )
Rest of the World
    (648 )     (411 )     (1,399 )     (748 )     (602 )
Total
    (1,275 )     (855 )     (1,947 )     (1,389 )     (1,306 )
Recoveries
                                       
The Netherlands
                                       
- Commercial
    8       6       116       9       6  
- Consumer
    -       6       -       -       10  
Total The Netherlands
    8       12       116       9       16  
North America
    1       17       36       26       99  
Rest of the World
    1       14       192       10       121  
Total
    10       43       344       45       236  
Net written-off
    (1,265 )     (812 )     (1,603 )     (1,344 )     (1,070 )
Subtotal
    2,820       1,134       2,237       2,862       2,300  
Unrecognised interest (1)
    98       43       47       116       73  
New and increased specific provisions
                                       
- The Netherlands
    1,914       2,164       737       496       470  
- North America
    233       145       104       131       241  
- Rest of the World
    1,029       1,272       445       474       683  
Total
    3,176       3,581       1,286       1,101       1,394  
Releases of specific provisions
                                       
- The Netherlands
    (150 )     (113 )     (83 )     (171 )     (53 )
- North America
    (13 )     (11 )     (36 )     (121 )     (319 )
- Rest of the World
    (210 )     (27 )     (106 )     (96 )     (172 )
Total
    (373 )     (151 )     (225 )     (388 )     (544 )
Recoveries
                                       
- The Netherlands
    (8 )     (12 )     (116 )     (9 )     (16 )
- North America
    (1 )     (17 )     (36 )     (26 )     (99 )
- Rest of the World
    (1 )     (14 )     (192 )     (10 )     (121 )
Total
    (10 )     (43 )     (344 )     (45 )     (236 )
New and increased provisions (net)
    2,793       3,387       717       668       614  
Balance at end of year
    5,711       4,564       3,001       3,646       2,987  

(1)
Unrecognised interest is either (i) booked into a separate account, or (ii) if for administrative reasons it cannot be booked as a specific unpaid interest claim, it is booked directly into the specific allowance for loan losses. Cash receipts of interest on non-performing loans are only recorded as interest revenue if the principal has been fully collected.
 
 
230

 
Loan impairment by industry
In 2008 ABN AMRO changed ABN AMRO’s industry breakdown in order to align with RBS Group reporting based on SIC codes.

Allowance for loan losses by industry
The following tables analyse the allowance for loan losses by industry at 31 December in each of the last five years.

Allowance for loan impairment by industry

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Central and local government
    1       14       -  
Manufacturing
    2,328       1,930       378  
Construction
    36       33       19  
Finance
    513       252       144  
Service industries and business activities
    1,337       965       675  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
    148       86       164  
Property
    133       70       15  
Individuals
    5       32       12  
Home mortgages
    -       -       6  
Other
    441       273       361  
Finance leases and instalment credit
    -       -       -  
Total commercial
    4,942       3,655       1,774  
Consumer
    694       863       1,227  
Banks
    75       46       -  
Total allowance
    5,711       4,564       3,001  

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Basic materials
    109       115       165  
Real estate
    49       58       109  
Industrials
    558       338       173  
Energy
    72       103       79  
Financial services
    213       215       299  
TMT (media and communications)
    69       72       81  
Consumer cyclical
    463       1,054       1,010  
Consumer non-cyclical
    223       322       207  
Health
    18       67       23  
Total commercial(1)
    1,774       2,344       2,146  
Consumer (2)
    1,227       1,302       841  
Banks
    -       -       -  
Total allowances
    3,001       3,646       2,987  

(1)
Commercial loans are evaluated on an individual basis. For more details, see note 18 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’.
(2)
Consumer loans are generally evaluated on a portfolio basis. For more details, see note 18 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’.

Analysis of loans by industry
The following tables analyse the percentage of loans in each industry to total loans at 31 December of each of the last five years.

