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NBS Nationwide Building Society

134.00
-0.50 (-0.37%)
Last Updated: 08:35:42
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Nationwide Building Society LSE:NBS London Ordinary Share GB00BBQ33664 CORE CAPITAL DEFERRED SHS (MIN 250 CCDS)
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -0.50 -0.37% 134.00 131.00 137.00 134.50 132.00 132.00 0.00 08:35:42
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Mortgage Bankers & Loan Corr 4.68B 1.66B 157.6429 0.51 849.4M

Nationwide Building Society Preliminary Results Announcement (8983F)

23/05/2017 7:01am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 8983F

Nationwide Building Society

23 May 2017

Nationwide Building Society

Preliminary Results Announcement

For the year ended

4 April 2017

CONTENTS

 
                                                     Page 
    Key highlights and quotes                           3 
    Financial summary                                   5 
    Chief Executive's review                            6 
    Financial review                                   10 
    Business and risk report                           19 
    Consolidated financial statements                  54 
    Notes to the consolidated financial statements     60 
    Responsibility statement                           82 
    Other information                                  82 
    Contacts                                           82 
 

Underlying profit

Profit before tax shown on a statutory and underlying basis is set out on page 11. Statutory profit before tax of GBP1,054 million has been adjusted for a number of items to derive an underlying profit before tax of GBP1,030 million. The purpose of this measure is to reflect management's view of the Group's underlying performance and to assist with like for like comparisons of performance across years. Underlying profit is not designed to measure sustainable levels of profitability as that potentially requires exclusion of non-recurring items even though they are closely related to (or even a direct consequence of) the Group's core business activities.

Forward looking statements

Certain statements in this document are forward looking with respect to plans, goals and expectations relating to the future financial position, business performance and results of Nationwide. Although Nationwide believes that the expectations reflected in these forward looking statements are reasonable, Nationwide can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be an accurate reflection of actual results. By their nature, all forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances that are beyond the control of Nationwide including, amongst other things, UK domestic and global economic and business conditions, market related risks such as fluctuation in interest rates and exchange rates, inflation/deflation, the impact of competition, changes in customer preferences, risks concerning borrower credit quality, delays in implementing proposals, the timing, impact and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or other combinations within relevant industries, the policies and actions of regulatory authorities, the impact of tax or other legislation and other regulations in the jurisdictions in which Nationwide operates. As a result, Nationwide's actual future financial condition, business performance and results may differ materially from the plans, goals and expectations expressed or implied in these forward looking statements. Due to such risks and uncertainties Nationwide cautions readers not to place undue reliance on such forward looking statements.

Nationwide undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This document does not constitute or form part of an offer of securities for sale in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from Nationwide and will contain detailed information about Nationwide and management as well as financial statements.

NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY

RESULTS FOR THE YEARED 4 APRIL 2017

UK'S MOST TRUSTED FINANCIAL BRAND REACHES RECORD MEMBERSHIP,

BECOMES UK'S TOP CHOICE FOR CURRENT ACCOUNTS,

AND DELIVERS MEMBER FINANCIAL BENEFIT OF GBP505 MILLION

*Remained no.1 for customer satisfaction amongst high street peer group(1) *

*15 million members an all-time membership high*

*Helped over 1 in 5 new buyers onto the housing ladder*

*18,000 all-employee engagement refreshed Society's strategy and purpose*

Managing profits for members to bolster financial strength and investment, and deliver member value

-- statutory profit GBP1,054 million (2016: GBP1,279 million) reflecting competition and decisions to deliver value back to members

   --      underlying profit GBP1,030 million (2016: GBP1,337 million) 

-- underlying cost income ratio 60.2% (2016: 53.9%) reflecting investment in service and growth

   --      delivered member financial benefit of GBP505 million (2016: GBP397 million)(2) 

-- improved Common Equity Tier 1 ratio to 25.4% (2016: 23.2%). UK leverage ratio of 4.4% (2016: 4.4%)

Record current account openings and switching levels

-- record 795,000 current accounts opened, up 35%, representing 1 in 7 of all new accounts opened

-- UK's top choice for current accounts(3) , opened more accounts than any other provider (for six months ended March 2017), and nearly 1 in 5 of all switchers chose Nationwide(4)

-- highest ever share of main standard and packaged current account market at 7.5% (2016: 7.1%)

Record mortgage lending, helping 1 in 5 UK first time buyers onto the housing ladder

   --      record gross mortgage lending, up 3% to GBP33.7 billion 
   --      record gross prime lending, up 14% to GBP29.1 billion 
   --      helped a record 75,000 first-time buyers, up 31% 

Protected members with average deposit rates a third higher than the market average(5)

   --      member deposit balances grew by GBP5.8 billion (2016: GBP6.3 billion) 

-- provided members with GBP380 million (2016: GBP285 million) in additional deposit interest compared to market average

   --      maintained rates on Help to Buy ISA, Flexclusive Regular Saver and Regular Saver accounts 

Most trusted financial services brand(6) and No.1 for customer satisfaction(1)

-- record membership of 15 million, including record 7.8 million engaged members(7) (2016: 7.4 million engaged members)

-- highest customer satisfaction amongst our high street peer group - lead of 5% over next best financial provider(1)

-- most trusted brand among financial services peer group(6) and UK's most reputable financial services provider(8)

   --      Which? 'Banking Brand of the Year 2017' 
   --      among highest employee engagement scores worldwide, supporting our service culture 

'Building society, nationwide' purpose sees investment in communities and high street

   --      committed to investing GBP80 million in branches during 2017/18 
   --      opened 'first branch back' in Glastonbury, responding to call of community 
   --      75% of employees involved in fundraising, volunteering or payroll giving 
   --      GBP5 million channelled into community and charity support 

Nationwide Chief Executive, Joe Garner, said:

"Last year we saw continued high levels of profitability and financial strength which allowed us to deliver real value, over half a billion pounds, to our members. It is the combination of that value and our service, where we are rated number one for customer satisfaction amongst our high street peer group(1) , which helped Nationwide grow membership to an all-time high of 15 million. Record growth in mortgages and current accounts helped us deliver profits of over GBP1 billion for the third year running.

"As a member-owned organisation, we don't seek to maximise our profits but to manage them in our members' interests. We make conscious choices about how we distribute our profitability between strategic investment, capital generation and member financial benefit. Our success this year allowed us to improve our capital strength and continue to invest in growing the Society. At the same time, we were able to give back GBP505 million to members which included maintaining selected savings rates while passing on the base rate decrease in full to mortgage borrowers. The combination of the low interest rate environment and our decisions to protect savings rates for longer led to an exceptional year for member value.

"We can make these choices thanks to our success in attracting and retaining members. Our record year for mortgage lending included helping 75,000 first time buyers onto the housing ladder. We opened a record number of current accounts, with almost 1 in 5 of people switching choosing Nationwide(4) . And Nationwide achieved a new milestone, becoming the UK's top choice for current accounts(3) . We protected our savers with rates a third higher than the market average, leading to a growth in member deposits of GBP5.8 billion. We are delighted to have recently become Which? 'Banking Brand of the Year 2017'.

"While we saw record use of online services driven by our mobile app, we know that members value our branch network, which is why we are investing GBP80 million in upgrading branches this year. We have also opened a branch in Glastonbury, Somerset, which had been left without a bank, to test the viability of opening branches with community support. If successful, we may choose to open other branches where there is demand from a community.

"As a mutual, our business is underpinned by a social purpose, and we are determined to use our success to deliver long term value to members and communities. As Brexit negotiations get underway, these strong results ensure that we are well placed to support members through the uncertainty that lies ahead."

Nationwide Chief Financial Officer, Mark Rennison, said:

"Nationwide has delivered a very strong trading performance over the last year, with record levels of active members, mortgage lending and current account openings.

"We chose to protect savers from the full effects of last summer's interest rate cut, knowing that this would reduce our full year profitability in the continuing low interest rate environment, but considering this to be in our members' best interests. Nevertheless, we delivered statutory profits of GBP1,054 million, the third consecutive year where our profits exceeded GBP1 billion, together with strong growth in prime mortgage lending and in current account openings.

"In the last few years, we have funded significant business growth, including opening over two million current accounts in the past four years. This, combined with strategic investment in the Society - in new products, better service propositions, strengthened controls and an enhanced pension scheme for employees - has contributed to an increase in costs. In the coming year, we will be sharpening our focus on efficiency and expect our costs to be broadly flat in the year ahead.

"As well as protecting savers, our trading performance allowed us to further strengthen our core capital ratio to 25.4% and maintain our conservative 4.4% UK leverage ratio."

(1) (c) GfK 2017, Financial Research Survey (FRS), 3 months ending 31 March 2017 vs. 3 months ending 31 March 2016, proportion of extremely/very satisfied customers minus proportion of extremely/very/fairly dissatisfied customers summed across current account, mortgage and savings, high street peer group defined as providers with main current account market share >6% (Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank (inc C&G), NatWest and Santander).

2 Further information on member financial benefit is contained in the Financial review.

(3) Source: Nationwide Brand and Advertising tracker - compiled by Independent Research Agency. 'Top choice' is most considered i.e. 'first choice' or 'seriously considered' current account provider amongst non-customers, based on responses from non-customers of each brand, 3 months ending March 2017. Financial brands included Nationwide, Barclays, Co-operative Bank, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, TSB and Santander.

(4) Source: Independent Research Agency, eBenchmarkers, CACI, BACS Payments Schemes monthly CASS switching market data and internal sources.

(5) Bank of England whole of market average interest rates on a 12-month rolling basis, adjusted to exclude Nationwide's balances.

(6) Source: Nationwide Brand and Advertising tracker - compiled by Independent Research Agency, based on responses from existing customers of each brand, 3 months ending March 2017. Financial brands included Nationwide, Barclays, Co-operative Bank, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, TSB and Santander.

(7) Defined as members who hold a mortgage or savings account (with a balance greater than GBP5,000) or their main current account with Nationwide.

(8) 2017 UK RepTrak(R) (Reputation Institute), ranked Nationwide as the 29th most reputable company in the UK.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

 
                                                       Year to          Year to 
                                                     4 April 2017     4 April 2016 
-------------------------------------------------  ---------------  --------------- 
Financial performance                                  GBPm             GBPm 
Total underlying income                               3,285            3,333 
Underlying profit before tax                          1,030            1,337 
Statutory profit before tax                           1,054            1,279 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----  --------  ----- 
Mortgage lending                                      GBPbn      %     GBPbn% 
Group residential - gross/gross market share           33.7   14.0      32.6   13.7 
Group residential - net/net market share                8.8   25.4       9.1   21.4 
 
                                                          %                % 
Average loan to value of new residential lending 
 (by value)                                              71               69 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----  --------  ----- 
Deposit balances                                      GBPbn      %     GBPbn% 
Member deposits balance movement/market share 
 (note i)                                               5.8    8.2       6.3    8.7 
Net receipts (note ii)                                  0.7              5.1 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----  --------  ----- 
Key ratios                                                %                % 
Cost income ratio - underlying basis                   60.2             53.9 
Cost income ratio - statutory basis                    60.3             54.8 
Net interest margin                                    1.33             1.52 
-------------------------------------------------  --------  -----  --------  ----- 
 
 
                                                     4 April 2017   4 April 2016 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  -------------- 
Balance sheet                                               GBPbn         GBPbn 
Total assets                                                221.7         208.9 
Loans and advances to customers                             187.4         178.8 
Member deposits (note i)                                    144.5         138.7 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Asset quality                                                   %             % 
Residential mortgages 
  Proportion of residential mortgage accounts 3 
   months+ in arrears                                        0.45          0.45 
  Average indexed loan to value of residential 
   mortgage book (by value)                                    55            55 
  Total provisions as % of non-performing balances            5.3           3.2 
 
Consumer banking 
  Non-performing loans as % of total (excluding 
   charged off balances)                                        4             4 
  Total provisions as a % of non-performing loans 
   (including charged off balances)                            86            81 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Key ratios                                                      %             % 
Capital 
  Common Equity Tier 1 ratio (note iii)                      25.4          23.2 
  UK leverage ratio (note iv)                                 4.4           4.4 
  CRR leverage ratio (note iii)                               4.2           4.2 
 
Other balance sheet ratios 
  Liquidity coverage ratio                                  124.0         142.6 
  Wholesale funding ratio (note v)                           27.1          24.8 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Notes:

   i.       Member deposits include current account credit balances. 

ii. Net receipts include outflows of non-member deposits relating to the closure of off-shore operations in the Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland.

iii. Reported under CRD IV on an end point basis. The CRR leverage ratio is calculated using the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) definition of Tier 1 for the capital amount and the Delegated Act definition of the exposure measure.

iv. The UK leverage ratio is shown on the basis of measurement announced by the Prudential Regulation Authority and excludes eligible central bank reserves from the leverage exposure measure.

v. The wholesale funding ratio includes all balance sheet sources of funding (including securitisations) but excludes Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) drawings which, as asset swaps, are not included on Nationwide's balance sheet, reflecting the substance of the arrangement. Off-balance sheet FLS drawings totalled GBP4.8 billion (2016: GBP8.5 billion).

Chief Executive's review

Why being a building society matters

Our building society has an extraordinary past. Nationwide was born of a social purpose and the belief that people can achieve more together than alone. That speaks to an equally extraordinary future. We are unashamedly ambitious for a future in which we are seen to be genuinely 'building society, nationwide'. After a year as your Chief Executive, I am more convinced than ever that Nationwide's mutual purpose remains as relevant today as it was when we were founded 130 years ago.

Nationwide's strong trading and financial performance in 2016/17 puts us in a good position. Membership is at a record high, as more people choose Nationwide for mortgages, savings and current accounts than ever before. We are proud to be, for the first time, the UK's top choice for current accounts.

Nationwide has a strong reputation for outstanding service, where we lead our high street peer group for customer satisfaction by 5%(1) , delivered by loyal and committed people. As a result, membership grew to over 15 million.

Nationwide is in robust financial health, having achieved profits of over GBP1 billion for the third consecutive year. As a mutual, profits are not the only barometer of our success, but they are important because they allow us to maintain our financial strength, to invest with confidence, and to return value to you, our members, through pricing and service. During the year, we therefore took conscious decisions on interest rates, fees and incentives, that delivered a financial benefit of GBP505 million to our members, alongside the high standards of service we are known for. For more information see our Financial review.

Financially strong and sustainable

Nationwide remains safe and secure as shown by a strong capital position and balance sheet. We have improved the Society's common equity tier 1 ratio to 25.4% (2016: 23.2%), and the UK leverage ratio remains robust at 4.4%.

As anticipated, statutory profit reduced by 17.6% in the year to GBP1,054 million, due to a number of factors. Net interest income reduced due to the prevailing low interest rate environment, competition in the mortgage market and the conscious decisions we have taken to protect rates for savers while passing on the base rate decrease to mortgage borrowers. There has also been a growth in underlying costs, mainly reflecting ongoing expenditure on strategic investment, together with growth in business volumes. The impact of these has been partially offset by a gain of GBP100 million from the disposal of the Society's stake in Visa Europe during the period.

Strategic investment in the Society is greater than ever before, reflecting our commitment to investing in new products and better service propositions for members. We also continue to invest in strengthening our resilience and control environment to keep our members' money safe. As a responsible employer, we have supported our people by increasing pension contributions.

These increases to costs have led to a deterioration in our underlying cost income ratio to 60.2% (2016: 53.9%). In the coming year, we will keep our costs broadly flat by implementing efficiency initiatives, such as our 'right first time' programme to reduce errors and duplication across the business, and our plans to automate more manual processes. We will continue to invest where we believe it is in the long term interests of our members.

We have a stable and low-risk business model, which is fundamentally about looking after our members' deposits and putting them to work funding other members' mortgages. During the year, we identified several parts of the business that were not a good fit with our core purpose. We have begun to exit these responsibly. We will stop offering car insurance to new customers from June 2017 and will be writing to customers to let them know how their policy will be managed in future. We are also winding down our commercial lending business, will exit the Nationwide International deposit-taking business, and will no longer offer inheritance tax planning advice. While we recognise these customer needs, we believe it is not in the interests of our Society to provide services which are not core to our business.

Nationwide's financial strength, improved efficiency, and a tighter focus on our core business will ensure we can continue to invest in new products, good value pricing, and the service quality members value.

(1) (c) GfK 2017, Financial Research Survey (FRS), 3 months ending 31 March 2017, proportion of extremely/very satisfied customers minus proportion of extremely/very/fairly dissatisfied customers summed across current account, mortgage and savings, high street peer group defined as providers with main current account market share >6% (Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank (inc C&G), NatWest and Santander).'

Chief Executive's review (continued)

Record membership as more people choose Nationwide

Nationwide's membership reached an all-time high, with over 15 million members, including a record 7.8 million engaged members who hold a core product with us.

More than 2.2 million members hold mortgages with us, representing a market share of 12.9% and, as the UK's second largest mortgage lender, we remain committed to helping people own their own home. In the year, we lent more to help people onto or up the housing ladder than ever before, with total mortgage lending of GBP33.7 billion, up 3%. We also helped 75,000 first-time buyers into their first home, representing 1 in 5 of all first-time buyers in the UK and a new record (2016: 57,200). In March, we launched a new Family Deposit Mortgage that allows homeowners to raise funds from their existing property to help another family member buy a home and we are already processing the first applications.

We also support the growing private rented sector through our dedicated buy to let subsidiary, The Mortgage Works (UK) plc. We have tightened our criteria on lending to make sure our borrowers can meet future repayments. This move, combined with the softening of lending which followed changes to Stamp Duty in March 2016, resulted in a planned fall in buy to let lending to GBP4.6 billion, a decline of 36%.

We are the UK's third largest savings provider, accounting for GBP1 in every GBP10 of savings in Britain. With interest rates still at record lows, we remain committed to encouraging the nation to keep saving. We kept average deposit interest rates over a third higher than the market average in the last year, leading to GBP5.8 billion growth in member balances. Following the base rate cut in the summer, we maintained rates on our Help to Buy ISA, Flexclusive Regular Saver and Regular Saver accounts. As part of our overall desire to support savers, over the last year our members benefited from GBP380 million in additional interest compared to the market average. 1.7 million members have signed up to SavingsWatch, our email and text alert service for rate changes and new products.

Nationwide achieved a new milestone, becoming the UK's top choice for current accounts. A combination of strong growth and good retention took our market share of main standard and packaged current accounts to 7.5% at February, up from 7.1% last year. A record 795,000 Nationwide current accounts were opened over the year, an increase of 35% over the previous year. This included 147,000 new youth accounts, a market share of 14.3% in the youth market. A further 169,000 people chose FlexPlus, our award-winning account. We strongly support financial inclusion by providing customers access to a full banking service with our FlexBasic account. We also continue to benefit from high switching rates through the Current Account Switch Service, with some 165,000 current account holders switching to Nationwide - an 18% share of the total personal switcher market. We are delighted to have recently become Which? 'Banking Brand of the Year 2017'.

We continued to provide a full range of personal banking services and saw steady growth in credit cards issued, personal loans and home insurance.

No 1 for service

If there is one thing that sets us apart, it is Nationwide's high standard of service. We are ranked number one for customer satisfaction amongst our high street peer group, with a lead of 5.0%(1) over the nearest competitor thanks to the culture of care I see everywhere at Nationwide. As service expectations of our members tend only to rise, we are constantly seeking ways to serve members even better.

We are working hard to provide a truly seamless service across mobile, branch and telephone channels, so that members can choose when, where and how to transact with us. It is 20 years this year since we launched our internet bank - the first in the UK - and we still combine digital convenience with a human touch. In the last year mobile log-ons grew by 73%, and we aim to double the number of members who are active via mobile channels.

At the same time, our branches remain busy: over half of all new current accounts are still opened in a branch. We still see a vital role for the branch network, despite the continued withdrawal of financial services providers from high streets over the last two decades.

We are exploring ways to ensure branches remain financially viable in a future where members may use them less. For example, we're testing using Nationwide NOW, our state of the art video technology, to connect customers to mortgage, personal banking and financial consultants in selected branches, as well as contact centres, using our branch consultants' time more efficiently. Similarly, we're piloting a new community branch in Glastonbury, which opened in April, to test the viability of combining personal service and the latest technology to serve communities left without a bank.

1 (c) GfK 2017, Financial Research Survey (FRS), 3 months ending 31 March 2017, proportion of extremely/very satisfied customers minus proportion of extremely/very/fairly dissatisfied customers summed across current account, mortgage and savings, high street peer group defined as providers with main current account market share >6% (Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank (inc C&G), NatWest and Santander).

Chief Executive's review (continued)

Great place to work

Our employees provide the foundations on which our member service and propositions thrive, so we try very hard to make Nationwide Building Society a great place to work. Our success is reflected in our very high employee engagement score which, at 78%, is above the average score of high performing organisations worldwide. In the previous year we improved our employee pension scheme by increasing our employer contributions, helping to ensure that employees will have a living pension.

Our reputation as a good employer reflects the very special culture and ethos of Nationwide, which is encapsulated in our PRIDE values:

Putting our members and their money first

Rising to the challenge

Inspiring trust

Doing the right thing in the right way

Excelling at relationships

Leading by example and making a difference

Since our origins in the 19(th) century right through to the present day, our aim has been to support communities by helping people save and live in better homes. We continue to invest at least 1% of our pre-tax profits to support good causes, in line with our purpose. This funding supports both our own social investment programme and the Nationwide Foundation, the independent charity we established 20 years ago to provide decent, affordable homes for people in housing need.

Our five-year Living on your Side social investment programme drew to a close in April and, I am proud to report, achieved all its objectives. Over five years, we helped 958,000 people into a home of their own, enabled over one million people to start saving, and channelled more than GBP21 million into community and charity support.

As housing in Britain remains a challenge, we want to play our part in addressing this by targeting a range of housing issues with our new social investment programme. This will be launched in 2017 and will focus on an aspiration that everyone has a place fit to call home. It will also include a new social ambition to find local solutions to national housing issues. We will also support the growing number of people who rent by championing the rights of tenants and high standards for landlords.

A refreshed purpose and strategy

Our business model of looking after our members' deposits and using them to fund other members' mortgages, is broadly unchanged since we were founded. Our belief in the power of mutuality is a constant.

But the world around us is changing like never before, and we have a responsibility to review our Society's strategy periodically to ensure we're able to respond to these changes. Technology is profoundly reshaping customer needs, expectations and relationships. Political upheavals have shown that many people feel the system is not working for them. Economically, the continued era of low interest rates and increasing competition creates new challenges for us to respond to. By refreshing our Society's strategy, we have prepared ourselves to meet these challenges and embrace the opportunities we see ahead.

Collaboration has been a force for good throughout Nationwide's history, which is why we started our strategy refresh with a huge listening exercise, giving our people and our members the chance to contribute to our future. Almost all of our 18,000 colleagues had the chance to contribute through a five-week 'Big Conversation' last summer. We've also listened to you, our members, at Talkback events, through our 5,000-strong online Member Connect community, and through our everyday interactions across the Society.

This huge collaborative effort has led to a reinvigorated sense of Nationwide's purpose, which we describe as building society, nationwide - helping people improve the quality of their lives. It has also helped to shape a refreshed strategy, which will allow us to deliver value for members in an efficient and compelling way.

Chief Executive's review (continued)

To do this, we have organised our strategy around five cornerstones that define what we stand for, what we will do and how we will do it:

Built to Last - being safe, secure, sustainable and dependable

Building PRIDE - shared values, shared culture, doing the right thing

Building Legendary Service - providing service that is heartfelt, easy, lifelong and personal

Building Thriving Membership - delivering real value for our members

Building a National Treasure - leading by example and making a difference

For each cornerstone, we have developed a set of key performance indicators (KPIs). These will ensure that we remain tightly focused on our purpose and also provide you, as members, with the ability to assess the Society's performance.

Outlook

Nationwide is a domestic, consumer-facing business, which means consumer confidence matters to us. This is why, alongside our macro-economic analysis, we have asked consumers how they are feeling on an individual level.

Our research shows that confidence among consumers has held up well since last year's referendum, thanks to the strong performance of the UK economy. It also showed that consumers are alert to the economic uncertainties ahead, with the Brexit negotiations, low interest rates and inflation registering as concerns. However, households remain relatively optimistic about their own finances, and are going about their daily lives as normal.

Spending most commonly cited by consumers as possible future concerns are the food, utility and other household bills that make up a good proportion of monthly outgoings, and we anticipate that a combination of rising inflation and modest wage growth is likely to squeeze household budgets. Unsurprisingly, consumers said that if they needed to trim their spending in the future, they would cut back on leisure activities first, and see their mortgage and rent payments as most protected.

In the housing market, if the economy slows as we expect, there will be a cooling effect in the form of lower sales and house price growth - and in fact the first signs of this are already showing through in market data. However, the continued shortage of homes in the UK will support house prices, which we expect to rise by 2% in 2017, with some scope for a further softening in 2018 to 2019. In the medium-term, we expect house prices to rise broadly in line with earnings.

It's clear that consumers are alive to the economic uncertainties that lie ahead, as are we. In this environment, we believe the benefits of mutuality will become only clearer. Last year, we protected our members through enhanced pricing, putting an additional GBP505 million into members' pockets. We anticipate that the financial benefit will vary from year to year depending on market conditions, and expect it to reduce next year. However, Nationwide's financial strength, stable and low risk business model, and strong trading performance all mean we are well placed to continue to support the UK economy, and our members, in the uncertain times ahead. In the medium term, I believe people will always want to save for their future, manage their daily finances and have a place to call home, so the fundamentals of Nationwide's business remain as relevant as ever.

Building society, nationwide

Nationwide is your Society, and we are custodians of it. I hope this statement has given you a sense of what we achieved on your behalf last year and the strength of our Society to achieve its purpose of building society, nationwide.

Financial review

Overall performance

Financial performance for the year ended 4 April 2017 was in line with the expectations indicated when announcing our 2015/16 financial results. Statutory profit before tax was GBP1,054 million (2016: GBP1,279 million) and underlying profit was GBP1,030 million (2016: GBP1,337 million), reflecting our continued focus on offering value on our products and better service for our members, whilst maintaining capital strength.

An advantage of being a building society is that Nationwide can choose to forgo an element of profitability in order to deliver more value to our members, whilst ensuring we maintain financial strength and safeguard our members' money. In 2016 we introduced a financial performance framework with parameters which enable us to calibrate future performance to achieve the right balance between distributing value to members and maintaining financial strength. Despite the reduction in profitability, 2016/17 underlying profit remains comfortably within the target range set by our financial performance framework.

Our underlying cost income ratio has deteriorated to 60.2% (2016: 53.9%) primarily due to increased costs against broadly flat total underlying income. The rise in costs reflects ongoing expenditure on strategic investment to enhance propositions and service for our members, and increased staff costs, including our investment in a 'Living Pension' for our employees. We have also incurred one-off costs during the year relating to restructuring and asset write downs, reflecting the pace of change of technology and changing member needs. These one-off costs, along with other in-flight initiatives and our target to deliver GBP300 million of sustainable cost savings by 2022, will result in lower cost growth in future periods.

Impairment losses have increased following a review of the secured and unsecured lending portfolios to ensure that the evidence of impairment and latent risks during the low interest rate environment are adequately represented in the model assumptions, and that appropriate provisions are held for interest only loans where borrowers may be unable to repay capital balances at maturity.

Total assets have grown by GBP12.7 billion to GBP222 billion as at 4 April 2017, largely due to a GBP9.1 billion increase in residential mortgages. Of this, GBP8.0 billion relates to prime mortgages and reflects a strong trading performance aligned to our strategic objective of increasing our market share of prime mortgages. The remainder of the balance sheet growth is driven by an increase in high quality liquid assets as we replace off-balance sheet Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) liquidity with on-balance sheet Term Funding Scheme (TFS).

Capital levels have remained strong with Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio and UK leverage ratios of 25.4% and 4.4% respectively (2016: 23.2% and 4.4% respectively). The UK leverage ratio remains unchanged as profits have broadly offset the increase in the defined benefit pension deficit and balance sheet growth driven by increases in mortgage balances.

