TIDM72OH

RNS Number : 4916H

National Westminster Bank PLC

28 July 2023

NatWest Bank Group

Interim Results 2023

National Westminster Bank Plc natwestgroup.com

National Westminster Bank Plc

Interim results for the period ended 30 June 2023

NatWest Bank Group (NWB Group) reported an attributable profit for the period of GBP2,325 million, compared with GBP1,892 million in H1 2022.

The results of NWB Group in the first half of the year reflect a strong operating performance across our operating segments with good growth in key areas underpinned by a robust loan book and balance sheet. A strong balance sheet and prudent approach to risk means NWB Group remains well placed to support our customers in this current uncertain and challenging environment.

Strong H1 2023 performance

- Attributable profit for the period was GBP2,325 million compared with GBP1,892 million in H1 2022.

- Total income increased by GBP939 million to GBP6,610 million compared with GBP5,671 million in H1 2022, reflecting the beneficial impact from base rate rises and lending growth.

- Operating expenses increased by GBP235 million to GBP3,265 million, compared with GBP3,030 million in H1 2022, principally due to higher staff costs, as a result of one-off cost of living payments, and continued investment in the capability of the business.

   -      The cost:income ratio has decreased from 53.4% to 49.4%. 

- A net impairment loss of GBP191 million in H1 2023 compared with a release of GBP18 million in H1 2022 reflects an increase in post model adjustments driven by increased economic uncertainty. Defaults remain stable and at low levels across the portfolio.

Robust balance sheet with strong capital and liquidity levels

- Net loans to customers increased by GBP10.7 billion to GBP312.3 billion during H1 2023, primarily reflecting GBP6.7 billion mortgage growth in Retail Banking, and a GBP1.4 billion increase in Commercial & Institutional due to corporate lending growth, partly offset by UK Government scheme repayments.

- Customer deposits decreased by GBP15.1 billion to GBP307.5 billion during H1 2023 primarily reflecting seasonal factors including customer tax payments, increased competition for savings balances and an overall market liquidity contraction. Deposit balances were broadly stable in the second quarter following the outflows in the first quarter.

- The loan:deposit ratio (LDR) (excl. repos and reverse repos) was 97.4%, with customer deposits exceeding net loans to customers by around GBP7.1 billion.

- Total RWAs increased by GBP4.4 billion during the period primarily reflecting an increase in exposures within Retail Banking and Commercial & Institutional, in addition to model adjustments applied as a result of new regulations. Operational risk also increased by GBP1.3 billion following the annual recalculation.

- The CET1 ratio increased to 11.7% from 11.3%. This is due to a GBP0.9 billion increase in CET1 capital partially offset by a GBP4.4 billion increase in RWAs. The CET1 increase was mainly driven by a GBP1.8 billion profit, offset by a foreseeable dividend of GBP0.8 billion and other reserves movements in the period.

Financial review

Financial performance summary

The following tables provide a segmental analysis of operating profit by the main income statement captions and a note of the key performance metrics and ratios.

 
 
                                                                  Central    Half year ended 
                                                                           -------------------- 
                                Retail  Private       Commercial    items  30 June      30 June 
                               Banking  Banking  & Institutional  & other     2023         2022   Variance 
                                                                                                 ---------- 
                                  GBPm     GBPm             GBPm     GBPm     GBPm         GBPm   GBPm    % 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  -------  -----------  ----- 
Net interest income              2,452      426            1,537    (166)    4,249        3,405    844  25% 
Non-interest income                212      137              687    1,325    2,361        2,266     95   4% 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  -------  -----------  -----  --- 
Total income                     2,664      563            2,224    1,159    6,610        5,671    939  17% 
Operating expenses             (1,134)    (306)          (1,067)    (758)  (3,265)      (3,030)  (235)   8% 
                               -------  -------  ---------------  -------  -------  -----------  -----  --- 
Profit before impairment 
 losses/releases                 1,530      257            1,157      401    3,345        2,641    704  27% 
Impairment (losses)/releases     (167)     (10)             (18)        4    (191)           18  (209)   nm 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  -------  -----------  -----  --- 
Operating profit                 1,363      247            1,139      405    3,154        2,659    495  19% 
                                                                           -------  -----------  -----  --- 
Tax charge                                                                   (829)        (767)   (62)   8% 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  -------  -----------  -----  --- 
Profit for the period                                                        2,325        1,892    433  23% 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  -------  -----------  -----  --- 
 
Attributable to: 
                                                                           -------  ----------- 
Ordinary shareholders                                                        2,264        1,833 
Paid-in equity holders                                                          61           56 
Non-controlling interests                                                        -            3 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  -------  ----------- 
Profit for the period                                                        2,325        1,892 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  -------  ----------- 
 
                                                                             Half year ended 
                                                                           -------------------- 
                                                                           30 June      30 June 
Key metrics and ratios                                                        2023         2022 
Cost:income ratio (%) 
 (1)                                                                          49.4         53.4 
Loan impairment rate (bps) 
 (2)                                                                            12          (1) 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  -------  ----------- 
 
                                                                                  As at 
                                                                           -------------------- 
                                                                           30 June  31 December 
                                                                              2023         2022 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  -------  ----------- 
CET1 ratio (%) (3)                                                            11.7         11.3 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------- 
Leverage ratio (%) (4)                                                         4.4          4.4 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------- 
Risk weighted assets (RWAs) 
 (GBPbn)                                                                     116.8        112.4 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  ------- 
Loan:deposit ratio (%) 
 (5)                                                                          97.4         90.0 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  -------  ----------- 
 
 
 (1) Cost:income ratio is total operating expenses divided by total income. 
  (2) Loan impairment rate is the annualised loan impairment charge divided 
  by gross customer loans. 
  (3) Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio is CET1 capital divided by RWAs. 
  (4) Leverage ratio is Tier 1 capital divided by total exposure. This 
  is in accordance with changes to the UK's leverage ratio framework. 
  Refer to page 63 of the NatWest Bank Plc 2022 Annual Report and Accounts 
  for further details. 
  (5) Loan deposit ratio is total loans divided by total deposits. 
 

Total income increased by GBP939 million, or 17%, to GBP6,610 million compared with GBP5,671 million in H1 2022.

Net interest income increased by GBP844 million, or 25%, to GBP4,249 million, compared with GBP3,405 million in H1 2022, reflecting the beneficial impact of base rate increases and lending growth, partially offset by a reduction in mortgage margins .

Non-interest income increased by GBP95 million, or 4%, to GBP2,361 million, compared with GBP2,266 million in H1 2022.

- Net fees and commissions increased by GBP31 million to GBP819 million due to higher transactional-related fee income.

- Other operating income increased by GBP64 million to GBP1,542 million, compared with GBP1,478 million in H1 2022, reflecting:

   -    GBP234 million gain in H1 2023 on redemption of own debt; partially offset by 

- GBP117 million reduction in gains predominantly from derivatives held for economic hedging purposes, reflecting interest rate volatility across all currencies; and

- GBP24 million loss incurred on bond disposals, a reduction of GBP60 million compared with gains of GBP36 million in H1 2022.

Operating expenses increased by GBP235 million, or 8%, to GBP3,265 million, compared with GBP3,030 million in H1 2022.

- Staff costs increased by GBP155 million following higher pay awards to support our colleagues with cost of living challenges.

- Premises and equipment costs increased by GBP28 million due to further investments in technology.

- Depreciation and amortisation costs increased by GBP69 million due to additions and a property impairment.

- Other administrative expenses have decreased by GBP17 million due to reduced conduct and remediation charges.

Financial review

Financial performance summary continued

A net impairment loss of GBP191 million in H1 2023, compared with a release of GBP18 million in H1 2022, reflects an increase in post model adjustments driven by increased economic uncertainty. Defaults remain stable and at low levels across the portfolio. Total impairment provisions increased by GBP0.1 billion to GBP2.7 billion in H1 2023, with no movement in the ECL provision coverage ratio of 0.84% compared with 31 December 2022.

Customer lending and deposits

Customer lending increased by GBP10.6 billion to GBP312.3 billion, compared with GBP301.7 billion as at 31 December 2022, predominantly driven by:

- GBP6.7 billion retail mortgage growth as a result of strong gross new lending, partially offset by redemptions;

- GBP1.4 billion net increase in Commercial & Institutional lending due to corporate lending growth, partly offset by UK Government scheme repayments; and

   -    GBP2.1 billion increase resulting from Treasury net repo activity. 

- Customer deposits decreased by GBP15.1 billion to GBP307.5 billion, primarily reflecting seasonal factors including customer tax payments, increased competition for savings balances and an overall market liquidity contraction.

Other balance sheet movements

- Derivative assets increased by GBP0.3 billion and derivative liabilities decreased by GBP0.3 billion driven by interest rate changes and sterling FX rate appreciation.

- Other financial assets increased by GBP4.2 billion to GBP18.7 billion, primarily reflecting a GBP4.3 billion net impact from bond purchases, sales and maturities. The remaining movement reflects changes in the fair value of the bond portfolio due to interest and FX rate movements.

- Bank deposits increased by GBP1.0 billion to GBP17.0 billion due to a GBP0.7 billion increase in repo balances and a GBP0.3 billion increase in deposits.

- Amounts due to holding companies and fellow subsidiaries increased by GBP5.0 billion to GBP43.8 billion.

- Other financial liabilities increased by GBP5.6 billion primarily due to changes in interest rates in short and medium-term funding.

- Owners' equity increased by GBP1.2 billion due to the net impact of profit in the period, offset by dividends paid.

Business performance summary

Retail Banking

Operating profit was GBP1,363 million, compared with GBP1,177 million in H1 2022.

- Net interest income increased by GBP422 million to GBP2,452 million compared with GBP2,030 million in H1 2022, reflecting continued strong mortgage growth and higher deposit income supported by interest rate rises, partially offset by a reduction in mortgage margins, lower deposit balances with mix shift from non-interest bearing to interest bearing balances, as well as increased liquidity and funding costs.

- Non-interest income increased by GBP18 million to GBP212 million, compared with GBP194 million in H1 2022, primarily reflecting higher net income from the recharging of costs to other NatWest Group entities.

- Operating expenses increased by GBP119 million to GBP1,134 million compared with GBP1,015 million in H1 2022, reflecting higher pay awards to support colleagues with cost of living challenges and increased data and restructuring costs, partially offset by lower conduct costs.

- Impairment losses of GBP167 million in H1 2023 reflect good book charges driven by strong unsecured lending growth in H1 2023, partially offset by benefits from the updated economic outlook. Stage 3 defaults remain stable.

- Net loans to customers increased by GBP7.5 billion in H1 2023 mainly reflecting continued mortgage growth of GBP6.7 billion, with gross new mortgage lending of GBP16.7 billion. Cards balances increased by GBP0.6 billion and personal advances increased by GBP0.3 billion in H1 2023 with strong customer demand.

- Customer deposits decreased by GBP3.9 billion in H1 2023 reflecting the impact of customer tax payments which were higher than previous years, lower household liquidity and increased competition for savings balances.

Financial review

Business performance summary continued

Private Banking

Operating profit was GBP247 million, compared with GBP172 million in H1 2022.

- Net interest income increased by GBP125 million to GBP426 million, compared with GBP301 million in H1 2022, reflecting higher deposit income supported by interest rate rises, partially offset by a reduction in mortgage margins.

- Non-interest income decreased by GBP5 million to GBP137 million primarily due to a reduction in asset management fees.

- Operating expenses increased by GBP23 million to GBP306 million, reflecting the impact of pay awards to support colleagues with cost of living challenges and increased technology costs.

- Impairment losses of GBP10 million in H1 2023 reflect higher good book charges and a small level of stage 3 defaults.

- Net loans to customers were broadly flat as gross new lending was offset by increased repayments.

- Customer deposits decreased by GBP4.7 billion to GBP36.5 billion in H1 2023 driven by tax outflows which were higher than previous years, increased loan repayments and increased competition for savings balances.

Commercial & Institutional

Operating profit was GBP1,139 million, compared with GBP845 million in H1 2022.

- Net interest income increased by GBP330 million to GBP1,537 million, compared with GBP1,207 million in H1 2022, primarily reflecting higher deposit returns from an improved interest rate environment and lending growth, partially offset by increased liquidity and funding costs.

- Non-interest income increased by GBP128 million to GBP687 million, primarily reflecting improved card payment fees and gains on derivatives held for economic hedging purposes.

- Operating expenses increased by GBP109 million to GBP1,067 million, reflecting the impact of pay awards to support colleagues with cost of living challenges and continued investment in the business.

- Impairment losses of GBP18 million in H1 2023 compared with an impairment release of GBP37 million in H1 2022, reflect higher good book charges as benefits from revised economic outlook are more than offset by an increase in post model adjustments.

- Net loans to customers increased by GBP1.4 billion to GBP83.0 billion, reflecting an increase in term loan facilities and asset finance, partially offset by continued UK Government scheme repayments.

- Customer deposits decreased by GBP6.3 billion to GBP112.0 billion primarily due to overall market liquidity contraction particularly in current accounts with growth in savings deposit balances.

Central items & other

Operating profit was GBP405 million, compared with GBP465 million in H1 2022.

- Total income decreased by GBP79 million primarily due to lower income from hedging activities, including lower gains on economic hedging derivatives, reflecting interest rate movements and a loss on bond disposals. This was partially offset by a GBP234 million gain on redemption of own debt.

- Operating expenses decreased by GBP16 million to GBP758 million, primarily due to lower restructuring costs. Costs recovered through service recharges to other NatWest Group entities in non-interest income totalled GBP710 million.

Financial review

Capital and leverage ratios

The table below sets out the key capital and leverage ratios. NWB Plc is subject to the requirements set out in UK CRR therefore capital and leverage ratios are presented under these frameworks on a transitional basis.

 
                               30 June  31 December 
                                  2023         2022 
Capital adequacy ratios              %            % 
CET1 (1)                          11.7         11.3 
Tier 1                            13.6         13.3 
Total                             16.5         15.9 
-----------------------------  -------  ----------- 
 
Capital                           GBPm         GBPm 
                                        ----------- 
CET1 (1)                        13,609       12,713 
Tier 1                          15,852       14,956 
Total                           19,235       17,877 
-----------------------------  -------  ----------- 
 
Risk-weighted assets 
                                        ----------- 
Credit risk                    101,802       98,913 
Counterparty credit risk           675          497 
Market risk                         15           26 
Operational risk                14,319       12,992 
-----------------------------  -------  ----------- 
Total RWAs                     116,811      112,428 
                               -------  ----------- 
 
Leverage 
-----------------------------  -------  ----------- 
Tier 1 capital (GBPm)           15,852       14,956 
Leverage exposure (GBPm) (2)   363,052      341,308 
Leverage ratio (%) (1)             4.4          4.4 
-----------------------------  -------  ----------- 
 
 
 (1) Includes an IFRS 9 transitional adjustment of GBP0.2 billion (31 
  December 2022 - GBP0.3 billion). Excluding this adjustment, the CET1 
  ratio would be 11.5% (31 December 2022 - 11.1%) and the leverage ratio 
  would be 4.3% (31 December 2022 - 4.3%). 
  (2) Leverage exposure is broadly aligned to the accounting value of 
  on and off-balance sheet exposures albeit subject to specific adjustments 
  for derivatives, securities financing positions and off-balance sheet 
  exposures. 
 

- The CET1 ratio increased to 11.7% from 11.3%. This is due to a GBP0.9 billion increase in CET1 capital partially offset by a GBP4.4 billion increase in RWAs. The CET1 increase was mainly driven by a GBP1.8 billion profit, offset by a foreseeable dividend of GBP0.8 billion and other reserves movements in the period.

- NWB Plc issued a GBP0.6 billion internal EUR Tier 2 instrument in February 2023 and in June 2023 an issuance of GBP0.65 billion internal GBP Tier 2 partially offsetting a GBP0.7 billion internal Tier 2 redemption.

- Total RWAs increased by GBP4.4 billion during the period primarily reflecting an increase in exposures within Retail Banking and Commercial & Institutional, in addition to IRB model adjustments applied as a result of new regulations. Operational risk also increased by GBP1.3 billion following the annual recalculation.