Loans by industry

(in percentages)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Central and local government
    0.6       0.4       -  
Manufacturing
    18.9       22.4       19.6  
Construction
    1.6       1.4       1.7  
Finance
    24.7       24.5       25.3  
Service industries and other business activities
    44.4       40.7       40.0  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
    5.0       3.7       5.7  
Property and mortgages
    4.8       6.9       7.7  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    100.0       100.0       100.0  


 
231

 


(in percentages)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Basic materials
    7.4       8.3       5.4  
Real estate
    7.8       13.2       17.3  
Industrials
    25.3       22.0       14.9  
Energy
    7.4       3.0       4.9  
Financial services
    15.6       11.9       14.8  
TMT (media and communications)
    7.1       5.6       6.9  
Consumer cyclical
    15.4       24.3       24.0  
Consumer non-cyclical
    11.7       9.0       8.1  
Health
    2.3       2.7       3.7  
Total commercial loans (gross)
    100.0       100.0       100.0  

Net provisions for loan losses by industry
The following tables analyse net provisions charges for loan losses by industry for each of the last five years.

Loan losses by industry

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Central and local government
    1       8       -  
Manufacturing
    887       1,781       -  
Construction
    18       18       -  
Finance
    437       184       -  
Service industries and business activities
    747       570       -  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
    83       54       -  
Property
    92       47       -  
Home mortgages
    2       5       -  
Other
    -       224       68  
Total commercial
    2,267       2,891       68  
Total consumer
    624       563       696  
Total net provisions
    2,891       3,454       764  
Of which interest in suspense
    98       67       47  
Total specific provisions (net)
    2,793       3,387       717  

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Basic materials
    17       33       (97 )
Real estate
    15       40       8  
Industrials
    125       47       (10 )
Energy
    (27 )     61       (50 )
Financial services
    86       26       98  
TMT (media and communications)
    7       (44 )     (28 )
Consumer cyclical
    (181 )     237       167  
Consumer non-cyclical
    143       70       75  
Health
    (117 )     (64 )     59  
Total commercial
    68       406       222  
Total consumer
    696       378       465  
Total net provisions
    764       784       687  
Of which interest in suspense
    47       116       73  
Total specific provisions (net)
    717       668       614  


 
232

 

Analysis of write-offs by industry
The following tables analyse the amounts written off by industry during the last five years.

Write-offs by industry

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Central and local government
    11       -       -  
Manufacturing
    205       108       -  
Construction
    12       -       -  
Finance
    182       109       -  
Service industries and business activities
    325       246       -  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
    13       -       -  
Property
    35       -       -  
Individuals
    16       -       -  
Home mortgages
    -       91       -  
Other
    -       51       189  
Finance leases and instalment credit
    -       -       -  
Total commercial
    799       605       189  
Total consumer
    466       207       1,414  
Total written-off
    1,265       812       1,603  

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Basic materials
    26       60       21  
Real estate
    13       29       13  
Industrials
    (27 )     108       117  
Energy
    (9 )     22       28  
Financial services
    56       69       39  
TMT (media and communications)
    7       43       16  
Consumer cyclical
    160       232       150  
Consumer non-cyclical
    64       119       68  
Health
    (103 )     46       36  
Other items
    2              
Total commercial
    189       728       488  
Total consumer
    1,414       616       582  
Total written-off
    1,603       1,344       1,070  

Cross-border outstandings
ABN AMRO’s operations involve significant exposure in non-local currencies. Cross-border outstandings are based on the country of domicile of the borrower and are comprised of loans denominated in currencies other than the borrower’s local currency. Cross-border outstandings exceeding 1% of total assets at 31 December 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are shown in the following tables. These figures are not netted for any legally enforceable written guarantees of principal or interest by domestic or other non-local third parties. At the dates below, there are no outstandings exceeding 1% of total assets in any country where current conditions give rise to liquidity problems which are expected to have a material impact on the timely repayment of interest or principal. The table does not include off-balance sheet items.


