28th Aug 2009 14:34
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Results for the half year ended 30 June 2009
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (the 'Royal Bank', 'RBS' or the 'Group') is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (the 'parent company', 'RBSG' or the 'RBS Group').
|
Contents |
Page |
|
Interim management report |
|
|
Financial review |
2 |
|
Condensed consolidated income statement |
3 |
|
Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income |
4 |
|
Condensed consolidated balance sheet |
5 |
|
Overview of condensed consolidated balance sheet |
6 |
|
Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity |
7 |
|
Condensed consolidated cash flow statement |
9 |
|
Notes |
10 |
|
Independent review report by the auditors |
21 |
|
Principal risks and uncertainties |
22 |
|
Statement of directors' responsibilities |
27 |
|
Additional information |
|
|
Contacts |
28 |
Financial review
Loss
Loss before tax was £176 million compared with a profit of £953 million in the first half of 2008. The results have been adversely affected by a significant increase in impairment losses, reflecting the continuing deterioration in economic conditions.
Total income
Total income was up 65% to £13,890 million, benefiting from favourable trading conditions during the first half of the year, with strong volumes and volatility benefiting the Global Banking & Markets division.
Net interest income decreased by 11% to £5,649 million reflecting the very low interest rate environment prevailing in all the Group's major markets where deposit pricing floors and active competition have compressed liability margins.
Non-interest income increased to £8,241 million and included a gain on redemption of own debt of £2,694 million. In April 2009, the Group concluded a series of exchange offers and tender offers with the holders of a number of Upper Tier 2 securities which resulted in a gain of £2,694 million recognised in non-interest income. The remaining increase principally reflects favourable trading conditions experienced during the first half of the year, with strong volumes and volatility contributing to the strong growth in Global Banking & Markets partially offset by credit and other market write-downs of £2,748 million (first half 2008 - £3,794 million) in the Non-Core division.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses were tightly controlled and increased to £7,524 million from £6,197 million which included the write-down of goodwill of £118 million. Integration and restructuring costs were £524 million compared with £187 million in the first half of 2008. Other operating expenses were £6,882 million compared with £6,010 million in the first half of 2008.
Cost:income ratio
The Group's cost:income ratio was 54.2% compared with 73.8% in the first half of 2008. Excluding the gain on redemption of own debt and the write-down of goodwill and other intangible assets, the cost:income ratio was 66.1% compared with 73.8% in the first half of 2008.
Impairment losses
Impairment losses were £6,542 million, compared with £1,247 million in the first half of 2008, with significant increases in the Group's Retail and Commercial Banking divisions in the UK, US and the island of Ireland.
Capital and capital ratios
In May 2009, the Group received a capital contribution of £7,000 million from its parent company. Capital ratios at 30 June 2009 were 5.7% (Core Tier 1), 8.7% (Tier 1) and 12.3% (Total).
Condensed consolidated income statement
for the half year ended 30 June 2009 (unaudited)
In the income statement below, amortisation of purchased intangible assets and integration and restructuring costs are included in operating expenses. First half 2008 and full year 2008 have been restated for the amendment to IFRS 2 'Share-based Payment'.
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 (audited) |
|
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
|
|
Interest receivable |
11,216 |
15,148 |
31,413 |
|
Interest payable |
(5,567) |
(8,819) |
(17,904) |
|
Net interest income |
5,649 |
6,329 |
13,509 |
|
Fees and commissions receivable |
3,896 |
3,686 |
7,483 |
|
Fees and commissions payable |
(949) |
(795) |
(1,733) |
|
Income/(loss) from trading activities |
2,247 |
(1,745) |
(5,583) |
|
Gain on redemption of own debt (Note 3) |
2,694 |
- |
- |
|
Other operating income |
353 |
922 |
2,181 |
|
Non-interest income |
8,241 |
2,068 |
2,348 |
|
Total income |
13,890 |
8,397 |
15,857 |
|
Operating expenses |
(7,524) |
(6,197) |
(20,367) |
|
Profit/(loss) before impairment losses |
6,366 |
2,200 |
(4,510) |
|
Impairment losses |
(6,542) |
(1,247) |
(4,706) |
|
Operating (loss)/profit before tax |
(176) |
953 |
(9,216) |
|
Tax credit/(charge) |
519 |
(232) |
505 |
|
Profit/(loss) for the period |
343 |
721 |
(8,711) |
|
Minority interests |
(145) |
(125) |
(208) |
|
Preference dividends |
(300) |
(249) |
(638) |
|
(Loss)/profit attributable to ordinary shareholders |
(102) |
347 |
(9,557) |
Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the half year ended 30 June 2009 (unaudited)
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 |
|
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
|
|
Profit/(loss) for the period |
343 |
721 |
(8,711) |
|
Other comprehensive income: |
|||
|
Available-for-sale financial assets |
196 |
(275) |
(2,596) |
|
Cash flow hedges |
524 |
(146) |
(276) |
|
Currency translation |
(1,685) |
183 |
4,968 |
|
Actuarial losses on defined benefit plans |
- |
- |
(1,716) |
|
Tax on other comprehensive income |
(258) |
175 |
1,627 |
|
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax |
(1,223) |
(63) |
2,007 |
|
Total comprehensive income for the period |
(880) |
658 |
(6,704) |
|
Attributable to: |
|||
|
Equity shareholders |
(885) |
547 |
(7,256) |
|
Minority interests |
5 |
111 |
552 |
|
(880) |
658 |
(6,704) |
Condensed consolidated balance sheet
at 30 June 2009 (unaudited)
|
30 June 2009 |
31 December 2008 (audited) |
30 June 2008 |
|
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
|
|
Assets |
|||
|
Cash and balances at central banks |
23,838 |
6,806 |
9,903 |
|
Loans and advances to banks |
60,730 |
79,387 |
63,762 |
|
Loans and advances to customers |
562,338 |
619,503 |
557,762 |
|
Debt securities |
164,359 |
177,766 |
154,015 |
|
Equity shares |
2,312 |
2,691 |
4,101 |
|
Settlement balances |
19,334 |
10,871 |
18,219 |
|
Derivatives |
558,068 |
937,457 |
282,416 |
|
Intangible assets |
11,905 |
12,591 |
18,048 |
|
Property, plant and equipment |
15,769 |
16,628 |
14,111 |
|
Deferred taxation |
3,139 |
2,833 |
326 |
|
Prepayments, accrued income and other assets |
15,121 |
11,397 |
8,705 |
|
Assets of disposal groups |
- |
- |
3,265 |
|
Total assets |
1,436,913 |
1,877,930 |
1,134,633 |
|
Liabilities |
|||
|
Deposits by banks |
126,939 |
181,982 |
128,299 |
|
Customer accounts |
443,014 |
453,129 |
432,920 |
|
Debt securities in issue |
179,398 |
179,942 |
125,507 |
|
Settlement balances and short positions |
53,229 |
45,957 |
63,781 |
|
Derivatives |
535,400 |
909,105 |
273,705 |
|
Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities |
13,847 |
16,685 |
14,185 |
|
Retirement benefit liabilities |
1,322 |
1,446 |
296 |
|
Deferred taxation |
2,253 |
2,483 |
1,997 |
|
Subordinated liabilities |
30,626 |
39,951 |
32,518 |
|
Liabilities of disposal groups |
- |
- |
2,409 |
|
Total liabilities |
1,386,028 |
1,830,680 |
1,075,617 |
|
Equity: |
|||
|
Minority interests |
1,052 |
1,292 |
984 |
|
Shareholders' equity |
|||
|
Called up share capital |
6,483 |
6,483 |
6,483 |
|
Reserves |
43,350 |
39,475 |
51,549 |
|
Total equity |
50,885 |
47,250 |
59,016 |
|
Total liabilities and equity |
1,436,913 |
1,877,930 |
1,134,633 |
Overview of condensed consolidated balance sheet
Total assets of £1,436.9 billion at 30 June 2009 were down £441.0 billion, 23%, compared with 31 December 2008.