We expect the prolonged low interest rate environment and competition in the mortgage market to continue in the period ahead. Notwithstanding this, our positive trading performance, financial strength and high quality balance sheet mean that we are well placed to deliver long term value to our members. We will also continue to focus on driving our efficiency agenda to reduce cost growth in future periods.

Financial review (continued)

Income statement

 
 Underlying and statutory results                   Year to        Year to 
                                               4 April 2017   4 April 2016 
                                                       GBPm           GBPm 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Net interest income                                   2,960          3,086 
Net other income                                        325            247 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Total underlying income                               3,285          3,333 
Underlying administrative expenses                  (1,979)        (1,796) 
Impairment losses                                     (140)           (73) 
Underlying provisions for liabilities 
 and charges                                          (136)          (127) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Underlying profit before tax (note i)                 1,030          1,337 
Transformation costs (note ii)                            -           (10) 
Bank levy (note ii)                                    (42)           (41) 
FSCS (note ii)                                            -           (46) 
Gains from derivatives and hedge accounting 
 (notes ii and iii)                                      66             39 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Statutory profit before tax                           1,054          1,279 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Taxation                                              (297)          (294) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Profit after tax                                        757            985 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Notes:

i. Underlying profit represents management's view of underlying performance and is presented to aid comparability across reporting periods.

   ii.     Within the statutory results presented in the financial statements: 
   a.        transformation costs and bank levy are included within administrative expenses 

b. Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) costs are included within provisions for liabilities and charges

   c.        gains from derivatives and hedge accounting are presented separately within total income. 

iii. Although we only use derivatives to hedge market risks, income statement volatility can still arise due to hedge accounting ineffectiveness or because hedge accounting is either not currently applied or is not currently achievable. This volatility is largely attributable to accounting rules which do not fully reflect the economic reality of the hedging strategy.

 
Total income and margin                             Year to        Year to 
                                               4 April 2017   4 April 2016 
                                                       GBPm           GBPm 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Net interest income                                   2,960          3,086 
Other income                                            325            247 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Total underlying income                               3,285          3,333 
Gains from derivatives and hedge accounting              66             39 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Total statutory income                                3,351          3,372 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
Weighted average total assets                       222,901        203,623 
Net interest margin (NIM) %                            1.33           1.52 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Net interest income has reduced by GBP126 million to GBP2,960 million (2016: GBP3,086 million). This reduction is primarily due to ongoing competition in the mortgage market and our continued focus on delivering long term value to our members, combined with the ongoing natural run off of our residential base and standard mortgage rate balances. The competitive rates available across the market have led to more members switching to competitively priced products (GBP17.0 billion of members' balances switched to lower priced Nationwide mortgages) and higher redemptions. This reduction in back book balances, together with lower margins on new business pricing, has resulted in downward pressure on our NIM. As anticipated our NIM for the year of 1.33% was lower than the previous year's NIM of 1.52%.

The longer-term impact on the UK economy of the EU referendum vote is uncertain and, with interest rates expected to continue to remain at historically low levels for a prolonged period, we expect NIM to remain broadly stable for the year ahead.

Margin pressure resulting from increased competition for new mortgage lending has led to savings rates continuing to fall across the industry. In line with our mutual principles we have chosen to forgo an element of profitability through resisting lowering savings rates where possible and offering competitive products.

Following the decision by the Bank of England to cut the bank rate to 0.25%, we committed to protecting members who save regularly, or are building a deposit to buy their own home, resulting in several products being protected from the bank rate decrease. We have also applied a 0.10% rate floor to all variable products.

Financial review (continued)

Other income has increased by 32% to GBP325 million (2016: GBP247 million) primarily due to a one-off gain of GBP100 million from the disposal of our investment in Visa Europe during the year. Excluding this gain, underlying other income has reduced, primarily due to a reduction of GBP15 million in income from credit card transactions, following the introduction of regulatory caps in December 2015, and a decrease of GBP7 million in other income received from mortgages. Whilst the number of active current accounts has increased, the associated net fee income is broadly flat as we continue to support the financial inclusion of customers by offering the benefits of our FlexBasic account, which has no fees for certain transactions.

 
Administrative expenses                           Year to        Year to 
                                             4 April 2017   4 April 2016 
                                                     GBPm           GBPm 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Employee costs                                        793            736 
Other administrative expenses                         790            735 
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment             396            325 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Total underlying administrative expenses            1,979          1,796 
Bank levy                                              42             41 
Transformation costs                                    -             10 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Total statutory administrative expenses             2,021          1,847 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
                                                        %% 
Cost income ratio - underlying basis                 60.2           53.9 
Cost income ratio - statutory basis                  60.3           54.8 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Underlying administrative expenses increased by 10% (GBP183 million) due to increases in employee costs and strategic investment in propositions and service for members, as well as restructuring costs to drive efficiency and the costs of servicing higher business volumes. The underlying cost income ratio has increased to 60.2% (2016: 53.9%). At a statutory level, administrative expenses increased by 9% (GBP174 million).

Our cost trajectory reflects significant business growth and investment over recent years. Mortgage balances have grown 18% over the last three years and we have 42% more main current accounts today than in 2014.

During 2016/17 employee costs increased by GBP57 million, reflecting an annual pay award averaging 2.1% and higher full year costs from enhancements made in 2015/16 to the defined contribution pension scheme in line with our commitment to provide a 'Living Pension'. Average employee numbers increased by 4% year on year to build greater capacity to meet additional business volumes, deliver our investment strategy and further strengthen control functions.

Notwithstanding the fact that cost growth in recent years is the result of conscious decisions to support the Society's strategy and the service provided to members, we recognise the need to improve efficiency, and that cost increases significantly ahead of inflation are not sustainable in the continuing low interest rate environment we face. We will continue our focus on operational efficiency, exploiting the benefits of past and ongoing investment while continuing to prioritise the needs of our members. We have launched an efficiency programme which targets GBP300 million of sustainable cost savings to be delivered by 2022. This includes investing GBP43 million in 2016/17 in improving longer term efficiency, including accelerating automation and digitised service delivery, costs associated with organisational simplification, the announced closure of our Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland operations, and our withdrawal from the commercial real estate (CRE) sector. We have allocated approximately GBP100 million of spend over the next three years to support the programme, and anticipate that our focus on efficiency will enable us to achieve broadly flat costs in 2017/18 and lower cost growth in future.

To support the long term interests of our members, we continue to invest in propositions, service and resilience. During the period, investment has focused on service improvements for members, both in branch and through digital channels, including updating our savings point of sale systems to allow real time online account opening, delivery of in-house credit risk assessments for prime mortgages, upgrades to our Banking App for smartphones and tablets, and the roll out of further video links in branches which allow members greater flexibility to speak face to face with advisors in another location. We have also invested in IT resilience and ensuring compliance with UK and EU regulatory requirements.

Following a review of amounts capitalised for assets in use or in the course of development, asset write downs of GBP31 million (2016: GBP2 million) were recognised in the year, along with an increased depreciation charge of GBP15 million due to adjustments to asset lives, reflecting the pace of change of technology and changing member needs.

Financial review (continued)

 
Impairment losses/(reversals)                       Year to        Year to 
                                               4 April 2017   4 April 2016 
                                                       GBPm           GBPm 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Residential lending                                      58             18 
Consumer banking                                         78             96 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Retail lending                                          136            114 
Commercial lending                                      (5)           (34) 
Other lending                                             -              1 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Impairment losses/(reversals) on loans 
 and advances                                           131             81 
Impairment losses/(reversals) on investment 
 securities                                               9            (8) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Total                                                   140             73 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Impairment losses have increased by GBP67 million to GBP140 million (2016: GBP73 million) driven by additional residential mortgage impairments as a result of enhancements to our credit loss provisioning methodology, combined with lower levels of net recoveries in the CRE portfolio.

Residential lending impairment charges of GBP58 million (2016: GBP18 million) include GBP45 million (2016: GBP27 million) as a result of enhancements to the provisioning methodology and assumptions to ensure provisions continue to reflect appropriately the incurred losses within each portfolio. These enhancements reflect the extended period for arrears to arise from trigger events and the risks associated with the ability of borrowers to repay capital balances at the maturity of interest only loans. Excluding these methodology changes, the underlying impairment charge of GBP13 million (2016: GBP9 million release) reflects the stabilisation of mortgage arrears at 0.45%, compared with a fall from 0.49% to 0.45% in the prior year, and a more modest benefit from house price inflation.

Consumer banking impairment charges have decreased by GBP18 million to GBP78 million (2016: GBP96 million). Of this charge, GBP7 million (2016: GBP29 million) represents a reassessment of impairment assumptions to reflect latent risks during the current low interest rate environment. Excluding this, the consumer banking charge has remained relatively consistent, reflecting both stable arrears performance and gross lending balances.

Commercial lending impairments relate exclusively to CRE lending, with no arrears in our registered social landlords and project finance portfolios. The net impairment reversal of GBP5 million (2016: GBP34 million) is a result of continued CRE market improvements in terms of both asset values and liquidity.

 
Provisions for liabilities and charges             Year to        Year to 
                                              4 April 2017   4 April 2016 
                                                      GBPm           GBPm 
-------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Underlying provisions for liabilities 
 and charges - Customer redress                        136            127 
FSCS levy                                                -             46 
-------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Total statutory provisions for liabilities 
 and charges                                           136            173 
-------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

We hold provisions for customer redress to cover the costs of remediation and redress in relation to past sales of financial products and post sales administration, including compliance with consumer credit legislation and other regulatory requirements. The charge for the year primarily relates to customer redress provisions recognised in respect of PPI and Plevin, including the cost of administering these claims. When assessing the adequacy of our PPI provision we have considered the implications of the guidance published by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in its March 2017 policy statement (PS17/03), including the expected impact of the Plevin case. More information on customer redress is included in note 16.

There is no net charge for the year in respect of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) (2016: GBP46 million charge). This reflects the substantial repayment of the loan from HM Treasury to FSCS as a result of the securitisation of Bradford & Bingley plc assets, and our GBP13 million share of recoveries from Icelandic banks. More information on FSCS is included in note 16.

Taxation

The tax charge for the year of GBP297 million (2016: GBP294 million) represents an effective tax rate of 28% (2016: 23%) which is higher than the statutory UK corporation tax rate of 20% (2016: 20%). The effective rate is increased due to the banking surcharge which is payable at a rate of 8% from 1 January 2016, equivalent to GBP62 million (2016: GBP22 million), and by the tax effect of disallowable bank levy and customer redress costs of GBP8 million and GBP19 million (2016: GBP8 million and GBP7 million) respectively. Further information is provided in note 9.

Financial review (continued)

Member financial benefit

As a building society, we know that our members value the highly competitive savings and mortgage products we can offer as a direct result of being a member-owned business. We measure our member financial benefit by considering our differentiated interest rate pricing, reduced fees and incentives, compared to industry benchmarks. The financial benefit measured has given our members an additional GBP505 million (2016: GBP397 million) in their pockets for the year. We have chosen to quantify our member financial benefit, as we want members to understand the financial as well as the non--financial benefits they gain from mutuality.

Member financial benefit is delivered in the form of differentiated pricing and incentives, which we quantify as:

Our interest rate differential + member reduced fees + incentives

Interest rate differential

We measure how our average interest rates compare against the market.

For our two largest member segments, prime mortgages and retail deposits, we compare the average member interest rate for these portfolios against relevant industry benchmarks. A CACI benchmark is used for prime mortgages and Bank of England benchmark for retail deposits(1) , both on a 12 month rolling basis. The differentials derived in this way are then applied to member balances for mortgages and deposits.

For unsecured lending, a similar comparison is made. The differential of Nationwide's average new business lending rate against the Bank of England's average new business lending rate is applied to the total interest bearing balances of credit cards and personal loans. These are also measured on a 12 month rolling average basis.

Member reduced fees and incentives

Our member financial benefit measure also includes amounts in relation to reduced fees and incentives provided to members, and includes annual amounts provided for the following:

   --    Prime mortgages: the differential on incentives and fees for members compared to the market 

-- 'Recommend a friend': the amount paid to existing members, when they recommend a new current account member to the Society

-- FlexPlus account: this current account is considered market leading against major banking competitors, with a high level of benefits for a relatively smaller fee. The difference between the monthly account fee of GBP10 and the market average of GBP16 is included in the member financial benefit measure.

The increase in member financial benefit compared with the prior year primarily reflects the discretionary actions we took during the year to protect savings rates in a declining interest rate environment. Prudent management of the Society requires us to manage savings flows and our cost of retail funding in the context of wider market conditions, and in particular demand for lending. Therefore the benefit we provide to members is dependent on a variety of external market and competitive factors, as well as maintaining a balance between profits we retain and member benefit we provide.

(1) Adjusted to exclude Nationwide's balances

Financial review (continued)

Balance sheet

Total assets have increased 6% year on year to reach GBP222 billion at 4 April 2017 (2016: GBP209 billion). This increase primarily reflects our focus on mortgage pricing for members and growing our market share of prime mortgages, with prime mortgage balances increasing by GBP8.0 billion. The remainder of the balance sheet growth relates to GBP1.1 billion in relation to specialist lending and a GBP3.4 billion increase in other financial assets.

Mortgage lending has been partially supported by strong strategic growth in retail funding flows, with member deposits growing by GBP5.8 billion, and our market share of UK deposits at 10.1% at 4 April 2017 (2016: 10.2%). Of the growth in member balances, GBP2.7 billion is attributable to current account balances as we have continued to increase our market share of main standard and packaged current accounts, to 7.5% at February 2017 from 7.1% last year. This growth in member deposits reflects our renewed focus on growing our base of engaged members, allowing us to bring the benefit of mutuality to a wider population.

 
Assets                                            4 April 2017    4 April 2016 
----------------------------------------------- 
                                                      GBPm    %       GBPm    % 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------  ---  ---------  --- 
Residential mortgages                              171,263   91    162,164   91 
Commercial lending                                  12,580    7     13,197    7 
Consumer banking                                     3,949    2      3,869    2 
Other lending (note i)                                  17    -         20    - 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------  ---  ---------  --- 
                                                   187,809  100    179,250  100 
Impairment provisions                                (438)           (443) 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------  ---  ---------  --- 
Loans and advances to customers                    187,371         178,807 
Other financial assets                              31,231          27,782 
Other non-financial assets                           3,068           2,350 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------  ---  ---------  --- 
Total assets                                       221,670         208,939 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------  ---  ---------  --- 
 
Asset quality 
Residential mortgages:                                   %               % 
  Proportion of residential mortgage accounts 
   3 months+ in arrears                               0.45            0.45 
  Average indexed loan to value of residential 
   mortgage book (by value)                             55              55 
  Impairment provisions as a percentage 
   of non-performing balances                          5.3             3.2 
 
Consumer banking: 
  Non-performing loans as percentage of 
   total balances (excluding charged off 
   balances) (note ii)                                   4               4 
  Impairment provisions as a percentage 
   of non-performing balances (including 
   charged off balances) (note ii)                      86              81 
 
Other key ratios 
Return on assets                                      0.34            0.47 
Liquidity coverage ratio                             124.0           142.6 
-----------------------------------------------  ---------  ---  ---------  --- 
 

Notes:

i. Other lending balance consists of deferred consideration relating to an investment in Visa Inc, collateral to support repurchase transactions and a residual portfolio of secured loans relating to a European commercial loan facility held by one of Nationwide's subsidiaries, Cromarty CLO Ltd.

ii. Charged off balances relate to accounts which are closed to future transactions and are held on the balance sheet for an extended period (up to 36 months, depending on the product) whilst recovery procedures take place.

Residential mortgages

Residential mortgages include prime and specialist loans, with the specialist portfolio primarily comprising buy to let (BTL) lending. Gross mortgage lending in the period increased 3% to GBP33.7 billion (2016: GBP32.6 billion), representing a market share of 14.0% (2016: 13.7%).

Mortgage balances grew by GBP9.1 billion (2016: GBP9.3 billion) of which GBP8.0 billion was prime lending (2016: GBP5.4 billion) and GBP1.1 billion related to specialist lending (2016: GBP3.9 billion).

Financial review (continued)

The average loan to value (LTV) of new lending in the period, weighted by value, increased to 71% (2016: 69%) primarily due to our strategy to increase lending to the first time buyer market as we recognise the importance of helping people take their initial steps onto the housing ladder. Modest house price growth has resulted in the average LTV of our portfolio remaining flat at 55% (2016: 55%). Residential mortgage arrears have remained flat at 0.45% (2016: 0.45%).

Non-performing balances have reduced by GBP485 million to GBP2,694 million (2016: GBP3,179 million), with particular improvement in those balances past due up to three months. However, the impairment provision balance has increased to GBP144 million (2016: GBP102 million). This increase in provisions reflects an update to our credit loss provisioning methodology and assumptions to ensure that provisions appropriately reflect incurred losses within the portfolio. This update included focusing on the credit risk associated with maturing interest only loans and the period for evidence of impairment losses to emerge on up to date loans. This provision increase, combined with a reduction in non-performing balances, resulted in an increase in impairment provisions as a percentage of non-performing balances to 5.3% (2016: 3.2%).

The growth of the BTL portfolio has slowed following a decision taken in May 2016 to increase the minimum interest cover ratio for new lending from 125% to 145% and reduce the maximum LTV from 80% to 75%. Despite the anticipated impact of this decision on BTL portfolio growth, these steps were taken in response to forthcoming income tax changes which will materially affect cash flow and affordability for some landlords.

Commercial lending

Total commercial lending balances are GBP12.6 billion (2016: GBP13.2 billion) and, as a result of deleveraging activity undertaken in recent years, our overall portfolio is increasingly weighted towards registered social landlords with balances of GBP7.5 billion (2016: GBP7.6 billion). This portfolio is fully performing and remains stable, reflecting its low risk nature. The Commercial portfolio also includes loans made under the Government's Private Finance Initiative (PFI) amounting to GBP1.1 billion (2016: GBP1.2 billion) and CRE loans of GBP2.6 billion (2016: GBP3.0 billion) which have reduced during the period through deleveraging and run-off. The remaining balance of GBP1.4 billion (2016: GBP1.4 billion) relates to fair value adjustments where we have hedged loans to mitigate their associated financial risks, typically interest rate risk.

Following the wider strategy review, it was concluded that the commercial lending business was no longer core to the Society's vision for the future and balances will continue to reduce through managed run-off.

Consumer banking

Consumer banking comprises personal loans of GBP2.0 billion (2016: GBP1.9 billion), credit cards of GBP1.7 billion (2016: GBP1.7 billion) and current account overdrafts of GBP0.2 billion (2016: GBP0.2 billion). During the year we have focused on enhancing our consumer banking proposition to create a more cohesive and engaging relationship with our members. The asset quality of the portfolio remains strong, benefiting from proactive risk management practices and continued low interest rates.

Other financial assets

Other financial assets total GBP31.2 billion (2016: GBP27.8 billion) and comprise liquidity and investment assets held by our Treasury function amounting to GBP25.4 billion (2016: GBP23.1 billion), derivatives with positive fair values of GBP5.0 billion (2016: GBP3.9 billion) and fair value adjustments and other assets of GBP0.8 billion (2016: GBP0.8 billion).

Derivatives largely comprise interest rate and foreign exchange derivatives, taken out to economically hedge financial risks inherent in our core lending and funding activities.

Levels of on-balance sheet liquid assets have increased due to the replacement of the off-balance sheet FLS liquidity with on-balance sheet TFS drawdowns. The increase in total liquidity is more than offset by higher liquidity requirements, resulting in our Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) reducing from 142.6% as at 4 April 2016 to 124.0%. This increase in requirements reflects the inclusion of additional stressed derivative collateral outflows in the LCR calculation following the finalisation of EU rules during the year, and the impact of one-off items. On a like-for-like basis our LCR would remain broadly consistent with last year's.

Financial review (continued)

 
Liabilities                            4 April 2017  4 April 2016 
                                               GBPm          GBPm 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Member deposits                             144,542       138,715 
Debt securities in issue                     40,339        36,085 
Other financial liabilities                  23,940        21,637 
Other liabilities                             1,716         1,572 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Total liabilities                           210,537       198,009 
Members' interests and equity                11,133        10,930 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Total members' interests, equity and 
 liabilities                                221,670       208,939 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
                                                  %% 
Wholesale funding ratio (note i)               27.1          24.8 
-------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Note:

i. The wholesale funding ratio includes all balance sheet sources of funding (including securitisations) but excludes Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) drawings which, as an asset swap, are not included on Nationwide's balance sheet, reflecting the substance of the arrangement. Off-balance sheet FLS drawings have reduced from GBP8.5 billion at 4 April 2016 to GBP4.8 billion.

Member deposits

Member deposits have increased by GBP5.8 billion to GBP144.5 billion (2016: GBP138.7 billion) and our market share of all UK deposits at 4 April 2017 was 10.1% (2016: 10.2%).

Current account credit balances have increased to GBP17.5 billion (2016: GBP14.8 billion). We increased our market share of main standard and packaged accounts to 7.5% at February 2017 (2016: 7.1%).

Debt securities in issue

Debt securities in issue of GBP40.3 billion (2016: GBP36.1 billion) are used to raise funding in wholesale markets in order to finance core activities. The increase in outstanding amounts partially reflects increased issuance activity in the wholesale markets during the period to support increased liquidity. The wholesale funding ratio has increased to 27.1% (2016: 24.8%) as a result of this wholesale issuance activity, as well as the draw down of TFS which is included in other financial liabilities.

Other financial liabilities

Other financial liabilities include customer and bank deposits (including TFS drawdown) of GBP17.5 billion (2016: GBP15.9 billion), derivatives and fair value adjustments of GBP3.2 billion (2016: GBP3.5 billion), subordinated debt of GBP2.9 billion (2016: GBP1.8 billion) and permanent interest bearing shares (PIBS) of GBP0.3 billion (2016: GBP0.4 billion).

During the year a strategic decision was taken to exit the Nationwide International business. This resulted in a GBP3.6 billion decrease in balances, representing the majority of the deposits associated with this business. These outflows have been managed in an orderly manner with the funding being replaced by additional member deposits and the use of wholesale funding where appropriate.

Financial review (continued)

Statement of comprehensive income

 
                                                   Year to        Year to 
                                              4 April 2017   4 April 2016 
                                                      GBPm           GBPm 
-------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Profit after tax                                       757            985 
Net remeasurement of pension obligations             (255)             51 
Net movement in cash flow hedge reserve              (247)            301 
Net movement in available for sale reserve              52           (34) 
Other items                                              2            (4) 
-------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
Total comprehensive income                             309          1,299 
-------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Movements in the table above are shown net of related taxation.

The remeasurement of pension obligations of GBP255 million expense (2016: GBP51 million income) reflects GBP1,298 million of actuarial losses (2016: GBP164 million actuarial gains), partly offset by GBP951 million relating to positive movements in the Fund's assets greater than the discount rate (2016: GBP122 million return less than the discount rate).

The movement in cash flow hedge reserve of GBP247 million expense (2016: GBP301 million income) relates to a gross movement before tax of GBP348 million, driven by significant changes in derivative valuations caused by movements in foreign exchange rates.

Capital structure

 
                                      4 April 2017  4 April 2016 
                                              GBPm          GBPm 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
Capital resources (note i) 
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital          8,555         8,013 
Total Tier 1 capital                         9,547         9,005 
Total regulatory capital                    12,129        10,654 
Risk weighted assets (RWAs)                 33,641        34,475 
UK leverage exposure                       215,894       204,346 
CRR leverage exposure                      228,428       213,181 
 
CRD IV capital ratios                            %% 
CET1 ratio                                    25.4          23.2 
UK leverage ratio (note ii)                    4.4           4.4 
CRR leverage ratio (note iii)                  4.2           4.2 
------------------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

Notes:

   i.       Data in the table is reported under CRD IV on an end point basis. 

ii. The UK leverage ratio is shown on the basis of measurement announced by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and excludes eligible central bank reserves from the leverage exposure measure.

iii. The CRR leverage ratio is calculated using the Capital Requirements Regulation definition of Tier 1 for the capital amount and the delegated act definition of the exposure measure and is reported on an end point basis.

CET1 capital resources have increased over the period by approximately GBP0.5 billion mainly due to GBP757 million of profit after tax for the period. Risk weighted assets (RWAs) reduced over the period by approximately GBP0.8 billion due to continued run-off of the commercial book and lower residential lending RWAs, as a result of house price inflation which more than offset portfolio growth.

The movements described above have resulted in an increase in the CET1 ratio to 25.4% (2016: 23.2%).

The UK leverage ratio is 4.4% at 4 April 2017 (2016: 4.4%) as profits have broadly been offset by an increase in the defined benefit pension deficit and balance sheet growth, which was driven by increases in mortgage balances. The CRR leverage ratio is 4.2% (2016: 4.2%).

We continue to monitor regulatory developments that could lead to an increased level of capital requirements. Whilst there are a number of areas where potential requirements are yet to be finalised, regulatory announcements during the financial year mean that we have a clearer understanding of the expected impact. However, we will remain engaged in the development of the regulatory approach to ensure we are prepared for any change. Whilst these amendments may result in increases to RWAs, we do not believe there will be a material increase in overall capital requirements.

Business and risk report

Contents

 
                                 Page 
Introduction                       20 
Principal risks                    21 
Top and emerging risks             22 
Lending risk                       23 
    Residential mortgages          25 
    Consumer banking               32 
    Commercial lending             35 
    Treasury assets                40 
Financial risk                     43 
    Liquidity and funding risk     44 
    Solvency risk                  51 
 

Introduction

Keeping members' money safe by being secure and dependable is fundamental to the way Nationwide operates. This is encapsulated within the strategic principle of being Built to Last which focuses on a prudent approach to risk management. This Business and Risk Report explains the Group's business, the risks it is exposed to and how it manages those risks.

Nationwide is organised into three business operating segments: Retail, Commercial and Head office functions. The Group is predominantly a retail focused operation which trades almost exclusively within the UK. Wholesale funding is accessed from both UK and overseas markets. As the risks of the organisation are managed on a Group basis, and given the dominant position of the Society within the Group structure, the disclosures in the Business and Risk Report are on a consolidated basis covering the activities of both the Group and the Society.

The chart below shows Nationwide's business operating segments and how these activities are reflected in its risk measures. The regulatory risk weighted assets (RWAs) below indicate the relative risks each area carries as at 4 April 2017. Further details regarding Nationwide's RWAs and capital position are included in the Solvency risk section of this report.

 
                                                                     Nationwide Building Society 
-----------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Operating                        Retail                                    Commercial                              Head office functions 
 segment 
-----------  -----------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------------- 
 Business 
 activities      *    Prime residential lending                 *    Social housing lending            *    Treasury including funding, liquidity and m 
                                                                                                      arket risk 
                                                                                                            management 
                 *    Specialist residential lending            *    Project finance lending 
 
                                                                                                       *    Central support functions 
                 *    Consumer banking                          *    Commercial real estate lending 
 
 
                 *    Savings products 
 
 
                 *    Investments 
-----------  -----------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------------- 
 Regulatory                                      GBPm                     GBPm                                                              GBPm 
 risk                                            Credit risk               Credit risk 5,636                                                Credit risk 
 weighted                                        19,504                    Operational risk                                                 3,636 
 assets                                          Operational               100                                                              Operational 
 as at 4                                         risk                                                                                       risk 
 April                                           4,734                                                                                      31 
 2017 
-----------  -----------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------------------- 
 

Note: No amounts are shown for market risk RWAs as the Group has elected to set these to zero, as permitted by the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) where the exposure is below the threshold of 2% of own funds.

Principal risks

Whilst it is accepted that all business activities involve some degree of risk, Nationwide seeks to protect its members by appropriately managing the risks that arise from its activities. The principal types of risk inherent within the business, and the attitude to managing them, are set out below.

 
Risk         Definition                                           Attitude 
category 
===========  ===================================================  ============================================================ 
Lending      The risk that a borrower 
              or counterparty fails to                              *    Nationwide primarily lends on prime residential 
              pay the interest or to repay                               mortgages and sets prudent limits to control the 
              the principal on a loan                                    exposure to other portfolios, such as buy to let and 
              or other financial instrument                              unsecured lending. 
              (such as a bond) on time. 
 