 
233

 

Cross-border outstandings

(in millions of euros, except percentages)
 
Percentage of total assets
   
Total amount
   
Commercial
   
Public sector
   
Consumer
 
At 31 December 2009
                             
France
    2.73       12,814       3,088       6,174       3,552  
United Kingdom
    6.75       31,697       14,410       1,106       16,181  
United States
    3.59       16,844       4,571       4,314       7,959  
Spain
    3.82       17,913       17,072       296       545  
Germany
    3.56       16,725       2,486       12,029       2,210  
Belgium
    1.09       5,115       1,308       1,360       2,447  
Ireland
    0.92       4,304       775       285       3,244  
Italy
    1.31       6,135       818       3,256       2,061  
Luxembourg
    0.88       4,147       747       26       3,374  
At 31 December 2008
                                       
France
    5.04       33,595       26,296       2,232       5,067  
United Kingdom
    4.89       32,590       16,818       1,119       14,653  
United States
    3.14       20,956       8,426       5,213       7,317  
Spain
    2.77       18,474       17,202       177       1,095  
Germany
    2.34       15,571       3,748       9,074       2,749  
Belgium
    1.02       6,785       2,261       1,731       2,793  
Ireland
    0.96       6,428       1,153       285       4,990  
Italy
    0.96       6,419       1,182       3,054       2,183  
Luxembourg
    0.75       5,026       1,096       -       3,930  
At 31 December 2007
                                       
United Kingdom
    10.16       104,248       37,807       58       66,383  
France
    6.11       62,638       42,815       7,464       12,359  
Germany
    3.37       34,585       6,249       17,699       10,637  
United States
    2.56       26,212       10,184       3,731       12,297  
Spain
    2.19       22,419       12,748       1,228       8,443  
Italy
    1.65       16,958       6,317       6,288       4,353  
Japan
    1.14       11,642       559       6,486       4,597  
Ireland
    1.07       11,022       2,835       211       7,976  
Belgium
    0.86       8,806       2,505       2,718       3,583  
At 31 December 2006
                                       
United Kingdom
    6.14       60,590       33,250       637       26,703  
France
    5.35       52,817       31,904       7,177       13,736  
Germany
    4.19       41,313       12,348       23,463       5,502  
United States
    2.63       25,997       8,226       1,547       16,224  
Italy
    2.62       25,886       4,533       9,732       11,621  
Spain
    1.73       17,110       13,015       1,229       2,866  
Japan
    1.14       11,271       651       7,872       2,748  
Ireland
    0.95       9,372       1,882       268       7,222  
Belgium
    0.81       8,043       2,075       2,513       3,455  
At 31 December 2005
                                       
United Kingdom
    5.29       46,570       21,200       210       25,160  
France
    2.37       20,852       13,109       3,250       4,493  
Germany
    4.87       42,938       10,317       26,424       6,197  
United States
    2.59       22,771       3,915       3,361       15,495  
Italy
    2.49       21,920       6,240       11,532       4,148  
Spain
    1.99       17,546       11,949       2,516       3,081  
Japan
    2.38       20,982       305       17,935       2,742  
Sweden
    0.85       7,509       2,355       3,005       2,149  
Ireland
    0.80       7,017       3,574       557       2,886  
Belgium
    1.03       9,050       2,331       2,777       3,942  

Cross-Border Outstandings Between 0.75% and 1% of Total Assets
Cross-border outstandings to borrowers in countries in which such outstandings amounted to between 0.75% and 1% of total assets totalled EUR 4,304 million at 31 December 2009 (2008: EUR 17,873 million) and related to Ireland (2008: Ireland, Italy and Luxembourg ).

Loan concentrations
One of the principal factors influencing the quality of ABN AMRO’s earnings and loan portfolio is diversification of loans by region, industry and borrower. A concentration exists when loans are made to borrowers, all of whom are subject to approximately the same effects from changes in economic conditions or other factors. Apart from previously disclosed positions on industries and regions at 31 December 2009, there was no concentration of loans exceeding 10% of ABN AMRO’s total loans (gross).

Liabilities
Deposits and short-term borrowings are included in the balance sheet items Due to banks, Due to customers and Issued debt securities.
 
 
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Deposits
The following table presents the average amount of and the average rate paid on each deposit category representing in excess of 10% of average total deposits during the three most recent fiscal years. All ABN AMRO’s demand deposits in the Netherlands reflected in the table below are interest-bearing. ABN AMRO does not have non-interest bearing demand deposits in the Netherlands in excess of 10% of average total deposits. The geographic allocation is based on the location of the office or branch where the deposit is made.