Condensed consolidated income statement

for the period ended 30 June 2023 (unaudited)

 
                                            Half year ended 
                                           ----------------- 
                                            30 June  30 June 
                                               2023     2022 
                                               GBPm     GBPm 
                                           -------- 
Interest receivable                           6,613    3,868 
Interest payable                            (2,364)    (463) 
                                                     ------- 
Net interest income                           4,249    3,405 
-----------------------------------------  -------- 
Fees and commissions receivable               1,070    1,037 
Fees and commissions payable                  (251)    (249) 
Other operating income                        1,542    1,478 
                                                     ------- 
Non-interest income                           2,361    2,266 
-----------------------------------------  -------- 
Total income                                  6,610    5,671 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Staff costs                                 (1,591)  (1,436) 
Premises and equipment                        (515)    (487) 
Other administrative expenses                 (714)    (731) 
Depreciation and amortisation                 (445)    (376) 
Operating expenses                          (3,265)  (3,030) 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Profit before impairment losses/releases      3,345    2,641 
Impairment (losses)/releases                  (191)       18 
-----------------------------------------  -------- 
Operating profit before tax                   3,154    2,659 
Tax charge                                    (829)    (767) 
-----------------------------------------            ------- 
Profit for the period                         2,325    1,892 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Attributable to: 
Ordinary shareholders                         2,264    1,833 
Paid-in equity holders                           61       56 
Non-controlling interests                         -        3 
----------------------------------------- 
                                              2,325    1,892 
-----------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the period ended 30 June 2023 (unaudited)

 
                                                  Half year ended 
                                                 ----------------- 
                                                  30 June  30 June 
                                                     2023     2022 
                                                     GBPm     GBPm 
Profit for the period                               2,325    1,892 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Items that do not qualify for reclassification 
Remeasurement of retirement benefit schemes          (64)    (536) 
Tax                                                    15      135 
                                                     (49)    (401) 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Items that do qualify for reclassification 
FVOCI financial assets                                 44    (373) 
Cash flow hedges                                    (221)    (308) 
Currency translation                                 (18)        2 
Tax                                                    51      205 
                                                    (144)    (474) 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Other comprehensive loss after tax                  (193)    (875) 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Total comprehensive income for the period           2,132    1,017 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Attributable to: 
Ordinary shareholders                               2,071      958 
Paid-in equity holders                                 61       56 
Non-controlling interests                               -        3 
                                                    2,132    1,017 
-----------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

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

 
                                                             30 June  31 December 
                                                                2023         2022 
                                                                GBPm         GBPm 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------- 
Assets 
Cash and balances at central banks                            52,453       73,065 
Derivatives                                                    4,736        4,407 
Loans to banks - amortised cost                                3,657        3,197 
Loans to customers - amortised cost                          312,337      301,684 
Amounts due from holding companies and fellow subsidiaries     7,015        4,903 
Other financial assets                                        18,709       14,546 
Other assets                                                   7,639        7,667 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------- 
Total assets                                                 406,546      409,469 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------- 
 
Liabilities 
Bank deposits                                                 17,014       16,060 
Customer deposits                                            307,491      322,614 
Amounts due to holding companies and fellow subsidiaries      43,813       38,771 
Derivatives                                                    1,751        2,088 
Other financial liabilities                                   10,999        5,384 
Subordinated liabilities                                         122          197 
Notes in circulation                                             798          809 
Other liabilities                                              3,285        3,470 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------- 
Total liabilities                                            385,273      389,393 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------- 
 
Owners' equity                                                21,232       20,066 
Non-controlling interests                                         41           10 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------- 
Total equity                                                  21,273       20,076 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------- 
 
Total liabilities and equity                                 406,546      409,469 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------- 
 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the period ended 30 June 2023 (unaudited)

 
                                                            Half year ended 
                                                           ----------------- 
                                                            30 June  30 June 
                                                               2023     2022 
                                                               GBPm     GBPm 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Called-up share capital - at beginning and end of period      1,678    1,678 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Paid-in equity - at beginning of period                       2,518    2,377 
Redeemed                                                          -    (359) 
Issued (1)                                                        -      500 
At end of period                                              2,518    2,518 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Share premium account - at beginning and end of period        2,225    2,225 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Merger reserve - at beginning of period                          77       14 
Amortisation                                                   (24)       33 
At end of period                                                 53       47 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
FVOCI reserve - at beginning of period                         (76)      192 
Unrealised gains/(losses)                                        20    (337) 
Realised losses/(gains)                                          24     (36) 
Tax                                                            (11)      119 
At end of period                                               (43)     (62) 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Cash flow hedging reserve - at beginning of period            (391)      (1) 
Amount recognised in equity                                    (82)    (223) 
Amount transferred from equity to earnings                    (139)     (85) 
Tax                                                              62       86 
At end of period                                              (550)    (223) 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Foreign exchange reserve - at beginning of period              (87)     (85) 
Retranslation of net assets                                    (48)       15 
Foreign currency gains/(losses) on hedges of net assets          30     (13) 
At end of period                                              (105)     (83) 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Capital redemption reserve - at beginning and end of 
 period                                                         820      820 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Retained earnings - at beginning of period                   13,302   13,507 
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders and other 
 equity owners                                                2,325    1,889 
Paid-in equity dividends paid                                  (61)     (56) 
Ordinary dividends paid                                       (900)    (993) 
Redemption of paid-in equity (2)                                  -     (29) 
Remeasurement of the retirement benefit schemes 
  - gross                                                      (64)    (536) 
   - tax                                                         15      135 
Employee share schemes                                            6        6 
Share-based payments 
  - gross                                                      (11)     (13) 
  - tax                                                           -      (2) 
Amortisation of merger reserve                                   24     (33) 
At end of period                                             14,636   13,875 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Owners' equity at end of period                              21,232   20,795 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

For the notes to this table refer the following page.

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the period ended 30 June 2023 continued (unaudited)

 
                                                      Half year ended 
                                                     ----------------- 
                                                      30 June  30 June 
                                                         2023     2022 
                                                         GBPm     GBPm 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Non-controlling interests - at beginning of period         10       10 
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests            -        3 
New minority interest holding                              31        - 
At end of period                                           41       13 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Total equity at end of period                          21,273   20,808 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Attributable to: 
Ordinary shareholders                                  18,714   18,277 
Paid-in equity holders                                  2,518    2,518 
Non-controlling interests                                  41       13 
                                                       21,273   20,808 
---------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
   (1)    In June 2022, AT1 capital notes totalling GBP500 million less fees were issued. 
   (2)    The redemption of paid-in equity is made up of FX unlocking and loss on redemption. 

Condensed consolidated cash flow statement

for the period ended 30 June 2023 (unaudited)

 
                                                                 Half year ended 
                                                                ----------------- 
                                                                 30 June  30 June 
                                                                    2023     2022 
                                                                    GBPm     GBPm 
Operating activities 
Operating profit before tax                                        3,154    2,659 
Adjustments for non-cash and other items                           1,200      529 
--------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Net cash flows from trading activities                             4,354    3,188 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities                     (19,066)  (9,673) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Net cash flows from operating activities before tax             (14,712)  (6,485) 
Income taxes paid                                                  (671)    (515) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Net cash flows from operating activities                        (15,383)  (7,000) 
Net cash flows from investing activities                         (2,786)    6,474 
Net cash flows from financing activities                           (139)    (254) 
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents      (677)      729 
--------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                       (18,985)     (51) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                  76,318  106,645 
--------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                        57,333  106,594 
--------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

Notes

1. Presentation of condensed consolidated financial statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with NatWest Bank Plc's 2022 Annual Report and Accounts. The accounting policies are the same as those applied in the consolidated financial statements.

The directors have prepared the condensed consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis after assessing the principal risks, forecasts, projections and other relevant evidence over the twelve months from the date they are approved and in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the UK and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.

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

2. Net interest income

 
                                                              Half year ended 
                                                             ----------------- 
                                                              30 June  30 June 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                 2023     2022 
                                                                 GBPm     GBPm 
-----------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Balances at central banks and loans to banks - amortised 
 cost                                                             531      297 
Loans to customers - amortised cost                             5,691    3,470 
Amounts due from holding companies and fellow subsidiaries         79       15 
Other financial assets                                            312       86 
Interest receivable                                             6,613    3,868 
-----------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Bank deposits                                                     316       98 
Customer deposits                                                 859       69 
Amounts due to holding companies and fellow subsidiaries          960      210 
Other financial liabilities                                       222       77 
Subordinated liabilities                                            7        9 
Interest payable                                                2,364      463 
-----------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Net interest income                                             4,249    3,405 
-----------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

3. Operating expenses

 
                                   Half year ended 
                                  ----------------- 
                                   30 June  30 June 
                                      2023     2022 
                                      GBPm     GBPm 
Salaries and other staff costs       1,231    1,063 
Temporary and contract costs            88      108 
Social security costs                  145      129 
Pension costs                          127      136 
 - defined benefit schemes              51       72 
 - defined contribution schemes         76       64 
--------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Staff costs                          1,591    1,436 
--------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Premises and equipment                 515      487 
Depreciation and amortisation          445      376 
Other administrative expenses          714      731 
Administrative expenses              1,674    1,594 
--------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Operating expenses                   3,265    3,030 
--------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

Notes

4. Segmental analysis

The business is organised into the following reportable segments: Retail Banking, Private Banking, Commercial & Institutional and Central items & other.

Analysis of operating profit

 
                                 Retail  Private       Commercial  Central 
                                                                     items 
                                Banking  Banking  & Institutional  & other    Total 
Half year ended 30 June 2023       GBPm     GBPm             GBPm     GBPm     GBPm 
Net interest income               2,452      426            1,537    (166)    4,249 
Net fees and commissions            159      123              535        2      819 
Other non-interest income            53       14              152    1,323    1,542 
Total income                      2,664      563            2,224    1,159    6,610 
------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ------- 
Depreciation and amortisation         -        -             (65)    (380)    (445) 
Other operating expenses        (1,134)    (306)          (1,002)    (378)  (2,820) 
Impairment (losses)/releases      (167)     (10)             (18)        4    (191) 
------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ------- 
Operating profit                  1,363      247            1,139      405    3,154 
------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ------- 
 
Half year ended 30 June 2022 
------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ------- 
Net interest income               2,030      301            1,207    (133)    3,405 
Net fees and commissions            174      127              479        8      788 
Other non-interest income            20       15               80    1,363    1,478 
Total income                      2,224      443            1,766    1,238    5,671 
------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ------- 
Depreciation and amortisation         -        -             (67)    (309)    (376) 
Other operating expenses        (1,015)    (283)            (891)    (465)  (2,654) 
Impairment (losses)/releases       (32)       12               37        1       18 
------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ------- 
Operating profit                  1,177      172              845      465    2,659 
------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ------- 
 

Total revenue (1)

 
                                Retail  Private       Commercial  Central 
                                                                    items 
                               Banking  Banking  & Institutional  & other  Total 
Half year ended 30 June 2023      GBPm     GBPm             GBPm     GBPm   GBPm 
External                         3,027      409            2,988    2,801  9,225 
Inter-segmental                   (66)      559            (703)      210      - 
Total                            2,961      968            2,285    3,011  9,225 
-----------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ----- 
 
 
Half year ended 30 June 2022 
External                       2,400  395  1,645  1,943  6,383 
Inter-segmental                   14  119     72  (205)      - 
Total                          2,414  514  1,717  1,738  6,383 
-----------------------------  -----  ---  -----  -----  ----- 
 

(1) Total revenue comprises interest receivable, fees and commissions receivable and other operating income .

Notes

4. Segmental analysis continued

Analysis of net fees and commissions

 
                                       Retail  Private       Commercial  Central 
                                                                           items 
                                      Banking  Banking  & Institutional  & other  Total 
Half year ended 30 June 2023             GBPm     GBPm             GBPm     GBPm   GBPm 
Fees and commissions receivable 
   - Payment services                     130       16              258        -    404 
   - Credit and debit card fees           160        6               98        -    264 
   - Lending and financing                  7        3              232        -    242 
   - Brokerage                             14        3                -        -     17 
   - Investment management, trustee 
    and fiduciary services                  1      102                -        -    103 
   - Other                                  1        2               28        9     40 
------------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ----- 
Total                                     313      132              616        9  1,070 
Fees and commissions payable            (154)     (10)             (81)      (6)  (251) 
------------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ----- 
Net fees and commissions                  159      122              535        3    819 
------------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ----- 
 
Half year ended 30 June 2022 
Fees and commissions receivable 
   - Payment services                     123       16              235        -    374 
   - Credit and debit card fees           163        8               73        -    244 
   - Lending and financing                  7        4              212        -    223 
   - Brokerage                             21        3                -        -     24 
   - Investment management, trustee 
    and fiduciary services                  1      111                -        -    112 
   - Other                                  -        -               75     (15)     60 
------------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ----- 
Total                                     315      142              595     (15)  1,037 
Fees and commissions payable            (141)     (15)            (116)       23  (249) 
------------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ----- 
Net fees and commissions                  174      127              479        8    788 
------------------------------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ----- 
 

Total assets and liabilities

 
                Retail  Private       Commercial  Central 
                                                    items 
               Banking  Banking  & Institutional  & other    Total 
30 June 2023      GBPm     GBPm             GBPm     GBPm     GBPm 
Assets         192,595   19,893           88,578  105,480  406,546 
Liabilities    149,363   36,764          124,880   74,266  385,273 
-------------  -------  -------  ---------------  -------  ------- 
 
 
31 December 2022 
                   -------  ------  -------  -------  ------- 
Assets             184,140  19,734   86,406  119,189  409,469 
Liabilities        153,304  41,489  127,301   67,299  389,393 
-----------------  -------  ------  -------  -------  ------- 
 

Notes

5. Tax

The actual tax charge differs from the expected tax charge computed by applying the standard UK corporation tax rate of 23.5% (2022 - 19%), as analysed below:

 
                                                                Half year ended 
                                                               ----------------- 
                                                                30 June  30 June 
                                                                   2023     2022 
                                                                   GBPm     GBPm 
Profit before tax                                                 3,154    2,659 
-------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 
Expected tax charge                                               (741)    (505) 
Losses and temporary differences in period where no deferred 
 tax assets recognised                                                -      (1) 
Foreign profits taxed at other rates                                (1)      (2) 
Items not allowed for tax: 
   - UK bank levy                                                   (8)      (6) 
   - regulatory and legal actions                                   (5)      (9) 
   - other disallowable items                                      (10)      (7) 
Non-taxable items                                                    63        6 
Increase/(decrease) in the carrying value of deferred 
 tax assets in respect of UK losses                                   1     (13) 
Banking surcharge                                                 (118)    (199) 
Tax on paid-in equity                                                12       11 
UK tax rate change impact                                             -     (79) 
Adjustments in respect of prior periods                            (22)       37 
-------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
Actual tax charge                                                 (829)    (767) 
-------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 

At 30 June 2023, NWB Group has recognised a deferred tax asset of GBP979 million (31 December 2022 - GBP1,117 million) and a deferred tax liability of GBP123 million (31 December 2022 - GBP130 million). These amounts include deferred tax assets recognised in respect of trading losses of GBP295 million (31 December 2022 - GBP445 million). NWB Group has considered the carrying value of these assets as at 30 June 2023 and concluded that they are recoverable.

Notes

6. Financial instruments - classification

The following tables analyse financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the categories of financial instruments in IFRS 9.