Cash and balances at central banks increased £17.0 billion to £23.8 billion from seasonal lows.
Loans and advances to banks decreased by £18.7 billion, 24%, to £60.7 billion reflecting lower reverse repurchase agreements and stock borrowing ('reverse repos'), down by £4.0 billion, 13% to £27.4 billion and reduced bank placings, down £14.7 billion, 31%, to £33.3 billion.
Loans and advances to customers were down £57.2 billion, 9%, at £562.3 billion. Within this, reverse repos increased by 31%, £8.8 billion to £36.7 billion. Excluding reverse repos, lending declined by £66.0 billion, 11% to £525.6 billion. This reflected the strengthening of sterling relative to the US dollar and the euro during the first half of 2009 and reductions in lending.
Debt securities decreased by £13.4 billion, 8%, to £164.4 billion and equity shares decreased by £0.4 billion, 14%, to £2.3 billion principally due to lower holdings in Global Banking & Markets.
Settlement balances were up £8.5 billion, 78%, at £19.3 billion reflecting increased customer activity.
Movements in the value of derivatives, assets and liabilities, primarily reflect reductions in interest rates and the strengthening of sterling during the first half of 2009.
Intangible assets declined by £0.7 billion, 5%, to £11.9 billion mainly due to the £0.1 billion write-down of goodwill in the Non-Core division and the effect of movements in exchange rates.
Prepayments, accrued income and other assets increased by £3.7 billion, 33% to £15.1 billion.
Deposits by banks declined by £55.0 billion, 30% to £126.9 billion. This reflected decreased repurchase agreements and stock lending ('repos'), down £25.6 billion, 39% to £40.3 billion and reduced inter-bank deposits, down £29.4 billion, 25% to £86.6 billion.
Customer accounts were down £10.1 billion, 2% to £443.0 billion. Within this, repos increased £17.9 billion, 33% to £72.0 billion. Excluding repos, deposits declined by £28.0 billion, 7%, to £371.0 billion primarily due to exchange rate movements and reductions in Global Banking & Markets.
Settlement balances and short positions were up £7.3 billion, 16%, to £53.2 billion reflecting increased customer activity.
Subordinated liabilities decreased £9.3 billion, 23% to £30.6 billion reflecting the redemption of £4.5 billion undated loan capital and £0.6 billion dated loan capital, together with the effect of exchange rate movements and other adjustments.
Equity minority interests decreased by £0.2 billion, 19% to £1.1 billion as a result of dividends paid of £0.3 billion partially offset by attributable profits of £0.1 billion.
Shareholders' equity increased by £3.9 billion, 8% to £49.8 billion. A capital contribution of £7.0 billion from the company's parent together with net gains in cash flow hedging reserve, £0.4 billion and available-for-sale reserves, £0.1 billion and the attributable profit of £0.2 billion for the period, were offset in part by ordinary dividends and preference dividends paid of £2.0 billion and £0.3 billion respectively and exchange rate movements of £1.6 billion.
Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the half year ended 30 June 2009 (unaudited)
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 |
|
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
|
|
Called-up share capital |
|||
|
At beginning of period |
6,483 |
5,483 |
5,483 |
|
Ordinary shares issued during the period |
- |
1,000 |
1,000 |
|
At end of period |
6,483 |
6,483 |
6,483 |
|
Share premium account |
|||
|
At beginning of period |
25,175 |
16,175 |
16,175 |
|
Shares issued during the period |
- |
9,000 |
9,000 |
|
|
|||
|
At end of period |
25,175 |
25,175 |
25,175 |
|
Merger reserve |
|||
|
At beginning and end of period |
10,881 |
10,881 |
10,881 |
|
Available-for-sale reserves |
|||
|
At beginning of period |
(1,893) |
(35) |
(35) |
|
Unrealised losses in the period |
(805) |
(208) |
(2,585) |
|
Realised losses/(gains) in the period |
1,001 |
(67) |
(11) |
|
Taxation |
(69) |
80 |
738 |
|
At end of period |
(1,766) |
(230) |
(1,893) |
|
Cash flow hedging reserve |
|||
|
At beginning of period |
(723) |
(511) |
(511) |
|
Amount recognised in equity during the period |
419 |
(238) |
(461) |
|
Amount transferred from equity to earnings in the period |
105 |
92 |
185 |
|
Taxation |
(143) |
43 |
64 |
|
At end of period |
(342) |
(614) |
(723) |
|
Foreign exchange reserve |
|||
|
At beginning of period |
4,203 |
(782) |
(782) |
|
Retranslation of net assets |
(2,109) |
424 |
7,254 |
|
Foreign currency gains/(losses) on hedges of net assets |
564 |
(227) |
(2,630) |
|
Taxation |
(46) |
52 |
361 |
|
At end of period |
2,612 |
(533) |
4,203 |
|
Retained earnings |
|||
|
At beginning of period |
1,832 |
16,472 |
16,472 |
|
Capital contribution (Note 10) |
7,000 |
- |
- |
|
Profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders and other equity owners |
198 |
596 |
(8,919) |
|
Ordinary dividends paid |
(2,000) |
- |
(4,000) |
|
Equity preference dividends paid |
(300) |
(249) |
(638) |
|
Actuarial losses recognised in retirement benefit schemes: |
|||
|
- gross |
- |
- |
(1,716) |
|
- taxation |
- |
- |
464 |
|
Share-based payments, net of tax |
60 |
51 |
169 |
|
At end of period |
6,790 |
16,870 |
1,832 |
|
Shareholders' equity at end of period |
49,833 |
58,032 |
45,958 |
Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the half year ended 30 June 2009 (unaudited) (continued)
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 |
|
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
|
|
Minority interests |
|||
|
At beginning of period |
1,292 |
152 |
152 |
|
Currency translation adjustment and other movements |
(140) |
(14) |
344 |
|
Profit attributable to minority interests |
145 |
125 |
208 |
|
Dividends paid |
(251) |
(26) |
(84) |
|
Equity raised |
9 |
810 |
812 |
|
Equity withdrawn |
(3) |
(63) |
(140) |
|
At end of period |
1,052 |
984 |
1,292 |
|
Total equity at end of period |
50,885 |
59,016 |
47,250 |
|
Total comprehensive income recognised in the statement of changes in equity is attributable as follows: |
|||
|
- Equity shareholders |
(885) |
547 |
(7,256) |
|
- Minority interests |
5 |
111 |
552 |
|
(880) |
658 |
(6,704) |
Condensed consolidated cash flow statement
for the half year ended 30 June 2009 (unaudited)
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 (audited) |
|
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
|
|
Operating activities |
|||
|
Operating (loss)/profit before tax |
(176) |
953 |
(9,216) |
|
Adjustments for non-cash items |
10,267 |
(376) |
(4,663) |
|
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from trading activities |
10,091 |
577 |
(13,879) |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |
(10,469) |
(35,246) |
2,845 |
|
Net cash flows from operating activities before tax |
(378) |
(34,669) |
(11,034) |
|
Income taxes paid |
(171) |
(647) |
(886) |
|
Net cash flows from operating activities |
(549) |
(35,316) |
(11,920) |
|
Net cash flows from investing activities |
(3,119) |
(6,814) |
(16,181) |
|
Net cash flows from financing activities |
(666) |
13,970 |
8,459 |
|
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(5,332) |
2,774 |
15,295 |
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(9,666) |
(25,386) |
(4,347) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
80,414 |
84,761 |
84,761 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
70,748 |
59,375 |
80,414 |
Notes
|
1. |
Basis of preparation |
|
The Interim Results for the half year ended 30 June 2009 have been prepared on a going concern basis. The directors have reviewed the Group's forecasts, projections and other relevant evidence including the ongoing measures from governments and central banks in the UK and around the world to sustain the banking sector. Whilst the Group has received no guarantees, the directors have a reasonable expectation, based on experience to date, of continued and sufficient access to these funding facilities and, accordingly, that the Group will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. |
|
|
2. |
Accounting policies |
|