(in millions of euros)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Average amount
   
Average rate
   
Average amount
   
Average rate
   
Average amount
   
Average rate
 
Banks
                                   
The Netherlands
                                   
Time deposits (1)
    31,128       3.3 %     51,647       4.5 %     54,845       4.4 %
Demand deposits/Current account
    4,361       2.5 %     9,017       3.3 %     8,823       3.9 %
Foreign
                                               
Time deposits (1)
    11,299       1,7 %     32,031       4.6 %     36,322       4.6 %
Demand deposits/Current account
    2,917       1.7 %     7,038       2.6 %     8,352       3.1 %
                                                 
Total customer accounts
                                               
The Netherlands
                                               
Saving accounts
    57,215       3.0 %     52,919       3.4 %     50,602       3.1 %
Time deposits
    25,416       3.9 %     37,041       4.3 %     39,349       4.0 %
Demand deposits/Current account
    50,402       1.8 %     46,443       2.8 %     44,513       2.9 %
Others
    -       -       -       -       6,490       5.3 %
Foreign
                                               
Saving accounts
    11,217       2.1 %     13,724       3.1 %     13,822       3.9 %
Time deposits (1)
    19,467       2.4 %     47,807       3.6 %     60,817       4.0 %
Demand deposits/Current account
    26,963       0.9 %     28,455       2.4 %     30,967       3.2 %
Others
    -       -       -       -       7,760       5.0 %

(1)
Includes ABN AMRO’s Eurodollar deposit activities and professional securities transactions. Time deposits are funds for which the original term, the period of notice and interest payable have been agreed with the counterparty.

Deposits of $100,000 or more
At 31 December 2009, deposits of $100,000 or more or the equivalent in other currencies, held by branches in the United States, in time deposits and certificates of deposits by term remaining until maturity were:

Deposits of $ 100,000 or more

(in millions of euros)
 
At 31 December 2009
   
At 31 December 2008
 
3 months or less
    533       3,246  
More than 3 months but less than 6 months
    86       32  
More than 6 months but less than 12 months
    3       -  
Over 12 months
    981       37  
Total
    1,603       3,315  

Short-term borrowings
Short-term borrowings are borrowings with an original maturity of one year or less. These are included in ABN AMRO’s consolidated balance sheet under the items Due to banks, Due to customers and Issued debt securities. Categories of short-term borrowings for which the average balance outstanding during the preceding three fiscal years was equal to or greater than 30% of consolidated shareholders’ equity at 31 December, were included in the item Issued debt securities and consisted of certificates of deposits and commercial paper. An analysis of the balance and interest rates paid on these short-term borrowings is provided below.

(in millions of euros, except percentages)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Year-end balance
    21,179       30,020       43,396  
Average balance
    27,915       39,411       52,966  
Maximum month-end balance
    32,923       47,172       59,185  
Average interest rate during the year
    2.2 %     4.3 %     4.8 %
Average interest rate at year-end
    1.4 %     3.7 %     5.6 %




 
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Major Shareholders and Ownership

On 17 October 2007 RFS Holdings B.V. (‘RFS Holdings’), a company incorporated by RBS Group, Fortis and Santander acquired 85.6% of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. Through subsequent purchases RFS Holdings increased its stake in ABN AMRO to 99.3% as at 31 December 2007. RFS Holdings started squeeze-out proceedings in order to acquire the remainder of the shares in ABN AMRO from minority shareholders and this procedure was completed on 22 September 2008. As a result RFS Holdings is from that date the sole shareholder of ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

RFS Holdings controlled by The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc, which is incorporated in the UK and registered at 36 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, Scotland and The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc is the ultimate parent company of ABN AMRO Holding N.V.

On 3 October 2008, the Dutch State fully acquired all Fortis’ businesses in The Netherlands, including the Fortis share in RFS Holdings. On 24 December 2008, the Dutch State purchased from Fortis Bank Nederland (Holding) N.V. its investment in RFS Holdings, to become a direct shareholder in RFS Holdings. The shareholdings in RFS Holdings are as follows: RBS - 38.2780 %, the Dutch State - 33.8103 % and Banco Santander, S.A. - 27.9117 %.