 
                                                      Amortised   Other 
                                      MFVTPL   FVOCI       cost  assets    Total 
                                        GBPm    GBPm       GBPm    GBPm     GBPm 
Assets 
Cash and balances at central banks                       52,453           52,453 
Derivatives (1)                        4,736                               4,736 
Loans to banks - amortised cost (2)                       3,657            3,657 
Loans to customers - amortised cost 
 (3)                                                    312,337          312,337 
Amounts due from holding companies 
 and fellow subsidiaries                   5              6,387     623    7,015 
Other financial assets                   248  11,553      6,908           18,709 
Other assets                                                      7,639    7,639 
30 June 2023                           4,989  11,553    381,742   8,262  406,546 
------------------------------------  ------  ------  ---------  ------  ------- 
 
Cash and balances at central banks                       73,065           73,065 
Derivatives (1)                        4,407                               4,407 
Loans to banks - amortised cost (2)                       3,197            3,197 
Loans to customers - amortised cost 
 (3)                                                    301,684          301,684 
Amounts due from holding companies 
 and fellow subsidiaries                   5              4,173     725    4,903 
Other financial assets                   417   9,713      4,416           14,546 
Other assets                                                      7,667    7,667 
31 December 2022                       4,829   9,713    386,535   8,392  409,469 
------------------------------------  ------  ------  ---------  ------  ------- 
 
 
                                    Held-for-  Amortised        Other 
                                      trading       cost  liabilities    Total 
                                         GBPm       GBPm         GBPm     GBPm 
Liabilities 
Bank deposits                                     17,014                17,014 
Customer deposits                                307,491               307,491 
Amounts due to holding companies 
 and fellow subsidiaries                  119     43,544          150   43,813 
Derivatives (1)                         1,751                            1,751 
Other financial liabilities                73     10,926                10,999 
Subordinated liabilities                             122                   122 
Notes in circulation                                 798                   798 
Other liabilities (4)                                843        2,442    3,285 
                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
30 June 2023                            1,943    380,738        2,592  385,273 
----------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
 
Bank deposits                                     16,060                16,060 
Customer deposits                                322,614               322,614 
Amounts due to holding companies 
 and fellow subsidiaries                  104     38,511          156   38,771 
Derivatives (1)                         2,088                            2,088 
Other financial liabilities                17      5,367                 5,384 
Subordinated liabilities                             197                   197 
Notes in circulation                                 809                   809 
Other liabilities (4)                                960        2,510    3,470 
31 December 2022                        2,209    384,518        2,666  389,393 
----------------------------------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ------- 
 
 
(1)   Includes net hedging derivative assets of GBP972 million (31 December 2022 - GBP743 million) 
       and net hedging derivative liabilities of GBP316 million (31 December 2022 - GBP258 million). 
(2)   Includes items in the course of collection from other banks of GBP5 million (31 December 2022 
       - GBP2 million). 
(3)   Includes finance lease receivables of GBP8,675 million (31 December 2022 - GBP8,324 million). 
(4)   Includes lease liabilities of GBP782 million (31 December 2022 - GBP901 million), held at 
       amortised cost. 
 
 
 

Notes

6. Financial instruments - classification continued

NWB Group's financial assets and liabilities include amounts due from/to holding companies and fellow subsidiaries as below:

 
                                              30 June 2023                   31 December 2022 
                                     -------------------------------  ------------------------------- 
                                       Holding        Fellow            Holding        Fellow 
                                     companies  subsidiaries   Total  companies  subsidiaries   Total 
                                          GBPm          GBPm    GBPm       GBPm          GBPm    GBPm 
Assets 
Loans to banks - amortised 
 cost                                        -         6,339   6,339          -         4,100   4,100 
Loans to customers - amortised 
 cost                                        -            48      48          -            73      73 
Other financial assets                       -             5       5          -             5       5 
Other assets                               104           519     623         15           710     725 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------  ---------  ------------  ------ 
Amounts due from holding companies 
 and 
   fellow subsidiaries                     104         6,911   7,015         15         4,888   4,903 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------  ---------  ------------  ------ 
 
Derivatives (1)                            321         3,511   3,832        405         2,977   3,382 
                                     ---------  ------------  ------  ---------  ------------  ------ 
 
Liabilities 
Bank deposits                                -        28,923  28,923          -        22,919  22,919 
Customer deposits                        4,853            27   4,880      6,264            46   6,310 
Subordinated liabilities                 3,432             -   3,432      2,941             -   2,941 
MREL instruments issued to 
 NatWest Holdings Ltd                    6,309             -   6,309      6,339             -   6,339 
Other financial liabilities                  -           119     119          -           106     106 
Other liabilities                           16           134     150         33           123     156 
----------------------------------- 
Amounts due to holding companies 
 and 
   fellow subsidiaries                  14,610        29,203  43,813     15,577        23,194  38,771 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------  ---------  ------------  ------ 
 
Derivatives (1)                            475           644   1,119        403           667   1,070 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------  ---------  ------------  ------ 
 
 
(1)    Intercompany derivatives are included within derivative classification on the balance sheet. 
 

Notes

6. Financial instruments - valuation

Disclosures relating to the control environment, valuation techniques and related aspects pertaining to financial instruments measured at fair value are included in NatWest Bank Plc's 2022 Annual Report and Accounts. Valuation, sensitivity methodologies and inputs at 30 June 2023 are consistent with those described in Note 10 to NatWest Bank Plc's 2022 Annual Report and Accounts.

Fair value hierarchy

The table below shows the assets and liabilities held by NWB Group split by fair value hierarchy level. Level 1 are considered

the most liquid instruments, and level 3 the most illiquid, valued using expert judgment and hence carry the most significant price

uncertainty.

 
                                      30 June 2023               31 December 2022 
                              ----------------------------  --------------------------- 
                              Level   Level  Level   Total  Level  Level  Level   Total 
                                  1       2      3              1      2      3 
                               GBPm    GBPm   GBPm    GBPm   GBPm   GBPm   GBPm    GBPm 
---------------------------- 
Assets 
Derivatives                       -   4,713     23   4,736      -  4,387     20   4,407 
Amounts due from holding 
 companies 
   and fellow subsidiaries        -       5      -       5      -      5      -       5 
Other financial assets 
   Securities                 5,810   5,741      2  11,553  5,105  4,606      2   9,713 
 Loans                            -     132    116     248      -    369     48     417 
                              -----  ------  -----  ------ 
Total financial assets 
 held at fair value           5,810  10,591    141  16,542  5,105  9,367     70  14,542 
                                                                                 ------ 
As % of total value assets      35%     64%     1%            35%    65%     0% 
----------------------------  -----  ------  -----  ------  -----  -----  -----  ------ 
 
Liabilities 
Derivatives                       -   1,745      6   1,751      -  2,081      7   2,088 
Amounts due to holding 
 companies 
   and fellow subsidiaries        -     119      -     119      -    104      -     104 
Other financial liabilities 
   Deposits                       -      73      -      73      -     17      -      17 
----------------------------  -----  ------  -----  ------  -----  -----  -----  ------ 
Total financial liabilities 
 held at fair value               -   1,937      6   1,943      -  2,202      7   2,209 
As % of total fair value 
 liabilities                      -    100%     0%              -   100%     0% 
----------------------------  -----  ------  -----  ------  -----  -----  -----  ------ 
 
 
(1)   Level 1 - Instruments valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active and liquid markets, 
       for identical financial instruments. Examples include government bonds, listed equity shares 
       and certain exchange-traded derivatives. 
       Level 2 - Instruments valued using valuation techniques that have observable inputs. Observable 
       inputs are those that are readily available with limited adjustments required. Examples include 
       most government agency securities, investment-grade corporate bonds, certain mortgage products 
       - including CLOs, most bank loans, repos and reverse repos, state and municipal obligations, 
       most notes issued, certain money market securities, loan commitments and most OTC derivatives. 
       Level 3 - Instruments 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. Examples include non-derivative instruments which trade infrequently, certain syndicated 
       and commercial mortgage loans, private equity, and derivatives with unobservable model inputs. 
(2)   Transfers between levels are deemed to have occurred at the beginning of the quarter in which 
       the instruments were transferred. 
 

Notes

6. Financial instruments - valuation continued

Fair value of financial instruments measured at amortised cost on the balance sheet

The following table shows the carrying value and fair value of financial instruments carried at amortised cost on the balance sheet.

 
                                 Items where fair 
                               value approximates  Carrying   Fair    Fair value hierarchy 
                                                                              level 
                                                                    ------------------------ 
                                   carrying value     value  value    Level    Level   Level 
                                                                          1        2       3 
30 June 2023                                GBPbn     GBPbn  GBPbn    GBPbn    GBPbn   GBPbn 
-----------------------------  ------------------  --------  -----  -------  -------  ------ 
Financial assets 
Cash and balances at central 
 banks                                       52.5 
Loans to banks                                0.1       3.6    3.6        -      3.2     0.4 
Loans to customers                                    312.3  298.7        -     21.2   277.5 
Amounts due from holding 
 companies 
   and fellow subsidiaries                              6.4    6.4        -      0.3     6.1 
Other financial assets 
   Securities                                           6.8    6.7      2.7      3.6     0.4 
   Settlement balances                        0.2 
-----------------------------  ------------------  --------  -----  -------  -------  ------ 
 
31 December 2022 
-----------------------------  ------------------  --------  -----  -------  -------  ------ 
Financial assets 
Cash and balances at central 
 banks                                       73.1 
Loans to banks                                  -       3.2    3.2        -      2.7     0.5 
Loans to customers                                    301.7  290.8        -     19.4   271.4 
Amounts due from holding 
 companies 
   and fellow subsidiaries                              4.2    4.1        -        -     4.1 
Other financial assets 
   Securities                                           4.4    4.3      0.8      3.1     0.4 
   Settlement balances                          - 
-----------------------------  ------------------  --------  -----  -------  -------  ------ 
 
30 June 2023 
-----------------------------  ------------------  --------  -----  -------  -------  ------ 
Financial liabilities 
Bank deposits                                 3.3      13.7   13.5        -     13.2     0.3 
Customer deposits                           270.8      36.7   36.8        -     16.4    20.4 
Amounts due to holding 
 companies 
   and fellow subsidiaries                    0.4      43.2   43.2        -     10.0    33.2 
Other financial liabilities 
   Debt securities in issue                            10.6   10.6        -      2.1     8.5 
   Settlement balances                        0.3 
Subordinated liabilities                                0.1    0.1        -      0.1       - 
Notes in circulation                          0.8 
-----------------------------  ------------------  --------  -----  -------  -------  ------ 
 
31 December 2022 
-----------------------------  ------------------  --------  -----  -------  -------  ------ 
Financial liabilities 
Bank deposits                                 3.4      12.7   12.3        -     12.3       - 
Customer deposits                           294.9      27.7   27.7        -     11.9    15.8 
Amounts due to holding 
 companies 
   and fellow subsidiaries                    0.8      37.7   37.2        -      8.9    28.3 
Other financial liabilities 
   Debt securities in issue                             5.4    5.4        -      2.9     2.5 
   Settlement balances                          - 
Subordinated liabilities                                0.2    0.2        -      0.2       - 
Notes in circulation                          0.8 
-----------------------------  ------------------  --------  -----  -------  -------  ------ 
 

Notes

6. Financial instruments - valuation continued

The assumptions and methodologies underlying the calculation of fair values of financial instruments at the balance sheet date are as follows:

Short-term financial instruments

For certain short-term financial instruments: cash and balances at central banks, items in the course of collection from other banks, settlement balances, items in the course of transmission to other banks, customer demand deposits and notes in circulation, carrying value is deemed a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Loans to banks and customers

In estimating the fair value of net loans to customers and banks measured at amortised cost, NWB Group's loans are segregated into appropriate portfolios reflecting the characteristics of the constituent loans. Two principal methods are used to estimate fair value; contractual cash flows and expected cash flows.

Debt securities and subordinated liabilities

Most debt securities are valued using quoted prices in active markets or from quoted prices of similar financial instruments in active markets. For the remaining population, fair values are determined using market standard valuation techniques, such as discounted cash flows.

Bank and customer deposits

Fair value of deposits are estimated using discounted cash flow valuation techniques.

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions

Economic loss drivers

Introduction

The portfolio segmentation and selection of economic loss drivers for IFRS 9 follows the approach used in stress testing. To enable robust modelling the forecasting models for each portfolio segment (defined by product or asset class and where relevant, industry sector and region) are based on a selected, small number of economic variables (typically three to four) that best explain the temporal variations in portfolio loss rates. The process to select economic loss drivers involves empirical analysis and expert judgement.

The most significant economic loss drivers for the most material portfolios are shown in the table below.

 
 Portfolio               Economic loss drivers 
----------------------  ------------------------------------------------------- 
 UK Personal mortgages   UK unemployment rate, sterling swap rate, UK house 
                          price index, UK household debt to income 
----------------------  ------------------------------------------------------- 
 UK Personal unsecured   UK unemployment rate, sterling swap rate, UK household 
                          debt to income 
----------------------  ------------------------------------------------------- 
 UK corporates           UK stock price index, UK gross domestic product (GDP), 
                          Bank of England base rate 
----------------------  ------------------------------------------------------- 
 UK commercial           UK stock price index, UK commercial property price 
  real estate             index, UK GDP, Bank of England base rate 
 

Economic scenarios

At 30 June 2023, the range of anticipated future economic conditions was defined by a set of four internally developed scenarios and their respective probabilities. In addition to the base case, they comprised upside, downside and extreme downside scenarios. The scenarios primarily reflected the current risks faced by the economy, particularly related to persistently high inflation and interest rate environment, resulting in a fall in real household income, economic slowdown, a rise in unemployment and asset price declines.

For 30 June 2023, the four scenarios were deemed appropriate in capturing the uncertainty in economic forecasts and the non-linearity in outcomes under different scenarios. These four scenarios were developed to provide sufficient coverage across potential rises in unemployment, inflation, asset price declines and the degree of permanent damage to the economy, around which there remains pronounced levels of uncertainty.

Upside - This scenario assumes robust growth as inflation falls sharply and rates are lowered. Consumer spending is supported by savings built up since COVID-19 and further helped by fiscal support and strong business investment. The labour market remains resilient, with the unemployment rate remaining below pre-COVID-19 levels. The housing market slows down compared to the previous year but remains robust.

Base case - In the midst of high inflation and significant monetary policy tightening, economic growth remains muted. However, recession is avoided as only a relatively small proportion of households are directly affected by the rise in mortgage costs. The unemployment rate rises modestly but job losses are contained. Inflation moderates over the medium-term and falls to the target level of 2%. The housing market experiences price decline and lower activity but the extent of the decline is lower than that experienced during prior stresses.

Since 31 December 2022, the economic outlook has improved as energy prices fell sharply and the labour market remained resilient. However, the inflation outlook remains elevated due to higher core inflation pressure. As a result, interest rates need to rise higher than assumed previously. The base case now assumes muted growth in 2023 as opposed to a mild recession assumed previously. The unemployment rate still rises but the peak is lower, reflecting the labour market's recent resilience. The peak to trough house price correction remains broadly similar to the previous assumption.

Downside - Inflation remains persistently high. The economy experiences a recession as consumer confidence weakens due to a fall in real income. Interest rates are raised higher than the base case and remain elevated for longer. High rates are assumed to have a more significant impact on the labour market. Unemployment is higher than the base case scenario while house prices experience declines comparable to previous episodes of stress.

The previous year's downside scenario also included a deep recession, labour market deterioration and asset price falls, but the current downside scenario explores these risks in a persistently high inflation, high rates environment.

Extreme downside - This scenario assumes high and persistent inflation. Households see the highest recorded decline in real income. Interest rates rise to levels last observed in early 2000. Resulting economic recession is deep and leads to widespread job losses. House prices lose approximately a third of their value while the unemployment rate rises to a level above that observed during the 2008 financial crisis.

The main macroeconomic variables for each of the four scenarios used for expected credit loss (ECL) modelling are set out in the main macroeconomic variables table below.