                                                                    *    The Commercial portfolios are being actively managed 
                                                                         to maturity, as commercial lending is now closed to 
                                                                         new business. Risk management of these portfolios 
                                                                         focuses on refinance, extension and concentration 
                                                                         risks. 
 
 
                                                                    *    Treasury credit risk is accepted only to support the 
                                                                         liquidity strategy; for derivative activities 
                                                                         necessary to support the member proposition; and to 
                                                                         manage legacy positions. 
===========  ===================================================  ============================================================ 
Financial    The risk of Nationwide having 
              inadequate earnings, cash                             *    Financial risks are tightly managed, whilst allowing 
              flow or capital to meet                                    Nationwide to meet members' needs when designing 
              current or future requirements                             products and services. 
              and expectations. 
 
                                                                    *    Where residual financial risks exist, sufficient 
                                                                         amounts of capital or liquidity are held to mitigate 
                                                                         their impact. 
===========  ===================================================  ============================================================ 
Operational  The risk of loss resulting 
              from inadequate or failed                             *    Nationwide operates its business to ensure a minimum 
              internal processes, people                                 level of serious disruption to members, brand and 
              and systems, or from external                              reputation, with systems and services designed to 
              events.                                                    achieve defined levels of availability and 
                                                                         performance. 
===========  ===================================================  ============================================================ 
Conduct and  The risk that Nationwide 
 compliance  exercises inappropriate                                *    Products and services should meet customer needs and 
             judgement or makes errors                                   expectations and perform as represented. 
             in the execution of its 
             business activities, leading 
             to:                                                    *    Sustainable partnerships are built with members and 
                                                                         customers by providing the right information at the 
              *    non-compliance with regulation or legislation         right time, and value for money products and 
                                                                         services. 
 
              *    market integrity being undermined, or 
                                                                    *    Customer detriment and/or dissatisfaction is 
                                                                         addressed in a timely and fair manner. 
              *    an unfair outcome being created for customers 
             . 
                                                                    *    Nationwide safeguards personal data, does not exploit 
                                                                         asymmetries and does not disadvantage customers or 
                                                                         customer segments or take advantage of customer 
                                                                         vulnerability. 
 
 
                                                                    *    Nationwide does not conduct or facilitate market 
                                                                         abuse or financial crime and does not distort 
                                                                         competition. 
===========  ===================================================  ============================================================ 
Strategic    The risk of significant 
              loss or damage arising from                          *    Nationwide does not overcommit by targeting too many 
              business decisions that                                   strategic priorities at any one time, ensuring the 
              impact the long term interests                            most effective and efficient use of its resources. It 
              of the membership, or from                                is committed to a mutual business model that is 
              an inability to adapt to                                  focused on the provision of retail financial services, 
              external developments.                                    almost exclusively in the UK. 
===========  ===================================================  ============================================================ 
 

The frameworks for managing the above risks, including associated risk appetite, limits and supporting policies, are reviewed at least annually, and are subject to continuous monitoring by the relevant governance committees.

Top and emerging risks

In addition to the above principal risks that are inherent in Nationwide's business, the top and emerging risks that could affect delivery of the strategy are identified and monitored as an integral element of risk management. It is accepted that all business activities involve some degree of risk. Steps are therefore taken to protect members by ensuring that these activities are managed appropriately. Nationwide's 'built to last' strategic cornerstone focuses on being safe, secure, sustainable and dependable for members.

Top and emerging risks are identified and closely tracked throughout the governance structure. These risks are kept under close observation through risk reporting.

Following the result of the EU referendum, the impact of the UK's impending exit from the EU is one of the top risks. This is due to the widespread political and economic uncertainty it has caused, which spans all risk categories. In addition to this, risk management activity over the past year has focused on strengthening business resilience and managing the pace of change in the digital and regulatory environments. Nationwide's top and emerging risks fall within the following categories:

Macroeconomic environment

Nationwide monitors global and domestic macroeconomic factors to ensure preparedness for their potential impacts. Domestically, the effects of Brexit, the upcoming UK general election and the potential for a second Scottish referendum are focus areas. The impact of the continued low interest rate environment and the risks to the business model are closely monitored. The Board also discusses the potential risks to economic growth and stability within financial markets that would be posed by a Eurozone financial crisis, geopolitical instability or a downturn in China or emerging markets.

The result of the Brexit vote has caused political and economic uncertainty. Reassuringly, UK growth projections have recovered since their initial post-referendum fall and the UK regulators have made no immediate changes to their objectives or policies. Nevertheless, a number of key initiatives from the European Commission are in flight and it is expected that these will transpose into UK law despite a vote to leave. Nationwide is well placed to respond to and implement the requirements resulting from these initiatives, and will continue to monitor this position and any associated impacts.

Cyber security, data protection and operational resilience

With increasingly sophisticated cyber security compromises being reported within both financial and non-financial sectors, Nationwide is very alert to the risks posed by breaches of its cyber defences. Cyber security remains a high priority and Nationwide will continue to focus on improving the awareness of its customers and employees, as well as continuing to build its understanding of the developing threats, its defences and its resilience to cyber attacks.

Members' data is safeguarded by investing heavily to maintain and protect systems. To date, Nationwide has successfully defended against data breaches, and continues to ensure that developments are up to date so that members continue to receive the protection that they expect.

In an increasingly digital world, there is pressure to manage considerably larger volumes of data securely and effectively. Nationwide operates a dedicated Operational Resilience function to ensure it meets member expectations for secure, highly reliable and widely available services.

The pace of change in the digital and regulatory environments

Over recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for digital products and services due to the convenience that they can bring. This has seen an influx of innovative new offerings in the market place and the number of challenger banks and Fintech disruptors has increased. Collectively the changes may pose a challenge to Nationwide's core markets and product pricing. The Board continues to monitor the possible impact on Nationwide's business model, and continues to invest heavily in its digital channels and new payment technologies.

Changes in regulation and the resulting impact on the competitive environment from, amongst other things, Open Banking and ring fencing of the major UK banks, continue to be considered by the Board. Nationwide is well placed to respond to these complex regulatory changes, and to provide a variety of products and services which are designed to meet customers' needs. The Board will continue to review Nationwide's ability to respond in an efficient and agile manner.

Lending risk

Lending risk is the risk that a borrower or counterparty fails to pay interest or to repay the principal on a loan or other financial instrument (such as a bond) on time. Lending risk also encompasses extension risk and concentration risk.

This section provides information on Nationwide's exposure to lending risk arising from loans and advances, together with details of the level of collateral held and impairment charges recognised during the period. It also provides information about the key risk measures for each of the loan portfolios.

Nationwide manages lending risk for each of the following portfolios:

 
Portfolio           Definition 
==================  ======================================================= 
Residential         Loans secured on residential property; Nationwide 
 mortgages           manages prime and specialist lending separately 
==================  ======================================================= 
Consumer banking    Unsecured lending including current account overdrafts, 
                     personal loans and credit cards 
==================  ======================================================= 
Commercial lending  Loans to registered social landlords, loans made under 
                     the Private Finance Initiative and commercial real 
                     estate lending 
==================  ======================================================= 
Treasury            Treasury liquidity, derivatives and discretionary 
                     portfolios 
==================  ======================================================= 
 

In addition, a small other lending portfolio is held of GBP17 million (2016: GBP20 million) which primarily includes GBP8 million of deferred consideration relating to an investment in Visa Inc and GBP5 million of collateral to support repurchase transactions. There is no significant exposure to lending risk on this portfolio.

Maximum exposure to lending risk

Lending risk largely arises from exposure to loans and advances to customers, which account for 85.9% (2016: 87.3%) of Nationwide's total lending risk exposure. Within this, exposure relates primarily to residential mortgages, which account for 91.4% (2016: 90.7%) of total loans and advances to customers and which comprise high quality assets with low occurrences of arrears and possessions. The increase in the proportion of residential mortgages is primarily driven by Nationwide's continued support for first time buyers which has contributed to the GBP8 billion growth in prime lending in the year.

In addition to loans and advances to customers, Nationwide is exposed to lending risk on all other financial assets. For financial assets recognised on the balance sheet, the maximum exposure to lending risk represents the balance sheet carrying value after allowance for impairment. For off-balance sheet guarantees, the maximum exposure is the maximum amount that Nationwide would have to pay if the guarantees were to be called upon. For loan commitments and other credit related commitments that are irrevocable over the life of the respective facilities, the maximum exposure is the full amount of the committed facilities.

Nationwide's maximum exposure to lending risk has risen from GBP220 billion to GBP234 billion, reflecting the growth in residential mortgage loans.

 
Maximum exposure to                                              2017 
 lending risk 
                              Gross  Less: impairment  Carrying  Commitments         Maximum      % of total 
                           balances        provisions     value     (note i)         lending         lending 
                                                                               risk exposure   risk exposure 
                               GBPm              GBPm      GBPm         GBPm            GBPm               % 
------------------------  ---------  ----------------  --------  -----------  --------------  -------------- 
Cash                         13,017                 -    13,017            -          13,017               6 
Loans and advances 
 to banks                     2,587                 -     2,587          115           2,702               1 
Investment securities 
 - AFS                        9,764                 -     9,764            -           9,764               4 
Investment securities 
 - HTM (note ii)                  -                 -         -        1,774           1,774               1 
Derivative financial 
 instruments                  5,043                 -     5,043            -           5,043               2 
Fair value adjustment 
 for portfolio hedged 
 risk (note iii)                746                 -       746            -             746               - 
Investments in equity 
 shares                          67                 -        67            -              67               - 
                          ---------  ----------------  --------  -----------  --------------  -------------- 
                             31,224                 -    31,224        1,889          33,113              14 
 
Loans and advances 
 to customers: 
  Residential mortgages     171,263             (144)   171,119       12,589         183,708              78 
  Consumer banking            3,949             (269)     3,680           26           3,706               2 
  Commercial lending 
   (note iii)                12,580              (25)    12,555          851          13,406               6 
  Other lending (note 
   iv)                           17                 -        17           75              92               - 
                          ---------  ----------------  --------  -----------  --------------  -------------- 
                            187,809             (438)   187,371       13,541         200,912              86 
 
Total                       219,033             (438)   218,595       15,430         234,025             100 
------------------------  ---------  ----------------  --------  -----------  --------------  -------------- 
 

Lending risk (continued)

 
Maximum exposure to                                              2016 
 lending risk 
                              Gross  Less: impairment  Carrying  Commitments         Maximum      % of total 
                           balances        provisions     value     (note i)         lending         lending 
                                                                               risk exposure   risk exposure 
                               GBPm              GBPm      GBPm         GBPm            GBPm               % 
------------------------  ---------  ----------------  --------  -----------  --------------  -------------- 
Cash                          8,797                 -     8,797            -           8,797               4 
Loans and advances 
 to banks                     3,591                 -     3,591          115           3,706               2 
Investment securities 
 - AFS                       10,612                 -    10,612            -          10,612               5 
Derivative financial 
 instruments                  3,898                 -     3,898            -           3,898               2 
Fair value adjustment 
 for portfolio hedged 
 risk (note iii)                756                 -       756            -             756               - 
Investments in equity 
 shares                         126                 -       126            -             126               - 
                          ---------  ----------------  --------  -----------  --------------  -------------- 
                             27,780                 -    27,780          115          27,895              13 
 
Loans and advances 
 to customers: 
  Residential mortgages     162,164             (102)   162,062       12,336         174,398              79 
  Consumer banking            3,869             (281)     3,588           39           3,627               2 
  Commercial lending 
   (note iii)                13,197              (59)    13,138        1,065          14,203               6 
  Other lending (note 
   iv)                           20               (1)        19           75              94               - 
                          ---------  ----------------  --------  -----------  --------------  -------------- 
                            179,250             (443)   178,807       13,515         192,322              87 
 
Total                       207,030             (443)   206,587       13,630         220,217             100 
------------------------  ---------  ----------------  --------  -----------  --------------  -------------- 
 

Notes:

i. In addition to the amounts shown above, the Group has, as part of its retail operations, revocable commitments of GBP9,202 million (2016: GBP8,513 million) in respect of credit card and overdraft facilities. These commitments represent agreements to lend in the future, subject to certain considerations. Such commitments are cancellable by the Group, subject to notice requirements, and given their nature are not expected to be drawn down to the full level of exposure.

ii. At the balance sheet date, Nationwide had entered a commitment to subscribe to up to a maximum of GBP1.8 billion of residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS) under a programme to securitise Bradford & Bingley residential mortgage assets. This commitment was wholly fulfilled by Nationwide purchasing GBP1.2 billion RMBS following the issue on 25 April 2017. These have been classified as held to maturity (HTM) investment securities.

iii. The fair value adjustment for portfolio hedged risk and the fair value adjustment for micro hedged risk (included within the carrying value of the commercial lending portfolio) represent hedge accounting adjustments. They are indirectly exposed to lending risk through the relationship with the underlying loans covered by Nationwide's hedging programmes.

iv. The other lending portfolio includes deferred consideration relating to an investment in Visa Inc and collateral balances to support repo transactions.

Movements in impaired loans by lending risk segment

The table below shows the movements throughout the year of all loans classified as impaired. The balance shown represents the entire financial asset rather than just the amount that is overdue.

 
Movements in impaired            Prime  Specialist  Consumer  Commercial     Other  Total 
 loan balances               mortgages   mortgages   banking     lending   lending 
                                  GBPm        GBPm      GBPm        GBPm      GBPm   GBPm 
--------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------  ----- 
At 5 April 2016                    366         412       260         171         5  1,214 
Classified as impaired 
 during the year                   323         358       110           6         -    797 
Transferred from impaired 
 to unimpaired                   (298)       (333)      (44)        (26)       (3)  (704) 
Amounts written off               (14)        (37)      (92)       (105)         -  (248) 
Disposals                            -           -         -           -         -      - 
Repayments and other 
 movements                         (5)           1       (1)         (1)       (2)    (8) 
--------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------  ----- 
At 4 April 2017                    372         401       233          45         -  1,051 
--------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------  ----- 
 

Lending risk (continued)

 
Movements in impaired            Prime  Specialist  Consumer  Commercial     Other  Total 
 loan balances               mortgages   mortgages   banking     lending   lending 
                                  GBPm        GBPm      GBPm        GBPm      GBPm   GBPm 
--------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------  ----- 
At 5 April 2015                    396         499       225         608        10  1,738 
Classified as impaired 
 during the year                   343         391       113          38         -    885 
Transferred from impaired 
 to unimpaired                   (344)       (410)      (27)        (70)         -  (851) 
Amounts written off               (23)        (66)      (41)       (283)       (5)  (418) 
Disposals                            -           -         -           -         -      - 
Repayments and other 
 movements                         (6)         (2)      (10)       (122)         -  (140) 
--------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------  ----- 
At 4 April 2016                    366         412       260         171         5  1,214 
--------------------------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------  ----- 
 

Note: Loans that were classified as impaired and loans that have transferred into or out of the impaired classification are based on the relevant status at each month end, when compared to the previous month end.

Lending risk - Residential mortgages

Summary

Nationwide's residential mortgages include both prime and specialist loans. Prime residential mortgages are mainly Nationwide branded advances made through the branch network and intermediary channels. Specialist lending consists of buy to let mortgages originated under The Mortgage Works (UK) plc (TMW) brand.

Strong levels of new lending in the prime portfolio has seen the residential mortgage exposure grow from GBP162 billion to GBP171 billion over the year. In part this has been driven by continued support for first time buyers and reflects a commitment given to the UK government to make available GBP10 billion a year to this segment of the market subject to meeting our lending criteria. In the period Nationwide widened its support for borrowers in the later stages of life with the introduction of a Borrowing in Retirement proposition for those in receipt of a regular pension income. Operating within risk appetite these commitments reflect Nationwide's intention to stand by its members and support the UK economy.

Nationwide controls its lending risk through the application of credit criteria designed to restrict the maximum loan size at higher loan to value (LTV), robust affordability calculations and a credit scoring framework that regulates higher LTV exposures. Portfolio performance is closely measured and monitored against approved risk appetite limits.

Over the period the geographical distribution across the UK has remained stable and the average LTV, weighted by value, has remained at 55%. Support for first time buyers has seen the proportion of new lending made to this segment increase to 36% (2016: 28%). This has contributed to a rise in the average LTV of new lending to 71% (2016: 69%) and growth in the proportion of the portfolio with an LTV above 80%, rising to 9.6% (2016: 8.5%). It is also one of the factors that led to an increase in the proportion of new lending being written at income multiples of 4.5 or greater which during the year has risen to 10.6% (2016: 7.0%).

In contrast the proportion of lending made to the buy to let segment has reduced this year to 14% (2016: 22%) following a decision taken in May 2016 to increase the minimum interest cover ratio (ICR) requirement from 125% to 145% and reduce the maximum LTV from 80% to 75%. These steps were taken in response to forthcoming changes to the income tax relief available for buy to let borrowers which will materially affect the cash flow and affordability for some landlords. The lending policy changes are designed to ensure buy to let borrowing remains sustainable and affordable for our borrowers. In May 2017 we reintroduced 125% ICR lending for basic rate taxpayers to recognise the lower impact of the forthcoming tax changes on these borrowers.

Arrears levels remain low across prime and specialist lending, reflecting the favourable economic conditions and low interest rate environment and supported by robust credit assessment and affordability controls at the point of lending. The proportion of loans more than three months in arrears remained at 0.45% and significantly below the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) average of 0.91%. With the immediate outlook for the UK less certain and the buy to let market facing increased costs and potentially less investor demand, the expectation is for a very gradual rise in arrears from these low levels.

The proportion of non-performing loans reduced to 1.6% (2016: 2.0%) while provisions for impairment increased as a result of enhancements to the provision methodology and assumptions to ensure they continue to reflect appropriately the incurred losses within each portfolio. These enhancements, which resulted in an additional GBP45 million of impairment charge, reflect the extended period for arrears to arise from a loss event and the risks associated with the ability of borrowers to repay capital balances at the maturity of interest only loans.

Lending risk - Residential mortgages (continued)

Lending and new business

The table below summarises the residential mortgages portfolios:

 
Residential mortgage lending       2017          2016 
                                  GBPm    %     GBPm    % 
-----------------------------  -------  ---  -------  --- 
Prime                          138,004   81  129,973   80 
 
Specialist: 
  Buy to let                    30,087   18   28,646   18 
  Self-certified                 2,071    1    2,338    1 
  Near prime                       784    -      859    1 
  Sub prime                        317    -      348    - 
-----------------------------  -------  ---  -------  --- 
                                33,259   19   32,191   20 
 
Total residential mortgages    171,263  100  162,164  100 
-----------------------------  -------  ---  -------  --- 
 

Note: Self-certified, near prime and sub prime lending were discontinued in 2009.

 
Distribution of new business by borrower   2017  2016 
 type (by value) 
                                              %     % 
-----------------------------------------  ----  ---- 
Prime: 
  Home movers                                30    31 
  First time buyers                          36    28 
  Remortgagers                               19    18 
  Other                                       1     1 
                                           ----  ---- 
Total prime                                  86    78 
 
Specialist: 
  Buy to let new purchases                    3     8 
  Buy to let remortgagers                    11    14 
Total specialist                             14    22 
 
Total new business                          100   100 
-----------------------------------------  ----  ---- 
 

Note: All new business measures exclude existing customers who are only switching products and/or taking further advances.

In October 2014, the Financial Policy Committee (FPC) introduced a 15% limit on the proportion of new lending that may be written at income multiples of 4.5 and above. This limit applies to residential mortgages, excluding buy to let. The proportion of new lending at income multiples of 4.5 or higher has averaged 10.6% (2016: 7.0%). The increase partly reflects the higher proportion of lending to first time buyers as Nationwide continues to support this segment of the market. The proportion of new lending at income multiples of 4.5 or higher is closely monitored and controlled to remain within risk appetite.

The proportion of lending to buy to let investors reduced during the year as a consequence of Nationwide taking a lead in the market and increasing the minimum interest cover ratio requirement in anticipation of the effect forthcoming tax rises will have on affordability for some property investors.

Lending risk - Residential mortgages (continued)

Lending risk

Residential mortgage lending continues to have a low risk profile as demonstrated by a low level of arrears compared to the industry average. The residential mortgages portfolio comprises many relatively small loans which are broadly homogenous, have low volatility of credit risk outcomes and are diversified in terms of the UK market and geographic segments.

LTV and lending risk concentration

LTV is calculated by weighting the borrower level LTV by the individual loan balance to arrive at an average LTV. This approach is considered to most appropriately reflect the exposure at risk.

 
Average LTV of loan stock   2017  2016 
-------------------------- 
                               %     % 
--------------------------  ----  ---- 
Prime                         54    54 
Specialist                    59    61 
--------------------------  ----  ---- 
Group                         55    55 
--------------------------  ----  ---- 
 
 
Average LTV of new business   2017  2016 
---------------------------- 
                                 %     % 
----------------------------  ----  ---- 
Prime                           72    71 
Specialist (buy to let)         62    65 
----------------------------  ----  ---- 
Group                           71    69 
----------------------------  ----  ---- 
 

Note: The LTV of new business excludes further advances and product switchers.

The average LTV of buy to let new lending reduced by 3 percentage points. This is due in part to the introduction of a reduced maximum LTV of 75% in May 2016 (previously 80%).

 
LTV distribution of new business  2017  2016 
-------------------------------- 
                                     %     % 
--------------------------------  ----  ---- 
0% to 60%                           26    26 
60% to 75%                          31    40 
75% to 80%                           9     9 
80% to 85%                          14    12 
85% to 90%                          17    11 
90% to 95%                           3     2 
Over 95%                             -     - 
--------------------------------  ----  ---- 
Total                              100   100 
--------------------------------  ----  ---- 
 

The maximum LTV for new prime residential customers is 95%. The proportion of new lending greater than 80% LTV has increased to 34% (2016: 25%) in part as a result of the strategy to support the first time buyer market.

Lending risk - Residential mortgages (continued)

Geographical concentration

 
Residential               Greater   Central  Northern     South     South  Scotland   Wales  Northern     Total 
 mortgage balances         London   England   England      East      West                     Ireland 
 by LTV and region                                      England   England 
2017                         GBPm      GBPm      GBPm      GBPm      GBPm      GBPm    GBPm      GBPm      GBPm      % 
------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------  --------  --------  ----- 
 
Performing loans 
Fully collateralised 
LTV ratio: 
  Up to 50%                28,493     9,737     6,361     8,783     5,630     2,915   1,208       833    63,960 
  50% to 60%               11,822     5,612     3,748     4,637     3,141     1,649     681       357    31,647 
  60% to 70%                8,659     6,888     5,737     3,852     3,426     2,366     972       395    32,295 
  70% to 80%                5,169     4,905     5,897     2,216     2,198     2,619   1,296       352    24,652 
  80% to 90%                3,084     2,483     3,304     1,314     1,207     1,285     707       324    13,708 
  90% to 100%                 288       237       699       132       102       157     233       140     1,988 
                          -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------  --------  -------- 
                           57,515    29,862    25,746    20,934    15,704    10,991   5,097     2,401   168,250   98.2 
 
Not fully collateralised 
  Over 100% LTV 
   (A)                          5         6        40         2         3        16       8       239       319    0.2 
  Collateral value 
   on A                         4         5        35         1         2        15       8       199       269 
  Negative equity 
   on A                         1         1         5         1         1         1       -        40        50 
                          -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------  --------  -------- 
 
Total performing 
 loans                     57,520    29,868    25,786    20,936    15,707    11,007   5,105     2,640   168,569   98.4 
------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------  --------  --------  ----- 
 
Non-performing 
 loans 
Fully collateralised 
LTV ratio: 
  Up to 50%                   504       153       100       120        66        40      20        25     1,028 
  50% to 60%                  192        98        69        69        41        28      12        11       520 
  60% to 70%                   69       105       107        58        49        42      17        12       459 
  70% to 80%                   17        94       105        21        32        36      24        10       339 
  80% to 90%                    8        42        86         6         6        18      15        11       192 
  90% to 100%                   1         7        53         -         1         7      14         7        90 
                              791       499       520       274       195       171     102        76     2,628    1.6 
 
Not fully collateralised 
  Over 100% LTV 
   (B)                          -         1        12         -         -         2       3        48        66      - 
  Collateral value 
   on B                         -         1        11         -         -         2       3        38        55 
  Negative equity 
   on B                         -         -         1         -         -         -       -        10        11 
                          -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------  --------  -------- 
 
Total non-performing 
 loans                        791       500       532       274       195       173     105       124     2,694    1.6 
------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------  --------  --------  ----- 
 
Total residential 
 mortgages                 58,311    30,368    26,318    21,210    15,902    11,180   5,210     2,764   171,263  100.0 
------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------  --------  --------  ----- 
 
Geographical 
 concentrations               34%       18%       15%       12%        9%        7%      3%        2%      100% 
------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------  --------  --------  ----- 
 

Lending risk - Residential mortgages (continued)

 
Residential               Greater   Central  Northern     South     South  Scotland  Wales  Northern    Total 
 mortgage balances         London   England   England      East      West                    Ireland 
 by LTV and region                                      England   England 
2016                         GBPm      GBPm      GBPm      GBPm      GBPm      GBPm   GBPm      GBPm     GBPm      % 
------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----  --------  -------  ----- 
 
Performing loans 
Fully collateralised 
LTV ratio: 
  Up to 50%                26,991     8,795     5,866     7,855     5,051     2,711  1,178       785   59,232 
  50% to 60%               12,350     4,971     3,402     4,262     2,733     1,547    637       346   30,248 
  60% to 70%                8,465     6,636     5,052     4,363     3,460     2,095    903       390   31,364 
  70% to 80%                4,062     5,454     6,282     2,211     2,359     2,776  1,273       371   24,788 
  80% to 90%                1,559     2,210     3,135       894       918     1,380    657       271   11,024 
  90% to 100%                  85       177       901        66        60       232    212       151    1,884 
                          -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----  --------  ------- 
                           53,512    28,243    24,638    19,651    14,581    10,741  4,860     2,314  158,540   97.7 
 
Not fully collateralised 
  Over 100% LTV 
   (A)                          7         8        80         1         4        31     13       301      445    0.3 
                          -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----  --------  ------- 
  Collateral value 
   on A                         6         7        73         1         3        29     13       248      380 
  Negative equity 
   on A                         1         1         7         -         1         2      -        53       65 
                          -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----  --------  ------- 
 
Total performing 
 loans                     53,519    28,251    24,718    19,652    14,585    10,772  4,873     2,615  158,985   98.0 
------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----  --------  -------  ----- 
 
Non-performing 
 loans 
Fully collateralised 
LTV ratio: 
  Up to 50%                   522       161       107       127        73        43     27        26    1,086 
  50% to 60%                  245       100        68        74        52        28     13        12      592 
  60% to 70%                  110       131       108        76        60        42     20        12      559 
  70% to 80%                   29       114       139        42        48        46     24        12      454 
  80% to 90%                    7        74        98         7        17        28     19        12      262 
  90% to 100%                   1        14        73         1         2        13     16         7      127 
                          -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----  --------  ------- 
                              914       594       593       327       252       200    119        81    3,080    1.9 
 
Not fully collateralised 
  Over 100% LTV 
   (B)                          -         3        25         2         1         3      5        60       99    0.1 
                          -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----  --------  ------- 
  Collateral value 
   on B                         -         3        22         1         1         3      5        46       81 
  Negative equity 
   on B                         -         -         3         1         -         -      -        14       18 
                          -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----  --------  ------- 
 
Total non-performing 
 loans                        914       597       618       329       253       203    124       141    3,179    2.0 
------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----  --------  -------  ----- 
 
Total residential 
 mortgages                 54,433    28,848    25,336    19,981    14,838    10,975  4,997     2,756  162,164  100.0 
------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----  --------  -------  ----- 
 
Geographical 
 concentrations               33%       18%       16%       12%        9%        7%     3%        2%     100% 
------------------------  -------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  -----  --------  -------  ----- 
 

The value of partially collateralised non-performing loans has reduced to GBP66 million (2016: GBP99 million), primarily reflecting the growth in house prices.

During the period the proportion of loan balances with an LTV greater than 80% has increased to 9.6% (2016: 8.5%) reflecting the new lending and support for first time buyers. In comparison, the proportion of lending greater than 80% LTV in Greater London was 5.8% (2016: 3.0%).