Stock exchange listings
None of the shares in ABN AMRO Holding N.V. are listed.

Issued share capital
The issued share capital of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. consists of 3,306,843,332 ordinary shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.56.

Dividend policy
ABN AMRO's policy is to pay dividends on ordinary shares taking account the capital position and prospects.

In this context, ABN AMRO expects to pay dividends to RFS Holdings in conjunction with the release of capital arising from the sale, or transfer to Consortium Members, of ABN AMRO's businesses as part of the separation process to enable RFS Holdings to pay dividends to its shareholders.


Articles of Association

The description set out below is a summary of the material information relating to ABN AMRO Holding’s share capital, including summaries of certain provisions of the Articles of Association and applicable Dutch law in effect at the relevant date. The Articles of Association of ABN AMRO Holding N.V. were last amended by a notarial deed executed by Mr R.J.C. van Helden, civil law notary in Amsterdam on 24 November 2008, under register entry number 2008.001536.01. The certificate of no objection of the Ministry of Justice on the amendments to the Articles of Association was issued by the Ministry of Justice under the number N.V. 385573.

As stated in the Articles of Association the object of the Company is:
·
The participation in, collaboration with and financing, administration and management of other enterprises and companies and the performance of all acts, activities and services which are related or may be conducive thereto.
·
The engagement in banking and stockbroking activities, the management of third-party assets, acting as trustee, administrator, executor of wills and executive director, non-executive director or liquidator of companies or other organisations, the provision of insurances and the performance of all other acts and activities which are related or may be conducive thereto, all in the broadest possible sense.
·
The fostering of the direct and indirect interests of all those who are involved in any way in the Company and the safeguarding of the continuity of the Company and its affiliated enterprise(s).


 
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Share capital
The Company’s authorised share capital amounts to EUR 4,704,000,224. It is divided into 8,400,000,400 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of EUR 0.56. For description of the dividend and voting rights attached to these shares refer to Section 7: ‘Other Information’.

Rights of Shareholders
Any resolution to amend the Articles of Association or dissolve the Company may only be passed by the General Meeting of shareholders following a proposal by the Managing Board which has been approved by the Supervisory Board. A copy of the proposal containing the literal text of the proposed amendments shall be made available for inspection by the holders of shares of the Company at the offices of the Company and at the offices stated in the convocation to the meeting, from the day of convocation to the end of the Meeting. Each holder may obtain a full copy of the proposal free of charge.

Meetings of Shareholders and convocation
General meetings of shareholders shall be held in Amsterdam, or in The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht or Haarlemmermeer (Schiphol). Annual meetings must be held within six months of the end of each financial year. In addition, General meetings of shareholders shall be held as frequently as deemed necessary by the Managing Board or the Supervisory Board and when required by law or by the Articles of Association. General meetings of shareholders shall be convened by the Managing Board or the Supervisory Board, without prejudice to the provisions of Sections 110, 111 and 112 of Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code. Convocation shall take place not later than on the fifteenth day prior to the day of the meeting. Convocation shall state the items to be discussed or alternatively notice shall be given that such items may be inspected at the Company’s offices. Proposals to amend the Articles of Association or proposals relating to a reduction of the Company’s capital shall always be included in the actual convocation.


Material Contracts

During the past two years, ABN AMRO was not a party to any contract outside its ordinary course of business that was material to it as a whole, except as disclosed in Section 1 – ‘Chairman's Review – Separation’, Section 2 – ‘Information about the Company - EC Remedy’, Section 4 – ‘Risk and Capital Management - Risk Factors - Risk factors in relation to the Asset Protection Scheme’ and Section 6 – ‘Financial Statements - note 40: Securitisations and other credit risk mitigants’.


Trend Information

The composition of ABN AMRO's revenues, assets and liabilities and its overall performance are affected by changing economic conditions and changing conditions in financial markets, as well as regulatory changes.

We expect that liquidity disruptions, instability and volatility will continue to affect the credit and financial markets in 2010. In addition, regulatory changes will take place in the future that we expect will increase the overall level of regulation in the markets.

The transfer of business to RBS Group, in line with obtaining synergies and combining risk management, will continue in 2010. This process will reduce the scope of operations conducted by ABN AMRO. The core activities expected to remain within ABN AMRO will include global transaction services and local market functions.