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Main macroeconomic variables

 
                                           30 June 2023                               31 December 2022 
                            -------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------- 
                                                      Extreme  Weighted                            Extreme  Weighted 
                            Upside   Base  Downside  downside   average  Upside   Base  Downside  downside   average 
                                     case                                         case 
Five-year summary                %      %         %         %         %       %      %         %         %         % 
--------------------------  ------  -----  --------  --------  --------  ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
GDP                            1.8    0.9       0.4     (0.2)       0.8     2.2    1.3       0.8       0.4       1.2 
Unemployment                   3.5    4.2       4.9       6.6       4.6     3.9    4.5       4.9       6.7       4.8 
House price index              3.8    0.3     (0.8)     (6.0)         -     5.1    0.8     (0.7)     (4.4)       0.6 
Commercial real estate 
 price                         3.3    0.2     (2.7)     (7.6)     (0.7)     1.2  (1.9)     (2.8)     (9.1)     (2.5) 
Consumer price index           1.7    2.3       4.2       3.7       2.8     3.6    4.2       4.4       8.2       4.8 
Bank of England base rate      2.6    4.2       5.0       5.1       4.2     2.4    3.1       1.5       4.5       2.8 
UK stock price index           5.8    4.3       1.8       0.1       3.5     3.0    1.4     (1.1)     (3.7)       0.5 
World GDP                      3.7    3.1       2.7       1.0       2.8     3.7    3.3       1.7       1.1       2.7 
Probability weight            19.5   45.0      21.5      14.0              18.6   45.0      20.8      15.6 
--------------------------  ------  -----  --------  --------  --------  ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
 
   (1)       The five year summary runs from 2023-2027 for 30 June 2023 . 

(2) The table shows five calendar year CAGR for GDP, average for unemployment and Bank of England base rate and 20-quarter CAGR for other parameters .

   (3)       Comparatives have been aligned with the current calculation approach. 

Probability weightings of scenarios

NWB Group's quantitative approach to IFRS 9 multiple economic scenarios (MES) involves selecting a suitable set of discrete scenarios to characterise the distribution of risks in the economic outlook and assigning appropriate probability weights. This quantitative approach is used for 30 June 2023.

The approach involves comparing UK GDP paths for NWB Group's scenarios against a set of 1,000 model runs, following which, a percentile in the distribution is established that most closely corresponded to the scenario. Probability weight for base case is set first based on judgement, while probability weights for the alternate scenarios are assigned based on these percentiles scores.

The assigned probability weights were judged to be aligned with the subjective assessment of balance of the risks in the economy. The weights were broadly comparable to those used at 31 December 2022. Since then, the outlook has improved across key areas of the economy. However, the risks still remain elevated and there is considerable uncertainty in the economic outlook, particularly with respect to persistence and the range of outcomes on inflation. Given that backdrop, NWB Group judges it appropriate that downside-biased scenarios have higher probability weights than the upside-biased scenario. It presents good coverage to the range of outcomes assumed in the scenarios, including the potential for a robust recovery on the upside and exceptionally challenging outcomes on the downside. A 19.5% weighting was applied to the upside scenario, a 45.0% weighting applied to the base case scenario, a 21.5% weighting applied to the downside scenario and a 14.0% weighting applied to the extreme downside scenario.

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Annual figures

 
                                                Extreme  Weighted 
                               Base 
                      Upside   case  Downside  downside   average 
GDP - annual growth        %      %         %         %         % 
                      ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
2023                     1.4    0.3         -     (0.3)       0.3 
2024                     3.8    0.8     (1.4)     (4.1)       0.3 
2025                     1.4    1.0       1.0       0.9       1.1 
2026                     1.2    1.3       1.2       1.2       1.2 
2027                     1.2    1.4       1.3       1.2       1.3 
2028                     1.2    1.4       1.3       1.2       1.3 
--------------------  ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 
                                                               Extreme  Weighted 
                                              Base 
                                     Upside   case  Downside  downside   average 
Unemployment rate - annual average        %      %         %         %         % 
                                     ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
2023                                    3.9    3.9       4.1       4.3       4.0 
2024                                    3.3    4.2       5.1       7.3       4.7 
2025                                    3.3    4.4       5.3       7.7       4.8 
2026                                    3.4    4.3       5.1       7.1       4.7 
2027                                    3.4    4.3       4.9       6.5       4.6 
2028                                    3.4    4.3       4.7       6.0       4.4 
-----------------------------------  ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 
                                                                    Extreme  Weighted 
                                                   Base 
                                          Upside   case  Downside  downside   average 
House price index - four quarter change        %      %         %         %         % 
                                          ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
2023                                       (3.3)  (6.9)     (6.2)     (8.2)     (6.2) 
2024                                        10.4  (1.0)    (13.2)    (14.1)     (3.1) 
2025                                         6.1    2.9       0.9    (16.4)       0.9 
2026                                         3.1    3.4       8.5       4.3       4.4 
2027                                         3.5    3.4       7.9       6.8       4.7 
2028                                         3.4    3.4       5.5       5.0       4.0 
----------------------------------------  ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 
                                                                        Extreme  Weighted 
                                                       Base 
                                              Upside   case  Downside  downside   average 
Commercial real estate price - four quarter 
 change                                            %      %         %         %         % 
                                              ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
2023                                             1.1  (5.8)     (7.8)    (10.7)     (5.6) 
2024                                             5.5    0.5    (13.4)    (35.3)     (6.1) 
2025                                             4.6    2.5       2.5       2.5       3.0 
2026                                             3.8    2.5       3.6       6.3       3.4 
2027                                             1.8    1.3       3.0       6.9       2.3 
2028                                             1.5    1.3       2.2       4.2       1.8 
--------------------------------------------  ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 
                                                                       Extreme  Weighted 
                                                      Base 
                                             Upside   case  Downside  downside   average 
Consumer price index - four quarter change        %      %         %         %         % 
                                             ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
2023                                            1.6    3.4       5.5       7.0       4.0 
2024                                            1.1    2.3       4.3       6.8       3.2 
2025                                            1.8    1.9       3.9       1.7       2.3 
2026                                            1.9    1.9       3.8       1.2       2.2 
2027                                            1.9    1.9       3.7       2.1       2.3 
2028                                            1.9    1.9       3.2       2.1       2.2 
-------------------------------------------  ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 
                                                                       Extreme  Weighted 
                                                      Base 
                                             Upside   case  Downside  downside   average 
Bank of England base rate - annual average        %      %         %         %         % 
                                             ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
2023                                            4.3    4.8       4.7       4.8       4.7 
2024                                            3.0    5.0       5.5       6.0       4.9 
2025                                            2.3    4.2       5.0       5.7       4.2 
2026                                            2.0    3.7       4.9       4.9       3.8 
2027                                            1.6    3.3       4.7       4.1       3.4 
2028                                            1.5    3.2       4.5       3.4       3.2 
-------------------------------------------  ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
 
                                                                       Extreme  Weighted 
                                                      Base 
                                             Upside   case  Downside  downside   average 
UK stock price index - four quarter change        %      %         %         %         % 
                                             ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
2023                                           13.0    9.1     (9.2)    (26.6)       0.9 
2024                                            5.7    3.1     (1.9)     (9.4)       1.4 
2025                                            4.1    3.1       9.7      21.2       6.2 
2026                                            3.6    3.1       6.5      12.9       4.9 
2027                                            3.2    3.1       5.3      10.2       4.3 
2028                                            3.0    3.1       5.3       6.4       3.9 
-------------------------------------------  ------  -----  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Worst points

 
                                       30 June 2023                                  31 December 2022 
                      ----------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
                                          Extreme           Weighted                      Extreme           Weighted 
                      Downside           downside            average  Downside           downside            average 
                             %  Quarter         %  Quarter         %         %  Quarter         %  Quarter         % 
                      --------  -------  --------  -------  --------  --------  -------  --------  -------  -------- 
GDP                      (1.7)  Q2 2024     (4.9)  Q2 2024       0.1     (3.2)  Q4 2023     (4.7)  Q4 2023     (0.8) 
Unemployment rate 
 - peak                    5.4  Q1 2025       8.0  Q4 2024       4.9       6.0  Q1 2024       8.5  Q3 2024       5.4 
House price index       (18.9)  Q1 2025    (34.3)  Q1 2026     (9.2)    (15.0)  Q1 2025    (26.2)  Q3 2025     (3.4) 
Commercial real 
 estate 
 price                  (20.1)  Q4 2024    (42.6)  Q1 2025    (11.3)    (21.8)  Q4 2023    (46.8)  Q3 2024    (16.4) 
Consumer price index 
   - highest four 
    quarter 
    change                10.1  Q1 2023      10.1  Q1 2023      10.1      15.7  Q1 2023      17.0  Q4 2023      11.7 
Bank of England base 
 rate 
   - extreme level         5.8  Q1 2024       6.0  Q1 2024       5.3       4.0  Q1 2023       6.0  Q1 2024       4.1 
UK stock price index    (15.5)  Q2 2024    (40.9)  Q2 2024     (1.1)    (26.0)  Q4 2023    (48.7)  Q4 2023    (14.1) 
--------------------  --------  -------  --------  -------  --------  --------  -------  --------  -------  -------- 
 
 
 (1)   Unless specified otherwise, the figures show falls relative to the 
        starting period. The calculations are performed over five years, with 
        a starting point of Q4 2022 for 30 June 2023 scenarios. 
 (2)   Comparatives have been aligned with the current calculation approach. 
 

Use of the scenarios in Personal lending

Personal lending follows a discrete scenario approach. The probability of default (PD), exposure at default (EAD), loss given default (LGD) and resultant ECL for each discrete scenario is calculated using product specific economic response models. Probability weighted averages across the suite of economic scenarios are then calculated for each of the model outputs, with the weighted PD being used for staging purposes.

Business Banking utilises the Personal lending methodology rather than the Wholesale lending methodology.

Use of the scenarios in Wholesale lending

The Wholesale lending scenario methodology is based on the concept of credit cycle indices (CCIs). The CCIs represent, similar to the exogenous component in Personal, all relevant economic drivers for a region/industry segment aggregated into a single index value that describes the credit conditions in the respective segment relative to its long-run average. A CCI value of zero corresponds to credit conditions at long-run average levels, a positive CCI value corresponds to credit conditions below long run average levels and a negative CCI value corresponds to credit conditions above long-run average levels.

The individual economic scenarios are translated into forward-looking projections of CCIs using a set of econometric models. Subsequently the CCI projections for the individual scenarios are averaged into a single central CCI projection according to the given scenario probabilities. The central CCI projection is then extended with an additional mean reversion assumption to gradually revert to the long-run average CCI value of zero in the outer years of the projection horizon.

Finally, ECL is calculated using a Monte Carlo approach by averaging PD and LGD values arising from many CCI paths simulated around the central CCI projection.

 
 UK economic uncertainty 
  The high inflation environment alongside rapidly rising interest 
  rates and supply chain disruption are presenting significant headwinds 
  for some businesses and consumers. These are a result of various 
  factors and in many cases are compounding and look set to remain 
  a feature of the economic environment into 2024. NWB Group has considered 
  where these are most likely to affect the customer base, with the 
  rising cost of borrowing during 2023 for both businesses and consumers 
  presenting an additional affordability challenge for many borrowers 
  in recent months. 
  The effects of these risks are not expected to be fully captured 
  by forward-looking credit modelling, particularly given the unique 
  high inflation environment, low unemployment base case outlook. 
  Any incremental ECL effects for these risks will be captured via 
  post model adjustments and are detailed further in the Governance 
  and post model adjustments section. 
 

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Governance and post model adjustments

The IFRS 9 PD, EAD and LGD models are subject to NWB Group's model risk policy that stipulates periodic model monitoring, periodic re-validation and defines approval procedures and authorities according to model materiality. Various post model adjustments were applied where management judged they were necessary to ensure an adequate level of overall ECL provision. All post model adjustments were subject to formal approval through provisioning governance, and were categorised as follows (business level commentary is provided below):

- Deferred model calibrations - ECL adjustments where model monitoring and similar analyses indicates that model adjustments will be required to ensure ECL adequacy. As a consequence, an estimate of the ECL impact is recorded on the balance sheet until modelled ECL levels are affirmed by new model parallel runs or similar analyses.

- Economic uncertainty - ECL adjustments primarily arising from uncertainties associated with high inflation and rapidly rising interest rates as well as supply chain disruption, along with the residual effects from COVID-19 government support schemes. In all cases, management judged that additional ECL was required until further credit performance data became available as the observable effects of these issues crystallise.

- Other adjustments - ECL adjustments where it was judged that the modelled ECL required amendment.

Post model adjustments will remain a key focus area of NWB Group's ongoing ECL adequacy assessment process. A holistic framework has been established including reviewing a range of economic data, external benchmark information and portfolio performance trends with a particular focus on segments of the portfolio (both commercial and consumer) that are likely to be more susceptible to high inflation, rapidly rising interest rates and supply chain disruption, where risks may not be fully captured by the models.

ECL post model adjustments

The table below shows ECL post model adjustments.

 
                               Retail Banking                         Commercial 
                              ---------------- 
                              Mortgages  Other  Private Banking  & Institutional  Total 
30 June 2023                       GBPm   GBPm             GBPm             GBPm   GBPm 
Deferred model calibrations           -      -                -               14     14 
Economic uncertainty                105     34               12              225    376 
Other adjustments                     7      -                -                8     15 
---------------------------- 
Total                               112     34               12              247    405 
----------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------------  ---------------  ----- 
 
Of which: 
   - Stage 1                         70     15                6               85    176 
   - Stage 2                         31     19                6              158    214 
   - Stage 3                         11      -                -                4     15 
----------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------------  ---------------  ----- 
 
31 December 2022 
Economic uncertainty                 91     40                6              151    288 
Other adjustments                     7     15                -               11     33 
----------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------------  ---------------  ----- 
Total                                98     55                6              162    321 
----------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------------  ---------------  ----- 
 
Of which: 
   - Stage 1                         58     21                3               50    132 
   - Stage 2                         29     34                3              108    174 
   - Stage 3                         11      -                -                4     15 
----------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------------  ---------------  ----- 
 

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Post model adjustments increased since 31 December 2022, with a notable shift in economic uncertainty reflecting rapidly rising interest rates and high inflation.

- Retail Banking - The post model adjustment for economic uncertainty increased from GBP131 million at 31 December 2022 to GBP139 million at 30 June 2023, with recent interest rate rises resulting in higher levels of mortgage customers at risk of financial difficulties and prompting an uplift in the cost of living post model adjustment (up from GBP112 million to GBP120 million). The cost of living post model adjustment captures the risk on segments in the Retail Banking portfolio that are more susceptible to the effects of cost of living rises, focusing on key affordability lenses, including customers with lower incomes in fuel poverty, over-indebted borrowers and customers vulnerable to a potential mortgage rate shock effect on their affordability.

- The GBP15 million other judgemental overlay for EAD modelling dynamics in credit cards was no longer required.

- Commercial & Institutional - The post model adjustment for economic uncertainty increased from GBP151 million at 31 December 2022 to GBP225 million at 30 June 2023. It still includes an overlay of GBP62 million to cover the residual risks from COVID-19, including the risk that government support schemes could affect future recoveries and concerns surrounding associated debt, to customers that have utilised government support schemes. The inflation and supply chain post model adjustment has been maintained with a mechanistic adjustment, via a sector-level downgrade, being applied to the sectors that were considered most at risk from these headwinds. A number of additional sectors have been included in the sector-level downgrade reflecting the pressures from inflation plus broader concerns around liquidity and reducing cash reserves across many sectors. The impact of the sector-level downgrades is a post model adjustment increase from GBP61 million at 31 December 2022 to GBP163 million at 30 June 2023, reflecting the significant headwinds for a number of sectors which are not fully captured in the models.

- The GBP14 million judgemental overlay for deferred model calibrations relates to refinance risk with the existing mechanistic modelling approach not fully capturing the risk on deteriorated exposures.

- Other adjustments include an overlay of GBP8 million to mitigate the effect of operational timing delays in the identification and flagging of a SICR.

Measurement uncertainty and ECL sensitivity analysis

The recognition and measurement of ECL is complex and involves the use of significant judgment and estimation, particularly in times of economic volatility and uncertainty. This includes the formulation and incorporation of multiple forward-looking economic conditions into ECL to meet the measurement objective of IFRS 9. The ECL provision is sensitive to the model inputs and economic assumptions underlying the estimate.

The impact arising from the base case, upside, downside and extreme downside scenarios was simulated. These scenarios are used in the methodology for Personal multiple economic scenarios as described in the Economic loss drivers section. In the simulations, NWB Group has assumed that the economic macro variables associated with these scenarios replace the existing base case economic assumptions, giving them a 100% probability weighting and therefore serving as a single economic scenario.