Lending risk - Residential mortgages (continued)

Arrears

 
Number of cases more than 3 months in   2017  2016 
 arrears as % of total book 
-------------------------------------- 
                                           %     % 
--------------------------------------  ----  ---- 
Prime                                   0.36  0.35 
Specialist                              0.89  0.90 
--------------------------------------  ----  ---- 
Group                                   0.45  0.45 
--------------------------------------  ----  ---- 
 
CML industry average                    0.91  1.04 
--------------------------------------  ----  ---- 
 

Favourable economic conditions and a continued low interest environment have resulted in the arrears performance of both the prime and specialist mortgage portfolios reaching a level where any future changes are more likely to be gradual upward movements rather than further falls. The combined arrears rate of 0.45% was approximately half of the Council of Mortgage Lenders' (CML) industry average rate of 0.91%.

Impaired loans

Impaired and non-performing loans are identified primarily by arrears status. Impaired accounts are defined as those greater than three months in arrears and include accounts subject to possession. Non-performing accounts include:

   --    all impaired loans 

-- loans which are past due but not impaired, including any loan where a payment due is received late or missed

   --    past term interest only loans which have gone into litigation. 

The non-performing loan amount represents the entire loan balance rather than just the payment overdue.

Loans on interest only or payment holiday concessions are initially categorised according to their payment status as at the date of concession, with subsequent revisions to this category assessed against the terms of the concession.

Impairment provisions are held in relation to both the performing and non-performing segments of the residential mortgage portfolio. Provisions reflect losses which have been incurred at the balance sheet date, based on objective evidence. Individual impairment provisions are assigned to accounts in possession and a collective provision is assigned to all other accounts. For currently performing loans, the provision reflects losses arising from impairment events that have occurred within the portfolio but are not identifiable at the reporting date.

 
Residential mortgages by payment status                         2017 
                                                   Prime  Specialist    Total 
                                                    GBPm        GBPm     GBPm      % 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------  ----- 
Performing: 
  Neither past due nor impaired                  136,374      32,195  168,569   98.4 
 
Non-performing: 
  Past due up to 3 months                          1,258         663    1,921    1.1 
 
    Impaired: 
  Past due 3 to 6 months                             156         173      329    0.2 
  Past due 6 to 12 months                            117         118      235    0.2 
  Past due over 12 months                             91          91      182    0.1 
  Litigations (past term interest only)                -           1        1      - 
  Possessions                                          8          18       26      - 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------  ----- 
Total non-performing loans                         1,630       1,064    2,694    1.6 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------  ----- 
 
Total residential mortgages                      138,004      33,259  171,263  100.0 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------  ----- 
 
Non-performing loans as a % of total 
 residential mortgages                              1.2%        3.2%     1.6% 
Impairment provisions (GBPm)                          34         110      144 
Impairment provisions as a % of non-performing 
 balances                                           2.1%       10.3%     5.3% 
Impairment provisions as a % of total 
 residential mortgages                             0.02%       0.33%    0.08% 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------  ----- 
 

Lending risk - Residential mortgages (continued)

 
Residential mortgages by payment status                         2016 
                                                   Prime  Specialist    Total 
                                                    GBPm        GBPm     GBPm      % 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------  ----- 
Performing: 
  Neither past due nor impaired                  127,986      30,999  158,985   98.0 
 
Non-performing: 
  Past due up to 3 months                          1,621         780    2,401    1.5 
 
    Impaired: 
  Past due 3 to 6 months                             170         188      358    0.2 
  Past due 6 to 12 months                            115         115      230    0.2 
  Past due over 12 months                             75          91      166    0.1 
  Litigations (past term interest only)                -           -        -      - 
  Possessions                                          6          18       24      - 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------  ----- 
Total non-performing loans                         1,987       1,192    3,179    2.0 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------  ----- 
 
Total residential mortgages                      129,973      32,191  162,164  100.0 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------  ----- 
 
Non-performing loans as a % of total 
 residential mortgages                              1.5%        3.7%     2.0% 
Impairment provisions (GBPm)                          25          77      102 
Impairment provisions as a % of non-performing 
 balances                                           1.3%        6.5%     3.2% 
Impairment provisions as a % of total 
 residential mortgages                             0.02%       0.24%    0.06% 
-----------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------  ----- 
 

The proportion of non--performing loans has reduced to 1.6% (2016: 2.0%) as a consequence of the portfolio growth and continued low levels of early arrears.

The provision balance has increased to GBP144 million (2016: GBP102 million). The provisioning methodology and assumptions have been reviewed and updated to ensure they appropriately reflect incurred losses within the portfolio, resulting in a GBP45 million increase in provisions. Specific areas of focus included maturing interest only loans and the period for losses to emerge on up to date loans.

 
Impairment losses for the year   2017  2016 
                                 GBPm  GBPm 
-------------------------------  ----  ---- 
Prime                              11     8 
Specialist                         47    10 
Total                              58    18 
-------------------------------  ----  ---- 
 

Possessions

 
Number of properties in possession as           2017                  2016 
 % of total book 
-------------------------------------- 
                                                Number                Number 
                                         of properties     %   of properties     % 
--------------------------------------  --------------  ----  --------------  ---- 
Prime                                               89  0.01              57  0.01 
Specialist                                         136  0.05             117  0.04 
--------------------------------------  --------------  ----  --------------  ---- 
Group                                              225  0.01             174  0.01 
--------------------------------------  --------------  ----  --------------  ---- 
 
CML industry average                                    0.03                  0.03 
--------------------------------------  --------------  ----  --------------  ---- 
 

Repossession numbers have increased in the year following revisions to the repossession process.

Lending risk - Residential mortgages (continued)

Interest only mortgages

Nationwide does not offer any new advances for prime residential mortgages on an interest only basis. However, there are historical balances which were originally advanced as interest only mortgages or where a change in terms to an interest only basis was agreed (this option was withdrawn in 2012). Maturities on interest only mortgages are managed closely, engaging regularly with customers to ensure the loan is redeemed or to agree a strategy for repayment.

The majority of the specialist portfolio comprises buy to let loans, of which approximately 85% are advanced on an interest only basis.

 
Interest only       Term  Due within    Due after    Due after    Due after   Total         % of 
 mortgages       expired    one year     one year    two years    more than           total book 
                  (still               and before   and before   five years 
                   open)                two years   five years 
2017                GBPm        GBPm         GBPm         GBPm         GBPm    GBPm            % 
--------------  --------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------  ----------- 
Prime                 64         337          444        1,636       13,604  16,085         11.7 
Specialist           104         202          216        1,173       28,037  29,732         89.4 
--------------  --------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------  ----------- 
Total                168         539          660        2,809       41,641  45,817         26.8 
--------------  --------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------  ----------- 
 
 
Interest only       Term  Due within    Due after    Due after    Due after   Total         % of 
 mortgages       expired    one year     one year    two years    more than           total book 
                  (still               and before   and before   five years 
                   open)                two years   five years 
2016                GBPm        GBPm         GBPm         GBPm         GBPm    GBPm            % 
--------------  --------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------  ----------- 
Prime                 58         396          475        1,731       16,178  18,838         14.5 
Specialist            98         174          254        1,002       27,084  28,612         88.9 
--------------  --------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------  ----------- 
Total                156         570          729        2,733       43,262  47,450         29.3 
--------------  --------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------  ----------- 
 

Interest only loans that are 'term expired (still open)' are, to the extent that they are not otherwise in arrears, considered performing for six months, pending renegotiation of the facility. After six months, the loans are, if not in litigation, classified as forborne.

Lending risk - Consumer banking

Summary

The consumer banking portfolio comprises balances on unsecured retail banking products, specifically overdrawn current accounts, personal loans and credit cards. Despite continued intense competition, total balances across these portfolios have grown by 2% to GBP3,949 million during the period (2016: GBP3,869 million), with an increasing proportion of products held by existing Nationwide members. This has been achieved by maintaining focus on meeting more member needs, with the successful launch of a student account and continued enhancement of digital services.

Asset quality on the unsecured portfolios has remained strong, benefiting from proactive risk management practices and continued low interest rates. Non-performing balances (excluding charged off accounts) have remained stable, whilst charged off balances have reduced by 12% to GBP174 million (2016: GBP197 million).

Impairment provisions are held against both performing and non-performing segments of the consumer banking portfolio. The provision methodology has been updated, and provisions increased to recognise the impact of prolonged low interest rates and the favourable economic environment potentially dampening the emergence of arrears. Across the consumer banking portfolios this has increased provision coverage on impaired balances by 5%.

 
Consumer banking balances       2017        2016 
                              GBPm    %   GBPm    % 
---------------------------  -----  ---  -----  --- 
Overdrawn current accounts     261    7    247    6 
Personal loans               1,957   49  1,901   49 
Credit cards                 1,731   44  1,721   45 
---------------------------  -----  ---  -----  --- 
Total consumer banking       3,949  100  3,869  100 
---------------------------  -----  ---  -----  --- 
 

Lending risk - Consumer banking (continued)

Lending risk

Impaired loans

Lending risk on the consumer banking portfolios is primarily monitored and reported based on delinquency status, since no security is held against the loans. Impaired accounts are defined as those greater than three months in arrears. Non-performing accounts include all impaired loans and loans which are past due but not impaired, including any loan where a payment due is received late or missed. The non-performing loan amount represents the entire loan rather than just the payment overdue.

The performance of the portfolios is closely monitored, with corrective action taken when appropriate to ensure adherence with risk appetite.

Impairment provisions are held for both the performing and non-performing segments of the consumer banking portfolio and provisions reflect losses which have been incurred at the balance sheet date, based on objective evidence. For performing loans, the impairment provision reflects the assessment of losses arising from events that have occurred but which have not been specifically identified at the reporting date.

 
Consumer banking by payment due                        2017 
 status 
                                      Overdrawn  Personal  Credit  Total 
                                        current     loans   cards 
                                       accounts 
                                           GBPm      GBPm    GBPm   GBPm    % 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  -----  --- 
Performing: 
  Neither past due nor impaired             225     1,822   1,591  3,638   92 
 
Non-performing: 
  Past due up to 3 months                    12        38      28     78 
  Impaired: 
  Past due 3 to 6 months                      4        10      12     26 
  Past due 6 to 12 months                     3        11       2     16 
  Past due over 12 months                     3        14       -     17 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  ----- 
                                             22        73      42    137    4 
 
Charged off (note i)                         14        62      98    174    4 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  ----- 
Total non-performing                         36       135     140    311 
 
Total consumer banking lending              261     1,957   1,731  3,949  100 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  -----  --- 
 
Non-performing loans as % of 
 total (excluding charged off 
 balances)                                   9%        4%      3%     4% 
 
Impairment provisions excluding 
 charged off balances                        15        48      42    105 
Impairment provisions on charged 
 off balances                                13        60      91    164 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  ----- 
Total impairment provisions                  28       108     133    269 
 
Impairment provisions as a % 
 of non-performing loans (including 
 charged off balances)                      78%       80%     95%    86% 
Impairment provisions as % of 
 total balances                             11%        6%      8%     7% 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  -----  --- 
 

Lending risk - Consumer banking (continued)

 
Consumer banking by payment due                        2016 
 status 
                                      Overdrawn  Personal  Credit  Total 
                                        current     loans   cards 
                                       accounts 
                                           GBPm      GBPm    GBPm   GBPm    % 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  -----  --- 
Performing: 
  Neither past due nor impaired             206     1,742   1,576  3,524   91 
 
Non-performing: 
  Past due up to 3 months                    16        42      27     85 
  Impaired: 
  Past due 3 to 6 months                      4        11      11     26 
  Past due 6 to 12 months                     3        11       3     17 
  Past due over 12 months                     4        16       -     20 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  ----- 
                                             27        80      41    148    4 
 
Charged off (note i)                         14        79     104    197    5 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  ----- 
Total non-performing                         41       159     145    345 
 
Total consumer banking lending              247     1,901   1,721  3,869  100 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  -----  --- 
 
Non-performing loans as % of 
 total (excluding charged off 
 balances)                                  11%        4%      2%     4% 
 
Impairment provisions excluding 
 charged off balances                        13        46      38     97 
Impairment provisions on charged 
 off balances                                12        75      97    184 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  ----- 
Total impairment provisions                  25       121     135    281 
 
Impairment provisions as a % 
 of non-performing loans (including 
 charged off balances)                      61%       76%     93%    81% 
Impairment provisions as % of 
 total balances                             10%        6%      8%     7% 
------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  -----  --- 
 

Note:

i. Charged off balances relate to accounts which are closed to future transactions and are held on the balance sheet for an extended period (up to 36 months, depending on the product) whilst recovery procedures take place.

Strong asset quality in the unsecured portfolio has been maintained, with total non-performing balances (excluding charged off accounts) reducing by 7% to GBP137 million (2016: GBP148 million).

 
Impairment losses for the year   Overdrawn  Personal  Credit  Total 
                                   current     loans   cards 
                                  accounts 
                                      GBPm      GBPm    GBPm   GBPm 
-------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  ----- 
Year to 4 April 2017                    12        28      38     78 
Year to 4 April 2016                    14        38      44     96 
-------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------  ----- 
 

Impairment losses have reduced by GBP18 million. The charge for the year includes GBP7 million (2016: GBP29 million) in relation to assumption updates made to ensure that the provisions in the up to date book remain appropriate in the prolonged low interest rate environment.

Lending risk - Commercial lending

Summary

The commercial loan portfolio comprises the following:

 
Commercial lending balances                 2017         2016 
--------------------------------------- 
                                           GBPm    %    GBPm    % 
---------------------------------------  ------  ---  ------  --- 
Commercial real estate (CRE)              2,568   23   3,009   25 
Registered social landlords (note i)      7,546   67   7,625   65 
Project finance (note ii)                 1,096   10   1,197   10 
---------------------------------------  ------  ---  ------  --- 
Total commercial lending                 11,210  100  11,831  100 
Fair value adjustment for micro hedged 
 risk (note iii)                          1,370        1,366 
---------------------------------------  ------  ---  ------  --- 
Total                                    12,580       13,197 
---------------------------------------  ------  ---  ------  --- 
 

Notes:

   i.       Loans to registered social landlords are secured on residential property. 

ii. Loans advanced in relation to project finance are secured on cash flows from government or local authority backed contracts.

   iii.    Micro hedged risk relates to loans hedged on an individual basis. 

Following a strategic review of the commercial lending business, it was concluded that it is no longer a good fit with the core purpose of Nationwide. The strategy for the commercial lending portfolio is to hold and actively manage to maturity in line with contractual terms.

The registered social landlord and project finance portfolios now amount to 77% (2016: 75%) of the commercial lending portfolio, reflecting the managed exit of CRE, together with scheduled repayments and redemptions.

Notwithstanding the reduction in CRE lending, the exposure remains well spread across sectors and geographic regions.

The registered social landlord and project finance assets are fully performing and remain stable, reflecting their long term, lower risk nature.

Lending risk

Lending risk in the commercial loan portfolio is linked to delinquency and the availability of collateral to cover any loan balances. Nationwide adopts robust credit management policies and processes designed to recognise and manage the risks arising, or likely to arise, from the portfolio.

The lending risk in the CRE portfolio continues to reduce as the portfolio of loans contracts, the volume of non-performing loans reduces and real estate market conditions continue to be favourable.

The registered social landlord portfolio is risk rated using internal rating models with the major drivers being financial strength, independent viability assessment ratings provided by the Homes and Communities Agency and the type and size of the registered social landlord. The distribution of exposures is weighted more towards the stronger risk ratings and, against a backdrop of a long history of zero defaults, the risk profile of the portfolio remains low.

The project finance portfolio is secured against contractual cash flows from projects procured under the Private Finance Initiative rather than physical assets. The majority of loans are secured on projects which are now operational and benefiting from secure long term cash flows, with only one case, with a balance of GBP24 million, remaining in the construction phase.

Lending risk - Commercial lending (continued)

Loan to value

The following tables show the CRE portfolio by LTV and region:

 
CRE lending balances by LTV       London  South East    Rest of  Total 
 and region                                                  UK 
                                                       (note i) 
2017                                GBPm        GBPm       GBPm   GBPm    % 
--------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------  -----  --- 
Performing loans 
Fully collateralised 
LTV ratio (note ii): 
  Less than 25%                      217          19         38    274 
  25% to 50%                         702         178        359  1,239 
  51% to 75%                         466          66        361    893 
  76% to 90%                           8           4         59     71 
  91% to 100%                          1           8          1     10 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
                                   1,394         275        818  2,487   97 
 
Not fully collateralised: 
  Over 100% LTV (A)                    2           -          5      7    - 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
  Collateral value on A                -           -          4      4 
  Negative equity on A                 2           -          1      3 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
 
Total performing loans             1,396         275        823  2,494   97 
--------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------  -----  --- 
 
Non-performing loans (note iii) 
Fully collateralised 
LTV ratio: 
  Less than 25%                        1           -          -      1 
  25% to 50%                           9           3          2     14 
  51% to 75%                           8           1          4     13 
  76% to 90%                           -           -          3      3 
  91% to 100%                          3           4          3     10 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
                                      21           8         12     41    2 
 
Not fully collateralised 
  Over 100% LTV (B)                    1           3         29     33    1 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
  Collateral value on B                -           -         20     20 
  Negative equity on B (note iv)       1           3          9     13 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
 
Total non-performing loans            22          11         41     74    3 
--------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------  -----  --- 
 
Total CRE loans                    1,418         286        864  2,568  100 
--------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------  -----  --- 
 
Geographical concentration           55%         11%        34%   100% 
--------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------  -----  --- 
 

Lending risk - Commercial lending (continued)

 
CRE lending balances by LTV       London  South East    Rest of  Total 
 and region                                                  UK 
                                                       (note i) 
2016                                GBPm        GBPm       GBPm   GBPm    % 
--------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------  -----  --- 
Performing loans 
Fully collateralised 
LTV ratio (note ii) 
  Less than 25%                      136          24         60    220 
  25% to 50%                       1,021         219        419  1,659 
  51% to 75%                         329         111        390    830 
  76% to 90%                           3          13         46     62 
  91% to 100%                          1           -          5      6 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
                                   1,490         367        920  2,777   92 
 
Not fully collateralised 
  Over 100% LTV (A)                    -           3          3      6    - 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
  Collateral value on A                -           2          2      4 
  Negative equity on A                 -           1          1      2 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
 
Total performing loans             1,490         370        923  2,783   92 
--------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------  -----  --- 
 
Non-performing loans (note iii) 
Fully collateralised 
LTV ratio: 
  Less than 25%                       17           -          2     19 
  25% to 50%                          10           9          5     24 
  51% to 75%                           8           5         17     30 
  76% to 90%                           3           -         18     21 
  91% to 100%                          -           -          6      6 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
                                      38          14         48    100    4 
 
Not fully collateralised 
  Over 100% LTV (B)                    7          52         67    126    4 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
  Collateral value on B                5          36         47     88 
  Negative equity on B (note iv)       2          16         20     38 
                                  ------  ----------  ---------  ----- 
 
Total non-performing loans            45          66        115    226    8 
--------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------  -----  --- 
 
Total CRE loans                    1,535         436      1,038  3,009  100 
--------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------  -----  --- 
 
Geographical concentration           51%         14%        35%   100% 
--------------------------------  ------  ----------  ---------  -----  --- 
 

Notes:

   i.       Includes lending to borrowers based in the Channel Islands. 

ii. The LTV ratio is calculated using the on-balance sheet carrying amount of the loan divided by the indexed value of the most recent independent external collateral valuation. The Investment Property Databank (IPD) monthly index is used.

iii. Non-performing loans include impaired loans and loans with arrears of less than three months which are not impaired.

   iv.    All non-performing loans with negative equity are impaired. 

Non-performing loans have reduced and now represent 3% of CRE balances (2016: 8%). Both the proportion of partially collateralised non-performing loans and the shortfall on collateral for non-performing loans have also reduced. These changes reflect improving book performance and managed exit activity to reduce exposure to assets outside of risk appetite or which do not align to lending strategy.

Lending risk - Commercial lending (continued)

Credit risk concentrations

The CRE exposure remains well spread across sectors, and geographic regions as shown below:

 
CRE lending balances and impairment   London  South East  Rest of UK  Total 
 provisions by type and region                              (note i) 
2017                                    GBPm        GBPm        GBPm   GBPm 
------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ----- 
Retail                                   433         170         209    812 
Office                                   222          28         222    472 
Residential                              686          37         263    986 
Industrial and warehouse                  29          29          99    157 
Leisure and hotel                         48          22          57    127 
Other                                      -           -          14     14 
------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ----- 
Total CRE lending                      1,418         286         864  2,568 
------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ----- 
 
Impairment provision: 
Retail                                     1           4           2      7 
Office                                     1           -           2      3 
Residential                                1           -           5      6 
Industrial and warehouse                   -           -           1      1 
Leisure and hotel                          -           -           6      6 
Other                                      -           -           2      2 
------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ----- 
Total impairment provisions                3           4          18     25 
------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ----- 
 
 
CRE lending balances and impairment   London  South East  Rest of UK  Total 
 provisions by type and region                              (note i) 
2016                                    GBPm        GBPm        GBPm   GBPm 
------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ----- 
Retail                                   459         235         317  1,011 
Office                                   201          69         208    478 
Residential                              666          71         256    993 
Industrial and warehouse                  29          36         158    223 
Leisure and hotel                         88          25          87    200 
Other                                     92           -          12    104 
------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ----- 
Total CRE lending                      1,535         436       1,038  3,009 
------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ----- 
 
Impairment provision: 
Retail                                     2          12           8     22 
Office                                     4           1           3      8 
Residential                                1           -           5      6 
Industrial and warehouse                   -           -          12     12 
Leisure and hotel                          1           -           7      8 
Other                                      -           -           3      3 
------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ----- 
Total impairment provisions                8          13          38     59 
------------------------------------  ------  ----------  ----------  ----- 
 

Note:

   i.       Includes lending to borrowers based in the Channel Islands. 

Arrears and impairment

Impairment provisions are held in relation to both the performing and non-performing segments of the commercial lending portfolio. Provisions reflect losses which have been incurred at the balance sheet date, based on objective evidence. Individual impairment provisions are assigned to facilities exhibiting signs of financial difficulty and a collective provision is assigned to all other accounts. For currently performing loans, the collective provision reflects losses arising from impairment events that have occurred within the portfolio but are not identifiable at the reporting date.

No losses have been experienced on the registered social landlord or project finance portfolios and there is no non-performance within these portfolios. As a result, impairment provisions are only required against the CRE portfolio.

Lending risk - Commercial lending (continued)

The table below sets out the payment due status and impairment provisions for the CRE portfolio:

 
CRE lending balances by payment due status      2017        2016 
------------------------------------------- 
                                              GBPm    %   GBPm    % 
-------------------------------------------  -----  ---  -----  --- 
Performing: 
  Neither past due nor impaired              2,494   97  2,783   92 
 
Non-performing: 
  Past due up to 3 months but not impaired 
   (note i)                                     29    1     55    2 
 
  Impaired (note ii): 
  Past due up to 3 months                       24    1    115    4 
  Past due 3 to 6 months                         1    -     21    1 
  Past due 6 to 12 months                        3    -      4    - 
  Past due over 12 months                       17    1     28    1 
  Possessions (note iii)                         -    -      3    - 
                                             -----  ---  -----  --- 
Total non-performing balances                   74    3    226    8 
 
Total                                        2,568  100  3,009  100 
-------------------------------------------  -----  ---  -----  --- 
 
Impairment provisions 
Individual                                      20   80     54   92 
Collective                                       5   20      5    8 
-------------------------------------------  -----  ---  -----  --- 
Total impairment provisions                     25  100     59  100 
-------------------------------------------  -----  ---  -----  --- 
 
Provision coverage ratios 
Individual provisions as % of impaired 
 balances                                            44          32 
Total provisions as % of non-performing 
 balances                                            34          26 
Total provisions as % of total balances               1           2 
 
Estimated collateral: 
Against loans past due but not impaired         29  100     55  100 
Against impaired loans                          32   71    133   78 
-------------------------------------------  -----  ---  -----  --- 
Total collateral against non-performing 
 balances                                       61   82    188   83 
-------------------------------------------  -----  ---  -----  --- 
 

Notes:

i. The status 'past due up to 3 months but not impaired' includes any asset where a payment due under strict contractual terms is received late or missed. The amount included is the entire financial asset rather than just the payment overdue.

ii. Impaired loans include those balances which are more than three months in arrears, or against which an individual provision is held.

iii. Possession balances represent loans for which Nationwide has taken ownership of security pending sale. Assets in possession are realised to derive the maximum benefit for all interested parties. Nationwide does not occupy or otherwise use for any purposes the repossessed assets.

Total non-performing loans, before provisions, have reduced by GBP152 million to GBP74 million, and there has been a reduction of GBP34 million in total impairment provisions, reflecting the managed exit activity, improving book performance and an improvement in market conditions.

 
Impairment loss/(reversal) for the year   2017  2016 
---------------------------------------- 
                                          GBPm  GBPm 
----------------------------------------  ----  ---- 
Total                                      (5)  (34) 
----------------------------------------  ----  ---- 
 

The improved CRE market conditions, including increased liquidity and capital values, have resulted in a net impairment reversal of GBP5 million. The higher reversal in the previous year reflects higher levels of total impaired balances impacted by improving market conditions, and increased levels of recoveries.

Lending risk - Treasury assets

Summary

The Treasury portfolio is held primarily for liquidity management and, in the case of derivatives, for market risk management. As at 4 April 2017 treasury assets represent 13.7% (2016: 12.9%) of total assets.

The net increase in the portfolio compared to the previous year is predominantly due to an increase in cash balances. This follows the replacement during the year of the Bank of England's Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS), under which Nationwide received treasury bills that were held off-balance sheet, with the Term Funding Scheme (TFS), under which cash is received.

 
Treasury asset balances                         2017    2016 
                                                GBPm    GBPm 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Cash                                          13,017   8,797 
Loans and advances to banks                    2,587   3,591 
Investment securities                          9,831  10,738 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Treasury liquidity and investment portfolio   25,435  23,126 
Derivative assets                              5,043   3,898 
Total treasury portfolio                      30,478  27,024 
--------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

Note: Derivatives are classified as assets where their fair value is positive and liabilities where their fair value is negative. At 4 April 2017, derivative liabilities were GBP3,182 million (2016: GBP3,463 million).

In line with the Board's liquidity risk appetite, investment activity is restricted to high quality liquid securities comprising central bank reserves and highly rated debt securities issued by a limited range of governments, multilateral development banks ('supranationals') and government guaranteed agencies. In addition, cash is invested in highly rated liquid assets that are eligible for accessing central bank funding operations.

The total balance of out of policy legacy assets (investment securities acquired prior to the financial crisis and no longer within approved risk appetite) has reduced from GBP423 million to GBP172 million during the year, primarily through ongoing sales. A GBP9 million impairment charge (2016: GBP8 million reversal) was recognised during the year. Opportunities to exit positions continue to be assessed against prevailing market conditions and financial implications.

Derivatives are used to reduce exposure to market risks but are not used for trading or speculative purposes. There are no exposures to emerging markets, hedge funds or credit default swaps.

Lending risk - Treasury assets (continued)

Liquidity and investment portfolios

The liquidity and investment portfolio of GBP25,435 million (2016: GBP23,126 million) comprises liquid assets and other securities. The size of the portfolio reflects fluctuations in market prices, Nationwide's operational and strategic liquidity requirements and legacy asset disposals. An analysis of the on-balance sheet portfolios by asset class, credit rating and geographical location of the issuers is set out below.