For further discussion of some of these challenges please refer to our discussion on the current credit market environment in Section 3: ‘Operating Review’ and our 'Risk Factors' section in Section 4: ‘Risk & Capital Management’.



 
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

ABN AMRO has no off-balance sheet exposures that have or are reasonably likely to have an adverse effect on its financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

ABN AMRO’s hedging activities are non-speculative and are recognised on its balance sheet under Other Assets. For a discussion of the impact of off-balance sheet commitments and contingent liabilities see note 34 in Section 6: ‘Financial Statements’.


Code of Ethics

ABN AMRO’s Corporate Values and Business Principles set out the standards of ethical conduct that ABN AMRO expects from its employees.

The Business Principles are applicable to all our employees, including the Chairman of the Managing Board, the Chief Financial Officer and other senior financial officers. All employees are accountable for their adherence to the Business Principles.  ABN AMRO has established a whistleblowing policy that provides employees with clear and accessible channels, including a direct channel to the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board for reporting suspect violations of the Business Principles and malpractice.

We believe the Business Principles address the standards necessary to comprise a code of ethics for the purposes of section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

The Business Principles are accessible on our website at www.abnamro.com, under the heading ‘About ABN AMRO’ followed by ‘Business Principles’. A copy of our Business Principles is also available upon request, free of charge, by writing or telephoning us at:

ABN AMRO N.V
P.O. Box 283
1000 EA  Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 6289393



 
238

 

Central Works Council

The Central Works Council (‘CWC’) represents the employees of ABN AMRO who are active in the Netherlands. In this capacity the CWC regularly consults with the management of the bank. Since the Dutch State nationalised Fortis Bank Nederland, including the activities that Fortis had previously purchased from ABN AMRO, Caroline Princen, Head of Human Resources, has acted as the CWC’s consulting partner.

In response to the Dutch State’s intention to combine the activities of Fortis Bank Nederland and the Dutch State acquired businesses segment of ABN AMRO, the CWC decided to take a position on – and thus make a contribution to – this process. The CWC drew up its own ‘Vision on the new bank’ for this purpose. This vision was positively welcomed by the entire Employee Representation Body (‘ERB’) and communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

In the past year, the various ERB organs of ABN AMRO dealt with a series of requests for advice under the overall direction of the CWC. In each case every effort was made to obtain information at an early stage in order to ensure timely and high-quality advice. The CWC believes this early involvement created excellent opportunities to influence the decision making in the interests of the employees. This approach also enabled the full ERB of ABN AMRO to achieve uniform opinion and decision making within the advisory process, with a clear distribution of duties and responsibilities while making use of the expertise of the entire ERB.

The most important issues addressed in the past year were:

Legal demerger
On 6 February 2010, the businesses of ABN AMRO acquired by the Dutch State were legally demerged from the RBS acquired businesses. During the advisory process surrounding this legal demerger, the CWC made arrangements that are important to certain groups of employees. These arrangements concern, for example, the pension plans of all employees and the legal position of the Central Items business segment and outsourced employees who wish to make use of the return guarantee.

Transition plan
Early in November, the CWC issued advice on the first phase of the transition plan. Now that the integration of Fortis Bank Nederland and the Dutch State acquired businesses looks set to become reality, the time has come to start building a new bank together. Going forward, the CWC sees a promising future for ABN AMRO. The new bank is one that genuinely puts the client first, while seeking to build long-term relationships with clients and employees alike. The CWC is of the opinion that the plans offer good prospects for creating a wonderful new bank.

The CWC has found that ABN AMRO’s vision on the new bank largely corresponds with its own, which is based on long term thinking, putting the client first and promoting risk awareness among all employees. Though the CWC is enthusiastic about the proposed plans, it also has certain major points of concern. These mainly relate to the integration process, which will inevitably lead to substantial job losses. The CWC is committed to ensuring that the employees who become redundant are given an opportunity to properly develop themselves “from work to work”. To this end, it will be involved in all work to work processes and other relevant HR initiatives. It will also closely and continuously monitor the Redeployment Centre’s activities and results. In addition, the CWC wants to ensure that the selection and matching process is carried out in a transparent, honest and understandable manner. Among other things, it has been agreed that emphasis will be given to people management qualities in the appointment and development of managers. Furthermore, the institution of “confidential officer” will be reinstated as an alternative for the manager or HR Business Partner. Finally, the new bank will make sustainability a strong priority.