These scenarios were applied to all modelled portfolios in the analysis below, with the simulation impacting both PDs and LGDs. Post model adjustments included in the ECL estimates that were modelled were sensitised in line with the modelled ECL movements, but those that were judgmental in nature, primarily those for deferred model calibrations and economic uncertainty, were not (refer to the Governance and post model adjustments section). As expected, the scenarios create differing impacts on ECL by portfolio and the impacts are deemed reasonable. In this simulation, it is assumed that existing modelled relationships between key economic variables and loss drivers hold, but in practice other factors would also have an impact, for example, potential customer behaviour changes and policy changes by lenders that might impact on the wider availability of credit.

The focus of the simulations is on ECL provisioning requirements on performing exposures in Stage 1 and Stage 2. The simulations are run on a stand-alone basis and are independent of each other; the potential ECL impacts reflect the simulated impact at 30 June 2023. Scenario impacts on SICR should be considered when evaluating the ECL movements of Stage 1 and Stage 2. In all scenarios the total exposure was the same but exposure by stage varied in each scenario.

Stage 3 provisions are not subject to the same level of measurement uncertainty - default is an observed event as at the balance sheet date. Stage 3 provisions therefore were not considered in this analysis.

NWB Group's core criterion to identify a SICR is founded on PD deterioration. Under the simulations, PDs change and result in exposures moving between Stage 1 and Stage 2 contributing to the ECL impact.

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Measurement uncertainty and ECL sensitivity analysis

 
                                                               Moderate  Moderate   Extreme 
                                                         Base    upside  downside  downside 
30 June 2023                                 Actual  scenario  scenario  scenario  scenario 
Stage 1 modelled loans (GBPm) 
Retail Banking - mortgages                  158,081   157,591   158,573   158,053   150,266 
Retail Banking - unsecured                    6,631     6,667     6,893     6,501     5,923 
Wholesale - property                         18,025    18,256    18,344    17,727    11,425 
Wholesale - non-property                     76,760    77,875    78,457    75,775    55,282 
------------------------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                            259,497   260,389   262,267   258,056   222,896 
Stage 1 modelled ECL (GBPm) 
Retail Banking - mortgages                       81        78        76        82        78 
Retail Banking - unsecured                      157       159       158       156       138 
Wholesale - property                             74        57        46        96        95 
Wholesale - non-property                        195       169       146       240       232 
------------------------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                                507       463       426       574       543 
Stage 2 modelled loans (GBPm) 
Retail Banking - mortgages                   17,488    17,978    16,996    17,516    25,303 
Retail Banking - unsecured                    2,744     2,708     2,482     2,874     3,452 
Wholesale - property                          2,595     2,364     2,276     2,893     9,195 
Wholesale - non-property                     13,289    12,174    11,592    14,274    34,767 
------------------------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                             36,116    35,224    33,346    37,557    72,717 
Stage 2 modelled ECL (GBPm) 
Retail Banking - mortgages                       57        58        40        58       104 
Retail Banking - unsecured                      307       301       247       331       423 
Wholesale - property                             75        61        49        90       410 
Wholesale - non-property                        331       277       231       396     1,032 
------------------------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                                770       697       567       875     1,969 
Stage 1 and Stage 2 modelled loans (GBPm) 
Retail Banking - mortgages                  175,569   175,569   175,569   175,569   175,569 
Retail Banking - unsecured                    9,375     9,375     9,375     9,375     9,375 
Wholesale - property                         20,620    20,620    20,620    20,620    20,620 
Wholesale - non-property                     90,049    90,049    90,049    90,049    90,049 
------------------------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                            295,613   295,613   295,613   295,613   295,613 
Stage 1 and Stage 2 modelled ECL (GBPm) 
Retail Banking - mortgages                      138       136       116       140       182 
Retail Banking - unsecured                      464       460       405       487       561 
Wholesale - property                            149       118        95       186       505 
Wholesale - non-property                        526       446       377       636     1,264 
------------------------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
                                              1,277     1,160       993     1,449     2,512 
Stage 1 and Stage 2 coverage (%) 
Retail Banking - mortgages                     0.08      0.08      0.07      0.08      0.10 
Retail Banking - unsecured                     4.95      4.91      4.32      5.19      5.98 
Wholesale - property                           0.72      0.57      0.46      0.90      2.45 
Wholesale - non-property                       0.58      0.50      0.42      0.71      1.40 
------------------------------------------ 
                                               0.43      0.39      0.34      0.49      0.85 
Reconciliation to Stage 1 and Stage 
 2 ECL (GBPm) 
ECL on modelled exposures                     1,277     1,160       993     1,449     2,512 
ECL on non-modelled exposures                    33        33        33        33        33 
                                            -------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
Total Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECL                 1,310     1,193     1,026     1,482     2,545 
------------------------------------------ 
Variance to actual total Stage 1 and 
 Stage 2 ECL                                            (117)     (284)       172     1,235 
------------------------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 
 
 
 
                                                           Moderate   Moderate    Extreme 
                                                    Base     upside   downside   downside 
30 June 2023                           Actual   scenario   scenario   scenario   scenario 
                                      -------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
Reconciliation to Stage 1 and Stage 
 2 flow exposure (GBPm) 
Modelled loans                        295,613    295,613    295,613    295,613    295,613 
Non-modelled loans                     18,523     18,523     18,523     18,523     18,523 
Other asset classes                    65,228     65,228     65,228     65,228     65,228 
------------------------------------  -------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 

(1) Variations in future undrawn exposure values across the scenarios are modelled, however the exposure position reported is that used to calculate modelled ECL as at 30 June 2023 and therefore does not include variation in future undrawn exposure values.

(2) Reflects ECL for all modelled exposure in scope for IFRS 9. The analysis excludes non-modelled portfolios.

(3) All simulations are run on a stand-alone basis and are independent of each other, with the potential ECL impact reflecting the simulated impact as at 30 June 2023. The simulations change the composition of Stage 1 and Stage 2 exposure but total exposure is unchanged under each scenario as the loan population is static.

   (4)     Refer to the Economic loss drivers section for details of economic scenarios. 

(5) Refer to the NatWest Bank Plc 2022 Annual Report and Accounts for 31 December 2022 comparatives.

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Measurement uncertainty and ECL adequacy

- During H1 2023, overall modelled ECL remained stable reflecting portfolio growth coupled with stable portfolio performance offset by the H1 2023 economics update ECL reduction at 30 June 2023. Judgemental ECL post model adjustments, increased from 31 December 2022, reflecting the increased economic uncertainty and the expectation of increased defaults in H2 2023 and beyond, and represented 15% of total ECL (31 December 2022 - 12%).

- If the economics were as negative as observed in the extreme downside, total Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECL was simulated to increase by GBP1.2 billion (approximately 94%). In this scenario, Stage 2 exposure increased significantly and was the key driver of the simulated ECL rise. The movement in Stage 2 balances in the other simulations was less significant.

- In the Wholesale portfolio, there was a significant increase in ECL under both a moderate and extreme downside scenario. The Wholesale property ECL increase was mainly due to commercial real estate prices which show negative growth until 2024 and significant deterioration in the stock index. The non-property increase was mainly due to GDP contraction and significant deterioration in the stock index.

- The changes in the economic outlook and scenarios used in the IFRS 9 MES framework at 30 June 2023 resulted in a decrease in modelled ECL. Given that continued uncertainty remains due to high inflation, rapidly rising interest rates and supply chain disruption, NWB Group utilised a framework of quantitative and qualitative measures to support the levels of ECL coverage, including economic data, credit performance insights , supply chain contagion analysis and problem debt trends. This was particularly important for consideration of post model adjustments.

- As the effects of high inflation, rapidly rising interest rates and supply chain disruption evolve during 2023 and into 2024, there is a risk of credit deterioration. However, the income statement effect of this should have been mitigated by the forward-looking provisions retained on the balance sheet at 30 June 2023.

- There are a number of key factors that could drive further downside to impairments, through deteriorating economic and credit metrics and increased stage migration as credit risk increases for more customers. Such factors which could impact the IFRS 9 models, include an adverse deterioration in GDP and unemployment in the economies in which NWB Group operates.

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Loan exposure and impairment metrics

The table below shows gross loans and related credit impairment measures, within the scope of the IFRS 9 ECL framework.

 
                              30 June  31 December 
                                 2023         2022 
                                 GBPm         GBPm 
Loans - amortised cost 
Stage 1                       279,340      266,722 
Stage 2                        35,660       37,216 
Stage 3                         4,102        3,783 
Inter-Group (1)                 6,392        4,220 
----------------------------  ------- 
Total                         325,494      311,941 
                                       ----------- 
ECL provisions (2) 
Stage 1                           532          506 
Stage 2                           778          813 
Stage 3                         1,383        1,262 
Inter-Group                         6            4 
----------------------------  ------- 
                                2,699        2,585 
----------------------------           ----------- 
ECL provisions coverage (3) 
Stage 1 (%)                      0.19         0.19 
Stage 2 (%)                      2.18         2.18 
Stage 3 (%)                     33.72        33.36 
Inter-Group (%)                  0.09         0.09 
                              ------- 
                                 0.84         0.84 
----------------------------  -------  ----------- 
 
                                Half year ended 
                              -------------------- 
                              30 June      30 June 
                                 2023         2022 
                                 GBPm         GBPm 
Impairment losses 
ECL (release)/charge (4) 
Stage 1                         (167)        (292) 
Stage 2                           237          179 
Stage 3                           119           94 
Third party                       189         (19) 
Inter-Group                         2            1 
----------------------------  -------  ----------- 
                                  191         (18) 
                              ------- 
 
Amounts written-off                88          121 
----------------------------  -------  ----------- 
 
 
 (1)   NWB Group's intercompany assets were classified in Stage 1. 
 (2)   Includes GBP4 million ( 31 December 2022 - GBP2 million) related to 
        assets classified as FVOCI. 
 (3)   ECL provisions coverage is calculated as ECL provisions divided by 
        loans - amortised cost and FVOCI. It is calculated on third party 
        loans and total ECL provisions. 
 (4)              Includes GBP2 million ( 30 June 2022 - nil) related to other financial 
                   assets, of which GBP1 million ( 30 June 2022 - nil) related to assets 
                   classified as FVOCI; and nil ( 30 June 2022 - GBP2 million release) 
                   related to contingent liabilities. 
 (5)              The table shows gross loans only and excludes amounts that were outside 
                   the scope of the ECL framework. Refer to page 33 for Financial instruments 
                   within the scope of the IFRS 9 ECL framework in the NatWest Bank Plc 
                   2022 Annual Report and Accounts for further details. Other financial 
                   assets within the scope of the IFRS 9 ECL framework were cash and 
                   balances at central banks totaling GBP51.9 billion ( 31 December 2022 
                   - GBP72.5 billion) and debt securities of GBP18.0 billion ( 31 December 
                   2022 - GBP14.1 billion). 
 

- Stage 1 and Stage 2 modelled ECL remained broadly unchanged with stable portfolio performance and latest MES scenario update modelled ECL reduction being offset by increased post model adjustments to reflect growing economic uncertainty due to high inflation and rapidly rising interest rates.

- Stage 2 loans decreased during H1 2023, primarily within Wholesale portfolios, in line with the modelled ECL reduction, linked to the update of MES forward-looking economics at H1 2023. The latest MES scenario update captures a lower unemployment peak and better GDP outlook, offset by higher inflation and interest rates.

   -    Stage 3 loans increased, primarily due to reduced write-off activity in H1 2023. 

- As previously mentioned, in Personal, the flows into default remained relatively stable and broadly in-line with post-COVID-19 lending strategy expectations and for Wholesale portfolios, with the exception of BBLS, default levels were lower than historic trends. However, it is expected that defaults will increase as growing inflationary pressures on businesses, consumers and the broader economy continue to evolve, particularly given the rapid rise in interest rates.

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Sector analysis

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

 
                                    Loans - amortised 
                                           cost                  Off-balance sheet            ECL provisions 
                             -------------------------------  ------------------------  -------------------------- 
                                                                     Loan   Contingent 
                               Stage   Stage  Stage                                     Stage  Stage  Stage 
                                   1       2      3    Total  commitments  liabilities      1      2      3  Total 
30 June 2023                    GBPm    GBPm   GBPm     GBPm         GBPm         GBPm   GBPm   GBPm   GBPm   GBPm 
Personal                     182,969  20,124  2,412  205,505       33,214           45    251    367    832  1,450 
   Mortgages                 174,238  17,476  1,577  193,291       12,900            -     86     57    167    310 
   Credit cards                2,871   1,190     95    4,156       13,179            -     48    116     65    229 
   Other personal              5,860   1,458    740    8,058        7,135           45    117    194    600    911 
---------------------------  -------  ------  -----  -------  -----------  -----------  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Wholesale                     96,371  15,536  1,690  113,597       56,934        2,463    281    411    551  1,243 
   Property                   19,132   2,646    428   22,206       10,443          309     73     76    129    278 
   Financial institutions     27,024     243     24   27,291        3,654          226     15      6      9     30 
   Sovereign                   3,674     125     25    3,824          300            -      7      1      1      9 
   Corporate                  46,541  12,522  1,213   60,276       42,537        1,928    186    328    412    926 
      Of which: 
         Agriculture           3,148     938     80    4,166          753           17     13     28     25     66 
         Airlines and 
          aerospace            1,109     424     12    1,545          877          150      4      9      6     19 
         Automotive            6,163     796     26    6,985        3,351           38     20     16     10     46 
         Chemicals               335      55      1      391          702           11      2      1      1      4 
         Health                2,629     805     87    3,521          416            4     13     25     28     66 
         Industrial            1,857     698     73    2,628        2,612          120      7     17     15     39 
         Land transport and 
          logistics            3,495     801     26    4,322        2,672          124     11     16     11     38 
         Leisure               3,161   2,475    162    5,798        1,487          124     23     78     63    164 
         Mining and metals       183      38      2      223          358            2      -      -      1      1 
         Oil and gas             569      48     25      642        1,151          129      2      1     25     28 
         Power utilities       4,128     353     46    4,527        5,730          456     10     14      7     31 
         Retail                4,078   1,284    211    5,573        3,439          281     19     33     75    127 
         Shipping                162      69      3      234           61           20      -      3      3      6 
         Water and waste       3,375     370     15    3,760        1,866           78      4      4      4     12 
---------------------------  -------  ------  -----  -------  -----------  -----------  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Total                        279,340  35,660  4,102  319,102       90,148        2,508    532    778  1,383  2,693 
---------------------------  -------  ------  -----  -------  -----------  -----------  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
 
 
31 December 2022 
Personal                          176,925  18,941  2,195  198,061  35,160     51  220  373    730  1,323 
   Mortgages                      168,675  16,511  1,464  186,650  15,894      -   75   55    148    278 
   Credit cards                     2,590     834     85    3,509  12,287      -   48   92     57    197 
   Other personal                   5,660   1,596    646    7,902   6,979     51   97  226    525    848 
--------------------------------  -------  ------  -----  -------  ------  -----  ---  ---  -----  ----- 
Wholesale                          89,797  18,275  1,588  109,660  53,863  2,988  286  440    532  1,258 
   Property                        18,379   2,874    431   21,684   9,879    328   80   75    120    275 
   Financial institutions          23,748     653     35   24,436   3,344    252   15    9     14     38 
   Sovereign                        3,824      79     24    3,927     411      -    9    1      -     10 
   Corporate                       43,846  14,669   1098   59,613  40,229  2,408  182  355    398    935 
      Of which: 
         Agriculture                3,065     824     67    3,956     739     17   17   25     29     71 
         Airlines and aerospace       367    1048     17    1,432     919     61    2   37      7     46 
         Automotive                 5,270   1,409     20    6,699   3,194     41   17   16      8     41 
         Chemicals                    323     113      1      437     546     11    1    2      1      4 
         Health                     2,812     764     96    3,672     394      2   16   20     29     65 
         Industrial                 1,923     694     73    2,690   2,638    129    8   13     19     40 
         Land transport and 
          logistics                 3,184   1,045     22    4,251   2,694    129   11   29      9     49 
         Leisure                    2,769   2,855    174    5,798   1,386     51   22   97     84    203 
         Mining and metals            157      40      2      199     349      2    -    1      1      2 
         Oil and gas                  608     111     37      756   1,079    136    2    1     27     30 
         Power utilities            3,715     404      1    4,120   3,916   1115    9   11      -     20 
         Retail                     4,919   1,248    126    6,293   3,475    335   17   25     56     98 
         Shipping                     141     129     14      284      78     14    -    6      6     12 
         Water and waste            2,970     303      7    3,280   1,796     79    4    4      4     12 
-------------------------------- 
Total                             266,722  37,216  3,783  307,721  89,023  3,039  506  813  1,262  2,581 
--------------------------------  -------  ------  -----  -------  ------  -----  ---  ---  -----  ----- 
 

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

- Personal - Balance sheet growth during H1 2023 mainly reflected continued mortgage growth. Unsecured balances growth, primarily in credit cards, was mainly a result of strong customer demand alongside disciplined credit risk appetite. Total ECL coverage increased. The increase in coverage was reflective of increased Stage 3 ECL on unsecured portfolios, mainly due to reduced write-off activity. Stable good book coverage reflected continued stable portfolio performance, while maintaining sufficient ECL coverage given increased affordability pressures on customers due to high inflation and rapidly rising interest rates. Stage 2 balances increased during H1 2023 as a result of the forecast rise in unemployment, therefore increasing IFRS 9 probability of defaults on a forward-looking basis during H1 2023. The expected peak in unemployment rate reduced as a result of the latest MES update at 30 June 2023, dampening the levels of PD SICR deterioration, but Stage 2 balance levels were maintained through three month PD persistence rules.