 
Liquidity and investment portfolio           AAA  AA   A  Other  UK   US  Europe  Other 
 by credit rating (note i) 
2017                                   GBPm    %   %   %      %   %    %       %      % 
-----------------------------------  ------  ---          -----      ---  ------  ----- 
Liquid assets: 
Cash and reserves at central 
 banks (ii)                          13,017    -  90   -     10  90    -      10      - 
Government bonds (ii)                 6,438   10  90   -      -  78    9      13      - 
Supranational bonds                     459   88  12   -      -   -    -       -    100 
Covered bonds                           931  100   -   -      -  51    -      33     16 
Residential mortgage backed 
 securities (RMBS)                      922  100   -   -      -  61    -      39      - 
Asset-backed securities (other)         285  100   -   -      -  83    -      17      - 
Liquid assets total                  22,052   14  80   -      6  81    3      13      3 
-----------------------------------  ------  ---          -----      ---  ------  ----- 
Other securities: 
RMBS (note iii)                         288   27   3  70      -  98    -       2      - 
Commercial mortgage backed 
 securities (CMBS)                       11    -  38  24     38  38   62       -      - 
Collateralised loan obligations         226   86  14   -      -  88   12       -      - 
Student loans (note iii)                120   48  52   -      -   -  100       -      - 
Other investments                       151    -  32  28     40  44   24      32      - 
-----------------------------------  ------  ---          -----      ---  ------  ----- 
Other securities total                  796   42  19  31      8  69   24       7      - 
-----------------------------------  ------  ---          -----      ---  ------  ----- 
Loans and advances to banks 
 (note iv)                            2,587    -  47  51      2  70   18      10      2 
Total                                25,435   14  74   6      6  80    5      12      3 
-----------------------------------  ------  ---          -----      ---  ------  ----- 
 
 
Liquidity and investment portfolio           AAA  AA    A  Other  UK  US  Europe  Other 
 by credit rating (note i) 
2016                                   GBPm    %   %    %      %   %   %       %      % 
-----------------------------------  ------  ---      ---  -----          ------  ----- 
Liquid assets: 
Cash and reserves at central 
 banks                                8,797   99   -    1      -  90   -      10      - 
Government bonds                      6,321   82  18    -      -  75  14      11      - 
Supranational bonds                     522   90  10    -      -   -   -       -    100 
Covered bonds                           980  100   -    -      -  52   -      36     12 
Residential mortgage backed 
 securities (RMBS)                    1,068  100   -    -      -  65   -      35      - 
Asset-backed securities (other)         318  100   -    -      -  62   -      38      - 
Liquid assets total                  18,006   92   7    1      -  78   5      13      4 
-----------------------------------  ------  ---      ---  -----          ------  ----- 
Other securities: 
RMBS (note iii)                         563   20  15   54     11  72   -      25      3 
Commercial mortgage backed 
 securities (CMBS)                       40    -  16   67     17  16  84       -      - 
Collateralised loan obligations         528   84  13    3      -  78  22       -      - 
Covered bonds                            31    -   -  100      -   -   -     100      - 
Student loans (note iii)                145   22  50   26      2   6  94       -      - 
Other investments                       222    -  28   50     22  28  50      22      - 
-----------------------------------  ------  ---      ---  -----          ------  ----- 
Other securities total                1,529   39  19   34      8  58  26      15      1 
-----------------------------------  ------  ---      ---  -----          ------  ----- 
Loans and advances to banks 
 (note iv)                            3,591   25  19   31     25  68   9      11     12 
Total                                23,126   79  10    7      4  75   7      13      5 
-----------------------------------  ------  ---      ---  -----          ------  ----- 
 

Notes:

i. Ratings used are obtained from Standard & Poor's (S&P), and from Moody's if no S&P rating is available. Internal ratings are used if neither is available.

ii. The UK's credit rating was downgraded from AAA to AA by S&P in June 2016, impacting the ratings for cash and government bonds.

iii. Comparatives have been restated for the reclassification of certain amounts based on underlying assets.

   iv.    Loans and advances to banks includes derivative collateral and reverse repo balances. 

The above analysis does not include off-balance sheet funding, including GBP4.8 billion (2016: GBP8.5 billion) of primary liquidity representing short dated UK Treasury bills held as a result of FLS. These are included in the analysis of funding in the 'Liquidity and funding risk' section of this report.

Lending risk - Treasury assets (continued)

Country exposures

The following table summarises the exposure to institutions outside the UK. The exposures are shown at their balance sheet carrying values.

 
Country exposures    Cash  Government     Mortgage  Covered  Supra-national      Loans       Other    Other  Total 
                                bonds       backed    bonds           bonds   to banks   corporate   assets 
                                        securities                                           (note 
                                                                                                i) 
2017                 GBPm        GBPm         GBPm     GBPm            GBPm       GBPm        GBPm     GBPm   GBPm 
------------------  -----  ----------  -----------  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------  -------  ----- 
Finland                 -         218            -       24               -          -           -        -    242 
France                  -           -            -       31               -          -           1       54     86 
Germany                 -         484            -        -               -         44           -       43    571 
Ireland             1,258           -            -        -               -         27           -        -  1,285 
Italy                   -           -            -        -               -          -           3        -      3 
Netherlands             -         153          366        -               -          -           -        -    519 
Portugal                -           -            -        -               -          -           -        -      - 
Spain                   -           -            -        -               -          -           -        -      - 
Total Eurozone      1,258         855          366       55               -         71           4       97  2,706 
------------------  -----  ----------  -----------  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------  -------  ----- 
USA                    16         600            7        -               -        474           -      182  1,279 
Rest of world 
 (note ii)              -           -            -      400             459        232           -        -  1,091 
------------------  -----  ----------  -----------  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------  -------  ----- 
Total               1,274       1,455          373      455             459        777           4      279  5,076 
------------------  -----  ----------  -----------  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------  -------  ----- 
 
 
Country exposures   Cash  Government     Mortgage  Covered  Supra-national       Loans       Other    Other  Total 
                               bonds       backed    bonds           bonds    to banks   corporate   assets 
                                       securities                                            (note 
                                                                                                i) 
2016                GBPm        GBPm         GBPm     GBPm            GBPm        GBPm        GBPm     GBPm   GBPm 
------------------  ----  ----------  -----------  -------  --------------  ----------  ----------  -------  ----- 
Finland                -         242            -       23               -           -           -        -    265 
France                 -           -            -       52               -          60           4       66    182 
Germany                -         365            -        -               -         107           3      102    577 
Ireland              871           -            -        -               -          18           -        -    889 
Italy                  -           -           21        -               -           -           3        -     24 
Netherlands            -          82          385        -               -           -           -        -    467 
Portugal               -           -           22        -               -           -           -        -     22 
Spain                  -           -           85       31               -           -           -        -    116 
Total Eurozone       871         689          513      106               -         185          10      168  2,542 
------------------  ----  ----------  -----------  -------  --------------  ----------  ----------  -------  ----- 
USA                    8         902           35        -               -         350           -      365  1,660 
Rest of world 
 (note ii)             -           -           17      383             522         627           -        -  1,549 
------------------  ----  ----------  -----------  -------  --------------  ----------  ----------  -------  ----- 
Total                879       1,591          565      489             522       1,162          10      533  5,751 
------------------  ----  ----------  -----------  -------  --------------  ----------  ----------  -------  ----- 
 

Notes:

i. Other corporate exposures are held via a European commercial loan facility reported as part of loans and advances to customers.

   ii.     Rest of world exposure is to Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. 

Exposure to Eurozone countries continues to be actively managed. During the year, Nationwide disposed of its Portuguese and Spanish mortgage backed assets. Cash held in the Republic of Ireland is with the Central Bank of Ireland.

None of the exposures detailed in the table above were in default at 4 April 2017 (2016: GBP3 million), and no impairment was incurred on these assets in the period (2016: GBPnil).

Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives are used to reduce exposure to market risks, although the application of accounting rules can create volatility in the income statement in a financial year. The fair value of derivative assets at 4 April 2017 was GBP5.0 billion (2016: GBP3.9 billion) and the fair value of derivative liabilities was GBP3.2 billion (2016: GBP3.5 billion).

The International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement is Nationwide's preferred agreement for documenting derivative transactions. A Credit Support Annex (CSA) is always executed in conjunction with the ISDA Master Agreement. Under the terms of a CSA, collateral is passed between parties to mitigate the market-contingent counterparty risk inherent in the outstanding positions. CSAs are two way agreements where both parties post collateral dependent on the exposure of the derivative. Collateral is paid or received on a regular basis (typically daily) to mitigate the mark to market exposures on derivatives.

Lending risk - Treasury assets (continued)

Nationwide's CSA legal documentation for derivatives grants legal rights of set off for transactions with the same overall counterparty. Accordingly, the credit risk associated with such positions is reduced to the extent that negative mark to market values offset positive mark to market values in the calculation of credit risk within each netting agreement.

Under the terms of CSA netting arrangements, outstanding transactions with the same counterparty can be offset and settled net following a default, or another predetermined event. Under CSA arrangements, netting benefits of GBP2.2 billion (2016: GBP2.0 billion) were available and GBP2.8 billion of collateral (2016: GBP1.8 billion) was held. Only cash is held as collateral.

To comply with EU regulatory requirements, Nationwide has indirect clearing arrangements with a central counterparty (CCP) which it uses to clear standardised derivatives.

The following table shows the exposure to counterparty credit risk for derivative contracts after netting benefits and collateral:

 
Derivative credit                     2017                            2016 
 exposure 
Counterparty credit          AA        A    BBB    Total     AA        A   BBB    Total 
 quality 
                           GBPm     GBPm   GBPm     GBPm   GBPm     GBPm  GBPm     GBPm 
----------------------  -------  -------  -----  -------  -----  -------  ----  ------- 
Gross positive fair 
 value of contracts       2,077    2,576    390    5,043  1,128    2,770     -    3,898 
Netting benefits          (797)  (1,030)  (389)  (2,216)  (532)  (1,488)     -  (2,020) 
----------------------  -------  -------  -----  -------  -----  -------  ----  ------- 
Net current credit 
 exposure                 1,280    1,546      1    2,827    596    1,282     -    1,878 
Collateral              (1,261)  (1,537)    (1)  (2,799)  (580)  (1,224)     -  (1,804) 
----------------------  -------  -------  -----  -------  -----  -------  ----  ------- 
Net derivative credit 
 exposure                    19        9      -       28     16       58     -       74 
----------------------  -------  -------  -----  -------  -----  -------  ----  ------- 
 

Financial risk

Nationwide is exposed to financial risks as follows:

 
Risk category  Definition 
=============  ================================================================= 
Liquidity      Liquidity risk is the risk that Nationwide is unable to 
 and funding    meet its liabilities as they fall due and maintain member 
                and stakeholder confidence. Funding risk is the risk that 
                Nationwide is unable to maintain diverse funding sources 
                in wholesale and retail markets and manage retail funding 
                risk that can arise from excessive concentrations of higher 
                risk deposits. 
=============  ================================================================= 
Solvency       The risk that Nationwide fails to maintain sufficient 
                capital to absorb losses throughout a full economic cycle 
                and sufficient to maintain the confidence of current and 
                prospective investors, members, the Board and regulators. 
=============  ================================================================= 
Market         The risk that the net value of, or net income arising 
                from, assets and liabilities is impacted as a result of 
                market price or rate changes. 
=============  ================================================================= 
Pension        The risk that the value of the Fund's assets will be insufficient 
                to meet the estimated liabilities of the Fund. Pension 
                risk can adversely impact Nationwide's capital position 
                and/or result in increased cash funding obligations to 
                the Fund. 
=============  ================================================================= 
Earnings       The risk that a source of income or value is unable to 
                continue to add the expected value, due to changes in 
                market, regulatory or other environmental factors. 
=============  ================================================================= 
 

Financial risk is managed within a framework of approved assets, currencies and capital instruments supported by detailed limits set by either the Board or the Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO) under its delegated mandate. The Board retains responsibility for approval of derivative classes that may be used for market risk management purposes, restrictions over the use of such derivative classes (within the limitations imposed under the Building Societies Act, Section 9A) and for asset classes that may be classified as liquidity.

Financial risk - Liquidity and funding risk

Summary

Nationwide manages liquidity and funding risks within a comprehensive risk framework which includes its policy, strategy, limit setting and monitoring, stress testing and robust governance controls.

This framework ensures that Nationwide maintains a stable and diverse funding base and sufficient holdings of high-quality liquid assets, so that there is no significant risk that liabilities cannot be met as they fall due.

Liquidity and funding levels continued to be within Board risk appetite and regulatory requirements at all times during the year.

Nationwide monitors its position relative to internal risk appetite and the regulatory short term liquidity stress metric, the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), which ensures that sufficient high quality liquid assets are held to survive a short term severe but plausible liquidity stress.

The Group's LCR at 4 April 2017 was 124.0% (2016: 142.6%), which reflects its strategy of maintaining a LCR above 100%. The decrease in the LCR reflects the inclusion of additional outflows in the LCR following the finalisation of new Pillar 1 requirements and the impact of a one-off item in respect of Nationwide's commitment to acquire financial assets. On a like-for-like basis, the LCR remains broadly consistent with last year's.

Nationwide also monitors its position against the future longer-term regulatory funding metric, the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR). Based on current interpretations of regulatory requirements and guidance, the NSFR at 4 April 2017 was 132.6% (2016: 127.9%) which exceeds the expected 100% minimum future requirement.

Funding risk

Funding strategy

Nationwide's funding strategy is to remain predominantly retail funded; retail customer loans and advances are therefore largely funded by customer deposits. Non-retail lending, including treasury assets and commercial customer loans, are largely funded by wholesale debt, as set out below.

Funding profile

 
Assets                         2017    2016  Liabilities             2017    2016 
                              GBPbn   GBPbn                         GBPbn   GBPbn 
---------------------------  ------  ------  --------------------  ------  ------ 
Retail mortgages              171.1   162.1  Retail funding         146.9   144.9 
Treasury assets (including 
 liquidity portfolio)          25.4    23.1  Wholesale funding       55.5    45.8 
Other retail lending            3.7     3.6  Capital and reserves    14.3    13.2 
Commercial/Other lending       12.6    13.1  Other liabilities        5.0     5.0 
Other assets                    8.9     7.0 
---------------------------  ------  ------  --------------------  ------  ------ 
                              221.7   208.9                         221.7   208.9 
---------------------------  ------  ------  --------------------  ------  ------ 
 

Nationwide's loan to deposit ratio(1) at 4 April 2017 was 122.6% (2016: 117.2%).

(1) The loan to deposit ratio represents loans and advances to customers divided by shares + other deposits + amounts due to customers (excluding repurchase agreements and collateral received).

Financial risk - Liquidity and funding risk (continued)

Wholesale funding

The wholesale funding portfolio is made up of a range of secured and unsecured instruments to ensure Nationwide has a diversified funding base across a range of instruments, currencies, maturities and investor types. Nationwide's wholesale funding strategy is to remain active in core markets and currencies.

On-balance sheet wholesale funding has increased by GBP9.7 billion to GBP55.5 billion. This is due to increased collateral inflows following the depreciation of sterling against other major currencies and replacement of Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) maturities with on-balance sheet funding, including GBP6 billion of drawings from the Bank of England's Term Funding Scheme (TFS). This is reflected in Nationwide's wholesale funding ratio (on-balance sheet wholesale funding as a proportion of total funding liabilities) which was 27.1% at 4 April 2017 (2016: 24.8%).

The table below sets out an analysis by currency of Nationwide's wholesale funding.

 
Wholesale funding                           2017                                      2016 
 currency 
                            GBP    EUR    USD  Other  Total   % of    GBP    EUR    USD  Other  Total   % of 
                          GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn  total  GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn  total 
------------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Deposits (note i)           7.7    1.4    0.1      -    9.2     16    9.0    0.5    0.2      -    9.7     21 
Certificates of deposit     5.3      -      -      -    5.3     10    4.7      -    0.4      -    5.1     11 
Commercial paper              -      -    1.8      -    1.8      3    0.2      -    1.1      -    1.3      3 
Covered bonds               3.3   11.4      -    0.2   14.9     27    2.5   11.1      -    0.2   13.8     30 
Medium term notes           3.1    6.2    3.6    0.8   13.7     25    2.3    4.8    2.2    0.6    9.9     22 
Securitisations             0.9    1.2    1.4      -    3.5      6    1.9    1.2    1.6      -    4.7     10 
TFS                         6.0      -      -      -    6.0     11      -      -      -      -      -      - 
Other                       0.3    0.8      -      -    1.1      2    0.2    1.0    0.1      -    1.3      3 
------------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Total                      26.6   21.0    6.9    1.0   55.5    100   20.8   18.6    5.6    0.8   45.8    100 
------------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
 

Note:

   i.       Includes protected equity bond (PEB) balances of GBP0.8 billion (2016: GBP1.9 billion). 

To mitigate cross-currency refinancing risk, Nationwide ensures it holds liquidity in each currency to cover at least the next ten business days of wholesale funding maturities.

The residual maturity of the wholesale funding book, on a contractual maturity basis, is set out below.

 
Wholesale funding     Not more    Over one   Over three    Over six    Subtotal   Over one  Over two  Total 
 - residual           than one       month       months      months   less than   year but     years 
 maturity                month     but not      but not     but not    one year   not more 
                                 more than    more than   more than               than two 
                                     three   six months    one year                  years 
                                    months 
2017                     GBPbn       GBPbn        GBPbn       GBPbn       GBPbn      GBPbn     GBPbn  GBPbn 
-------------------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------  ----- 
Deposits (note 
 i)                        5.3         1.3          2.0         0.6         9.2          -         -    9.2 
Certificates 
 of deposit                0.4         1.7          2.4         0.8         5.3          -         -    5.3 
Commercial 
 paper                     0.5         0.6          0.6         0.1         1.8          -         -    1.8 
Covered bonds                -           -          0.8           -         0.8        0.8      13.3   14.9 
Medium term 
 notes                       -           -          0.1         1.2         1.3        1.8      10.6   13.7 
Securitisations            0.3           -          0.3         0.1         0.7        0.6       2.2    3.5 
TFS                          -           -            -           -           -          -       6.0    6.0 
Other                        -           -            -           -           -          -       1.1    1.1 
-------------------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------  ----- 
Total                      6.5         3.6          6.2         2.8        19.1        3.2      33.2   55.5 
-------------------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------  ----- 
Of which secured           0.3           -          1.1         0.1         1.5        1.4      22.4   25.3 
Of which unsecured         6.2         3.6          5.1         2.7        17.6        1.8      10.8   30.2 
-------------------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------  ----- 
% of total                11.7         6.5         11.2         5.0        34.4        5.8      59.8  100.0 
-------------------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------  ----- 
 

Financial risk - Liquidity and funding risk (continued)

 
Wholesale funding     Not more    Over one   Over three    Over six    Subtotal   Over one  Over two  Total 
 - residual           than one       month       months      months   less than   year but     years 
 maturity                month     but not      but not     but not    one year   not more 
                                 more than    more than   more than               than two 
                                     three   six months         one                  years 
                                    months                     year 
2016                     GBPbn       GBPbn        GBPbn       GBPbn       GBPbn      GBPbn     GBPbn  GBPbn 
-------------------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------  ----- 
Deposits (note 
 i)                        4.1         1.2          1.6         1.9         8.8        0.9         -    9.7 
Certificates 
 of deposit                1.3         1.6          1.7         0.5         5.1          -         -    5.1 
Commercial 
 paper                     0.3         0.9          0.1           -         1.3          -         -    1.3 
Covered bonds              0.1           -            -         1.2         1.3        0.8      11.7   13.8 
Medium term 
 notes                       -           -            -         0.9         0.9        0.6       8.4    9.9 
Securitisations              -           -            -         1.4         1.4        0.7       2.6    4.7 
Other                        -           -            -           -           -          -       1.3    1.3 
-------------------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------  ----- 
Total                      5.8         3.7          3.4         5.9        18.8        3.0      24.0   45.8 
-------------------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------  ----- 
Of which secured           0.1           -            -         2.6         2.7        1.5      15.3   19.5 
Of which unsecured         5.7         3.7          3.4         3.3        16.1        1.5       8.7   26.3 
-------------------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------  ----- 
% of total                12.6         8.1          7.4        12.9        41.0        6.6      52.4  100.0 
-------------------  ---------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  --------  ----- 
 

Note:

   i.       Includes protected equity bond (PEB) balances of GBP0.8 billion (2016: GBP1.9 billion). 

At 4 April 2017, cash, government bonds and supranational bonds included in the liquid asset buffer, including FLS treasury bills, represented 129% (2016: 128%) of wholesale funding maturing in less than one year, assuming no rollovers.

Liquidity risk

Total liquidity

Nationwide ensures it has sufficient liquid assets, in terms of both amount and quality, to meet daily cash flow needs as well as stressed requirements driven by internal and regulatory liquidity assessments. The composition of the liquid asset buffer is subject to limits, set by the Board and Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO), in relation to issuer, currency and asset type.

The table below sets out the sterling equivalent fair value of the liquidity portfolio, categorised by issuing currency. It includes off-balance sheet liquidity (FLS treasury bills) and excludes encumbered assets.

 
Liquid assets                             2017                        2016 
                                 GBP    EUR    USD  Total    GBP    EUR    USD  Total 
                               GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn  GBPbn 
-----------------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Cash and reserves at central 
 banks                          11.8    1.2      -   13.0    7.9    0.9      -    8.8 
Government bonds                10.0    0.5    0.7   11.2   13.4    0.5    0.9   14.8 
Supranational bonds              0.2      -    0.3    0.5    0.4      -    0.1    0.5 
Covered bonds                    0.4    0.5      -    0.9    0.5    0.6      -    1.1 
RMBS                             0.5    0.4      -    0.9    0.7    0.3    0.1    1.1 
Asset-backed securities          0.3      -      -    0.3    0.2    0.1      -    0.3 
Other securities                 0.3    0.2    0.2    0.7    0.4    0.6    0.3    1.3 
Total                           23.5    2.8    1.2   27.5   23.5    3.0    1.4   27.9 
-----------------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
 

Nationwide's liquid assets are held and managed centrally by its Treasury function. Nationwide maintains a high quality liquidity portfolio, predominantly comprising:

   --    reserves held at central banks 
   --    highly rated debt securities issued by a restricted range of governments, central banks and supranationals. 

Government bonds in the table above include GBP4.8 billion of off-balance sheet FLS treasury bills. The average combined month end balance of cash and reserves at central banks, government and supranational bonds during the year was GBP29.5 billion (2016: GBP22.8 billion). This increase is largely due to the replacement during the year of FLS, under which Nationwide received off-balance sheet treasury bills, with TFS, under which cash is received.

Nationwide also holds a portfolio of high quality, central bank eligible covered bonds, RMBS and asset-backed securities. Other securities are held that are not eligible for central bank operations but can be monetised through repurchase agreements with third parties or through sale.

Financial risk - Liquidity and funding risk (continued)

Nationwide undertakes securities financing transactions in the form of repurchase (repo) agreements. This demonstrates the liquid nature of the assets held in its liquid asset buffer and also satisfies regulatory requirements. Cash is borrowed in return for pledging assets as collateral and because settlement is on a simultaneous 'delivery versus payment' basis, the main credit risk arises from intra-day changes in the value of the collateral. This is largely mitigated by Nationwide's collateral management processes.

Repo market capacity is assessed and tested regularly to ensure there is sufficient capacity to rapidly monetise the liquid asset buffer in a stress.

For contingent purposes, Nationwide pre-positions unencumbered mortgage assets at the Bank of England which can be used in the Bank of England's liquidity operations if market liquidity is severely disrupted.

Residual maturity of financial assets and liabilities

The table below segments the carrying value of financial assets and financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the final contractual maturity date (residual maturity).

 
Residual         Due less         Due         Due         Due  Due between  Due between  Due between      Due    Total 
maturity             than     between     between     between         nine      one and      two and    after 
(note i)        one month     one and       three     six and   and twelve          two         five     more 
                    (note       three     and six        nine       months        years        years     than 
                      ii)      months      months      months                                            five 
                                                                                                        years 
2017                 GBPm        GBPm        GBPm        GBPm         GBPm         GBPm         GBPm     GBPm     GBPm 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Financial 
assets 
Cash               13,017           -           -           -            -            -            -        -   13,017 
Loans and 
 advances 
 to banks           2,226           -           -           -            -            -            -      361    2,587 
Available for 
 sale 
 investment 
 securities            40          13         116          66           57          216        2,002    7,254    9,764 
Loans and 
 advances 
 to customers       2,890       1,309       1,937       1,877        1,910        7,259       22,057  148,132  187,371 
Derivative 
 financial 
 instruments           11          94         130          30          121          324        2,317    2,016    5,043 
Other 
 financial 
 assets 
 (note iii)            36          22          15          28           10           60          265      384      820 
Total 
 financial 
 assets            18,220       1,438       2,198       2,001        2,098        7,859       26,641  158,147  218,602 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
 
Financial 
liabilities 
Shares            112,403       1,666       6,169       4,905        4,513        9,842        3,870    1,174  144,542 
Deposits from 
 banks              2,499         123          20          48           16           28        6,000        -    8,734 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Of which repo           -           -           -           -            -            -            -        -        - 
Of which TFS            -           -           -           -            -            -        6,000        -    6,000 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Other 
 deposits           2,882       1,075       1,885         336          255           15           11        -    6,459 
Due to 
 customers          1,818         130         305          45           67           11            -        -    2,376 
Secured 
 funding - 
 ABS and 
 covered 
 bonds                341          20       1,086         128           90        1,394       10,137    6,280   19,476 
Senior 
 unsecured 
 funding              894       2,339       3,126         657        1,431        1,765        5,022    5,629   20,863 
Derivative 
 financial 
 instruments           37          11          35          41           57          135          505    2,361    3,182 
Other 
 financial 
 liabilities 
 (note iii)             -           -         (2)           -            1            8            1        -        8 
Subordinated 
 liabilities            -           -           -           -          103            -          700    2,102    2,905 
Subscribed 
 capital 
 (note iv)              -           -           -           -            -            -            -      276      276 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Total 
 financial 
 liabilities      120,874       5,364      12,624       6,160        6,533       13,198       26,246   17,822  208,821 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Off-balance 
 sheet 
 commitments 
 (note 
 v)                15,784           -           -           -            -            -            -        -   15,784 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Net liquidity 
 difference     (118,438)     (3,926)    (10,426)     (4,159)      (4,435)      (5,339)          395  140,325  (6,003) 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Cumulative 
 liquidity 
 difference     (118,438)   (122,364)   (132,790)   (136,949)    (141,384)    (146,723)    (146,328)  (6,003)        - 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
 

Financial risk - Liquidity and funding risk (continued)

 
Residual         Due less         Due         Due         Due         Due         Due         Due  Due after     Total 
maturity             than     between     between     between     between     between     between       more 
(note i)        one month     one and       three     six and        nine     one and     two and       than 
                    (note       three     and six        nine  and twelve   two years        five       five 
                      ii)      months      months      months      months                   years      years 
2016                 GBPm        GBPm        GBPm        GBPm        GBPm        GBPm        GBPm       GBPm      GBPm 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
Financial 
assets 
Cash                8,797           -           -           -           -           -           -          -     8,797 
Loans and 
 advances 
 to banks           3,179          87           -           -           -           -           -        325     3,591 
Available for 
 sale 
 investment 
 securities             6          15          14           1         178         352       3,680      6,366    10,612 
Loans and 
 advances 
 to customers       2,825       1,256       1,929       1,810       1,823       7,124      20,237    141,803   178,807 
Derivative 
 financial 
 instruments           25         151         128         102          30         227         994      2,241     3,898 
Other 
 financial 
 assets 
 (note iii)             5          15         107          17          65         142         234        299       884 
Total 
 financial 
 assets            14,837       1,524       2,178       1,930       2,096       7,845      25,145    151,034   206,589 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 
Financial 
liabilities 
Shares            103,296       1,632       5,875       4,608       5,122      10,731       6,251      1,200   138,715 
Deposits from 
 banks              1,658         184         168          41          19           -          25          -     2,095 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
Of which repo         122           -           5           -           -           -           -          -       127 
Other 
 deposits           2,549       1,392       1,843         716         391         737           7          -     7,635 
Due to 
 customers          3,563         543       1,347         345         215         126          62          -     6,201 
Secured 
 funding - 
 ABS and 
 covered 
 bonds                 65          19          43       2,238         323       1,524       7,002      8,263    19,477 
Senior 
 unsecured 
 funding            1,637       2,478       1,810         315       1,040         632       3,878      4,818    16,608 
Derivative 
 financial 
 instruments           31           9          23          33          84         338         647      2,298     3,463 
Other 
 financial 
 liabilities 
 (note iii)             2           2           1           1         (1)           -           8          -        13 
Subordinated 
 liabilities            -           -           -           -           -         114         669      1,034     1,817 
Subscribed 
 capital 
 (note iv)              -           -           -           -           -           -           -        413       413 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
Total 
 financial 
 liabilities      112,801       6,259      11,110       8,297       7,193      14,202      18,549     18,026   196,437 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
Off-balance 
 sheet 
 commitments 
 (note 
 v)                13,630           -           -           -           -           -           -          -    13,630 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
Net liquidity 
 difference     (111,594)     (4,735)     (8,932)     (6,367)     (5,097)     (6,357)       6,596    133,008   (3,478) 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
Cumulative 
 liquidity 
 difference     (111,594)   (116,329)   (125,261)   (131,628)   (136,725)   (143,082)   (136,486)    (3,478)         - 
-------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  -------- 
 

Notes:

i. The analysis excludes certain non-financial assets (including property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, investment property, other assets, deferred tax assets and accrued income and expenses prepaid) and non-financial liabilities (including provisions for liabilities and charges, accruals and deferred income, current tax liabilities, other liabilities and retirement benefit obligations).

   ii.     Due less than one month includes amounts repayable on demand. 

iii. Other financial assets and liabilities include the fair value adjustments for portfolio hedged risk and investments in equity shares.

iv. The principal amount for undated subscribed capital is included within the due more than five years column.

v. Off-balance sheet commitments include amounts payable on demand for unrecognised loan commitments, customer overpayments on residential mortgages where the borrower is able to draw down the amount overpaid and commitments to acquire financial assets.