EC Remedy
The Heads of Agreement reached between the Ministry of Finance and Deutsche Bank on 19 October 2009 about the sale of New HBU II has resulted in an agreement at the end of December 2009. To protect the interests of the New HBU II, IFN Finance and ABN AMRO Bank employees as much as possible, the CWC has claimed a right to consultation on the proposed decision to conclude a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Deutsche Bank.

The CWC thanks the Management for its open and extremely constructive manner of cooperation in the past period. In addition, the CWC thanks the ERB members as well as all employees who jointly made it possible to complete the important advisory processes during this hectic period in a timely and responsible manner.

 
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Abbreviations

ABCP
Asset-backed commercial paper
ABS
Asset-backed securities
ADR
American Depositary Receipt
AFM
Autoriteit Financiële Markten (Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets)
AFS
Available-for-sale
AUD
Australian dollar
bp
Basis point
BRL
Brazilian real
BU(s)
Business Unit(s)
CAD
(the EU’s) Capital Adequacy Directive
CDO
Collaterised debt obligation
CDPC
Credit derivative product company
CDS
Credit default swap
CLO
Collaterised loan obligation
CMBS
Commerical mortgage-backed securities
COSO
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
CP
Commerical paper
CRD
(the EU’s) Capital Requirements Directive
CVA
Credit valuation adjustment
CWC
(Dutch) Central Works Council
DNB
De Nederlandsche Bank N.V. (Dutch Central Bank)
DNO
Declaration of no-objection
EBITDA
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation
EU
European Union
EUR
Euro
EVP
Executive Vice President
FTE
Full-time equivalent (a measurement of number of staff)
GAAP
General Accepted Accounting Principles
GBP
Great Britain pound
GRM
Group Risk Management
HR
Human Resources
HTM
Held-to-maturity
IAS
International Accounting Standards
IASB
International Accounting Standards Board
IBNI
Incurred-but-not-identified
ID&JG
International Diamond & Jewelry Group
IFRIC
IASB International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee
IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards
IT
Information Technology
LIBOR
London Interbank Offered Rate
M&A
Mergers & Acquisitions
MD
Managing director
MiFID
(the EU’s) Markets in Financial Instruments Directive
MYR
Malaysian ringgit
NYSE
New York Stock Exchange
OCI
Other comprehensive income
OECD
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
OFAC
(US) Office of Foreign Assets Control
OTC
Over-the-counter
PKR
Pakistan rupee
RMBS
Residential mortgage-backed securities
RWA
Risk-weighted assets
SEC
(US) Securities and Exchange Commission
SEVP
Senior Executive Vice President
SMEs
Small to medium-sized enterprises
SPE
Special purpose entity
TRY
New Turkish lira
USD
US dollar


 
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Documents on Display

We are subject to the information requirements of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except that as a foreign issuer, we are not subject to the proxy rules or the short-swing profit disclosure rules of the Exchange Act. In accordance therewith, we file or furnish reports and other information with the SEC. For further information about ABN AMRO, we refer you to the filings we have made with the SEC. Statements contained in this Annual Report concerning the contents of any document are not necessarily complete. If a document has been filed as an exhibit to any filing we have made with the SEC, we refer you to the copy of the document that has been filed. Each statement in this Annual Report relating to a document filed as an exhibit is qualified in all respects by the filed exhibit.

Reports and other information filed or furnished by us with the SEC may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549, and at the SEC’s regional offices at 233 Broadway, New York, New York 10279 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of these materials can also be obtained by mail at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains a website that contains information filed electronically with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.sec.gov. Some, but not all, of our registration statements and reports are available at the SEC’s website.

ABN AMRO’s recent annual reports on Form 20-F and quarterly and current reports on Form 6-K, as well as ABN AMRO’s other filings with the SEC, are also available free of charge through the ABN AMRO website by clicking on ‘About ABN AMRO’ followed by ‘Investor Relations’ followed by ‘Financial Archives’.