- Wholesale - Balance sheet growth was observed in financial institutions, property and corporates. Sector appetite continues to be reviewed regularly, with particular focus on sector clusters and sub-sectors that are vulnerable to cost of living, supply chain or inflationary pressures, or deemed to represent a heightened risk . Total coverage has reduced by 0.05% to 1.10% mainly due to growth in Stage 1 exposures. Stage 1 and Stage 2 ECL decreased due to improvements in forward-looking economics and some positive portfolio performance more than offsetting increases in post model adjustments.

Flow statements

The flow statements that follow show the main ECL and related income statement movements. They also show the changes in ECL as well as the changes in related financial assets used in determining ECL. Due to differences in scope, exposures may differ from those reported in other tables, principally in relation to exposures in Stage 1 and Stage 2. These differences do not have a material ECL effect. Other points to note:

- Financial assets include treasury liquidity portfolios, comprising balances at central banks and debt securities, as well as loans. Both modelled and non-modelled portfolios are included.

- Stage transfers (for example, exposures moving from Stage 1 into Stage 2) are a key feature of the ECL movements, with the net re-measurement cost of transitioning to a worse stage being a primary driver of income statement charges. Similarly, there is an ECL benefit for accounts improving stage.

- Changes in risk parameters shows the reassessment of the ECL within a given stage, including any ECL overlays and residual income statement gains or losses at the point of write-off or accounting write-down.

- Other (P&L only items) includes any subsequent changes in the value of written-down assets (for example, fortuitous recoveries) along with other direct write-off items such as direct recovery costs. Other (P&L only items) affects the income statement but does not affect balance sheet ECL movements.

- Amounts written-off represent the gross asset written-down against accounts with ECL, including the net asset write-down for any debt sale activity.

- There were flows from Stage 1 into Stage 3 including transfers due to unexpected default events.

- The effect of any change in post model adjustments during the year is typically reported under changes in risk parameters, as are any effects arising from changes to the underlying models. Refer to the section on Governance and post model adjustments for further details.

- All movements are captured monthly and aggregated. Interest suspended post default is included within Stage 3 ECL with the movement in the value of suspended interest during the year reported under currency translation and other adjustments.

 
                                          Stage 1           Stage 2           Stage 3            Total 
                                      ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
                                      Financial         Financial         Financial         Financial 
                                         assets    ECL     assets    ECL     assets    ECL     assets    ECL 
NWB Group total                            GBPm   GBPm       GBPm   GBPm       GBPm   GBPm       GBPm   GBPm 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----- 
At 1 January 2023                       359,432    506     39,087    813      3,862  1,262    402,381  2,581 
Currency translation and other 
 adjustments                            (1,360)      2      (191)    (3)         44     48    (1,507)     47 
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 
 2                                     (21,122)  (133)     21,122    133          -      -          -      - 
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 
 1                                       18,796    312   (18,796)  (312)          -      -          -      - 
Transfers to Stage 3                      (125)    (2)    (1,385)  (109)      1,510    111          -      - 
Transfers from Stage 3                      151     14        237     18      (388)   (32)          -      - 
                                                 ----- 
   Net re-measurement of ECL 
    on stage transfer                            (227)               332                94               199 
   Changes in risk parameters 
    (model inputs)                                (26)              (22)               102                54 
   Other changes in net exposure       (13,112)     86    (3,370)   (72)      (770)   (63)   (17,252)   (49) 
   Other (P&L only items)                            -               (1)              (14)              (15) 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----- 
Income statement (releases)/charges              (167)               237               119               189 
Amounts written-off                           -      -          -      -       (88)   (88)       (88)   (88) 
Unwinding of discount                                -                 -              (51)              (51) 
------------------------------------ 
At 30 June 2023                         342,660    532     36,704    778      4,170  1,383    383,534  2,693 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----- 
Net carrying amount                     342,128            35,926             2,787           380,841 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----- 
At 1 January 2022                       388,953    231     27,337  1,105      3,147  1,167    419,437  2,503 
2022 movements                          (2,874)     86    (4,465)  (267)        834     43    (6,505)  (138) 
                                      ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----- 
At 30 June 2022                         386,079    317     22,872    838      3,981  1,210    412,932  2,365 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----- 
Net carrying amount                     385,762            22,034             2,771           410,567 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----- 
 

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Flow statements

 
                                          Stage 1          Stage 2          Stage 3           Total 
                                      ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
                                      Financial        Financial        Financial        Financial 
                                         assets   ECL     assets   ECL     assets   ECL     assets   ECL 
Retail Banking - mortgages                 GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 1 January 2023                       153,791    74     16,557    55      1,321   139    171,669   268 
Currency translation and other 
 adjustments                                (2)     -          2     -         25    25         25    25 
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 
 2                                      (8,778)   (6)      8,778     6          -     -          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 
 1                                        6,532    14    (6,532)  (14)          -     -          -     - 
Transfers to Stage 3                       (14)     -      (371)   (2)        385     2          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 3                       18     -        114     3      (132)   (3)          -     - 
   Net re-measurement of ECL 
    on stage transfer                            (10)               14                2                6 
   Changes in risk parameters 
    (model inputs)                                 17              (1)               27               43 
   Other changes in net exposure          7,583   (3)    (1,050)   (3)      (186)  (16)      6,347  (22) 
   Other (P&L only items)                         (1)                -              (5)              (6) 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Income statement (releases)/charges                 3               10                8               21 
Amounts written-off                           -     -          -     -        (4)   (4)        (4)   (4) 
Unwinding of discount                               -                -             (16)             (16) 
At 30 June 2023                         159,130    86     17,498    58      1,409   156    178,037   300 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Net carrying amount                     159,044           17,440            1,253          177,737 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 1 January 2022                       146,450    22      8,692   123        875   158    156,017   303 
2022 movements                            6,786    29    (1,397)  (66)        401  (23)      5,790  (60) 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 30 June 2022                         153,236    51      7,295    57      1,276   135    161,807   243 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Net carrying amount                     153,185            7,238            1,141          161,564 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
 

- ECL levels for mortgages increased during H1 2023, reflecting continued strong growth. While portfolio performance remained stable, increased economic uncertainty is captured through ECL post model adjustments (reflected in changes in risk parameters).

- There were net flows into Stage 2 from Stage 1 as PDs increased due to moving closer to the forecasted unemployment peak, noting the latest MES update reduction in unemployment peak will not result in exits from Stage 2 until Q3 2023 (due to the three month PD persistence rule in stage allocation).

- The increase in the cost of living post model adjustment at 30 June 2023 proportionately allocated more ECL to Stage 1 given the forward-looking nature of the cost of living and inflation threat. Refer to the Governance and post model adjustments section for more information.

- The Stage 3 inflows remained broadly stable but there was a modest increase in Stage 3 ECL overall, partly linked to recent house price index deterioration. The relatively small ECL cost for net re-measurement on stage transfer included the effect of risk targeted ECL adjustments, when previously in the good book. Refer to the Governance and post model adjustments section for further details.

- Write-off occurs once the repossessed property has been sold and there is a residual shortfall balance remaining outstanding. This would typically be within five years from default but can be longer. Given repossession activity remains subdued relative to pre-COVID-19 levels, write-offs remained at a lower level.

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Flow statements

 
                                          Stage 1          Stage 2          Stage 3           Total 
                                      ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
                                      Financial        Financial        Financial        Financial 
                                         assets   ECL     assets   ECL     assets   ECL     assets   ECL 
Retail Banking - credit cards              GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 1 January 2023                         2,420    47        855    91         88    57      3,363   195 
Currency translation and other                -     -          -     -          3     1          3     1 
 adjustments 
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 
 2                                        (695)  (17)        695    17          -     -          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 
 1                                          263    19      (263)  (19)          -     -          -     - 
Transfers to Stage 3                        (8)     -       (44)  (18)         52    18          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 3                        1     1          3     1        (4)   (2)          -     - 
   Net re-measurement of ECL 
    on stage transfer                            (12)               63               13               64 
   Changes in risk parameters 
    (model inputs)                                  5              (1)                7               11 
   Other changes in net exposure            579     4       (40)  (19)       (13)   (1)        526  (16) 
   Other (P&L only items)                           -                -                -                - 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Income statement (releases)/charges               (3)               43               19               59 
Amounts written-off                           -     -          -     -       (26)  (26)       (26)  (26) 
Unwinding of discount                               -                -              (2)              (2) 
At 30 June 2023                           2,560    47      1,206   115        100    65      3,866   227 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Net carrying amount                       2,513            1,091               35            3,639 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 1 January 2022                         2,096    47        751   114         69    45      2,916   206 
2022 movements                               89     4         46  (24)         15     7        150  (13) 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 30 June 2022                           2,185    51        797    90         84    52      3,066   193 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Net carrying amount                       2,134              707               32            2,873 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
 
 
 
  *    The overall increase in ECL was mainly due to the 
       increase in Stage 2 ECL. 
 
 
  *    While portfolio performance remained stable, a net 
       flow into Stage 2 from Stage 1 is observed as PDs 
       increase as the forecasted unemployment peak moves 
       closer and PD modelling updates capture more economic 
       downside. 
 
  *    Credit card balances have continued to grow since the 
       2022 year end, in line with industry trends in the UK, 
       reflecting strong customer demand, while sustaining 
       robust risk appetite. 
 
  *    Reflecting the strong credit performance observed 
       during H1 2023, Stage 3 inflows remained stable and 
       therefore Stage 3 ECL movement was modest in H1 2023. 
 
  *    Charge-off (analogous to partial write-off) typically 
       occurs after 12 missed payments. 
 

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Flow statements

 
                                          Stage 1           Stage 2           Stage 3           Total 
                                      ----------------  ----------------  ---------------  --------------- 
                                      Financial         Financial         Financial        Financial 
Retail Banking                           assets    ECL     assets    ECL     assets   ECL     assets   ECL 
 - other personal unsecured                GBPm   GBPm       GBPm   GBPm       GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 1 January 2023                         3,813     92      1,666    225        638   516      6,117   833 
Currency translation and other 
 adjustments                                  -      -        (1)    (2)         10    10          9     8 
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 
 2                                      (1,206)   (50)      1,206     50          -     -          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 
 1                                          984    140      (984)  (140)          -     -          -     - 
Transfers to Stage 3                       (19)    (1)      (136)   (53)        155    54          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 3                        2      1          9      3       (11)   (4)          -     - 
   Net re-measurement of ECL 
    on stage transfer                            (100)               140               20               60 
   Changes in risk parameters 
    (model inputs)                                (19)               (8)               41               14 
   Other changes in net exposure            498     47      (222)   (24)       (42)  (14)        234     9 
   Other (P&L only items)                            1               (1)                4                4 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Income statement (releases)/charges               (71)               107               51               87 
Amounts written-off                           -      -          -      -       (18)  (18)       (18)  (18) 
Unwinding of discount                                -                 -             (12)             (12) 
At 30 June 2023                           4,072    110      1,538    191        732   593      6,342   894 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Net carrying amount                       3,962             1,347               139            5,448 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 1 January 2022                         3,636     43      1,574    242        510   438      5,720   723 
2022 movements                              229      9      (150)   (51)         87    62        166    20 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 30 June 2022                           3,865     52      1,424    191        597   500      5,886   743 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Net carrying amount                       3,813             1,233                97            5,143 
------------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
 
 
 
   *    Total ECL increased mainly in Stage 3. While default 
        levels were stable, they were higher than in 2022 in 
        absolute terms. This increase was in line with 
        post-COVID-19 portfolio growth alongside robust risk 
        appetite and, given write-off levels are lower during 
        2023 so far, ECL levels have also risen. 
 
   *    While portfolio performance remains stable, a net 
        flow into Stage 2 from Stage 1 is observed as PDs 
        increase as the forecasted unemployment peak moves 
        closer. The lower forecast unemployment peak in the 
        latest MES economics dampened the net effect of stage 
        migrations on ECL, primarily through reducing PDs on 
        existing Stage 2 cases. 
 
   *    Unsecured retail balances have grown since the 2022 
        year end, in line with industry trends in the UK, as 
        unsecured borrowing demand continues. 
 
   *    Write-off occurs once recovery activity with the 
        customer has been concluded or there are no further 
        recoveries expected, but no later than six years 
        after default. 
 

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Flow statements

 
                                       Stage 1           Stage 2           Stage 3           Total 
                                   ----------------  ----------------  ---------------  ---------------- 
                                   Financial         Financial         Financial        Financial 
                                      assets    ECL     assets    ECL     assets   ECL     assets    ECL 
Commercial & Institutional              GBPm   GBPm       GBPm   GBPm       GBPm  GBPm       GBPm   GBPm 
 total 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----- 
At 1 January 2023                     63,844    259     18,360    419      1,567   524     83,771  1,202 
Currency translation and other 
 adjustments                           (434)      3      (183)    (2)          8     9      (609)     10 
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 
 2                                   (9,402)   (56)      9,402     56          -     -          -      - 
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 
 1                                     9,703    131    (9,703)  (131)          -     -          -      - 
Transfers to Stage 3                    (37)    (1)      (742)   (33)        779    34          -      - 
Transfers from Stage 3                    81     12        103     11      (184)  (23)          -      - 
   Net re-measurement of ECL 
    on stage transfer                         (101)               105               60                64 
   Changes in risk parameters 
    (model inputs)                             (29)              (11)               24              (16) 
   Other changes in net exposure       5,296     36    (1,883)   (20)      (470)  (33)      2,943   (17) 
   Other (P&L only items)                         -                 -             (13)              (13) 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----- 
Income statement releases                      (94)                74               38                18 
Amounts written-off                        -      -          -      -       (39)  (39)       (39)   (39) 
Unwinding of discount                             -                 -             (17)              (17) 
At 30 June 2023                       69,051    254     15,354    394      1,661   539     86,066  1,187 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----- 
Net carrying amount                   68,797            14,960             1,122           84,879 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----- 
At 1 January 2022                     61,223     96     15,055    588      1,422   486     77,700  1,170 
2022 movements                         4,971     41    (2,426)  (113)        254     4      2,799   (68) 
                                   ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----- 
At 30 June 2022                       66,194    137     12,629    475      1,676   490     80,499  1,102 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----- 
Net carrying amount                   66,057            12,154             1,186           79,397 
---------------------------------  ---------  -----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----- 
 
 
 
      *    There was a small decrease in ECL levels during H1 
           2023, with reductions in modelled ECL from improving 
           economic variables and risk metrics partially offset 
           by increases in post model adjustments to capture 
           increased economic uncertainty and Stage 3 charges. 
 