In practice, customer behaviours mean that liabilities are often retained for longer than their contractual maturities and assets are repaid faster. This gives rise to funding mismatches on Nationwide's balance sheet. The balance sheet structure and risks are managed and monitored by ALCO. Nationwide uses judgement and past behavioural performance of each asset and liability class to forecast likely cash flow requirements.

Financial risk - Liquidity and funding risk (continued)

Asset encumbrance

Encumbrance arises where assets are pledged as collateral against secured funding and other collateralised obligations and therefore cannot be used for other purposes. The majority of asset encumbrance arises from the use of prime mortgage pools to collateralise the Covered Bond and Silverstone secured funding programmes (see note 10) and from participation in the FLS and TFS.

Certain unencumbered assets are readily available to secure funding or meet collateral requirements. These include prime mortgages and cash and securities held in the liquidity buffer. Other unencumbered assets, such as non-prime mortgages, are capable of being encumbered with a degree of further management action. Assets which do not fall into either of these categories are classified as not being capable of being encumbered.

An analysis of Nationwide's encumbered and unencumbered on-balance sheet assets is set out below. The table excludes off-balance sheet assets, such as FLS treasury bills which Nationwide is permitted to re-use. This disclosure is not intended to identify assets that would be available in the event of a resolution or bankruptcy.

 
Asset           Assets encumbered as a result of transactions                  Other assets (comprising assets                    Total 
encumbrance     with counterparties other than central banks                    encumbered at the central bank 
                                                                                   and unencumbered assets) 
                ---------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------- 
                    As a    As a result of   Other      Total          Assets          Assets not positioned             Total 
                  result   securitisations                         positioned            at the central bank 
                      of                                               at the 
                 covered                                         central bank 
                   bonds                                                (i.e. 
                                                                prepositioned 
                                                                         plus 
                                                                  encumbered) 
                                                                               -------------------------------------- 
                                                                                    Readily        Other    Cannot be 
                                                                                  available       assets   encumbered 
                                                                                        for     that are 
                                                                                encumbrance   capable of 
                                                                                                   being 
                                                                                              encumbered 
2017                GBPm              GBPm    GBPm       GBPm            GBPm          GBPm         GBPm         GBPm     GBPm     GBPm 
--------------  --------  ----------------  ------  ---------  --------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Cash               1,538               567       -      2,105               -        10,697            -          215   10,912   13,017 
Loans and 
 advances to 
 banks                 -                 -   1,393      1,393             927             -            -          267    1,194    2,587 
Available for 
 sale 
 investment 
 securities            -                 -       -          -              32         9,732            -            -    9,764    9,764 
Loans and 
 advances to 
 customers        19,322            10,412       -     29,734          33,376        75,032       49,229            -  157,637  187,371 
Derivative 
 financial 
 instruments           -                 -       -          -               -             -            -        5,043    5,043    5,043 
Other 
 financial 
 assets                -                 -       -          -               -             -            -          820      820      820 
Non-financial 
 assets                -                 -       -          -               -             -            -        3,068    3,068    3,068 
--------------  --------  ----------------  ------  ---------  --------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Total             20,860            10,979   1,393     33,232          34,335        95,461       49,229        9,413  188,438  221,670 
--------------  --------  ----------------  ------  ---------  --------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
 
 
Asset           Assets encumbered as a result of transactions                  Other assets (comprising assets                    Total 
encumbrance     with counterparties other than central banks                    encumbered at the central bank 
                                                                                   and unencumbered assets) 
                ---------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------- 
                    As a    As a result of   Other      Total          Assets          Assets not positioned             Total 
                  result   securitisations                         positioned            at the central bank 
                      of                                               at the 
                 covered                                         central bank 
                   bonds                                                (i.e. 
                                                                prepositioned 
                                                                         plus 
                                                                  encumbered) 
                                                                               -------------------------------------- 
                                                                                    Readily        Other    Cannot be 
                                                                                  available       assets   encumbered 
                                                                                        for     that are 
                                                                                encumbrance   capable of 
                                                                                                   being 
                                                                                              encumbered 
2016                GBPm              GBPm    GBPm       GBPm            GBPm          GBPm         GBPm         GBPm     GBPm     GBPm 
--------------  --------  ----------------  ------  ---------  --------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Cash               1,328               397       -      1,725               -         6,851            -          221    7,072    8,797 
Loans and 
 advances to 
 banks                 -                 -   1,511      1,511             765             -            -        1,315    2,080    3,591 
Available for 
 sale 
 investment 
 securities            -                 -     128        128              42        10,442            -            -   10,484   10,612 
Loans and 
 advances to 
 customers        18,996            12,368       -     31,364          28,387        70,312       48,744            -  147,443  178,807 
Derivative 
 financial 
 instruments                             -       -          -               -             -            -        3,898    3,898    3,898 
Other 
 financial 
 assets                -                 -       -          -               -             -            -          884      884      884 
Non-financial 
 assets                -                 -       -          -               -             -            -        2,350    2,350    2,350 
--------------  --------  ----------------  ------  ---------  --------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
Total             20,324            12,765   1,639     34,728          29,194        87,605       48,744        8,668  174,211  208,939 
--------------  --------  ----------------  ------  ---------  --------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------  ------- 
 

Financial risk - Liquidity and funding risk (continued)

External credit ratings

During the year all of the major rating agencies reviewed the Society's credit ratings. The Society's short and long term credit ratings at 22 May 2017 are as follows:

 
Credit ratings     Long term  Short term  Tier 2     Date of last rating   Outlook 
                                                   action / confirmation 
-----------------  ---------  ----------  ------  ----------------------  -------- 
Standard & Poor's          A         A-1     BBB            January 2017  Negative 
Moody's                  Aa3         P-1    Baa1            January 2017  Negative 
Fitch                     A+          F1      A-           February 2017    Stable 
-----------------  ---------  ----------  ------  ----------------------  -------- 
 

In January 2017, both Standard & Poor's and Moody's affirmed their long term and short term ratings and left their negative outlook on Nationwide's long term rating unchanged. This negative outlook is part of a sector-wide action involving all UK banks and building societies.

In February 2017, Fitch upgraded Nationwide's long term deposits and senior unsecured debt to A+ from A. The one notch upgrade was made to reflect Fitch's view that Nationwide's qualifying junior debt buffer is now sufficiently large to provide protection for senior unsecured creditors in case of the Society's failure.

The table below sets out the amount of additional collateral Nationwide would need to provide in the event of a one and two notch downgrade by external credit rating agencies.

 
       Cumulative adjustment  Cumulative adjustment 
             for a one notch        for a two notch 
                   downgrade              downgrade 
                       GBPbn                  GBPbn 
-----  ---------------------  --------------------- 
2017                     3.3                    3.7 
2016                     4.1                    4.5 
-----  ---------------------  --------------------- 
 

The contractually required cash outflow would not necessarily match the actual cash outflow as a result of management actions that could be taken to reduce the impact of the downgrades.

Financial risk - Solvency risk

Summary

Solvency risk is the risk that Nationwide fails to maintain sufficient capital to absorb losses throughout a full economic cycle and sufficient to maintain the confidence of current and prospective investors, members, the Board and regulators. Capital is held to protect members, cover inherent risks, provide a buffer for stress events and support the business strategy. In assessing the adequacy of capital resources, risk appetite is considered in the context of the material risks to which Nationwide is exposed and the appropriate strategies required to manage those risks.

Capital position

The capital disclosures included in this report are reported on a CRD IV end point basis. This assumes that all CRD IV requirements are in force during the period, with no transitional provisions permitted. In addition, the disclosures are on a Group (consolidated) basis, including all subsidiary entities, unless otherwise stated.

 
Key capital ratios                     2017     2016 
Solvency (note i)                         %        % 
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio      25.4     23.2 
Total Tier 1 ratio                     28.4     26.1 
Total regulatory capital ratio         36.1     30.9 
----------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Leverage                               GBPm     GBPm 
UK leverage exposure (note ii)      215,894  204,346 
CRR leverage exposure (note iii)    228,428  213,181 
Tier 1 capital                        9,547    9,005 
UK leverage ratio                      4.4%     4.4% 
CRR leverage ratio                     4.2%     4.2% 
----------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Notes:

   i.       The solvency ratios have been calculated under CRD IV on an end point basis. 

ii. The UK leverage ratio is shown on the basis of measurement announced by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and excludes eligible central bank reserves from the leverage exposure measure.

iii. The CRR leverage ratio is calculated using the CRR definition of Tier 1 for the capital amount and the Delegated Act definition of the exposure measure and is reported on an end point basis.

Capital and leverage ratios have remained well in excess of regulatory requirements with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 25.4% (2016: 23.2%) and a UK leverage ratio of 4.4% (2016: 4.4%).

The CET1 ratio has increased, reflecting profit after tax for the period of GBP757 million, offset by an increase in the defined benefit pension deficit which reduced the general reserve by GBP255 million. The total capital ratio increased to 36.1% (2016: 30.9%) due to the increase in profits and the issuance of $1.25 billion of qualifying Tier 2 subordinated debt.

The CET1 ratio on an Individual (solo) consolidated basis at 4 April 2017 was 25.6% (2016: 23.3%), marginally greater than the Group's CET1 ratio due to higher general reserves as a result of cash flow hedge accounting.

CRD IV requires firms to calculate a non-risk-based leverage ratio, to supplement risk-based capital requirements. The current regulatory threshold is set at 3%. The risk of excessive leverage is managed through regular monitoring and reporting of the leverage ratio, which forms part of risk appetite.

Nationwide has been granted permission to report a UK leverage ratio on the basis of measurement announced by the PRA in August 2016. Minimum leverage requirements are monitored by the PRA on this basis. It is calculated using the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) definition of Tier 1 for the capital amount and the Delegated Act definition of the exposure measure, excluding eligible central bank reserves.

The UK leverage ratio is 4.4% at 4 April 2017 (2016: 4.4%). The ratio has remained stable as profits have broadly offset increases in both the defined benefit pension deficit and the increase in UK leverage exposure, which was mainly driven by higher mortgage balances.

The CRR leverage ratio is calculated using the same definition of Tier 1 for the capital amount and the Delegated Act definition of the exposure measure. The CRR leverage ratio remained at 4.2% (2016: 4.2%) as profits have broadly offset the increase in the pension deficit and the higher CRR leverage exposure, which was driven by increased mortgage balances and liquid assets (further details on liquid assets are contained in the Liquidity and funding risk section of this report).

Financial risk - Solvency risk (continued)

Nationwide's latest Pillar 2A Individual Capital Guidance (ICG) was received in August 2016 following an ICAAP. It equates to circa GBP2.2 billion, of which at least circa GBP1.2 billion must be met by CET1 capital, and was broadly unchanged from the previous ICG. This amount is equivalent to 6.6% of RWAs as at 4 April 2017 (2016: 6.4%), reflecting the low average risk weight, given that approximately 75% (2016: 76%) of total assets are in the form of secured residential mortgages, of which 81% (2016: 80%) are prime.

The table below reconciles the general reserves to total regulatory capital. Both 2017 and 2016 have been presented on an end point basis and so do not include non-qualifying instruments.

 
Total regulatory capital                          2017     2016 
                                                  GBPm     GBPm 
---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
General reserve                                  9,316    8,921 
Core capital deferred shares (CCDS)                531      531 
Revaluation reserve                                 67       64 
Available for sale reserve                          44      (8) 
Regulatory adjustments and deductions: 
                                               -------  ------- 
  Foreseeable distributions (note i)              (43)     (42) 
  Prudent valuation adjustment (note ii)          (23)     (55) 
  Own credit and debit valuation adjustments 
   (note iii)                                        -      (2) 
  Intangible assets (note iv)                  (1,174)  (1,120) 
  Goodwill (note iv)                              (12)     (12) 
  Excess of regulatory expected losses 
   over impairment provisions (note v)           (151)    (264) 
                                               -------  ------- 
Total regulatory adjustments and deductions    (1,403)  (1,495) 
---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Common Equity Tier 1 capital                     8,555    8,013 
---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Additional Tier 1 capital securities 
 (AT1)                                             992      992 
Total Tier 1 capital                             9,547    9,005 
---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
Dated subordinated debt (note vi)                2,555    1,628 
Collectively assessed impairment allowances         27       21 
---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Tier 2 capital                                   2,582    1,649 
---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
Total regulatory capital                        12,129   10,654 
---------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

Notes:

i. Foreseeable distributions in respect of CCDS and AT1 securities are deducted from CET1 capital under CRD IV.

ii. A prudent valuation adjustment (PVA) is applied in respect of fair valued instruments as required under regulatory capital rules.

iii. Own credit and debit valuation adjustments are applied to remove balance sheet gains or losses of fair valued liabilities and derivatives that result from changes in Nationwide's own credit standing and risk, in accordance with CRD IV rules.

   iv.    Intangible assets and goodwill do not qualify as capital for regulatory purposes. 

v. The net regulatory capital expected loss in excess of accounting impairment provisions is deducted from CET1 capital, gross of tax.

vi. Subordinated debt includes fair value adjustments related to changes in market interest rates, adjustments for unamortised premiums and discounts that are included in the consolidated balance sheet, and any amortisation of the capital value of Tier 2 instruments required by regulatory rules for instruments with fewer than five years to maturity.

CET1 capital resources have increased by GBP542 million. This is primarily the result of profit for the year, partly offset by a reduction in reserves due to an increase in the defined benefit pension deficit. The excess of expected losses over provisions is also lower due to reduced regulatory expected losses, mainly a result of the continued run-off of the commercial book.

Tier 2 capital has increased, in line with plans to meet pending Minimum Requirement for Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities (MREL) requirements, following the issuance of $1.25 billion of qualifying Tier 2 subordinated debt.

Financial risk - Solvency risk (continued)

Risk weighted assets

The table below shows the breakdown of risk weighted assets (RWAs) by risk type:

 
Risk weighted assets                    2017    2016 
                                        GBPm    GBPm 
------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Credit risk: 
  Retail mortgages                    13,863  14,086 
  Retail unsecured lending             5,641   5,621 
  Commercial loans                     5,636   6,194 
  Treasury                               849   1,039 
  Counterparty credit risk (note i)    1,221   1,296 
  Other (note ii)                      1,566   1,635 
------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Total credit risk                     28,776  29,871 
Operational risk                       4,865   4,604 
Market risk (note iii)                     -       - 
------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
Total risk weighted assets            33,641  34,475 
------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

Notes:

   i.       Relates to derivative financial instruments and repurchase agreements. 
   ii.     Relates to fixed and other assets, including investments in equity shares. 

iii. Nationwide has elected to set this to zero, as permitted by the CRR, as exposure is below the threshold of 2% of own funds.

RWAs have reduced by GBP834 million since 4 April 2016, to GBP33,641 million. Commercial RWAs have continued to decrease, driven by continued run-off of the commercial book and improvements in the credit quality of the remaining exposures. Residential mortgage RWAs are lower as the impact of rising house prices has outweighed the increasing mortgage balances. Treasury RWAs have decreased due to a reduction in exposures to banks. Operational risk RWAs, calculated on the Standardised approach, have increased due to higher income.

Regulatory developments

Whilst there are a number of areas where potential requirements are yet to be finalised, regulatory announcements during the financial year mean that there is better visibility of the expected impact. However, Nationwide will remain engaged in the development of the regulatory approach to ensure it is prepared for any change.

Nationwide is currently required to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of 3%, with a supplementary leverage ratio buffer of 0.35% to be implemented in 2019. The Financial Policy Committee has the ability to set a countercyclical leverage buffer; this is currently 0%, but could be set up to a maximum of 0.9%. The PRA has introduced a modification to the UK leverage ratio framework, with the introduction of a UK leverage ratio measure which excludes qualifying central bank reserves from the leverage exposure measure. This follows recommendations made by the Financial Policy Committee in 2016. The Financial Policy Committee is due to undertake a review of the UK leverage ratio framework during 2017.

The Basel Committee continues to reaffirm its commitment to finalising reforms to the Basel III framework, including the risk weighted assets framework, the leverage ratio framework and the introduction of an output floor (which will prevent IRB risk weights falling below a certain level). It is not clear at this stage when these will be finalised and are likely to become effective. The PRA has also consulted on revised expectations for IRB models for residential mortgages, which are likely to be effective in 2019. Whilst these amendments are expected to result in an increase in RWAs and therefore a reduction in the CET1 ratio, they are not expected to result in a material increase in Nationwide's overall capital requirements.

As part of the BRRD, the Bank of England, in its capacity as the UK resolution authority, has published its policy for setting the MREL and provided firms with indicative MREL. It is anticipated that Nationwide will be subject to a requirement to hold twice the minimum capital requirements (i.e. 6% of UK leverage exposure), plus the applicable buffers, from January 2020. Current total MREL resources are equal to circa 5.9% of UK leverage ratio exposure. While this results in a small shortfall to be met over the period to January 2020, Nationwide has a strong foundation from which to meet MREL requirements through issuance of Tier 2 capital, or, if it becomes available through legislative changes, a senior non-preferred debt instrument.

Consolidated financial statements

Contents

 
                                                            Page 
Consolidated income statement                                 55 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income                56 
Consolidated balance sheet                                    57 
Consolidated statement of movements in members' interests 
 and equity                                                   58 
Consolidated cash flow statement                              59 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements                60 
 
 
Consolidated income statement 
For the year ended 4 April 2017 
 
                                               Notes     2017     2016 
                                                         GBPm     GBPm 
---------------------------------------------  -----  -------  ------- 
Interest receivable and similar income           3      5,050    5,294 
Interest expense and similar charges             4    (2,090)  (2,208) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  -------  ------- 
Net interest income                                     2,960    3,086 
Fee and commission income                                 446      428 
Fee and commission expense                              (221)    (192) 
Income from investments                                     -        3 
Other operating income                           5        100        8 
Gains from derivatives and hedge accounting      6         66       39 
Total income                                            3,351    3,372 
Administrative expenses                          7    (2,021)  (1,847) 
Impairment losses on loans and advances 
 to customers                                    8      (131)     (81) 
Impairment (losses)/recoveries on investment 
 securities                                               (9)        8 
Provisions for liabilities and charges          16      (136)    (173) 
Profit before tax                                       1,054    1,279 
Taxation                                         9      (297)    (294) 
---------------------------------------------  -----  -------  ------- 
Profit after tax                                          757      985 
---------------------------------------------  -----  -------  ------- 
 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 4 April 2017

 
 
                                                               2017      2016 
                                                               GBPm      GBPm 
 Profit after tax                                               757       985 
 
   Other comprehensive (expense)/income: 
 Items that will not be reclassified to the 
  income statement 
 Remeasurements of retirement benefit obligations: 
                                                           --------  -------- 
 Retirement benefit remeasurements before 
  tax                                                         (347)        42 
 Taxation                                                        92         9 
                                                           --------  -------- 
                                                              (255)        51 
 Revaluation of property: 
                                                           --------  -------- 
 Revaluation before tax                                           1         4 
 Taxation                                                         2       (7) 
                                                           --------  -------- 
                                                                  3       (3) 
 Other items recognised through the general 
  reserve, including effect of corporation 
  tax rate change                                               (1)       (1) 
 
                                                              (253)        47 
 Items that may subsequently be reclassified 
  to the income statement 
 Cash flow hedge reserve: 
                                                           --------  -------- 
 Fair value movements taken to members' interests 
  and equity                                                  1,671     2,099 
 Amount transferred to income statement                     (2,019)   (1,666) 
  Taxation                                                      101     (132) 
                                                           --------  -------- 
                                                              (247)       301 
 Available for sale reserve: 
                                                           --------  -------- 
 Fair value movements taken to members' interests 
  and equity                                                    176      (60) 
 Amount transferred to income statement                       (106)        19 
 Taxation                                                      (18)         7 
                                                           --------  -------- 
                                                                 52      (34) 
 
 Other comprehensive (expense)/income                         (448)       314 
 
 Total comprehensive income                                     309     1,299 
---------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Consolidated balance sheet

At 4 April 2017

 
 
                                                           2017      2016 
                                                Notes      GBPm      GBPm 
 Assets 
 Cash                                                    13,017     8,797 
 Loans and advances to banks                              2,587     3,591 
 Available for sale investment securities                 9,764    10,612 
 Derivative financial instruments                         5,043     3,898 
 Fair value adjustment for portfolio hedged 
 risk                                                       746       756 
 Loans and advances to customers                   10   187,371   178,807 
 Investments in equity shares                                67       126 
 Intangible assets                                        1,230     1,191 
 Property, plant and equipment                              851       823 
 Investment properties                                        8         8 
 Accrued income and expenses prepaid                        191       166 
 Deferred tax                                               103        35 
 Other assets                                               692       129 
------------------------------------------------  ---  --------  -------- 
 Total assets                                           221,670   208,939 
------------------------------------------------  ---  --------  -------- 
 Liabilities 
 Shares                                                 144,542   138,715 
 Deposits from banks                                      8,734     2,095 
 Other deposits                                           6,459     7,635 
 Due to customers                                         2,376     6,201 
 Fair value adjustment for portfolio hedged 
 risk                                                         8        13 
 Debt securities in issue                                40,339    36,085 
 Derivative financial instruments                         3,182     3,463 
 Other liabilities                                          391       414 
 Provisions for liabilities and charges            16       387       343 
 Accruals and deferred income                               333       288 
 Subordinated liabilities                          11     2,905     1,817 
 Subscribed capital                                11       276       413 
 Deferred tax                                               100       186 
 Current tax liabilities                                     82       128 
 Retirement benefit obligations                    18       423       213 
------------------------------------------------  ---  --------  -------- 
 Total liabilities                                      210,537   198,009 
------------------------------------------------  ---  --------  -------- 
 Members' interests and equity 
 Core capital deferred shares                      19       531       531 
 Other equity instruments                          20       992       992 
 General reserve                                          9,316     8,921 
 Revaluation reserve                                         67        64 
 Cash flow hedge reserve                                    183       430 
 Available for sale reserve                                  44       (8) 
------------------------------------------------  ---  --------  -------- 
 Total members' interests and equity                     11,133    10,930 
------------------------------------------------  ---  --------  -------- 
 Total members' interests, equity and liabilities       221,670   208,939 
-----------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 

Consolidated statement of movements in members' interests and equity

For the year ended 4 April 2017

 
                                 Core          Other    General   Revaluation       Cash   Available    Total 
                              capital         equity    reserve       reserve       flow    for sale 
                             deferred    instruments                               hedge     reserve 
                               shares                                            reserve 
                                 GBPm           GBPm       GBPm          GBPm       GBPm        GBPm     GBPm 
------------------------   ----------  -------------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------- 
 At 5 April 2016                  531            992      8,921            64        430         (8)   10,930 
                           ----------  -------------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------- 
 Profit for the 
  year                              -              -        757             -          -           -      757 
 Net remeasurements 
  of retirement 
  benefit obligations               -              -      (255)             -          -           -    (255) 
 Net revaluation 
  of property                       -              -          -             3          -           -        3 
 Effect of tax 
  rate change on 
  other items through 
  the general reserve               -              -        (1)             -          -           -      (1) 
 Net movement in 
  cash flow hedge 
  reserve                           -              -          -             -      (247)           -    (247) 
 Net movement in 
  available for 
  sale reserve                      -              -          -             -          -          52       52 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                            -              -        501             3      (247)          52      309 
 Distribution to 
  the holders of 
  core capital deferred 
  shares                            -              -       (56)             -          -           -     (56) 
 Distribution to 
  the holders of 
  Additional Tier 
  1 capital*                        -              -       (50)             -          -           -     (50) 
 At 4 April 2017                  531            992      9,316            67        183          44   11,133 
-------------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------- 
 

For the year ended 4 April 2016

 
                                 Core          Other    General   Revaluation       Cash   Available    Total 
                              capital         equity    reserve       reserve       flow    for sale 
                             deferred    instruments                               hedge     reserve 
                               shares                                            reserve 
                                 GBPm           GBPm       GBPm          GBPm       GBPm        GBPm     GBPm 
------------------------   ----------  -------------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------- 
 At 5 April 2015                  531            992      7,995            68        129          26    9,741 
                           ----------  -------------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------- 
 Profit for the 
  year                              -              -        985             -          -           -      985 
 Net remeasurements 
  of retirement 
  benefit obligations               -              -         51             -          -           -       51 
 Net revaluation 
  of property                       -              -          -           (3)          -           -      (3) 
 Reserve transfer                   -              -          1           (1)          -           -        - 
 Effect of tax 
  rate change on 
  other items through 
  the general reserve               -              -        (1)             -          -           -      (1) 
 Net movement in 
  cash flow hedge 
  reserve                           -              -          -             -        301           -      301 
 Net movement in 
  available for 
  sale reserve                      -              -          -             -          -        (34)     (34) 
 Total comprehensive 
  income                            -              -      1,036           (4)        301        (34)    1,299 
 Distribution to 
  the holders of 
  core capital deferred 
  shares                            -              -       (56)             -          -           -     (56) 
 Distribution to 
  the holders of 
  Additional Tier 
  1 capital*                        -              -       (54)             -          -           -     (54) 
-------------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------- 
 At 4 April 2016                  531            992      8,921            64        430         (8)   10,930 
-------------------------  ----------  -------------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ----------  ------- 
 

*The distribution to the holders of Additional Tier 1 capital is shown net of an associated tax credit of GBP18 million (2016: GBP14 million).

 
Consolidated cash flow statement 
 For the year ended 4 April 2017 
                                                                 2017       2016 
                                                     Notes       GBPm       GBPm 
Cash flows generated from/(used in) operating 
 activities 
Profit before tax                                               1,054      1,279 
Adjustments for: 
      Non-cash items included in profit before 
       tax                                            22          537        240 
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities     22      (1,327)    (2,413) 
      Interest paid on subordinated liabilities                 (117)      (102) 
      Interest paid on subscribed capital                        (22)       (26) 
Taxation                                                        (297)      (254) 
--------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
Net cash flows used in operating activities                     (172)    (1,276) 
 
Cash flows (used in)/generated from investing 
 activities 
Purchase of investment securities                             (5,282)    (4,202) 
Sale and maturity of investment securities                      6,668      4,905 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment                       (198)      (134) 
Sale of property, plant and equipment                              10         14 
Purchase of intangible assets                                   (276)      (334) 
Dividends received                                                  -          3 
Net cash flows generated from investing 
 activities                                                       922        252 
 
Cash flows (used in)/generated from financing 
 activities 
Distributions paid to the holders of 
 core capital deferred shares                                    (56)       (56) 
Distributions paid to the holders of 
 Additional Tier 1 capital                                       (68)       (68) 
Issue of debt securities                                       28,437     35,350 
Redemption of debt securities in issue                       (26,692)   (28,983) 
Issue of subordinated liabilities                                 949          - 
Redemption of subordinated liabilities                              -      (406) 
Redemption of subscribed capital                                (140)          - 
Net cash flows generated from financing 
 activities                                                     2,430      5,837 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                       3,180      4,813 
Cash and cash equivalents at start of 
 year                                                          12,063      7,250 
--------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year              22       15,243     12,063 
--------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

1 Reporting period

These results have been prepared as at 4 April 2017 and show the financial performance for the year from, and including, 5 April 2016 to this date.