The annual accounts of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee of the IASB (together "IFRS") as adopted by the European Union ("EU"). It also complies with IFRS as issued by the IASB. There have been no significant changes to the Group's principal accounting policies as set out on pages 81 to 90 of the 2008 Report and Accounts apart from the implementation of amendments to IFRS 2 (see below) and the introduction of a new policy dealing with the redemption or settlement of issued debt. These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'. The Group has implemented Vesting Conditions and Cancellation amendments to IFRS 2 Share-based Payment. The amendments change the way the cancellation of share schemes by an employee are treated. Previously, cancellations resulted in credits as the charge was trued up to reflect the reduction in the number of shares that vest. Under the amendments, cancellations result in the amount that would otherwise have been recognised over the remainder of the vesting period being charged to profit or loss immediately. Implementation of these amendments has increased the charge for the Group's share schemes in the first half of 2009 by £38 million. The Group's income statement, related notes and cash flow statement for the half year ended 30 June 2008 and the year ended 31 December 2008 have been restated increasing loss before tax by £35 million and £169 million respectively. As a result of the amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements, the interim financial statements include a statement of changes in equity (showing the components of changes in equity for the period) as a primary financial statement and a statement of comprehensive income immediately following the income statement. The Group has extended its accounting policy on de-recognition to cover the redemption or settlement of issued debt: On the redemption or settlement of debt securities (including subordinated liabilities) issued by the Group, the Group derecognises the debt instrument and records a gain or loss being the difference between the debt's carrying amount and the cost of redemption or settlement. The same treatment applies where the debt is exchanged for a new debt issue that has terms substantially different from those of the existing debt. The assessment of whether the terms of the new debt instrument are substantially different takes into account qualitative and quantitative characteristics including a comparison of the discounted present value of the cash flows under the new terms with the discounted present value of the remaining cash flows of the original debt issue. There are a number of other changes to IFRS that were effective from 1 January 2009. They have had no material effect on the Group's interim financial statements: Improvements to IFRS issued in May 2008 makes minor amendments to a number of IFRS as part of IASB's annual improvements project. Cost of an Investment in a Subsidiary, Jointly Controlled Entity or Associate Amendments to IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements and IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards amends investor accounting for the cost of an investment in a subsidiary, jointly controlled entity or associate. |
Notes (continued)
|
2. |
Accounting policies (continued) |
|
Improving Disclosures about Financial Instruments Amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures - enhances disclosures required about liquidity risk and fair value measurements. IAS 23 Borrowing Costs - requires entities to capitalise borrowing costs attributable to the development or construction of intangible assets or property plant or equipment. Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations arising on Liquidation Amendments to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements amends IAS 32 to enable puttable instruments to be disclosed as equity. Embedded Derivatives Amendments to IFRIC 9 and IAS 39 - makes changes in relation to embedded derivatives when reclassifying financial instruments. IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes - requires entities that provide customers with benefits ancillary to the sale of goods or services to apportion the sales proceeds on the basis of relative fair values. IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate - clarifies the accounting for construction profits. IFRIC 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation - addresses the nature of the hedged risk and the amount of the hedged item; where in a group the hedging item could be held; and what amounts should be reclassified from equity on the disposal of a foreign operation that had been subject to hedging. Recent developments in IFRS The IASB published a revised IFRS 3 Business Combinations and related revisions to IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements in January 2008. 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. Groups will only account for goodwill on acquisition of a subsidiary; subsequent changes in interest will be recognised in equity and only on a loss of control will there be a profit or loss on disposal to be recognised in income. The changes are effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009. These changes will affect the Group's accounting for future acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries. The IASB issued an amendment to IAS 39 Eligible Hedged Items in July 2008 to clarify how the hedge accounting principles in IAS 39 should be applied in the designation of a one-sided risk in a hedged item and inflation in a financial hedged item. The amendment is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009 and is not expected to have a material effect on the Group. Group Cash-settled Share-based Payment Transactions Amendments to IFRS 2 issued by the IASB in June 2009 clarifies the scope and the accounting for group cash-settled share-based payment transactions in the separate or individual financial statements of the entity receiving the goods or services when it has no obligation to settle the transaction. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010. They will have no effect on the Group's financial statements. In April 2009, the IASB issued Improvements to IFRS which makes minor changes to IFRS as part of the Board's annual improvements project: making non-urgent but necessary amendments to standards, primarily to remove inconsistencies and to clarify wording. The amendments are not expected to have a material effect on the Group. |
Notes (continued)
|
2. |
Accounting policies (continued) |
|||
|
Recent developments in IFRS (continued) Additional Exemptions for First-time Adopters Amendments to IFRS 1 was issued in July 2009 and provides relief from retrospective application in relation to oil and gas assets and determining whether an arrangement contains a lease. These exemptions will have no effect on the Group. The 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 income. 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 IFRS 3 (revised 2008), and is not expected to have a material effect on the Group. 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 from customers received on or after 1 July 2009 and is not expected to have a material effect on the Group. |
||||
|
3. |
Gain on redemption of own debt |
|||
|
In April 2009, the Group concluded a series of exchange offers and tender offers with the holders of a number of Upper Tier 2 securities which resulted in a gain of £2,694 million recognised in non-interest income. |
||||
|
4. |
Goodwill |
|||
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 (audited) |
||
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
||
|
Write-down of goodwill and other intangible assets |
118 |
- |
8,144 |
|
|
The write-down of goodwill in the first half of 2009 relates to NatWest goodwill allocated to Non-Core businesses. |
||||
|
5. |
Pensions |
|||
|
The pension cost for the first half of 2009 amounting to £261 million (first half 2008 - £210 million; full year 2008 - £374 million) reflects the assumptions adopted in the Group's 2008 financial statements as the Group has concluded, following a review of scheme assumptions, that as at 30 June 2009 no adjustments to the deficit on the schemes is required. |
||||
Notes (continued)
|
6. |
Loan impairment provisions |
|||
|
Operating (loss)/profit is stated after charging loan impairment losses of £5,735 million (first half 2008 - £1,230 million; full year 2008 - £4,555 million). The balance sheet loan impairment provisions increased in the half year ended 30 June 2009 from £6,655 million to £10,568 million, and the movements thereon were: |
||||
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 (audited) |
||
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
||
|
At beginning of period |
6,655 |
4,235 |
4,235 |
|
|
Currency translation and other adjustments |
(215) |
32 |
453 |
|
|
Disposals |
- |
(40) |
(178) |
|
|
Transfers relating to disposal groups |
- |
(147) |
- |
|
|
Amounts written-off |
(1,570) |
(1,014) |
(2,447) |
|
|
Recoveries of amounts previously written-off |
123 |
114 |
211 |
|
|
Charged to the income statement |
5,735 |
1,230 |
4,555 |
|
|
Unwind of discount |
(160) |
(82) |
(174) |
|
|
At end of period |
10,568 |
4,328 |
6,655 |
|
|
The provision at 30 June 2009 includes £87 million (31 December 2008 - £83 million; 30 June 2008 - £2 million) in respect of loans and advances to banks. |