 
      *    Stage 2 exposure and ECL reduced, reflecting 
           improving economic variables and risk metrics which 
           lowered PDs and led to significant transfers of 
           exposure and ECL from Stage 2 into Stage 1. The ECL 
           reduction was partially offset by charges, the 
           majority of which were from increases in post model 
           adjustments, with the PD downgrade adjustment 
           resulting in transfers from Stage 1 into Stage 2 and 
           increased ECL on stage transfer, from moving from a 
           12 month ECL to a lifetime ECL. 
 
 
      *    Stage 3 inflows remained stable. There was a modest 
           increase in Stage 3 ECL overall with increases from 
           transfers and charges largely offset by write-offs. 
 
 
 

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Flow statements

 
                                          Stage 1          Stage 2           Stage 3           Total 
                                      ---------------  ----------------  ---------------  --------------- 
                                      Financial        Financial         Financial        Financial 
                                         assets   ECL     assets    ECL     assets   ECL     assets   ECL 
Commercial & Institutional                 GBPm  GBPm       GBPm   GBPm       GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm 
 - corporate 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 1 January 2023                        40,369   175     14,662    344      1,093   385     56,124   904 
Currency translation and other 
 adjustments                              (361)     4      (153)    (3)          9     8      (505)     9 
Inter-Group transfers                         1     -       (11)      -        (3)     -       (13)     - 
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 
 2                                      (7,238)  (44)      7,238     44          -     -          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 
 1                                        6,998   102    (6,998)  (102)          -     -          -     - 
Transfers to Stage 3                       (31)   (1)      (570)   (26)        601    27          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 3                       58    10         80      8      (138)  (18)          -     - 
   Net re-measurement of ECL 
    on stage transfer                            (80)                78               47               45 
   Changes in risk parameters 
    (model inputs)                               (16)              (16)               19             (13) 
   Other changes in net exposure          4,897    28    (1,798)   (13)      (352)  (30)      2,747  (15) 
   Other (P&L only items)                         (1)                 -             (12)             (13) 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Income statement (releases)/charges              (69)                49               24                4 
Amounts written-off                           -     -          -      -       (20)  (20)       (20)  (20) 
Unwinding of discount                               -                 -             (14)             (14) 
At 30 June 2023                          44,693   178     12,450    314      1,190   404     58,333   896 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Net carrying amount                      44,515           12,136               786           57,437 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  -----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
 

- There was a modest decrease in ECL levels during H1 2023, with reductions in modelled ECL from improving economic variables and risk metrics offset by increases in post model adjustments to capture increased economic uncertainty and Stage 3 charges.

- Stage 2 exposure and ECL reduced, reflecting improving economic variables and risk metrics which lowered PDs, with the net effect of stage transfers leading to a reduction in ECL. The ECL reduction was partially offset by charges, the majority of which, were from increases in post model adjustments.

- Stage 3 inflows remained stable with increases from government scheme lending. There was a modest increase in Stage 3 ECL overall with increases from transfers and charges partially offset by write-offs.

 
                                          Stage 1          Stage 2          Stage 3           Total 
                                      ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
                                      Financial        Financial        Financial        Financial 
                                         assets   ECL     assets   ECL     assets   ECL     assets   ECL 
Commercial & Institutional                 GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm 
 - property 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 1 January 2023                        16,806    73      2,871    66        378   126     20,055   265 
Currency translation and other 
 adjustments                                (7)     -        (4)   (1)          1     2       (10)     1 
Inter-Group transfers                         1     -          6     -          2     -          9     - 
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 
 2                                      (1,739)  (11)      1,739    11          -     -          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 
 1                                        1,596    21    (1,596)  (21)          -     -          -     - 
Transfers to Stage 3                        (7)     -      (169)   (7)        176     7          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 3                       21     2         22     3       (43)   (5)          -     - 
   Net re-measurement of ECL 
    on stage transfer                            (15)               24               12               21 
   Changes in risk parameters 
    (model inputs)                               (11)                4                3              (4) 
   Other changes in net exposure            505     7      (344)   (5)       (78)   (3)         83   (1) 
   Other (P&L only items)                           1              (1)                -                - 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Income statement (releases)/charges              (18)               22               12               16 
Amounts written-off                           -     -          -     -       (14)  (14)       (14)  (14) 
Unwinding of discount                               -                -              (3)              (3) 
At 30 June 2023                          17,176    66      2,525    74        422   125     20,123   265 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Net carrying amount                      17,110            2,451              297           19,858 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
 
 
 
      *    ECL levels stayed constant during H1 2023, with 
           reductions in modelled ECL from improving economic 
           variables and risk metrics offset by increases in 
           post model adjustments to capture increased economic 
           uncertainty. 
 
 
      *    Stage 2 exposure reduced reflecting improving 
           economic variables and risk metrics which lowered PDs, 
           with the net effect of stage transfers leading to a 
           reduction in ECL. 
 
 
      *    Stage 2 ECL increased due to economic uncertainty 
           post model adjustments which more than offset 
           reductions from stage transfers. 
 
 
      *    Stage 3 inflows increased due to an uptick in 
           defaults but this did not lead to a change in ECL 
           with increases from transfers and charges offset by 
           write-offs. 
 
 

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Flow statements

 
                                          Stage 1          Stage 2          Stage 3           Total 
                                      ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
                                      Financial        Financial        Financial        Financial 
                                         assets   ECL     assets   ECL     assets   ECL     assets   ECL 
Commercial & Institutional                 GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm       GBPm  GBPm 
 - other 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
At 1 January 2023                         6,669    11        827     9         96    13      7,592    33 
Currency translation and other 
 adjustments                               (65)     -       (27)     -        (2)     -       (94)     - 
Inter-Group transfers                       (1)     -          5     -          -     -          4     - 
Transfers from Stage 1 to Stage 
 2                                        (424)   (1)        424     1          -     -          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 2 to Stage 
 1                                        1,108     7    (1,108)   (7)          -     -          -     - 
Transfers to Stage 3                          -     -        (2)     -          2     -          -     - 
Transfers from Stage 3                        2     -          1     -        (3)     -          -     - 
   Net re-measurement of ECL 
    on stage transfer                             (6)                4                -              (2) 
   Changes in risk parameters                     (2)                -                2                - 
    (model inputs) 
   Other changes in net exposure          (107)     1        259   (1)       (40)   (1)        112   (1) 
   Other (P&L only items)                           -                -                1                1 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Income statement (releases)/charges               (7)                3                2              (2) 
Amounts written-off                           -     -          -     -        (4)   (4)        (4)   (4) 
Unwinding of discount                               -                -                -                - 
At 30 June 2023                           7,182    10        379     6         49    10      7,610    26 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
Net carrying amount                       7,172              373               39            7,584 
------------------------------------  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ----  ---------  ---- 
 
 
 
  *    There was a modest decrease in ECL levels during H1 
       2023, with reductions in modelled ECL from improving 
       economic variables and risk metrics partially offset 
       by increases in post model adjustments to capture 
       increased economic uncertainty. 
 
  *    Stage 2 exposure and ECL reduced, reflecting 
       improving economic variables and risk metrics which 
       lowered PDs and led to significant transfers of 
       exposure and ECL from Stage 2 into Stage 1. 
 
 
 

Notes

7. Loan impairment provisions continued

Mortgage LTV distribution by stage

The table below shows gross mortgage lending and related ECL by LTV band. Mortgage lending not within the scope of IFRS 9 ECL reflected portfolios carried at fair value.

 
                          Mortgages                                ECL provisions              ECL provisions 
                                                                                                coverage (2) 
           ---------------------------------------  -------  --------------------------  -------------------------- 
                                      Not                Of 
                                   within            which: 
                                     IFRS             gross 
                                        9 
                                      ECL               new 
             Stage   Stage  Stage   scope    Total  lending  Stage  Stage  Stage  Total  Stage  Stage  Stage  Total 
                 1       2      3                                1      2      3    (1)      1      2      3 
30 June       GBPm    GBPm   GBPm    GBPm     GBPm     GBPm   GBPm   GBPm   GBPm   GBPm      %      %      %      % 
2023 
<=50%       59,186   6,234    733      44   66,197    2,722     24     15     78    117    0.0    0.2   10.6    0.2 
>50% and 
 <=70%      64,066   7,149    569       5   71,789    4,773     33     25     55    113    0.1    0.4    9.7    0.2 
>70% and 
 <=80%      22,059   2,091     89       -   24,239    3,978     11      8     11     30    0.1    0.4   12.4    0.1 
>80% and 
 <=90%      11,207   1,392     27       -   12,626    3,148      9      6      4     19    0.1    0.4   14.8    0.2 
>90% and 
 <=100%      4,331     481      9       -    4,821    2,427      4      3      2      9    0.1    0.6   22.2    0.2 
>100%           44       7     11       -       62        7      2      -      5      7    4.6      -   45.5   11.3 
---------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -------  -------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Total 
 with 
 LTVs      160,893  17,354  1,438      49  179,734   17,055     83     57    155    295    0.1    0.3   10.8    0.2 
Other          103       1      1       -      105        -      2      -      1      3    1.9      -  100.0    2.9 
---------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -------  -------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Total      160,996  17,355  1,439      49  179,839   17,055     85     57    156    298    0.1    0.3   10.8    0.2 
---------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -------  -------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
 
31 
December 
2022 
           -------  ------  -----  ------  -------  -------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
<=50%       63,446   6,809    742      50   71,047    7,187     23     17     77    117      -    0.3   10.4    0.2 
>50% and 
 <=70%      65,419   7,118    495       5   73,037   13,790     31     27     47    105    0.1    0.4    9.5    0.1 
>70% and 
 <=80%      17,227   1,540     52       1   18,820   10,978      7      6      7     20      -    0.4   13.5    0.1 
>80% and 
 <=90%       7,714     889     14       1    8,618    6,950      6      4      4     14    0.1    0.5   28.6    0.2 
>90% and 
 <=100%      1,363      17      4       -    1,384    1,341      2      -      1      3    0.2      -   25.0    0.2 
>100%           34       7      9       -       50        2      2      -      4      6    5.9      -   44.4   12.0 
---------                                                                                       -----  -----  ----- 
Total 
 with 
 LTVs      155,203  16,380  1,316      57  172,956   40,248     71     54    140    265    0.1    0.3   10.6    0.2 
Other           40       1      1       -       42        -      3      -      1      4    7.5      -  100.0    9.5 
---------  -------  ------  -----          -------  -------                              -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Total      155,243  16,381  1,317      57  172,998   40,248     74     54    141    269    0.1    0.3   10.7    0.2 
---------  -------  ------  -----  ------  -------  -------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
 
   (1)     Excludes a non-material amount of provisions held on relatively small legacy portfolios. 
   (2)     ECL provisions coverage is ECL provisions divided by mortgages. 

- Overall LTV for the portfolio increased during H1 2023, reflecting the easing of UK house prices, which was reflected in the increased exposure in the higher LTV bands. ECL coverage levels were maintained across the LTV bands.

Notes

8. Provisions for liabilities and charges

 
                                        Redress                  Financial 
                                      and other                commitments 
                                     litigation  Property   and guarantees  Other (1)  Total 
                                           GBPm      GBPm             GBPm       GBPm   GBPm 
At 1 January 2023                           292       105               59         94    550 
Expected credit losses impairment             -         -                1          -      1 
 charge 
Currency translation and 
 other movements                            (3)         -                -        (4)    (7) 
Charge to income statement                   26        19                -         31     76 
Release to income statement                 (1)      (16)                -       (11)   (28) 
Provisions utilised                        (68)       (7)                -       (25)  (100) 
----------------------------------  -----------  --------                   ---------  ----- 
At 30 June 2023                             246       101               60         85    492 
----------------------------------  -----------  --------  ---------------  ---------  ----- 
 
   (1)     Other materially comprises provisions relating to restructuring costs. 

Provisions are liabilities of uncertain timing or amount and are recognised when there is a present obligation as a result of a past event, the outflow of economic benefit is probable and the outflow can be estimated reliably. Any difference between the final outcome and the amounts provided will affect the reported results in the period when the matter is resolved.

9. Dividends

The Board of National Westminster Bank Plc has declared an interim dividend for H1 2023 of GBP838 million to be paid to NWH Ltd in H2 2023 (H1 2022- GBP993 million).

10. Contingent liabilities and commitments

The amounts shown in the table below are intended only to provide an indication of the volume of business outstanding at 30 June 2023. Although NWB Group is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance of the obligations undertaken by customers, the amounts shown do not, and are not intended to, provide any indication of NWB Group's expectation of future losses.

 
                                                         30 June  31 December 
                                                            2023         2022 
                                                            GBPm         GBPm 
                                                                  ----------- 
Contingent liabilities and commitments 
Guarantees                                                 1,324        1,728 
Other contingent liabilities                               1,034        1,197 
Standby facilities, credit lines and other commitments    81,997       87,221 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------- 
Total                                                     84,355       90,146 
-------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------- 
 

Commitments and contingent obligations are subject to NWB Group's normal credit approval processes.

Indemnity deed

In April 2019, NWM Plc and NWB Plc entered into a cross indemnity agreement for losses incurred within the entities in relation to business transferred to or from the ring-fenced bank under the NatWest Group's structural re-organisation. Under the agreement, NWM Plc is indemnified by NWB Plc against losses relating to the NWB Plc transferring businesses and ringfenced bank obligations and NWB Plc is indemnified by NWM Plc against losses relating to NWM Plc transferring businesses and non-ring-fenced bank obligations with effect from the relevant transfer date.

No tes

11. Litigation and regulatory matters

NWB Plc and its subsidiary and associated undertakings (NWB Group) are party to legal proceedings and involved in regulatory matters, including as the subject of investigations and other regulatory and governmental action (Matters) in the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), the European Union (EU) and other jurisdictions.

NWB Group recognises a provision for a liability in relation to these Matters when it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle an obligation resulting from past events, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

In many of these Matters, it is not possible to determine whether any loss is probable, or to estimate reliably the amount of any loss, either as a direct consequence of the relevant proceedings and regulatory matters or as a result of adverse impacts or restrictions on NWB Group's reputation, businesses and operations. Numerous legal and factual issues may need to be resolved, including through potentially lengthy discovery and document production exercises and determination of important factual matters, and by addressing novel or unsettled legal questions relevant to the proceedings in question, before a liability can reasonably be estimated for any claim. NWB Group cannot predict if, how, or when such claims will be resolved or what the eventual settlement, damages, fine, penalty or other relief, if any, may be, particularly for claims that are at an early stage in their development or where claimants seek substantial or indeterminate damages.

There are situations where NWB Group may pursue an approach that in some instances leads to a settlement agreement. This may occur in order to avoid the expense, management distraction or reputational implications of continuing to contest liability, or in order to take account of the risks inherent in defending claims or regulatory matters, even for those Matters for which NWB Group believes it has credible defences and should prevail on the merits. The uncertainties inherent in all such Matters affect the amount and timing of any potential outflows for both Matters with respect to which provisions have been established and other contingent liabilities in respect of any such Matter.

It is not practicable to provide an aggregate estimate of potential liability for our legal proceedings and regulatory matters as a class of contingent liabilities.

The future outflow of resources in respect of any Matter may ultimately prove to be substantially greater than or less than the aggregate provision that NWB Group has recognised. Where (and as far as) liability cannot be reasonably estimated, no provision has been recognised. NWB Group expects that in future periods, additional provisions, settlement amounts and customer redress payments will be necessary, in amounts that are expected to be substantial in some instances. Please refer to Note 8 for information on material provisions.

Matters which are, or could be material, having regard to NWB Group, considered as a whole, in which NWB Group is currently involved are set out below. We have provided information on the procedural history of certain Matters, where we believe appropriate, to aid the understanding of the Matter.

For a discussion of certain risks associated with NWB Group's litigation and regulatory matters, see the Risk Factor relating to legal, regulatory and governmental actions and investigations set out on page 191 of NWB Plc's 2022 Annual Report and Accounts.