2 Basis of preparation

The 2017 preliminary results have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations (IFRICs) issued by the Interpretations Committee, as published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), and adopted by the European Union, and with those parts of the Building Societies (Accounts and Related Provisions) Regulations 1998 (as amended) applicable to organisations reporting under IFRS. The accounting policies adopted for use in the preparation of this Preliminary Results Announcement and which will be used in preparing the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 4 April 2017 were included in the 'Annual Report and Accounts 2016' document except as detailed below. Copies of this document are available at

nationwide.co.uk/about_nationwide/results_and_accounts

The derivatives and hedge accounting policy has been updated to clarify the presentation of amounts where collateral is received from, or given to, counterparties other than banks.

Adoption of new and revised IFRSs

Minor amendments to IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment, IAS 38 Intangible Assets and IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements were adopted with effect from 5 April 2016, together with the annual improvements to the IFRSs 2012-2014 cycle. The adoption of these amendments and improvements had no significant impact for the Group.

Judgements in applying accounting policies and critical accounting estimates

The Group has to make judgements in applying its accounting policies which affect the amounts recognised in the accounts. In addition, estimates and assumptions are made that could affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Due to the inherent uncertainty in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be based upon amounts which differ from those estimates.

Going concern

The Directors have assessed the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. The Directors confirm they are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future and that therefore, it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this preliminary financial information.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

3 Interest receivable and similar income

 
                                                  2017    2016 
                                                  GBPm    GBPm 
----------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 On residential mortgages                        4,843   5,009 
 On other loans                                    774     835 
 On investment securities                          372     403 
 On other liquid assets                             59      33 
 Net expense on financial instruments hedging 
  assets                                         (998)   (986) 
 Total                                           5,050   5,294 
----------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

Included within interest receivable and similar income is interest income on impaired financial assets of

GBP33 million (2016: GBP41 million).

4 Interest expense and similar charges

 
                                                       2017    2016 
                                                       GBPm    GBPm 
---------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 On shares held by individuals                        1,390   1,577 
 On subscribed capital                                   34      26 
       On deposits and other borrowings: 
        Subordinated liabilities                        128      99 
        Other                                           450     577 
 On debt securities in issue                            767     690 
 Net income on financial instruments hedging 
  liabilities                                         (684)   (768) 
 Interest on net defined benefit pension liability        5       7 
---------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Total                                                2,090   2,208 
---------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

Interest on deposits and other borrowings includes an expense of GBP327 million (2016: GBP439 million) in relation to the redemption and maturity of Protected Equity Bond (PEB) deposits which have returns linked to the performance of specified stock market indices. The PEBs are economically hedged using equity-linked derivatives. Net income on financial instruments hedging liabilities includes income of GBP308 million (2016: GBP398 million) in relation to the associated derivatives. Further details are included in note 13.

5 Other operating income

 
 
                                                  2017   2016 
                                                  GBPm   GBPm 
-----------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
 Gain on disposal of investment in Visa Europe     100      - 
  Limited 
 Other income                                        -      8 
 Total                                             100      8 
-----------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
 

On 21 June 2016, the Group disposed of its share in Visa Europe Limited, resulting in a gain on disposal of GBP100 million.

Other income includes the net amount of rental income, profits or losses on the sale of property, plant and equipment and increases or decreases in the valuations of branches and non-specialised buildings which are not recognised in other comprehensive income.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

6 Gains from derivatives and hedge accounting

 
                                                    2017   2016 
                                                    GBPm   GBPm 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
 Gains from fair value hedge accounting (note 
  i)                                                  61     85 
 Ineffectiveness from cash flow hedge accounting 
  (note ii)                                          (4)      1 
 Net gain/(loss) from mortgage pipeline (note 
  iii)                                                 8   (46) 
 Fair value losses from other derivatives (note 
  iv)                                               (19)   (37) 
 Foreign exchange differences                         20     36 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
 Total                                                66     39 
-------------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
 

Notes:

i. Gains or losses from fair value hedges can arise where there is an IFRS hedge accounting relationship in place and either:

-- the relationship passed all the monthly effectiveness tests but the fair value movement of the derivative was not exactly offset by the change in fair value of the asset or liability being hedged (sometimes referred to as hedge ineffectiveness); or

-- the relationship failed a monthly effectiveness test which, for that month, disallows recognition of the change in fair value of the underlying asset or liability being hedged and in following months leads to the amortisation of existing balance sheet positions.

ii. In cash flow hedge accounting the effective portion of the fair value movement of designated derivatives is deferred to the cash flow hedge reserve. The fair value movement is subsequently recycled to the income statement when amounts relating to the underlying hedged asset or liability are recognised in the income statement. The ineffective portion of the fair value movement is recognised immediately in the income statement.

iii. The Group elects to fair value certain mortgage commitments in order to reduce the accounting mismatch caused when derivatives are used to hedge these commitments.

iv. Other derivatives are those used for economic hedging but which are not in an IAS 39 hedge accounting relationship because hedge accounting is not currently in place.

Although the Group only uses derivatives for the hedging of risks, income statement volatility can still arise due to hedge accounting ineffectiveness or because hedge accounting is either not currently applied or is not currently achievable. This volatility does not reflect the economic reality of the Group's hedging strategy.

Included within the gain of GBP66 million (2016: GBP39 million) was the impact of the following:

-- Gains of GBP61 million (2016: GBP85 million) from fair value hedge accounting. This includes gains of GBP47 million (2016: GBP66 million) from macro hedges, due to hedge ineffectiveness and the amortisation of existing balance sheet amounts. In addition, further gains of GBP14 million relate to micro hedges (2016: GBP19 million) due to a combination of hedge ineffectiveness, maturities and disposals.

-- Gains of GBP8 million (2016: losses of GBP46 million) relating to the mortgage pipeline. The income statement includes the full fair value movement of forward starting interest rate swaps economically hedging the pipeline; however the Group only elects to fair value certain underlying mortgage business within the pipeline.

-- Losses of GBP19 million (2016: GBP37 million) from valuation adjustments and volatility on other derivatives which are not currently in an IAS 39 hedge accounting relationship.

-- Gains of GBP20 million (2016: GBP36 million) from the retranslation of foreign currency monetary items not subject to effective hedge accounting, against a backdrop of significant sterling depreciation.

The overall impact of derivatives will remain volatile from period to period as new derivative transactions replace those which mature to ensure that interest rate and other market risks are continually managed.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

7 Administrative expenses

 
                                             2017   2016 
                                             GBPm   GBPm 
Employee costs: 
Wages and salaries                            517    486 
Bonuses                                        75     76 
Social security costs                          64     55 
Pension costs                                 137    119 
------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
                                              793    736 
Other administrative expenses                 790    745 
Bank levy (note 16)                            42     41 
------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
                                            1,625  1,522 
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment     396    325 
------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
Total                                       2,021  1,847 
------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
 

8 Impairment provisions on loans and advances to customers

The following provisions have been deducted from the appropriate asset values in the Group balance sheet:

 
                                               2017   2016 
                                               GBPm   GBPm 
Impairment charge for the year 
Prime residential                                11      8 
Specialist residential                           47     10 
Consumer banking                                 78     96 
Commercial lending                              (5)   (34) 
Other lending                                     -      1 
Total                                           131     81 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
Impairment provision at the end of the year 
Prime residential                                34     25 
Specialist residential                          110     77 
Consumer banking                                269    281 
Commercial lending                               25     59 
Other lending                                     -      1 
At 4 April 2017                                 438    443 
--------------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
 

The Group impairment provision of GBP438 million at 4 April 2017 (2016: GBP443 million) comprises individual provisions of GBP45 million (2016: GBP75 million) and collective provisions of GBP393 million (2016: GBP368 million).

The impairment provision charges for prime and specialist residential loans include GBP45 million (2016: GBP27 million) in relation to enhancements to provisioning methodology and assumptions to ensure that provisions continue to reflect appropriately the incurred losses within the portfolio.

Consumer banking provision assumptions in relation to up to date accounts have also been reviewed and updated, resulting in additional provisions of GBP7 million (2016: GBP29 million).

The decrease in impairment provisions held against commercial lending is primarily driven by the continued reduction of the commercial real estate portfolio.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

9 Taxation

 
 Tax charge in the income statement                     2017    2016 
                                                        GBPm    GBPm 
       Current tax: 
        UK corporation tax                               300     330 
        Corporation tax - adjustment in respect of 
         prior years                                     (3)     (8) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Total current tax                                       297     322 
       Deferred tax: 
        Current year credit                              (1)    (35) 
        Adjustment in respect of prior years               3       5 
        Effect of corporation tax rate change            (2)       - 
        Effect of banking surcharge on deferred tax 
         balances                                          -       2 
----------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Total deferred taxation                                   -    (28) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Tax charge                                              297     294 
----------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

The actual tax charge differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK as follows:

 
 Reconciliation of tax charge                               2017    2016 
                                                            GBPm    GBPm 
 Profit before tax                                         1,054   1,279 
--------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Tax calculated at a tax rate of 20%                         211     256 
 Adjustments in respect of prior years                         -     (3) 
 Banking surcharge                                            62      22 
       Expenses not deductible for tax purposes/(income 
        not taxable): 
        Depreciation on non-qualifying assets                  -       1 
        Bank levy                                              8       8 
        Customer redress                                      19       7 
        Other                                                (1)       1 
 Effect of corporation tax rate change                       (2)       - 
 Effect of banking surcharge on deferred tax 
  balances                                                     -       2 
--------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Tax charge                                                  297     294 
--------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

10 Loans and advances to customers

 
                                                   2017      2016 
                                                   GBPm      GBPm 
 Prime residential mortgages                    137,970   129,948 
 Specialist residential mortgages                33,149    32,114 
 Consumer banking                                 3,680     3,588 
 Commercial lending                              11,185    11,772 
 Other lending                                       17        19 
                                                186,001   177,441 
 Fair value adjustment for micro hedged risk      1,370     1,366 
---------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total                                          187,371   178,807 
---------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Loans and advances to customers in the table above are shown net of impairment provisions held against them. The fair value adjustment for micro hedged risk relates to commercial lending.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

10 Loans and advances to customers (continued)

Asset backed funding

Certain prime residential mortgages have been pledged to the Group's asset backed funding programmes or utilised as whole mortgage loan pools for the Bank of England's (BoE) Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) and Term Funding Scheme (TFS). The programmes have enabled the Group to obtain secured funding or to create additional collateral which could be used to source additional funding.

Mortgages pledged and the nominal values of the notes in issue are as follows:

 
 
 Group                       Mortgages                2017 
  Mortgages pledged           pledged                  Notes in issue 
  to 
  asset backed funding 
 programmes                           Held by third    Held by the Group    Total notes 
                                            parties                                  in 
                                                                                  issue 
                                                     -------------------- 
                                                         Drawn    Undrawn 
                               GBPm            GBPm       GBPm       GBPm          GBPm 
 Covered bond programme      19,322          14,927          -          -        14,927 
 Securitisation programme    10,412           3,622          -        448         4,070 
 Whole mortgage loan 
  pools                      16,136               -     13,505      2,631        16,136 
 Total                       45,870          18,549     13,505      3,079        35,133 
--------------------------  -------  --------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 
 
 
 Group                       Mortgages                2016 
  Mortgages pledged           pledged                  Notes in issue 
  to 
  asset backed funding 
 programmes                           Held by third    Held by the Group    Total notes 
                                            parties                                  in 
                                                                                  issue 
                                                     -------------------- 
                                                         Drawn    Undrawn 
                               GBPm            GBPm       GBPm       GBPm          GBPm 
 Covered bond programme      18,996          13,709          -          -        13,709 
 Securitisation programme    12,368           4,705          -      1,635         6,340 
 Whole mortgage loan 
  pools                      12,344               -     10,749      1,595        12,344 
 Total                       43,708          18,414     10,749      3,230        32,393 
--------------------------  -------  --------------  ---------  ---------  ------------ 
 
 

The securitisation programme notes are issued by Silverstone Master Issuer plc. Silverstone Master Issuer plc is fully consolidated into the accounts of the Group.

The whole mortgage loan pools are pledged at the BoE under the FLS and TFS. Notes are not issued when pledging the mortgage loan pools at the BoE. Instead, the whole loan pool is pledged to the BoE and drawings are made directly against the eligible collateral, subject to a haircut. Therefore, values shown under notes in issue are the whole mortgage loan pool notional balances.

Mortgages pledged include GBP9.1 billion (2016: GBP7.4 billion) in the covered bond and securitisation programmes that are in excess of the amount contractually required to support notes in issue.

Mortgages pledged are not derecognised from the Group balance sheet as the Group has retained substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. The Group continues to be exposed to the liquidity risk, interest rate risk and credit risk of the mortgages. No gain or loss has been recognised on pledging the mortgages to the programmes.

Notes in issue which are held by third parties are included within debt securities in issue.

Notes in issue, held by the Group and drawn are whole mortgage loan pools securing amounts drawn under the FLS and TFS. At 4 April 2017 the Group had outstanding FLS drawings of GBP4.8 billion (2016: GBP8.5 billion) and TFS drawings of GBP6.0 billion (2016: GBPnil).

Notes in issue, held by the Group and undrawn, are debt securities issued by the programmes to the Group and mortgage loan pools that have been pledged to the BoE but not utilised.

In accordance with accounting standards, notes in issue and held by the Group are not recognised by the Group in its balance sheet.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

10 Loans and advances to customers (continued)

The Group established the Nationwide Covered Bond programme in November 2005. Mortgages pledged provide security for issues of covered bonds made by the Group. During the year ended 4 April 2017, GBP0.8 billion and EUR1.1 billion (GBP1.7 billion sterling equivalent) of notes were issued, and EUR1.5 billion (GBP1.4 billion sterling equivalent) of notes matured.

The Group established the Silverstone Master Trust securitisation programme in July 2008. Notes are issued under the programme and the issuance proceeds are used to purchase, for the benefit of note holders, a share of the beneficial interest in the mortgages pledged by the Group. The remaining beneficial interest in the pledged mortgages of GBP7.0 billion (2016: GBP6.3 billion) stays with the Group and includes its required minimum seller share in accordance with the rules of the programme. The Group is under no obligation to support losses incurred by the programme or holders of the notes and does not intend to provide such further support. The entitlement of note holders is restricted to payment of principal and interest to the extent that the resources of the programme are sufficient to support such payment and the holders of the notes have agreed not to seek recourse in any other form. During the year ended 4 April 2017 GBP2.5 billion and $0.5 billion (total GBP2.9 billion sterling equivalent) of notes matured. During the year ended 4 April 2017 no notes were issued.

11 Subordinated liabilities and subscribed capital

 
                                           2017   2016 
                                           GBPm   GBPm 
----------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
Subordinated liabilities 
Subordinated notes                        2,871  1,750 
Fair value hedge accounting adjustments      45     77 
Unamortised premiums and issue costs       (11)   (10) 
----------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
Total                                     2,905  1,817 
----------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
Subscribed capital 
Permanent interest bearing shares           222    362 
Fair value hedge accounting adjustments      57     68 
Unamortised premiums and issue costs        (3)   (17) 
----------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
Total                                       276    413 
----------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
 

All of the Society's subordinated notes and permanent interest bearing shares (PIBS) are unsecured. The Society may, with the prior consent of the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), repay the PIBS and redeem the subordinated notes early.

The subordinated notes rank pari passu with each other and behind claims against the Society of all depositors, creditors and investing members, other than the holders of PIBS, Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital and core capital deferred shares (CCDS).

The PIBS rank pari passu with each other and the AT1 instruments, behind claims against the Society of the subordinated note holders but ahead of claims by the holders of CCDS.

12 Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities held at fair value

IFRS 13 requires an entity to classify assets and liabilities held at fair value and those not measured at fair value but for which the fair value is disclosed according to a hierarchy that reflects the significance of observable market inputs in calculating those fair values. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are defined below:

Level 1 - Valuation using quoted market prices

Assets and liabilities are classified as Level 1 if their value is observable in an active market. Such instruments are valued by reference to unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets where the quoted price is readily available, and the price reflects actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm's length basis. An active market is one in which transactions occur with sufficient volume and frequency to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 - Valuation technique using observable inputs

Assets and liabilities classified as Level 2 have been valued using models whose inputs are observable in an active market. Valuations based on observable inputs include derivative financial instruments such as swaps and forwards which are valued using market standard pricing techniques, and options that are commonly traded in markets where all the inputs to the market standard pricing models are observable. They also include investment securities valued using consensus pricing or other observable market prices.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

12 Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities held at fair value (continued)

Level 3 - Valuation technique using significant unobservable inputs

Assets and liabilities are classified as Level 3 if their valuation incorporates significant inputs that are not based on observable market data ('unobservable inputs'). A valuation input is considered observable if it can be directly observed from transactions in an active market, or if there is compelling external evidence demonstrating an executable exit price. An input is deemed significant if it is shown to contribute more than 10% to the valuation of a financial instrument. Unobservable input levels are generally determined based on observable inputs of a similar nature, historical observations or other analytical techniques.

The following tables show the Group's financial assets and liabilities that are held at fair value by fair value hierarchy, balance sheet classification and product type:

 
                                       Fair values based on 
                                   ---------------------------- 
                                    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3    Total 
 2017                                  GBPm      GBPm      GBPm     GBPm 
                                   --------  --------  --------  ------- 
 Financial assets 
 Government and supranational 
  investments                         6,897         -         -    6,897 
Other debt investment securities        931     1,936         -    2,867 
Available for sale investment 
 securities                           7,828     1,936         -    9,764 
Investments in equity shares 
 (note i)                                 -         -        66       66 
Interest rate swaps                       -     1,859         -    1,859 
 Cross currency interest rate 
  swaps                                   -     2,915         -    2,915 
 Forward foreign exchange                 -        16         -       16 
 Equity index swaps                       -         -       233      233 
 Index linked swaps                       -        20         -       20 
Total derivative financial 
 instruments                              -     4,810       233    5,043 
Other financial assets (note 
 ii)                                      -         7         -        7 
Total financial assets                7,828     6,753       299   14,880 
 
  Financial liabilities 
 Interest rate swaps                      -   (3,096)       (5)  (3,101) 
 Cross currency interest rate 
  swaps                                   -      (71)         -     (71) 
 Forward foreign exchange                 -       (4)         -      (4) 
 Forward rate agreements                  -       (1)         -      (1) 
 Swaptions                                -       (5)         -      (5) 
Total derivative financial 
 instruments                              -   (3,177)       (5)  (3,182) 
Other deposits - PEBs (note 
 iii)                                     -         -     (810)    (810) 
Total financial liabilities               -   (3,177)     (815)  (3,992) 
 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

12 Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities held at fair value (continued)

 
                     Fair values based on 
                                    Level 1  Level 2  Level 3    Total 
2016                                   GBPm     GBPm     GBPm     GBPm 
Financial assets 
Government and supranational 
 investments                          6,843        -        -    6,843 
Other debt investment securities      1,011    2,758        -    3,769 
Available for sale investment 
 securities                           7,854    2,758        -   10,612 
Investments in equity shares 
 (note i)                                 -        -      125      125 
Interest rate swaps                       -    2,180        -    2,180 
Cross currency interest rate 
 swaps                                    -    1,238        -    1,238 
Forward foreign exchange                  -       44        -       44 
Equity index swaps                        -        -      436      436 
Total derivative financial 
 instruments                              -    3,462      436    3,898 
Other financial assets (note 
 ii)                                      -        2        -        2 
Total financial assets                7,854    6,222      561   14,637 
 
  Financial liabilities 
Interest rate swaps                       -  (3,103)      (4)  (3,107) 
Cross currency interest rate 
 swaps                                    -    (338)        -    (338) 
Forward foreign exchange                  -      (4)        -      (4) 
Swaptions                                 -      (8)        -      (8) 
Equity index swaps                        -        -      (1)      (1) 
Index linked swaps                        -      (5)        -      (5) 
Total derivative financial 
 instruments                              -  (3,458)      (5)  (3,463) 
Other deposits - PEBs (note 
 iii)                                     -        -  (1,885)  (1,885) 
Total financial liabilities               -  (3,458)  (1,890)  (5,348) 
 
 

Notes:

i. Investments in equity shares exclude GBP1 million of investments in equity shares which are held at cost.

ii. Other financial assets represent the fair value of certain mortgage commitments included within other assets in the balance sheet.

iii. Other deposits comprise PEBs which are held at fair value through the income statement. The remaining other deposits are held at amortised cost and are included in note 14.

The Group's Level 1 portfolio comprises liquid securities for which traded prices are readily available.

Asset valuations for Level 2 available for sale investment securities are sourced from consensus pricing or other observable market prices. None of the Level 2 available for sale assets are valued from models. Level 2 derivative assets and liabilities are valued from discounted cash flow models using yield curves based on observable market data.

More detail on the Level 3 portfolio is provided in note 13.

Transfers between fair value hierarchies

Instruments move between fair value hierarchies primarily due to increases or decreases in market activity or changes to the significance of unobservable inputs to valuation. There were no significant transfers between the Level 1 and Level 2 portfolios during the year.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

13 Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities held at fair value - Level 3 portfolio

The main constituents of the Level 3 portfolio are as follows:

Investments in equity shares

The Level 3 investments in equity shares include investments of GBP66 million (2016: GBP125 million) in industry wide banking and credit card service operations.

Derivative financial instruments

Level 3 assets and liabilities in this category are primarily equity linked derivatives with external counterparties which economically match the investment return payable by the Group to investors in Protected Equity Bonds (PEBs). The derivatives are linked to the performance of specified stock market indices and have been valued by an external third party. Fair value changes are recognised within gains/losses from derivatives and hedge accounting. Upon maturity the gain/loss is transferred to interest expense and similar charges.

Other deposits - PEBs

This category relates to deposit accounts with the potential for stock market correlated growth linked to the performance of specified stock market indices. The PEBs liability of GBP810 million (2016: GBP1,885 million) is valued at a discount to reflect the time value of money, overlaid by a fair value adjustment representing the expected return payable to the customer. The fair value adjustment has been constructed from the valuation of the associated derivatives as valued by an external third party. Fair value changes are recognised within gains/losses from derivatives and hedge accounting. Upon maturity the gain/loss is transferred to interest expense and similar charges.

The minimum amount on an undiscounted basis that the Group and Society are contractually required to pay at maturity for the PEBs is GBP621 million (2016: GBP1,551 million). The maximum additional amount which would also be payable at maturity in respect of additional investment returns is GBP250 million (2016: GBP636 million). The payment of additional investment returns is dependent upon performance of certain specified stock indices during the period of the PEBs. As noted above, the Group has entered into equity linked derivatives with external counterparties which economically match the investment returns on the PEBs.

The tables below set out movements in the Level 3 portfolio, including transfers in and out of Level 3.

 
                                            Investments  Net derivative      Other 
                                              in equity       financial   deposits 
Movements in Level 3 portfolio                   shares     instruments     - PEBs 
                                                   GBPm            GBPm       GBPm 
At 5 April 2016                                     125             431    (1,885) 
Gains/(losses) recognised in the income 
 statement: 
 Net interest income/(expense)                        -             308      (327) 
 (Losses)/gains from derivatives and 
  hedge accounting                                    -           (205)        201 
 Other operating income                             100               -          - 
 Losses recognised in other comprehensive 
  income: 
  Fair value movement taken to members' 
  interests and equity                             (66)               -          - 
Settlements                                           -           (306)      1,201 
Acquisitions                                         25               -          - 
Disposals                                         (118)               -          - 
At 4 April 2017                                      66             228      (810) 
 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

13 Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities held at fair value - Level 3 portfolio (continued)

 
                                            Available  Investments  Net derivative      Other 
                                             for sale    in equity       financial   deposits 
                                           investment       shares     instruments     - PEBs 
Movements in Level 3 portfolio             securities 
                                                 GBPm         GBPm            GBPm       GBPm 
At 5 April 2015                                    12           25             910    (3,332) 
Gains/(losses) recognised in 
 the income statement: 
Net interest income/(expense)                       -            -             398      (439) 
(Losses)/gains from derivatives 
 and hedge accounting                               -            -           (476)        465 
Gains recognised in other comprehensive 
 income: 
 Fair value movement taken to 
 members' interests and equity                      -          100               -          - 
Settlements                                         -            -           (401)      1,421 
Transfers out of Level 3 portfolio               (12)            -               -          - 
At 4 April 2016                                     -          125             431    (1,885) 
 

Level 3 portfolio sensitivity analysis of valuations using unobservable inputs

The fair value of financial instruments is, in certain circumstances, measured using valuation techniques based on market prices that are not observable in an active market or significant unobservable market inputs.

Reasonable alternative assumptions can be applied for sensitivity analysis, taking account of the nature of valuation techniques used, as well as the availability and reliability of observable proxy and historic data. The following table shows the sensitivity of the Level 3 fair values to reasonable alternative assumptions (as set out in the table of significant unobservable inputs below) and the resultant impact of such changes in fair value on the income statement or members' interests and equity:

 
                                                    Members' interests and 
2017                                                        equity 
                                       Fair value  Favourable  Unfavourable 
                                                      changes       changes 
Sensitivity of Level 3 fair values           GBPm        GBPm          GBPm 
Investments in equity shares                   66          12          (24) 
Net derivative financial instruments 
 (note i)                                     228           -             - 
Other deposits - PEBs (note i)              (810)           -             - 
Total                                       (516)          12          (24) 
 
 
                                                    Members' interests and 
2016                                                        equity 
                                       Fair value  Favourable  Unfavourable 
                                                      changes       changes 
Sensitivity of Level 3 fair values           GBPm        GBPm          GBPm 
Investments in equity shares                  125          41          (32) 
Net derivative financial instruments 
 (note i)                                     431           -             - 
Other deposits - PEBs (note i)            (1,885)           -             - 
Total                                     (1,329)          41          (32) 
 

Note:

i. Changes in fair values of the equity index swaps included in net derivative financial instruments will be largely offset by the change in fair value of the PEBs deposits. Any resultant impact is deemed by the Group to be insignificant; therefore these sensitivities have been excluded from the table above.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

13 Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities held at fair value - Level 3 portfolio (continued)

The Level 3 portfolio at 4 April 2017 did not include any impaired assets (2016: GBPnil). The sensitivity analysis on fair values in the tables above therefore does not impact on the income statement.

Alternative assumptions are considered for each product and varied according to the quality of the data and variability of the underlying market.

The following table discloses the significant unobservable inputs underlying the above alternative assumptions for assets and liabilities recognised at fair value and classified as Level 3 along with the range of values for those significant unobservable inputs. Where sensitivities are described the inverse relationship will also generally apply.

 
                                                                                                Weighted 
2017                          Total         Total                    Significant                 average 
 Significant unobservable    assets   liabilities    Valuation      unobservable     Range         (note 
 inputs                        GBPm          GBPm    technique            inputs    (note ii)       iii)  Units 
In 
Investments in                                                          Discount 
 equity shares                   66             -                           rate   6.41   7.75      7.08% 
                                                    Discounted 
                                                    cash flows  Share conversion      -    100     77.76% 
Net derivative 
 financial instruments 
 (note i)                       228             - 
Other deposits 
 - PEBs (note i)                  -         (810) 
 
 
 
                                                                                                Weighted 
2016                          Total         Total                   Significant                  average   Units 
 Significant unobservable    assets   liabilities   Valuation      unobservable       Range        (note   (note 
 inputs                        GBPm          GBPm   technique            inputs     (note ii)       iii)     iv) 
 
Investments in                                        Mark to 
 equity shares                   18             -      market             Price  93.30  107.00     98.00  Points 
                                                                       Discount 
                                107             -  Discounted              rate  10.00   12.00     11.00% 
                                                   cash flows  Share conversion      -  100.00     77.30% 
                                                                      Execution 
                                                                           risk      -   30.00     12.41% 
                                125             - 
Net derivative 
 financial instruments 
 (note i)                       431             - 
Other deposits 
 - PEBs (note i)                  -       (1,885) 
 

Notes:

i. Changes in fair values of the equity index swaps included in net derivative financial instruments will be largely offset by the change in fair value of the PEBs deposits. Any resultant impact is deemed by the Group to be insignificant; therefore these sensitivities have been excluded from the table above.

ii. The range represents the values of the highest and lowest levels used in the calculation of favourable and unfavourable changes as presented in the previous table.

iii. Weighted average represents the input values used in calculating the fair values for the above financial instruments.

iv. Points are a percentage of par; for example 100 points equals 100% of par. One basis point (bps) equals 0.01%; for example, 125 basis points (bps) equals 1.25%.