||||
|
Total impairment losses charged to the income statement comprise: |
||||
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 (audited) |
||
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
||
|
Loan impairment losses |
5,735 |
1,230 |
4,555 |
|
|
Impairment of available-for-sale securities |
807 |
17 |
151 |
|
|
Impairment losses |
6,542 |
1,247 |
4,706 |
|
|
7. |
Taxation |
|||
|
The (credit)/charge for taxation differs from the tax (credit)/charge computed by applying the standard UK corporation tax rate of 28% (2008 - 28.5%) as follows: |
||||
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 (audited) |
||
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
||
|
(Loss)/profit before tax |
(176) |
953 |
(9,216) |
|
|
Expected tax (credit)/charge at 28% (2008 - 28.5%) |
(49) |
272 |
(2,627) |
|
|
Non-deductible goodwill impairment |
33 |
- |
1,949 |
|
|
Unrecognised timing differences |
16 |
2 |
274 |
|
|
Other non-deductible items |
80 |
124 |
294 |
|
|
Non-taxable items: |
||||
|
- gain on redemption of own debt |
(625) |
- |
- |
|
|
- other |
(50) |
(60) |
(305) |
|
|
Taxable foreign exchange movements |
(11) |
3 |
161 |
|
|
Foreign profits taxed at other rates |
64 |
4 |
4 |
|
|
Increase in deferred tax liability following |
||||
|
change in the rate of UK Corporation Tax |
- |
- |
1 |
|
|
Unutilised losses brought forward and carried forward |
2 |
5 |
12 |
|
|
Adjustments in respect of prior periods |
21 |
(118) |
(268) |
|
|
Actual tax (credit)/charge |
(519) |
232 |
(505) |
|
Notes (continued)
|
8. |
Segmental analysis |
|||||||||
|
Changes have been made to the Group's operating segments in the first half of 2009. A Non-Core division has been created comprising those lines of business, portfolios and individual assets that the Group intends to run off or sell. Furthermore, Group Manufacturing is no longer reported as a separate division; its costs are now allocated to the customer-facing divisions along with certain central costs. UK Retail & Commercial Banking has been split into three segments (UK Retail, UK Corporate and Wealth). Ulster Bank has become a specific segment. The remaining elements of Europe & Middle East Retail & Commercial Banking, Asia Retail & Commercial Banking and Share of shared assets form part of Non-Core. The segment measure is now operating profit/(loss) before tax which differs from contribution used previously; it excludes strategic disposals. Comparative data have been restated accordingly. |
||||||||||
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 |
||||||||
|
External |
Inter segment |
Total |
External |
Inter segment |
Total |
External |
Inter segment |
Total |
||
|
Total revenue |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
|
|
UK Retail |
3,368 |
339 |
3,707 |
3,911 |
806 |
4,717 |
7,865 |
1,642 |
9,507 |
|
|
UK Corporate |
2,212 |
28 |
2,240 |
3,982 |
31 |
4,013 |
7,798 |
92 |
7,890 |
|
|
Wealth |
416 |
464 |
880 |
505 |
1,130 |
1,635 |
1,131 |
2,119 |
3,250 |
|
|
Global Banking & Markets |
7,548 |
4,295 |
11,843 |
3,670 |
4,518 |
8,188 |
5,420 |
10,747 |
16,167 |
|
|
Global Transaction Services |
1,094 |
33 |
1,127 |
1,159 |
41 |
1,200 |
2,223 |
81 |
2,304 |
|
|
Ulster Bank |
888 |
49 |
937 |
1,228 |
73 |
1,301 |
2,928 |
584 |
3,512 |
|
|
US Retail & Commercial |
2,213 |
203 |
2,416 |
1,913 |
234 |
2,147 |
4,200 |
475 |
4,675 |
|
|
Central items |
2,350 |
5,239 |
7,589 |
619 |
4,499 |
5,118 |
778 |
11,310 |
12,088 |
|
|
Core |
20,089 |
10,650 |
30,739 |
16,987 |
11,332 |
28,319 |
32,343 |
27,050 |
59,393 |
|
|
Non-Core |
317 |
441 |
758 |
1,024 |
675 |
1,699 |
3,151 |
1,219 |
4,370 |
|
|
20,406 |
11,091 |
31,497 |
18,011 |
12,007 |
30,018 |
35,494 |
28,269 |
63,763 |
||
|
Elimination of intra-group |
||||||||||
|
transactions |
- |
(11,091) |
(11,091) |
- |
(12,007) |
(12,007) |
- |
(28,269) |
(28,269) |
|
|
20,406 |
- |
20,406 |
18,011 |
- |
18,011 |
35,494 |
- |
35,494 |
||
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 |
||
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
||
|
Operating profit/(loss) before tax |
||||
|
UK Retail |
253 |
675 |
1,150 |
|
|
UK Corporate |
490 |
1,064 |
1,892 |
|
|
Wealth |
205 |
252 |
484 |
|
|
Global Banking & Markets |
4,426 |
1,013 |
551 |
|
|
Global Transaction Services |
400 |
440 |
911 |
|
|
Ulster Bank |
15 |
226 |
331 |
|
|
US Retail and Commercial |
21 |
376 |
682 |
|
|
Central items |
(1,495) |
(258) |
(786) |
|
|
Core |
4,315 |
3,788 |
5,215 |
|
|
Non-Core |
(6,502) |
(2,606) |
(5,982) |
|
|
(2,187) |
1,182 |
(767) |
||
|
Amortisation of purchased intangible assets |
(41) |
(42) |
(100) |
|
|
Integration and restructuring costs |
(524) |
(187) |
(647) |
|
|
Gain on redemption of own debt |
2,694 |
- |
- |
|
|
Strategic disposals |
- |
- |
442 |
|
|
Write-down of goodwill and other intangible assets |
(118) |
- |
(8,144) |
|
|
(176) |
953 |
(9,216) |
Notes (continued)
|
8. |
Segmental analysis (continued) |
||
|
30 June 2009 |
31 December 2008 |
||
|
£m |
£m |
||
|
Total assets |
|||
|
UK Retail |
101,173 |
98,638 |
|
|
UK Corporate |
105,652 |
109,493 |
|
|
Wealth |
16,538 |
16,547 |
|
|
Global Banking & Markets |
867,578 |
1,214,082 |
|
|
Global Transaction Services |
11,813 |
11,870 |
|
|
Ulster Bank |
41,510 |
49,114 |
|
|
US Retail and Commercial |
76,314 |
88,673 |
|
|
Central items |
19,478 |
29,924 |
|
|
Core |
1,240,056 |
1,618,341 |
|
|
Non-Core |
196,857 |
259,589 |
|
|
1,436,913 |
1,877,930 |
||
|
9. |
Dividend |
|||
|
First half 2009 |
First half 2008 |
Full year 2008 (audited) |
||
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
||
|
Ordinary dividend paid to the parent company |
2,000 |
- |
4,000 |
|
|
10. |
Capital contribution |
||
|
In May 2009, the Group received a capital contribution of £7,000 million from its parent company. |
|||
|
11. |
Contingent liabilities and commitments |
|||
|
30 June 2009 |
31 December 2008 (audited) |
30 June 2008 |
||
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
||
|
Contingent liabilities |
||||
|
Guarantees and assets pledged as collateral security |
12,517 |
15,075 |
12,478 |
|
|
Other contingent liabilities |
13,790 |
17,842 |
12,066 |
|
|
26,307 |
32,917 |
24,544 |
||
|
Commitments |
||||
|
Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines and other commitments to lend |
255,188 |
294,349 |
262,142 |
|
|
Other commitments |
4,076 |
6,788 |
3,163 |
|
|
259,264 |
301,137 |
265,305 |
||
|
Additional contingent liabilities arise in the normal course of the Group's business. It is not anticipated that any material loss will arise from these transactions. |
||||
Notes (continued)
|
12. |
Litigation |
|
United Kingdom In common with other banks in the United Kingdom, RBS and National Westminster Bank Plc have received claims and complaints from a large number of customers challenging unarranged overdraft charges (the 'Charges') as contravening the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 (the 'Regulations') or being unenforceable penalties (or both). On 27 July 2007, the OFT issued proceedings in a test case against the banks which was intended to determine certain preliminary issues concerning the legal status and enforceability of contractual terms relating to the Charges. Because of the test case, most existing and new claims in the County Courts are currently stayed, the FSA temporarily waived the customer complaints-handling process and there is a standstill of Financial Ombudsman Service decisions. A High Court judgment in April 2008 addressed preliminary issues in respect of the banks' contractual terms relating to the Charges in force in early 2008 (the 'Current Terms'). The judgment held that the Current Terms used by RBS and NatWest (i) are not unenforceable as penalties, but (ii) are not exempt from assessment for fairness under the Regulations. RBSG (in common with the other banks) has accepted that the ruling in the April judgment that the Current Terms are not exempt from assessment for fairness applies also to a sample of the RBS and NatWest contractual terms relating to the Charges in force between 2001 and 2007 (the 'Historic Terms'). The High Court made an order to this effect in October 2008. RBSG and the other banks have appealed against the rulings in April 2008 and October 2008 that the Current Terms and Historic Terms are not exempt from assessment for fairness under the Regulations. The hearing of the appeal in relation to Current Terms took place before the Court of Appeal in October and November 2008. The Court of Appeal delivered its judgment on 26 February 2009 and rejected the appeals. The House of Lords granted RBSG and the other banks leave to appeal the Court of Appeal's decision. That further appeal took