Litigation

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other rates litigation

In August 2020, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California by several United States retail borrowers against the USD ICE LIBOR panel banks and their affiliates (including NatWest Group plc, NatWest Markets Plc, NatWest Markets Securities Inc. and NWB Plc), alleging (i) that the very process of setting USD ICE LIBOR amounts to illegal price-fixing; and (ii) that banks in the United States have illegally agreed to use LIBOR as a component of price in variable retail loans. In September 2022, the district court dismissed the complaint, subject to re-pleading by the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in October 2022, which the defendants are again seeking to have dismissed.

No tes

11. Litigation and regulatory matters continued

Offshoring VAT assessments

HMRC issued protective tax assessments in 2018 against NatWest Group plc totalling GBP143 million relating to unpaid VAT in respect of the UK branches of two NatWest Group companies registered in India. NatWest Group formally requested reconsideration by HMRC of their assessments, and this process was completed in November 2020. HMRC upheld their original decision and, as a result, NatWest Group plc lodged an appeal with the Tax Tribunal and an application for judicial review with the High Court of Justice of England and Wales, both in December 2020. In order to lodge the appeal with the Tax Tribunal, NatWest Group plc was required to pay GBP143 million to HMRC, and payment was made in December 2020. The appeal and the application for judicial review have both been stayed pending resolution of a separate case involving another bank.

Regulatory matters (including investigations and customer redress programmes)

NWB Group's financial condition can be affected by the actions of various governmental and regulatory authorities in the UK, the US, the EU and elsewhere. NWB Group and/or NatWest Group have engaged, and will continue to engage, in discussions with relevant governmental and regulatory authorities, including in the UK, the US, the EU and elsewhere, on an ongoing and regular basis, and in response to informal and formal inquiries or investigations, regarding operational, systems and control evaluations and issues including those related to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including consumer protection, investment advice, business conduct, competition/anti-trust, VAT recovery, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering and sanctions regimes. NWB Group expects government and regulatory intervention in financial services to be high for the foreseeable future, including increased scrutiny from competition and other regulators in the retail and SME business sectors.

Any matters discussed or identified during such discussions and inquiries may result in, among other things, further inquiry or investigation, other action being taken by governmental and regulatory authorities, increased costs being incurred by NWB Group, remediation of systems and controls, public or private censure, restriction of NWB Group's business activities and/or fines. Any of the events or circumstances mentioned in this paragraph or below could have a material adverse effect on NWB Group, its business, authorisations and licences, reputation, results of operations or the price of securities issued by it, or lead to material additional provisions being taken.

NWB Group is co-operating fully with the matters described below.

Investment advice review

In October 2019, the FCA notified NatWest Group of its intention to appoint a Skilled Person under section 166 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to conduct a review of whether NatWest Group's past business review of investment advice provided during 2010 to 2015 was subject to appropriate governance and accountability and led to appropriate customer outcomes. The Skilled Person's review has concluded and, after discussion with the FCA, NatWest Group has now commenced additional review/remediation work.

No tes

12. Related party transactions

UK Government

The UK Government through HM Treasury is the ultimate controlling party of NatWest Group plc. The UK Government's shareholding is managed by UK Government Investments Limited, a company wholly owned by the UK Government. As a result the UK Government and UK Government controlled bodies are related parties of the Group.

At 30 June 2023 HM Treasury's holding in the NatWest Group's ordinary shares was 38.53%.

NWB Group enters into transactions with many of these bodies. Transactions include the payment of: taxes - principally UK corporation tax and value added tax; national insurance contributions; local authority rates; regulatory fees and levies; together with banking transactions such as loans and deposits undertaken in the normal course of banker customer relationships.

Bank of England facilities

In the ordinary course of business, NWB Group may from time to time access market-wide facilities provided by the Bank of England.

Other related parties

(a) In their roles as providers of finance, NWB Group companies provide development and other types of capital support to businesses. These investments are made in the normal course of business.

(b) To further strategic partnerships, NWB Group may seek to invest in third parties or allow third parties to hold a minority interest in a subsidiary of NWB Group. We disclose as related parties where stakes of 10 per cent or more are held. Ongoing business transactions with these entities are on normal commercial terms.

(c) NWB Group recharges the NatWest Group Pension Fund with the cost of administration services incurred by it. The amounts involved are not material to NWB Group.

(d) In accordance with IAS 24, transactions or balances between NWB Group entities that have been eliminated on consolidation are not reported.

Full details of NWB Group's related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2022 are included in NatWest Bank Plc's 2022 Annual Report and Accounts.

13. Post balance sheet events

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

14. Date of approval

This announcement was approved by the Board of Directors on 27 July 2023.

Independent review report to National Westminster Bank Plc

Conclusion

We have been engaged by National Westminster Bank Plc ( the Group ) to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2023 which comprises of the condensed consolidated income statement, the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated balance sheet, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity, the condensed consolidated cash flow statement, and related Notes 1 to 14 (together "the condensed consolidated 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 set of financial statements.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2023 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34 and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

Basis for conclusion

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" (ISRE) issued by the Financial Reporting Council. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, 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 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.

As disclosed in Note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting".

Conclusions relating to Going Concern

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis of Conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that management have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that management have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed.

This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with this ISRE, however future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease to continue as a going concern.

Responsibilities of the directors

The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the review of the financial information

In reviewing the half-yearly report, we are responsible for expressing to the Group a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions Relating to Going Concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for Conclusion paragraph of this report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the Group in accordance with guidance contained in International Standard on Review Engagements 2410 (UK) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Financial Reporting Council. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Group, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

Ernst & Young LLP

London, United Kingdom

27 July 2023

NatWest Bank plc Summary Risk Factors

Summary of Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Set out below is a summary of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year which could adversely affect NWB Group. This summary should not be regarded as a complete and comprehensive statement of all potential risks and uncertainties; a fuller description of these and other risk factors is included on pages 172 to 192 of the NatWest Bank Plc 2022 Annual Report and Accounts. Any of the risks identified may have a material adverse effect on NatWest Group's business, operations, financial condition or prospects.

Economic and political risk

- NWB Group, its customers and its counterparties face continued economic and political risks and uncertainties in the UK and global markets, including as a result of high inflation and rising interest rates, supply chain disruption and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

- Changes in interest rates have significantly affected, and will continue to affect, NWB Group's business and results.

- Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may adversely affect NWB Group's results and financial condition.

- Continuing uncertainty regarding the effects and extent of the UK's post Brexit divergence from EU laws and regulation, and NWB Group's post Brexit EU operating model may adversely affect NWB Group and its operating environment.

- HM Treasury (or UKGI on its behalf) could exercise a significant degree of influence over NatWest Group and NWB Group is controlled by NatWest Group.

Strategic risk

- NatWest Group (NWB Plc's parent company) continues to implement its purpose-led strategy, which carries significant execution and operational risks and may not achieve its stated aims and targeted outcomes.

- Future acquisitions or divestments by NatWest Group (and/or NWB Group) may not be successful, and consolidation or fragmentation of the financial services industry may adversely affect NatWest Group.

   -      The transfer of NatWest Group's Western European corporate portfolio involves certain risks. 

Financial resilience risk

   -      NWB Group may not meet the targets it communicates or generate sustainable returns. 
   -      NWB Group has significant exposure to counterparty and borrower risk. 

- NWB Group operates in markets that are highly competitive, with increasing competitive pressures and technology disruption.

- NWB Group may not meet the prudential regulatory requirements for regulatory capital and MREL, or manage its capital effectively, which could trigger the execution of certain management actions or recovery options.

   -      NWB Group may not be able to adequately access sources of liquidity and funding. 

- NWB Group is reliant on NatWest Group for capital and funding support, and is substantially reliant on NatWest Group plc's ability to issue sufficient amounts of capital and external MREL securities and downstream the proceeds to NWB Group. The inability to do so may adversely affect NWB Group.

- Any reduction in the credit rating and/or outlooks assigned to NatWest Group plc, any of its subsidiaries (including NWB Plc or other NWB Group subsidiaries) or any of their respective debt securities could adversely affect the availability of funding for NWB Group, reduce its liquidity position and increase the cost of funding.

- NWB Group may be adversely affected if NatWest Group fails to meet the requirements of regulatory stress tests.

- NWB Group could incur losses or be required to maintain higher levels of capital as a result of limitations or failure of various models.

- NWB Group's financial statements are sensitive to underlying accounting policies, judgments, estimates and assumptions.

   -      Changes in accounting standards may materially impact NWB Group's financial results. 

- NatWest Group (including NWB Group) may become subject to the application of UK statutory stabilisation or resolution powers which may result in, for example, the write-down or conversion of NWB Group's eligible liabilities.

- NatWest Group is subject to Bank of England and PRA oversight in respect of resolution, and NWB Group could be adversely affected should the Bank of England in the future deem NatWest Group's preparations to be inadequate.

Climate and sustainability-related risks

   -      NWB Group and its customers, suppliers and counterparties face significant climate and sustainability-related risks, which may adversely affect NWB Group. 

- NatWest Group's climate change related strategy, ambitions, targets and transition plan entail significant execution and reputational risk and are unlikely to be achieved without significant and timely government policy, technology and customer behavioural changes.

- There are significant limitations related to accessing reliable, verifiable and comparable climate and other sustainability-related data, including as a result of lack of standardisation, consistency and completeness which, alongside other factors, contribute to substantial uncertainties in accurately modelling and reporting on climate and sustainability information, as well as making appropriate important internal decisions.

- A failure to implement effective climate change resilient governance, procedures, systems and controls in compliance with legal and regulatory expectations to manage climate and sustainability-related risks and opportunities could adversely affect NWB Group's ability to manage those risks.

- Increasing levels of climate, environmental, human rights and other sustainability-related laws, regulation and oversight which are constantly evolving may adversely affect NWB Group.

   -      NWB Group may be subject to potential climate, environmental, human rights and other sustainability-related litigation, enforcement proceedings, investigations and conduct risk. 

- A reduction in the ESG ratings of NatWest Group (including NWB Group) could have a negative impact on NatWest Group's (including NWB Group's) reputation and on investors' risk appetite and customers' willingness to deal with NatWest Group (including NWB Group).

NatWest Bank plc Summary Risk Factors

Summary of Principal Risks and Uncertainties continued

Operational and IT resilience risk

- Operational risks (including reliance on third party suppliers and outsourcing of certain activities) are inherent in NWB Group's businesses. NWB Group increasingly provides certain shared critical services, including property and financial accounting, regulatory reporting and certain administrative, treasury and legal services to other entities within NatWest Group (in particular, NWM Plc) and receives income in respect of these services. As a result, NWB Group may be exposed to a loss of income if these services are not required to the same extent, or are no longer required at all.

   -      NWB Group is subject to increasingly sophisticated and frequent cyberattacks. 

- NWB Group operations and strategy are highly dependent on the accuracy and effective use of data.

- NWB Group's operations are highly dependent on its complex IT systems and any IT failure could adversely affect NWB Group.

- NWB Group relies on attracting, retaining and developing diverse senior management and skilled personnel, and is required to maintain good employee relations.

- A failure in NWB Group's risk management framework could adversely affect NWB Group, including its ability to achieve its strategic objectives.

   -      NWB Group's operations are subject to inherent reputational risk. 

Legal, regulatory and conduct risk

- NWB Group's businesses are subject to substantial regulation and oversight, which are constantly evolving and may adversely affect NWB Group.

- NWB Group is exposed to the risks of various litigation matters, regulatory and governmental actions and investigations as well as remedial undertakings, including conduct-related reviews, anti-money laundering and redress projects, the outcomes of which are inherently difficult to predict, and which could have an adverse effect on NWB Group.

- NWB Group may not effectively manage the transition of LIBOR and other IBOR rates to replacement risk-free rates.

- Changes in tax legislation or failure to generate future taxable profits may impact the recoverability of certain deferred tax assets recognised by NWB Group.

Statement of directors' responsibilities

We, the directors listed below, confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

- the condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted 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

 
Howard Davies  Katie Murray 
 Chairman       Chief Financial Officer 
 

27 July 2023

Board of directors

 
Chairman       Executive directors  Non-executive directors 
Howard Davies  John-Paul Thwaite    Francesca Barnes 
                Katie Murray         Graham Beale 
                                     Ian Cormack 
                                     Roisin Donnelly 
                                     Patrick Flynn 
                                     Morten Friis 
                                     Yasmin Jetha 
                                     Stuart Lewis 
                                     Mark Seligman 
                                     Lena Wilson 
 

Presentation of information

National Westminster Bank Plc ('NWB Plc' or NatWest Bank Plc) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NatWest Holdings Limited ('NWH Ltd' or 'the intermediate holding company'). The term 'NatWest Bank Group' or 'NWB Group' refers to NWB Plc and its subsidiary and associated undertakings. The term 'NWH Group' refers to NWH Ltd and its subsidiary and associated undertakings. NatWest Group plc is 'the ultimate holding company'. The term 'NatWest Group' refers to NatWest Group plc and its subsidiary and associated undertakings.

NWB Plc publishes its financial statements in pounds sterling ('GBP' or 'sterling'). The abbreviations 'GBPm' and 'GBPbn' represent millions and thousands of millions of pounds sterling, respectively, and references to 'pence' or 'p' represent pence where the amounts are denominated in pounds sterling ('GBP'). Reference to 'dollars' or '$' are to United States of America ('US') dollars. The abbreviations '$m' and '$bn' represent millions and thousands of millions of dollars, respectively. The abbreviation 'EUR' represents the 'euro', and the abbreviations 'EURm' and 'EURbn' represent millions and thousands of millions of euros, respectively.

Statutory accounts

Financial information contained in this document does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 ("the Act"). The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditor on those statutory accounts was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis and did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Act.

Contact

 
Alexander Holcroft   Investor Relations   +44 (0) 20 7672 1758 
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Forward-looking statements

This document may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements that include, without limitation, the words 'expect', 'estimate', 'project', 'anticipate', 'commit', 'believe', 'should', 'intend', 'will', 'plan', 'could', 'probability', 'risk', 'Value-at-Risk (VaR)', 'target', 'goal', 'objective', 'may', 'endeavour', 'outlook', 'optimistic', 'prospects' and similar expressions or variations on these expressions. These statements concern or may affect future matters, such as NWB Group's future economic results, business plans and strategies. In particular, this document may include forward-looking statements relating to NWB Group in respect of, but not limited to: its economic and political risks, its regulatory capital position and related requirements, its financial position, profitability and financial performance (including financial, capital, cost savings and operational targets), the implementation of NatWest Group's purpose-led strategy, its environmental, social and governance and climate related targets, its access to adequate sources of liquidity and funding, increasing competition from new incumbents and disruptive technologies, its exposure to third party risks, its ongoing compliance with the UK ring-fencing regime and ensuring operational continuity in resolution, its impairment losses and credit exposures under certain specified scenarios, substantial regulation and oversight, ongoing legal, regulatory and governmental actions and investigations, the transition of LIBOR and IBOR rates to replacement risk free rates and NWB Group's exposure to, operational risk, conduct risk, cyber, data and IT risk, financial crime risk, key person risk and credit rating risk. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that might cause actual results and performance to differ materially from any expected future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences in current expectations include, but are not limited to, future growth initiatives (including acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic partnerships), the outcome of legal, regulatory and governmental actions and investigations, the level and extent of future impairments and write-downs, legislative, political, fiscal and regulatory developments, accounting standards, competitive conditions, technological developments, interest and exchange rate fluctuations, and general economic and political conditions and the impact of climate related risks and the transitioning to a net zero economy. These and other factors, risks and uncertainties that may impact any forward-looking statement or the NWB Group's actual results are discussed in the NWB Plc's 2022 Annual Report and Accounts (ARA), and NWB Plc's Interim Results for H1 2023. The forward-looking statements contained in this document speak only as of the date of this document and NWB Plc does not assume or undertake any obligation or responsibility to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.

Legal Entity Identifier: 213800IBT39XQ9C4CP71

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 28, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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