Some of the significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement are interdependent. Where this is the case, a description of those interrelationships is included below.

Discount rate

The discount rate is used to determine the present value of future cash flows. The level of the discount rate takes into account the time value of money, but also the risk or uncertainty of future cash flows. Typically, the greater the uncertainty, the higher the discount rate. A higher discount rate leads to a lower valuation and vice versa.

Share conversion

Where the conversion of a security into an underlying instrument is subject to underlying security market pricing and contingent litigation risk, share conversion is factored into the fair value. The higher the share conversion, the higher the valuation and vice versa.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

13 Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities held at fair value - Level 3 portfolio (continued)

Execution risk

Where a security's value is dependent on a future transaction taking place, and the occurrence of this is not certain, execution risk is factored into the security's valuation. The greater the execution risk, the lower the valuation and vice versa.

Price

Prices for securities that are marked to market, where the market is illiquid and supporting price information is scarce, are typically subject to significant uncertainty. An increase in the price will directly cause an increase in fair value and vice versa.

14 Fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at amortised cost

The following table summarises the carrying value and fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at amortised cost on the Group's balance sheet:

 
                                       Fair values based on 
 
                           Carrying                                   Total 
                              value  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3   fair value 
2017                           GBPm     GBPm     GBPm     GBPm         GBPm 
Financial assets 
Loans and advances to 
 banks                        2,587        -    2,587        -        2,587 
Loans and advances to 
 customers: 
   Residential mortgages    171,119        -        -  170,542      170,542 
   Consumer banking           3,680        -        -    3,546        3,546 
   Commercial lending        12,555        -        -   11,284       11,284 
   Other lending                 17        -        5       12           17 
Total                       189,958        -    2,592  185,384      187,976 
Financial liabilities 
Shares                      144,542        -  144,664        -      144,664 
Deposits from banks           8,734        -    8,736        -        8,736 
Other deposits (note 
 i)                           5,649        -    5,651        -        5,651 
Due to customers              2,376        -    2,377        -        2,377 
Debt securities in issue     40,339   15,399   25,837        -       41,236 
Subordinated liabilities      2,905        -    3,053        -        3,053 
Subscribed capital              276        -      244        -          244 
Total                       204,821   15,399  190,562        -      205,961 
 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

14 Fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at amortised cost (continued)

 
                                         Fair values based on 
 
                             Carrying                                   Total 
                                value  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3   fair value 
2016                             GBPm     GBPm     GBPm     GBPm         GBPm 
Financial assets 
Loans and advances to 
 banks (note ii)                3,591        -    3,591        -        3,591 
Loans and advances to 
 customers: 
   Residential mortgages      162,062        -        -  161,766      161,766 
   Consumer banking             3,588        -        -    3,458        3,458 
   Commercial lending          13,138        -        -   13,077       13,077 
   Other lending (note ii)         19        -        5       14           19 
Total                         182,398        -    3,596  178,315      181,911 
Financial liabilities 
Shares                        138,715        -  138,896        -      138,896 
Deposits from banks             2,095        -    2,096        -        2,096 
Other deposits (note 
 i)                             5,750        -    5,752        -        5,752 
Due to customers (note 
 ii)                            6,201        -    6,204        -        6,204 
Debt securities in issue       36,085   13,582   23,195        -       36,777 
Subordinated liabilities        1,817        -    1,949        -        1,949 
Subscribed capital                413        -      381        -          381 
Total                         191,076   13,582  178,473        -      192,055 
 

Notes:

i. Other deposits exclude PEBs which are held at fair value through the income statement and which are included in note 12.

ii. The comparative fair values for loans and advances to banks, amounts due to customers and element of other lending relating to the fair value of cash collateral posted with non-bank counterparties have been moved to Level 2. This better reflects the valuation approach, consistent with the current year presentation.

Loans and advances to banks

The fair value of loans and advances to banks is estimated by discounting expected cashflows at a market discount rate. The carrying amount is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Loans and advances to customers

The fair value of loans and advances to customers is estimated by discounting expected cash flows to reflect current rates for similar lending.

Consistent modelling techniques are used across the different loan books. The estimates take into account expected future cash flows and future lifetime expected losses, based on historic trends and discount rates appropriate to the loans, to reflect a hypothetical exit price value on an asset by asset basis. Variable rate loans are modelled on estimated future cash flows, discounted at current market interest rates. Variable rate retail mortgages are discounted at the currently available market standard variable interest rate (SVR) which, for example, in the case of the Group's residential base mortgage rate (BMR) mortgage book, generates a fair value lower than the amortised cost value as those mortgages are priced below the SVR.

For fixed rate loans, discount rates have been based on the expected funding and capital cost applicable to the book. When calculating fair values on fixed rate loans, no adjustment has been made to reflect interest rate risk management through internal natural hedges or external hedging via derivatives.

Shares, deposits and amounts due to customers

The estimated fair value of shares, deposits and amounts due to customers with no stated maturity, including non-interest bearing deposits, is the amount repayable on demand. For items without quoted market prices the estimated fair value represents the discounted amount of estimated future cash flows based on expectations of future interest rates, customer withdrawals and interest capitalisation. For variable interest rate items, estimated future cash flows are discounted using current market interest rates for new debt with similar remaining maturity. For fixed rate items, the estimated future cash flows are discounted based on market offer rates currently available for equivalent deposits.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

14 Fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at amortised cost (continued)

Debt securities in issue

The estimated fair values of longer dated liabilities are calculated based on quoted market prices where available or using similar instruments as a proxy for those liabilities that are not of sufficient size or liquidity to have an active market quote. For those notes for which quoted market prices are not available, a discounted cash flow model is used based on a current yield curve appropriate for the remaining term to maturity.

Subordinated liabilities and subscribed capital

The fair value of subordinated liabilities and subscribed capital is determined by reference to quoted market prices of similar instruments.

15 Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities

The Group has financial assets and liabilities for which there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realise the asset and liability simultaneously. In accordance with IAS 32 'Financial Instruments: Presentation,' where the right to set off is not unconditional in all circumstances this does not result in an offset of balance sheet assets and liabilities.

In accordance with IFRS 7 'Financial Instruments: Disclosures', the following table shows the impact on derivative financial instruments relating to transactions where:

-- there is an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement in place and an unconditional right to offset is in place,

-- there is an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement in place but the offset criteria are otherwise not satisfied, and

   --    financial collateral is paid and received. 

Master netting arrangements consist of agreements such as an ISDA Master Agreement, global master repurchase agreements and global master securities lending agreements, whereby outstanding transactions with the same counterparty can be offset and settled net, either unconditionally or following a default or other predetermined event.

Financial collateral on derivative financial instruments consists of cash settled, typically daily or weekly, to mitigate the mark to market exposures. Financial collateral on total return swaps typically comprises highly liquid securities which are legally transferred and can be liquidated in the event of counterparty default.

The net amounts after offsetting under IFRS 7 presented below show the exposure to counterparty credit risk for derivative contracts after netting benefits and collateral, and are not intended to represent the Group's actual exposure to credit risk. This is due to a variety of credit mitigation strategies which are employed in addition to netting and collateral arrangements.

 
2017                    Gross amounts  Amounts     Net amounts         Master    Financial  Net amounts 
                           recognised   offset        reported        netting   collateral        after 
                                         (note          on the   arrangements                offsetting 
                                            i)   balance sheet                                    under 
                                                                                                 IFRS 7 
                                 GBPm     GBPm            GBPm           GBPm         GBPm         GBPm 
Financial assets 
Derivative financial 
 instruments                    5,067     (24)           5,043        (2,216)      (2,799)           28 
Total financial 
 assets                         5,067     (24)           5,043        (2,216)      (2,799)           28 
 
Financial liabilities 
Derivative financial 
 liabilities                    3,210     (28)           3,182        (2,216)        (921)           45 
Total financial 
 liabilities                    3,210     (28)           3,182        (2,216)        (921)           45 
 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

15 Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities (continued)

 
2016                    Gross amounts  Amounts     Net amounts         Master    Financial          Net 
                           recognised   offset        reported        netting   collateral      amounts 
                                         (note          on the   arrangements                     after 
                                            i)   balance sheet                               offsetting 
                                                                                                  under 
                                                                                                 IFRS 7 
                                 GBPm     GBPm            GBPm           GBPm         GBPm         GBPm 
Financial assets 
Derivative financial 
 instruments                    3,898        -           3,898        (2,020)      (1,804)           74 
Total return swaps                 87        -              87              -         (87)            - 
Reverse repurchase 
 agreements                       450        -             450              -        (450)            - 
Total financial 
 assets                         4,435        -           4,435        (2,020)      (2,341)           74 
 
Financial liabilities 
Derivative financial 
 liabilities                    3,463        -           3,463        (2,020)      (1,391)           52 
Repurchase agreements             127        -             127              -        (127)            - 
Total financial 
 liabilities                    3,590        -           3,590        (2,020)      (1,518)           52 
 

Note:

i. Amounts offset for derivative financial assets of GBP24 million include cash collateral netted of GBP3 million (2016: GBPnil). Amounts offset for derivative financial liabilities of GBP28 million include cash collateral netted of GBP7 million (2016: GBPnil). Excluding the cash collateral netted, the remaining amounts represent GBP21 million of derivative financial assets and derivative financial liabilities which are offset. At 4 April 2016, whilst there were netting arrangements in place, the offset criteria were otherwise not satisfied and therefore no amounts were offset.

The financial collateral in the table above is presented at fair value, except for the total return swaps collateral at 4 April 2016 which had a fair value of GBP127 million and the repurchase agreements collateral at 4 April 2016 which had a fair value of GBP128 million.

16 Provisions for liabilities and charges

 
                               Bank  FSCS  Customer        Other  Total 
                               levy         redress   provisions 
                               GBPm  GBPm      GBPm         GBPm   GBPm 
At 5 April 2016                  22    84       227           10    343 
Provisions utilised            (48)  (42)      (58)          (5)  (153) 
Charge for the year              42    15       152           21    230 
Release for the year              -  (15)      (16)          (2)   (33) 
Net income statement charge      42     -       136           19    197 
At 4 April 2017                  16    42       305           24    387 
 
At 5 April 2015                  13   126       140           16    295 
Provisions utilised            (32)  (88)      (40)          (5)  (165) 
Charge for the year              41    46       138            3    228 
Release for the year              -     -      (11)          (4)   (15) 
Net income statement charge      41    46       127          (1)    213 
At 4 April 2016                  22    84       227           10    343 
 

The income statement charge for provisions for liabilities and charges of GBP136 million (2016: GBP173 million) includes the customer redress net income statement charge of GBP136 million (2016: GBP127 million), and the FSCS charge of GBPnil (2016: GBP46 million).

The income statement charge for bank levy of GBP42 million (2016: GBP41 million) and other provisions charge of GBP19 million (2016: credit of GBP1 million) are included within administrative expenses in the income statement.

The Group provisions for liabilities and charges include GBP1 million (2016: GBP3 million) of customer redress held by subsidiary company The Mortgage Works (UK) plc; all other amounts are held by the Society.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

16 Provisions for liabilities and charges (continued)

Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

The FSCS, the UK's independent statutory compensation fund for customers of authorised financial services firms, pays compensation if a firm is unable to pay claims against it.

Following the default of a number of deposit takers, the FSCS borrowed funds from HM Treasury, approximately GBP16 billion of which was outstanding at 4 April 2017, relating solely to the failure of Bradford & Bingley plc. The FSCS recovers the interest costs associated with this loan, together with ongoing management expenses, by way of annual levies on member firms.

UK Asset Resolution Limited (UKAR) oversees the management of the closed books of Bradford & Bingley plc. On 31 March 2017 UKAR confirmed that it had agreed to sell two separate asset portfolios of Bradford & Bingley plc in order to repay the GBP16 billion loan outstanding to HM Treasury. The first asset portfolio sale transaction was completed on 25 April 2017, reducing the loan outstanding to HM Treasury to approximately GBP5 billion. As a result, the annual FSCS charge in relation to interest costs and management expenses has reduced significantly to GBP15 million (2016: GBP46 million) for the 2017/18 scheme year. The second sales transaction is anticipated to be completed by March 2018.

The FSCS income statement charge of GBPnil for the year ended 4 April 2017 comprises the GBP15 million FSCS 2017/18 scheme year charge (2016: GBP46 million), offset by GBP13 million (2016: GBPnil) of recoveries in relation to previous Icelandic banking failures and a GBP2 million release relating to lower than anticipated interest costs for the 2016/17 scheme year.

The balance sheet amount provided by the Group of GBP42 million (2016: GBP84 million) comprises GBP27 million of levies relating to the 2016/17 FSCS scheme year and GBP15 million relating to the 2017/18 scheme year.

Customer redress

During the course of its business, the Group receives complaints from customers in relation to past sales or conduct. The Group is also subject to enquiries from and discussions with its regulators, governmental and other public bodies, including the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), on a range of matters. Customer redress provisions are recognised where the Group considers it is probable that payments will be made as a result of such complaints and other matters.

The Group holds provisions of GBP305 million (2016: GBP227 million) in respect of the potential costs of remediation and redress in relation to historic sales of financial products and post sales administration. This includes amounts for past sales of PPI, non-compliance with consumer credit legislation and other regulatory matters.

The income statement charge for the year mainly reflects updated assumptions for provisions previously recognised. This includes a GBP128 million charge in relation to PPI, largely in response to the announcements made by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) during the year and specifically the policy statement PS17/03 issued in March 2017. In this policy statement the FCA confirmed an industry-funded communications campaign, combined with a deadline for any further complaints. It also proposed new rules and guidance in light of the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Plevin v Paragon Personal Finance Limited ('Plevin'), part of which was a requirement to proactively mail previously refuted mis-sale complainants who will now be eligible to claim under Plevin.

In light of these latest developments, it is considered appropriate for the Group to provide for the estimated total amount required to deal with all ongoing and future PPI complaints. The amount provided at 4 April 2017 therefore reflects the compensation and administrative costs associated with cases that the Group expects to uphold and the cost of processing invalid claims which the Group expects to receive. This estimate will be re-assessed on an ongoing basis in the light of actual claims levels observed.

Other provisions

Other provisions include provisions for severance costs and a number of property related provisions. Provisions are made for the expected severance costs in relation to the Group's restructuring activities where there is a present obligation and it is probable that the expenditure will be made.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

17 Contingent liabilities

During the ordinary course of business, the Group receives complaints, is subject to threatened or actual legal proceedings, and manages regulatory enquiries, reviews, challenges and investigations. It also receives and reviews allegations of wrongdoing raised by employees and others and provides support and assistance, when it is appropriate to do so, to relevant Law Enforcement Agencies in connection with investigations they may undertake. All such material matters are periodically reassessed, with the assistance of external professional advisers where appropriate, to determine the likelihood of incurring a liability. Where it is concluded that it is more likely than not that a payment will be made a provision is recognised based on management's best estimate of the amount that will be payable. For other matters no provision is recognised but disclosure is made of items which are potentially material, either individually or in aggregate, except in cases where the likelihood of a liability crystallising is considered to be remote. Currently the Group does not expect the ultimate resolution of any such matters to have a material adverse impact on its financial position.

18 Retirement benefit obligations

 
 
 Retirement benefit obligations on the balance sheet         2017     2016 
                                                             GBPm     GBPm 
Present value of funded obligations                         6,039    4,645 
Present value of unfunded obligations                          12       12 
                                                            6,051    4,657 
Fair value of fund assets                                 (5,628)  (4,444) 
Deficit at 4 April                                            423      213 
 
 

Defined contribution pension schemes

The Group operates two defined contribution pension schemes in the UK - the Nationwide Group Personal Pension Plan (GPP) and the Nationwide Temporary Workers Pension Scheme. New employees are automatically enrolled into one of these schemes, with both schemes being administered by Friends Life.

Outside of the UK, there are defined contribution pension schemes for employees in the Isle of Man and Ireland.

Defined benefit pension schemes

The Group has funding obligations to several defined benefit pension schemes, which are administered by boards of trustees. Trustees are required by law to act in the interests of all relevant beneficiaries and are responsible for the investment policy with regard to the assets of the pension schemes as well as the day to day administration.

The Group's most significant pension scheme is the Nationwide Pension Fund (the Fund). This is a contributory defined benefit pension arrangement, with both final salary and career average revalued earnings (CARE) sections. The Fund was closed to new entrants in 2007 and since that date employees have been able to join the GPP.

Eligible employees in the Fund are entitled to annual pensions after normal retirement at age 65 of one sixtieth of career average revalued earnings (revalued to retirement) for each year of service after 1 April 2011. Benefits accrued prior to 1 April 2011 varied with the majority being one fifty fourth of final salary for each year of service. Benefits are also payable on death and following other events such as leaving employment. No other post-retirement benefits are provided to these employees.

Approximately 31% of the defined benefit obligations are attributable to current employees, 37% to former employees and 32% to current pensioners and dependants. The average duration of the obligation is approximately 22 years reflecting the split of the obligation between current employees (27 years), deferred members (25 years) and current pensioners (15 years).

The Group's retirement benefit obligations include GBP4 million (2016: GBP2 million) recognised in a subsidiary company, Nationwide (Isle of Man) Limited. This obligation relates to a defined benefit arrangement providing benefits based on both final salary and CARE which was closed to new entrants in 2009.

The Group's retirement benefit obligations also include GBP12 million (2016: GBP12 million) in respect of unfunded legacy defined benefit arrangements.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

18 Retirement benefit obligations (continued)

The principal actuarial assumptions used are as follows:

 
 
                                          2017    2016 
Principal actuarial assumptions              %       % 
Discount rate                             2.40    3.45 
Future salary increases                   3.20    2.90 
Future pension increases (maximum 5%)     2.95    2.75 
Retail price index (RPI) inflation        3.20    2.90 
Consumer price index (CPI) inflation      2.20    1.90 
 

The assumptions for mortality rates are based on standard mortality tables which allow for future improvements in life expectancies. The assumptions made are illustrated by the following years of life expectancy at age 60:

 
 
                                 2017     2016 
Life expectancy assumptions     years    years 
Age 60 at 4 April 2017 
       Males                     27.4     28.3 
       Females                   28.6     30.0 
Age 60 at 4 April 2037: 
       Males                     28.3     29.7 
       Females                   29.9     31.5 
 

Changes in the present value of the net defined benefit liability (including unfunded obligations) are as follows:

 
 
Movements in the net defined benefit liability             2017   2016 
                                                           GBPm   GBPm 
Deficit at 5 April                                          213    286 
Current service cost                                         60     64 
Past service cost                                             4      3 
Curtailment gains                                           (4)    (2) 
Interest on net defined benefit liability                     5      7 
Return on assets (greater)/less than discount rate        (951)    122 
Contributions by employer                                 (206)  (107) 
Administrative expenses                                       4      4 
Actuarial losses/(gains) on defined benefit obligations   1,298  (164) 
Deficit at 4 April                                          423    213 
 

Current service cost represents the increase in liabilities resulting from employee service over the period. Past service cost represents the increase in liabilities of the Fund arising from members of the Fund electing to pay additional contributions to receive additional benefits.

Curtailment gains represent a reduction in the defined benefit liabilities arising from future pensions increasing in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), instead of estimated salary increases (for final salary benefits) or the Retail Price Index (for CARE benefits), in respect of members made redundant during the year.

The interest on net defined benefit liability includes the interest expense on the retirement obligation, representing the annual interest accruing on the liabilities over the period. This is partially offset by the interest income on plan assets.

The GBP951 million relating to the return on assets being greater than the discount rate (2016: GBP122 million return less than the discount rate) is driven by positive returns from listed equities, partially offset by a reduction in bonds yields over the year. As a result, the value of plan assets increased compared to the prior year, where there was a small increase in bond yields and a small increase in the value of plan assets.

The GBP206 million of employer contributions includes deficit contributions of GBP149 million (2016: GBP49 million), with the remainder relating to employer contributions in respect of future benefit accrual. The Group estimates that its contributions to the defined benefit pension schemes (including deficit contributions under the current deficit recovery plan) during the year ending 4 April 2018 will be GBP101 million.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

18 Retirement benefit obligations (continued)

The GBP1,298 million actuarial loss on the liabilities shown above is driven by:

-- a GBP1,441 million loss (2016: GBP86 million gain) from changes in financial assumptions, including a 1.05% decrease in the discount rate and a 0.30% increase in assumed Retail Prices Index inflation, both of which increase the value of the liabilities.

-- a GBP144 million gain (2016: GBP29 million) due to updating the mortality base tables and updating to the latest industry standard model for projecting future longevity improvements.

-- an experience loss on the assumptions of GBP1 million (2016: GBP49 million gain) reflecting the differential between the long term assumptions and the actual observed pension increases and deferred revaluations during the year ended 4 April 2017.

19 Core capital deferred shares (CCDS)

 
                  Number of  CCDS   Share premium  Total 
                     shares 
                             GBPm            GBPm   GBPm 
At 4 April 2017   5,500,000     6             525    531 
At 4 April 2016   5,500,000     6             525    531 
 

CCDS are a form of Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital which have been developed to enable the Group to raise capital from the capital markets. Previously issued Tier 1 capital instruments, PIBS, no longer meet the regulatory capital requirements of CRD IV and are being gradually phased out of the calculation of capital resources under transitional rules.

CCDS are perpetual instruments. They rank pari passu to each other and are junior to claims against the Society of all depositors, creditors and investing members. Each holder of CCDS has one vote, regardless of the number of CCDS held.

In the event of a winding up or dissolution of the Society and if there was surplus available, the amount that the investor would receive for each CCDS held is limited to the average principal amount in issue, which is currently GBP100 per share.

There is a cap placed on the amount of distributions that can be paid to holders of CCDS in any financial year. The cap is currently set at GBP15.67 per share and is adjusted annually in line with CPI.

A final distribution of GBP28 million (GBP5.125 per share) for the financial year ended 4 April 2016 was paid on 20 June 2016 and an interim distribution of GBP28 million (GBP5.125 per share) in respect of the period to 30 September 2016 was paid on 20 December 2016. These distributions have been recognised in the statement of movements in members' interests and equity.

The directors have declared an unconditional final distribution of GBP5.125 per share in respect of the financial year ended 4 April 2017, amounting in aggregate to GBP28 million. The distribution will be recognised in the statement of movements in members' interests and equity in the financial year ending 4 April 2018.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

20 Other equity instruments

 
                    Total 
                     GBPm 
At 4 April 2017       992 
At 4 April 2016       992 
 

Other equity instruments are Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital instruments. AT1 instruments rank pari passu to each other and to PIBS. They are junior to claims against the Society of all depositors, creditors and investing members, other than the holders of CCDS.

AT1 instruments pay a fully discretionary, non-cumulative fixed coupon at an initial rate of 6.875% per annum. The rate will reset on 20 June 2019 and every five years thereafter to the five year mid swap rate plus 4.88%. Coupons are paid semi-annually in June and December.

A coupon of GBP34 million, covering the period to 19 June 2016, was paid on 20 June 2016 and a coupon of GBP34 million, covering the period to 19 December 2016, was paid on 20 December 2016. These payments have been recognised in the statement of movements in members' interests and equity.

A coupon payment of GBP34 million, covering the period to 19 June 2017, is expected to be paid on 20 June 2017 and will be recognised in the statement of movements in members' interests and equity in the financial year ending 4 April 2018.

The coupons paid and declared represent the maximum non-cumulative fixed coupon of 6.875%.

AT1 instruments have no maturity date. They are repayable at the option of the Society on 20 June 2019 and on every fifth anniversary thereafter. AT1 instruments are only repayable with the consent of the PRA.

If the fully-loaded CET1 ratio for the Society, on either a consolidated or unconsolidated basis, falls below 7% the AT1 instruments convert to CCDS instruments at the rate of one CCDS share for every GBP80 of AT1 holding.

21 Related party transactions

Related party transactions in the year ended 4 April 2017 are similar in nature to those included in the Annual Report and Accounts 2016. Loans to key management personnel, undertaken on normal commercial terms, were GBP1.1 million (4 April 2016: GBP1.4 million).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

22 Notes to the cash flow statement

 
 
                                                        2017     2016 
                                                        GBPm     GBPm 
Non-cash items included in profit 
 before tax 
Net decrease in impairment provisions                    (5)    (209) 
Net increase in provisions for 
 liabilities and charges                                  44       48 
Impairment losses/(recoveries) 
 on investment securities                                  9      (8) 
Depreciation, amortisation and 
 impairment                                              396      325 
Profit on sale of property, plant 
 and equipment                                           (4)      (5) 
Loss on the revaluation of land 
 and buildings                                             1        3 
Interest on subordinated liabilities                     128       99 
Interest on subscribed capital                            34       26 
Gains from derivatives and hedge 
 accounting                                             (66)     (39) 
Total                                                    537      240 
 
Changes in operating assets and 
 liabilities 
Loans and advances to banks                             (36)      142 
Net derivative financial instruments and fair 
 value adjustment for portfolio hedged risk          (1,602)    (971) 
Loans and advances to customers                      (8,559)  (7,951) 
Other operating assets                               (1,023)    (420) 
Shares                                                 5,827    6,342 
Deposits from banks, customers 
 and others                                            1,638  (1,238) 
Debt securities in issue                               2,509    1,613 
Deferred taxation                                      (154)      136 
Retirement benefit obligations                           210     (73) 
Other operating liabilities                            (137)        7 
Total                                                (1,327)  (2,413) 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash                                                  13,017    8,797 
Loans and advances to banks repayable in 3 months 
 or less (note i)                                      2,226    3,266 
Total                                                 15,243   12,063 
 

Note:

i. Cash equivalents include GBP1,959 million (2016: GBP2,620 million) of cash collateral posted with bank counterparties.

The Group is required to maintain balances with the Bank of England and certain other central banks which, at 4 April 2017, amounted to GBP361 million (2016: GBP325 million). These balances are included within loans and advances to banks on the balance sheet and are not included in the cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement as they are not liquid in nature.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Directors confirm that the financial statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and income and expenditure of the Group as required by the Disclosure and Transparency rules (DTR 4.1.12). The Chief Executive's Review and the Financial Review together include a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the Group, and taken together with the primary financial statements, supporting notes and the Business and Risk Report provide a description of the principal risks and uncertainties faced.

A full list of the board of directors will be disclosed in the Annual Report and Accounts 2017.

Signed on behalf of the Board by

Mark Rennison

Chief Financial Officer

22 May 2017

OTHER INFORMATION

The financial information set out in this announcement which was approved by the Board on 22 May 2017 does not constitute accounts within the meaning of section 73 of the Building Societies Act 1986.

The Annual Report and Accounts 2016 have been filed with the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The Independent Auditors' Report on the Annual Report and Accounts 2016 was unqualified. The Annual Report and Accounts 2017 will be lodged with the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority following publication.

A copy of this Preliminary report is placed on the website of Nationwide Building Society, nationwide.co.uk, from 23 May 2017. The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of information on the Society's website. Information published on the internet is accessible in many countries with different legal requirements. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

CONTACTS

 
 
  Media queries:                      Investor queries: 
 
  Sara Batchelor                      Alex Wall 
  Tel: 01793 657770                   Tel: 020 7261 6568 
  Mobile: 07785 344137                Mobile: 07917 093632 
  sara.batchelor@nationwide.co.uk     alexander.wall@nationwide.co.uk 
 
 

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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