place on 23 June 2009. The House of Lords' judgment is likely to be delivered later in 2009. The appeal in relation to the Historic Terms is stayed pending the resolution of the appeal in relation to the Current Terms. High Court judgments on further preliminary issues were handed down in October 2008 and January 2009. These judgments primarily addressed the question of whether certain Historic Terms were capable of being unenforceable penalties. The Judge decided that all of RBS's and most of NatWest's Historic Terms were not penalties, but that a term contained in a set of NatWest 2001 terms and conditions was a contractual prohibition against using a card to obtain an unarranged overdraft. The Judge did not decide whether any charge payable upon a breach of this prohibition was a penalty. RBSG has not appealed that decision. The issues relating to the legal status and enforceability of the Charges are complex. RBSG maintains that its Charges are fair and enforceable and believes that it has a number of substantive and credible defences. RBSG cannot at this stage predict with any certainty the final outcome of the customer claims and complaints, the appeals referred to above and any further stages of the test case. It is unable reliably to estimate the liability, if any that may arise as a result of or in connection with these matters or its effect on the Group's consolidated net assets, operating results or cash flows in any particular period. |
Notes (continued)
|
12. |
Litigation (continued) |
|
United States Proceedings, including consolidated class actions on behalf of former Enron securities holders, have been brought in the United States against a large number of defendants, including the Group, following the collapse of Enron. The claims against the Group could be significant; the class plaintiff's position is that each defendant is responsible for an entire aggregate damage amount less settlements - they have not quantified claimed damages against the Group in particular. The Group considers that it has substantial and credible legal and factual defences to these claims and will continue to defend them vigorously. Recent decisions by the US Supreme Court and the US Federal Court for the Fifth Circuit provide further support for the Group's position. In light of these developments the Group does not expect these claims will have a material impact on its consolidated net assets, operating results or cash flows in any particular period. RBS Group companies have been named as defendants in a number of purported class action and other lawsuits in the United States that relate to the sub-prime mortgage business. In general, the cases involve the issuance of sub-prime-related securities or the issuance of shares in companies with sub-prime-related exposure, where the plaintiffs have brought actions against the issuers and underwriters (including RBS Group companies) of such securities claiming that certain disclosures made in connection with the relevant offerings of such securities were false or misleading. The Group considers that it has substantial and credible legal and factual defences to these claims and will continue to defend them vigorously. The Group does not currently expect that these lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material impact on its consolidated net assets, operating results or cash flows in any particular period. RBS Group and a number of its subsidiaries and certain individual officers and directors have been named as defendants in a class action filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The consolidated amended complaint alleges certain false and misleading statements and omissions in public filings and other communications during the period 1 March 2007 to 19 January 2009, and variously asserts claims under Sections 11, 12 and 15 of the Securities Act 1933, Sections 10 and 20 of the Securities Exchange Act 1934 and SEC Rule 10b-5. The putative class is composed of (1) all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired RBS Group securities between 1 March 2007 and 19 January 2009; and/or (2) all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired RBS Series Q, R, S, T and/or U Non-cumulative Dollar Preference Shares issued pursuant or traceable to the 8 April 2005 Registration Statement and were damaged thereby. Plaintiffs seek unquantified damages on behalf of the putative class. The Group considers that it has substantial and credible legal and factual defences to these claims and will defend them vigorously. The Group is unable reliably to estimate the liability, if any, that might arise or its effect on the Group's consolidated net assets, operating results or cash flows in any particular period. Summary of other disputes, legal proceedings and litigation Members of the Group are engaged in other litigation in the United Kingdom and a number of overseas jurisdictions, including the United States, involving claims by and against them arising in the ordinary course of business. The Group has reviewed these other actual, threatened and known potential claims and proceedings and, after consulting with its legal advisers, does not expect that the outcome of these other claims and proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated net assets, operating results or cash flows in any particular period. |
Notes (continued)
|
13. |
Regulatory enquiries and investigations |
|
The Group's businesses and financial condition can be affected by the fiscal or other policies and other actions of various governmental and regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States and elsewhere. The Group has engaged, and will continue to engage, in discussions with relevant regulators, including in the United Kingdom and the United States, on an ongoing and regular basis informing them of operational, systems and control evaluations and issues as deemed appropriate or required and it is possible that any matters discussed or identified may result in investigatory actions by the regulators, increased costs being incurred by the Group, remediation of systems and controls, public or private censure or fines. Any of these events or circumstances could have a material adverse impact on the Group, its business, reputation, results of operations or the price of securities issued by it. There is continuing political and regulatory scrutiny of the operation of the retail banking and consumer credit industries in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The nature and impact of future changes in policies and regulatory action are not predictable and are beyond the Group's control but could have an adverse impact on the Group's businesses and earnings. European Union In the European Union, regulatory actions included an inquiry into retail banking in all of the then 25 member states by the European Commission's Directorate General for Competition. The inquiry examined retail banking in Europe generally. On 31 January 2007, the European Commission announced that barriers to competition in certain areas of retail banking, payment cards and payment systems in the European Union had been identified. The European Commission indicated that it will consider using its powers to address these barriers and will encourage national competition authorities to enforce European and national competition laws where appropriate. In 2007, the European Commission issued a decision that while interchange is not illegal per se, MasterCard's current multilateral interchange fee ("MIF") arrangement for cross-border payment card transactions with MasterCard and Maestro branded consumer credit and debit cards in the European Union are in breach of competition law. MasterCard was required by the decision to withdraw the relevant cross border MIFs by 21 June 2008. MasterCard lodged an appeal against the decision with the European Court of First Instance on 1 March 2008 and the Group has intervened in the appeal proceedings. Visa's MIFs were exempted in 2002 by the European Commission for a period of five years up to 31 December 2007 subject to certain conditions. On 26 March 2008, the European Commission opened a formal inquiry into Visa's current MIF arrangements for cross-border payment card transactions with Visa branded debit and consumer credit cards in the European Union and on 6 April 2009 the European Commission announced that it had issued Visa with a formal Statement of Objections. There is no deadline for the closure of the inquiry. United Kingdom In the United Kingdom, in September 2005, the OFT received a super-complaint from the Citizens Advice Bureau relating to payment protection insurance ("PPI"). As a result, the OFT commenced a market study on PPI in April 2006. In October 2006, the OFT announced the outcome of the market study and, on 7th February 2007, following a period of consultation, the OFT referred the PPI market to the Competition Commission ("CC") for an in-depth inquiry. The CC published its final report on 29 January 2009. It found a lack of competition in the PPI market as a result of various factors, including a lack of transparency and barriers to entry for standalone providers. The CC will therefore impose by order a range of remedies, including a prohibition on actively selling PPI at point of sale of the credit product (and for 7 days thereafter), a ban on single premium policies and other measures to increase transparency (in order to improve customers' ability to search and improve price competition). The expected deadline for implementation will be 2010 at the earliest, subject to the outcome of an appeal by Barclays against the CC's decision. |