 
241

 
 
Exhibits
 
We have filed the following documents as exhibits to this report:
 
 
EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit Number
 
Description of Exhibit
1.11
English translation of the Articles of Association of ABN AMRO Holding N.V.
1.23
English translation of the Articles of Association of ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
1.33
English translation of the Constitutional Documents of Stichting Administratiekantoor ABN AMRO Holding
2.13
Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated as of 20 May 1997 between ABN AMRO Holding N.V. and Morgan Guarantee Trust Company of New York (succeeded through merger by JPMorgan Chase Bank), as Depositary
2.23
Form of American Depositary Receipt
2.34
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of ABN AMRO Capital Funding Trust V, dated 3 July 2003, among the Regular Trustees named therein, The Bank of New York (Delaware), as Delaware trustee, BNY Midwest Trust Company, as property trustee, LaSalle Funding LLC, as sponsor, and ABN AMRO Holding N.V., as guarantor
2.45
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of ABN AMRO Capital Funding Trust VI, dated 30 September 2003, among the Regular Trustees named therein, The Bank of New York (Delaware), as Delaware trustee, BNY Midwest Trust Company, as property trustee, LaSalle Funding LLC, as sponsor, and ABN AMRO Holding N.V., as guarantor
2.56
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of ABN AMRO Capital Funding Trust VII, dated 18 February 2004, among the Regular Trustees named therein, The Bank of New York (Delaware), as Delaware trustee, BNY Midwest Trust Company, as property trustee, LaSalle Funding LLC, as sponsor, and ABN AMRO Holding N.V., as guarantor
4.22
Summary in English of the Share Purchase Agreement entered into on 26 September 2005 with Banca Popolare Italiana, Fingruppo Holding S.p.A., G.P. Finanziaria S.p.A., Tiberio Lonati, Fausto Lonati, Ettore Lonati and Magiste International S.A.
7.1
Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
8.17
List of Subsidiaries
12.1
Certification by the Chairman of the Managing Board pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
12.2
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
13.1
Certification of periodic financial report pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as mandated by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
14.1
Consent of Deloitte Accountants B.V., independent registered public accounting firm
14.2
Consent of Ernst & Young Accountants LLP, independent registered public accounting firm

_______________________
1
Previously filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2008 filed on 27 March 2009.
2
Previously filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2005 filed on 3 April 2006.
3
Previously filed as an exhibit to, or incorporated by reference as indicated in, our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2002 filed on 28 March 2003.
4
Previously filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2003 filed on 31 March 2004.
5
Previously filed under cover of Form 6-K on 2 October 2003.
6
Previously filed under cover of Form 6-K on 19 February 2004.
7
Incorporated herein by reference to Note 48 to our consolidated financial statements included herein.


 
242

 
Signatures

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorised the undersigned to sign this report on its behalf.

   
ABN AMRO HOLDING N.V.
(Registrant)
 
 
 
26 March 2010
 
By:
/s/ Gerrit Zalm
 
       
Name:
Gerrit Zalm
 
       
Title:
Chairman of the Managing Board
 
             
             
     
By:
/s/ David Cole
 
       
Name:
David Cole
 
       
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
 
             
             


 
243

 

How to order reports

This report can be downloaded from www.abnamro.com and www.rbs.com.
Printed copies can be ordered:
·
on the internet at www.abnamro.com
·
by phone:     +44 207 672 1758
·
by e-mail:    investor.relations@rbs.com

Our legal and commercial name is ABN AMRO Holding N.V. We are a public limited liability company incorporated under Dutch law on 30 May 1990.

ABN AMRO Holding N.V. has its registered office in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and is entered in the Trade Register of the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce under no. 33220369.
 



ABN AMRO Holding N.V.
Gustav Mahlerlaan 10
1082 PP Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 283
1000 EA Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Telephone:
+31 20 6289393
+31 20 6299111

Internet: www.abnamro.nl (Dutch website) and www.abnamro.com (English website). Information on our website does not form part of this Annual Report, unless we expressly state otherwise.

 
244