Notes (continued)
|
13. |
Regulatory enquiries and investigations (continued) |
|
United Kingdom (continued) The FSA has been conducting a broad industry thematic review of PPI sales practices and in September 2008 announced that it intends to escalate its level of regulatory intervention. The FSA is expected to publish a further update in 2009. Substantial numbers of customer complaints alleging the miss-selling of PPI policies have been made to banks and to the Financial Ombudsman Service ("FOS") and many of these are being upheld by the FOS against the banks. In June 2009, the FSA intends to consult on guidance on PPI complaint handling, to be included in its Dispute Resolution (DISP) handbook from October 2009. Separately, discussions are ongoing between the FSA and the Group in respect of concerns expressed by the FSA over certain categories of historic PPI sales. The OFT has carried out investigations into Visa and MasterCard domestic credit card interchange rates. The decision by the OFT in the MasterCard interchange case was set aside by the Competition Appeals Tribunal in June 2006. The OFT's investigations in the Visa interchange case and a second MasterCard interchange case are ongoing. The outcome is not known, but these investigations may have an impact on the consumer credit industry in general and, therefore, on the Group's business in this sector. On 9 February 2007, the OFT announced that it was expanding its investigation into domestic interchange rates to include debit cards. On 29 March 2007, the OFT announced that, following an initial review into bank current account charges, it had decided to conduct a market study into personal current accounts in the United Kingdom and a formal investigation into the fairness of bank current account charges. On 16 July 2008, the OFT published the results of its market study into personal current accounts in the United Kingdom. The OFT found evidence of competition and several positive features in the personal current account market but believes that the market as a whole is not working well for consumers and that the ability of the market to function well has become distorted. The OFT is currently consulting with the banking industry, consumer groups and interested parties on its report. After this consultation the OFT will decide on next steps, which could include further discussions or agreed remedies with the industry, or possibly a reference of the market to the CC. The OFT's investigation into the fairness of bank current account charges is ongoing. On 12 August 2008, the OFT indicated to the Group and other banks that, although it had not concluded its investigation and had reached no final view, it had serious concerns that contractual terms relating to the Charges in personal current account agreements were unfair under the Regulations. The OFT is currently consulting with the Group and other banks on this issue. Given the stage of the investigation, the Group cannot reliably estimate the impact of any adverse outcome of the OFT's market study or investigation upon it, if any. However, RBSG is co-operating fully with the OFT to achieve resolution of the matters under investigation. On 26 January 2007, the FSA issued a Statement of Good Practice relating to Mortgage Exit Administration Fees. On 1 March 2007, the Group adopted a policy of charging all customers the fee applicable at the time the customers took out the mortgage or, if later, varied their mortgage. RBSG believes that it is currently in compliance with the Statement of Good Practice and will continue to monitor its performance against those standards. |
Notes (continued)
|
13. |
Regulatory enquiries and investigations (continued) |
|
United States The New York State Attorney General has issued subpoenas to a wide array of participants in the sub-prime mortgage industry, including mortgage originators, appraisers, due diligence firms, investment banks and rating agencies, focusing on the information underwriters obtained as part of the due diligence process from the independent due diligence firms and whether that information was adequately disclosed to investors. RBS Securities Inc. has produced documents requested by the New York State Attorney General principally related to sub-prime loans that were pooled into one securitisation transaction. In addition to the above, certain of the Group's subsidiaries have received requests for information from various United States governmental agencies and self-regulatory organisations including in connection with sub-prime mortgages and securitisations, collateralised debt obligations and synthetic products related to sub-prime mortgages. In particular, during March 2008, the Group was advised by the Securities and Exchange Commission that it had commenced a non-public, formal investigation relating to the Group's United States sub-prime securities exposures and United States residential mortgage exposures. RBSG and its subsidiaries are co-operating with these various requests for information and investigations. |
|
14. |
Related party transactions |
|
On 1 December 2008, the UK Government through HM Treasury became the ultimate controlling party of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc. The UK Government's shareholding is managed by UK Financial Investments Limited, a company wholly owned by the UK Government. As a result the UK Government and other public bodies became related parties of the Group. The Group enters into transactions with many of these bodies on an arms' length basis. The Group participates in a number of schemes operated by the Bank of England and the UK Government and made available to eligible banks and building societies. As at 30 June 2009, the Group's utilisation of Bank of England facilities amounted to £28 billion (31 December 2008 - £42 billion) and it had debt in issue guaranteed by the UK Government totalling £52 billion (31 December 2008 - £32 billion). During the first half of 2009, following a placing and open offer, the UK Government's holding of £5 billion of preference shares was redeemed and the UK Government subscribed for 16.8 billion new ordinary shares; its interest in the RBS Group's ordinary share capital is now 70.3%. Other related party transactions in the half year ended 30 June 2009 were similar in nature to those for the year ended 31 December 2008. Full details of the Group's related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2008 are included in the Group's 2008 Annual Report and Accounts. |
|
15. |
Statutory accounts |
|
Financial information contained in this document does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985 ("the Act"). The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2008 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditors have reported on these accounts: their report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 237(2) or (3) of the Act. |
|
16. |
Auditors' review |
|
The interim results have been reviewed by the Group's auditors, Deloitte LLP, and their review report is set out on page 21. |
|
17. |
Date of approval |
|
The interim results for the half year ended 30 June 2009 were approved by the Board of directors on 28 August 2009. |
Independent review report to The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
We have been engaged by The Royal Bank of Scotland plc ('the company') to review the condensed financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2009 which comprise the condensed consolidated income statement, the condensed consolidated balance sheet, the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity, the condensed consolidated cash flow statement and related notes 1 to 17 (the "condensed financial statements"). We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed financial statements.
This report is made solely to the company in accordance with the International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to them in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.
As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. The condensed financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensed financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2009 are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority.
Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
28 August 2009
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc is a principal subsidiary of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc. Consequently the risks and uncertainties facing the RBS Group also apply to The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and are discussed in this section. References in this section to 'RBS' refer to The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc.
The principal risks and uncertainties for the RBS Group in the second half of 2009 are:
The company may face the risk of full nationalisation and under such circumstances shareholders may lose the full value of their shares.
HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the FSA have extensive powers to stabilise banks. These include private sector transfer, transfer to a 'bridge bank' established by the Bank of England and nationalisation. Stabilisation measures may only be taken if the FSA is satisfied that a relevant entity is failing, or is likely to fail, to satisfy the conditions which an FSA-authorised institution must satisfy. HM Treasury may also take the parent company of a relevant entity into temporary public ownership and it has wide discretion in taking actions in relation to the company's issued securities.
The RBS Group's business, earnings and financial prospects may be affected if it is unable to participate in the Asset Protection Scheme, or if the costs of participation outweigh the benefits.
On 26th February 2009, the RBS Group announced its intention to participate in the asset protection scheme (APS) announced by HM Treasury on 19th January 2009. The RBS Group's ability to participate in the APS is subject to a number of conditions which may not be satisfied resulting in the RBS Group being unable to participate in the APS. Furthermore, if the RBS Group is able to participate in the APS, there can be no assurance that the benefits of participation in the APS will outweigh its cost. European State Aid clearance must be obtained by the UK Government before the RBS Group can participate in the APS. The European Commission may require significantly greater restructuring by the RBS Group than is currently envisaged under the RBS Group's strategic plan, including divestments, balance sheet reduction and business exits.
The RBS Group's businesses, earnings and financial condition have been and will continue to be affected by the continued deterioration in the global economy, as well as ongoing instability in the global financial markets.
Many of the economies in which the RBS Group operates, including the United Kingdom and the United States, face recessionary conditions which are expected to continue or worsen over the near to medium term. Financial markets around the world have yet to recover from recent unprecedented dislocation and illiquidity. These circumstances may cause the RBS Group to experience further reductions in business activity, increased funding costs and funding pressures, decreased asset values, additional write downs and impairment charges and lower profitability or losses during the second half of 2009.
Lack of liquidity is a risk to the RBS Group's business and its ability to access sources of liquidity has been, and will continue to be, constrained.
Credit markets have experienced a severe reduction in liquidity. The RBS Group's liquidity management focuses on maintaining a diverse and appropriate funding strategy for its assets, controlling the miss-match of maturities and carefully monitoring its undrawn commitments and contingent liabilities. Further tightening of credit markets could have a negative impact on the RBS Group in the second half of 2009.
Governmental support schemes are subject to cancellation or change, which may have a negative impact on the availability of funding in the markets in which the RBS Group operates.
To the extent government support schemes are cancelled or changed, the RBS Group may face limited access to, have insufficient access to, or incur the higher costs associated with, funding alternatives.
The financial performance of the RBS Group 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 the RBS Group's businesses. Whilst economies have stabilised during the first half of 2009, the RBS Group may see adverse changes in the credit quality of its borrowers and counterparties in the second half of 2009 with increasing delinquencies and defaults leading to higher impairment charges.
Principal risks and uncertainties (continued)
The actual or perceived failure or worsening credit of the RBS Group's counterparties could adversely affect the RBS Group.
The RBS Group's ability to engage in funding transactions with counterparties in the financial markets, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds and other institutional clients has been and will continue to be adversely affected by the actual or perceived failure or worsening credit of these counterparties. Many of these transactions expose the RBS Group to credit risk in the event of default of the RBS Group's counterparty or client.
The RBS Group's earnings and financial condition have been, and its future earnings and financial condition are likely to continue to be, affected by depressed asset valuations resulting from poor market conditions.
Financial markets have been subject to significant stress conditions. Severe market events resulted in the RBS Group recording large write-downs on its credit market exposures in 2008 and the first half of 2009. Any further deterioration in economic and financial market conditions could lead to additional impairment charges and write-downs during the second half of 2009. Recent market volatility and illiquidity has made it difficult to value certain of the RBS Group's exposures. The value ultimately realised by the RBS Group may be materially different from the current or estimated fair value.
The value or effectiveness of any credit protection that the RBS Group has purchased from monoline and other insurers and other market counterparties (including credit derivative product companies) depends on the value of the underlying assets and the financial condition of the insurers and such counterparties.
The RBS Group has credit exposure arising from over-the-counter derivative contracts, mainly credit default swaps (CDSs), which are carried at fair value. Since 2007, the actual and perceived creditworthiness of monoline, credit derivative product companies and other market counterparties has deteriorated rapidly and this may continue in the second half of 2009. As a result the RBS Group may recognise further credit valuation adjustments on CDSs bought from these counterparties.
Changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, bond, equity and commodity prices, and other market factors have significantly affected and will continue to affect the RBS Group's business. Some of the most significant market risks the RBS Group faces are interest rate, foreign exchange, bond, equity and commodity price risks.
The most significant market risks the RBS Group faces are interest rate, foreign exchange and bond and equity price risks. Changes in interest rates and spreads in the second half of 2009 may affect the interest rate margin realised between lending and borrowing. Changes in currency rates affect the value of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and affect earnings reported by the RBS Group's non-UK subsidiaries and may affect income from foreign exchange dealing. The performance of financial markets during the second half of 2009 may cause reductions in the value of the RBS Group's investment and trading portfolios.
The RBS Group's borrowing costs and its access to the debt capital markets depend significantly on its credit ratings.
Any future reductions in the long-term credit ratings of the RBS Group or one of its principal subsidiaries (particularly the Royal Bank) could increase its borrowing costs, limit the RBS Group's access to the capital markets and money markets, trigger additional collateral requirements, and adversely affect its competitive position.
The RBS Group's business performance could be adversely affected if its capital is not managed effectively.
The RBS Group is required by regulators in the United Kingdom and in other jurisdictions in which it undertakes regulated activities to maintain adequate capital. Adequate capital is also necessary for the RBS Group's financial flexibility in the face of continuing turbulence and uncertainty in the global economy. Any developments that limit the RBS Group's ability to manage its balance sheet and capital resources effectively (including, for example, reductions in profits and retained earnings, increases in risk-weighted assets, delays in the disposal of certain assets or the inability to syndicate loans) could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition.
Principal risks and uncertainties (continued)
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.
To establish the value of instruments measured at fair value, the RBS Group relies on quoted market prices or, where the market for a financial instrument is not sufficiently active, valuation models. These valuation models are complex, and the related assumptions, judgements and estimates 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. Valuations in future periods, reflecting prevailing market conditions, may result in further significant changes in the fair values of these instruments.
The RBS Group's future earnings and financial condition in part depend on the success of RBS Group's strategic refocus on core strengths and its disposal programme.
The RBS Group has embarked on a restructuring focused on achieving appropriate risk-adjusted returns, reducing reliance on wholesale funding and lowering the RBS Group's exposure to capital intensive businesses. The RBS Group will also continue its disposal programme and continue to review its portfolio to identify further disposals of non-core assets. Global markets remain challenging and the execution of the RBS Group's current and future strategic plans may not be successful. In connection with the implementation of these plans, the RBS Group may incur restructuring charges, which may be material.
The RBS Group operates in markets that are highly competitive and consolidating. If the RBS Group is unable to perform effectively, its business and results of operations will be adversely affected.
The markets in which the RBS Group operates are expected to remain highly competitive. Consolidation among banks in the United Kingdom, the United States and throughout Europe in combination with the introduction of new entrants into the US and UK markets from other European and Asian countries and increased government ownership of, and involvement in, banks, could cause RBS to experience stronger competition for corporate, institutional and retail clients and greater pressure on profit margins in the second half of 2009.
The RBS Group agreed to certain undertakings in relation to the operation of its business in the First Placing and Open Offer Agreement and the Second Placing and Open Offer Agreement and the proposed APS, which may serve to limit the RBS Group's operations.
The RBS Group undertook in connection with the First Placing and Open Offer Agreement and the Second Placing and Open Offer Agreement and the proposed APS to support certain initiatives in relation to lending in the UK and to regulate management remuneration and the rate of growth of the RBS Group's balance sheet. These undertakings may serve to limit the RBS Group's operations.
The RBS Group could fail to attract or retain senior management or other key employees.
The failure to attract or retain a sufficient number of appropriately skilled personnel could prevent the RBS Group from successfully implementing its strategy, which could have a material adverse effect on the RBS Group's financial condition.
Each of the RBS Group's businesses is subject to substantial regulation and oversight. Any significant regulatory developments could have an effect on how the RBS Group conducts its business and on its results of operations and financial condition.
The RBS Group is subject to financial services laws, regulations, administrative actions and policies wherever it operates. Recently there have been unprecedented levels of government intervention and changes to the regulations governing financial institutions, including recent nationalisations in the United Kingdom, the United States and other European countries. Significant regulatory developments could have an adverse impact on how the RBS Group conducts its business and on its results of operations and financial condition.
Principal risks and uncertainties (continued)
The RBS Group's results have been and could be further adversely affected in the event of goodwill impairment.
The RBS Group recognises goodwill initially at cost and subsequently at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. It is tested for impairment annually or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. The recoverable amount (the higher of value in use and fair value less cost to sell) of an individual cash generating unit is compared to its carrying value. The recoverable amount of the RBS Group's cash generating units is affected by market conditions and the performance of the economies in which the RBS Group operates. Where the RBS Group is required to recognise goodwill impairment, it is recorded in the RBS Group's income statement, although it has no effect on the RBS Group's regulatory capital position.
The RBS Group may be required to make further contributions to its pension schemes if the value of pension fund assets is not sufficient to cover potential obligations.
Given current economic and financial market difficulties and the prospect that they may continue over the near and medium term, the RBS Group may be required or elect to make further contributions to its pension schemes and such contributions could be significant.
The RBS Group is and may be subject to litigation and regulatory investigations that may impact its business.
The RBS Group's operations are diverse and complex and it operates in legal and regulatory environments that expose it to potentially significant litigation, regulatory investigation and other regulatory risk. As a result, the RBS Group is, and may in the future be, involved in various disputes, legal proceedings and regulatory investigations in the United Kingdom, the United States and other jurisdictions, including class-action litigation. These are subject to many uncertainties, and their outcomes are often difficult to predict. Adverse regulatory action or adverse judgements in litigation could result in restrictions or limitations on the RBS Group's operations or significant reputational damage.
Operational risks are inherent in the RBS Group's operations.
The activities of the RBS Group depend on the ability to process a very large number of transactions efficiently and accurately while complying with applicable laws and regulations. Operational risk and losses can result from fraud, errors by employees or third-parties, failure to document transactions properly or to obtain proper authorisation, failure to comply with regulatory requirements and conduct of business rules (including those arising out of anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism legislation), equipment failures, natural disasters or the inadequacy or failure of systems and controls, including those of the RBS Group's suppliers or counterparties. Although the RBS Group has implemented risk controls and loss mitigation actions, 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 the RBS Group.
The RBS Group is exposed to the risk of changes in tax legislation and its interpretation and to increases in the rate of corporate and other taxes in the jurisdictions in which it operates.
The RBS Group's activities are subject to tax at various rates around the world computed in accordance with local legislation and practice. Action by governments to increase tax rates or to impose additional taxes would reduce the RBS Group's profitability. Revisions to tax legislation or to its interpretation might also affect the RBS Group's results in the future.
The RBS Group's operations have inherent reputational risk.
Reputational risk is inherent in the RBS Group's business. Negative public opinion may adversely affect the RBS Group's ability to keep and attract customers and, in particular, corporate and retail depositors.
Principal risks and uncertainties (continued)
In the United Kingdom and in other jurisdictions, the RBS Group is responsible for contributing to compensation schemes in respect of banks and other authorised financial services firms that are unable to meet their obligations to customers.
In the United Kingdom, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme is the UK's statutory fund of last resort for customers of authorised financial services firms. It is funded by levies on firms authorised by the FSA, including the RBS Group. Other jurisdictions where the RBS Group operates have introduced or plan to introduce similar compensation, contributory or reimbursement schemes (such as in the United States with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). As a result the RBS Group may incur additional costs and liabilities.
The RBS Group's business and earnings may be affected by geopolitical conditions.
The performance of the RBS Group is significantly influenced by the geopolitical and economic conditions in the countries in which it operates. The RBS Group has a presence in countries where its businesses could be exposed to the risk of business interruption and economic slowdown following the outbreak of a pandemic, or the risk of sovereign default following the assumption by governments of the obligations of private sector institutions. The RBS Group also faces the risk of trade barriers, exchange controls and other measures taken by sovereign governments which may impact a borrower's ability to repay. Terrorist acts and threats and the response to them of governments could also adversely affect levels of economic activity and have an adverse effect upon the RBS Group's business.
The restructuring proposals for ABN AMRO are complex and may not realise the anticipated benefits for the RBS Group.
The restructuring of ABN AMRO is complex involving substantial reorganisation of ABN AMRO's operations and legal structure. The restructuring plan is being implemented and significant elements have been completed within the planned timescales and the integration of the RBS Group's businesses continues. However, risks remain that the RBS Group may not realise all the anticipated benefits of the acquisition.
The recoverability of certain deferred tax assets recognised by the RBS Group depends on the RBS Group's ability to generate sufficient future taxable profits and there being no adverse changes to tax legislation.
In accordance with IFRS, the RBS Group has recognised deferred tax assets on losses available to relieve future profits from tax only to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered. The losses are quantified on the basis of current tax legislation and are subject to change in respect of the rate of tax or the rules for computing taxable profits and allowable losses. Failure to generate sufficient future taxable profits or changes in tax legislation may reduce the recoverable amount of the recognised deferred tax assets. If the RBS Group participates in the APS, it is anticipated that certain UK tax losses, which are recognised as deferred tax assets, will be foregone as part consideration for the RBS Group's participation in the scheme.
Statement of directors' responsibilities
We, the directors listed below, confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting';
the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and
the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties' transactions and changes therein).
By order of the Board
|
Stephen Hester Group Chief Executive |
Guy Whittaker Group Finance Director |
Board of directors
|
Chairman Phillip Hampton Executive directors Stephen Hester Gordon Pell Guy Whittaker |
Non-executive directors Colin Buchan Sir Sandy Crombie Archie Hunter Joe MacHale John McFarlane Art Ryan |
28 August 2009
Additional information
Contacts
|
Guy Whittaker |
Group Finance Director |
+44 (0) 20 7672 0003 |
|
+44 (0) 131 523 2028 |
||
|
Richard O'Connor |
Head of Investor Relations |
+44 (0) 20 7672 1758 |
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