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BOCH Bank Of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company

325.00
-4.00 (-1.22%)
Last Updated: 08:58:15
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Bank Of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company LSE:BOCH London Ordinary Share IE00BD5B1Y92 ORD EUR0.10 (CDI)
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -4.00 -1.22% 325.00 321.00 325.00 328.00 323.00 325.00 23,717 08:58:15
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Bank of Cyprus Holdings PLC Preliminary Group Financial Results FY2017 (0461G)

27/02/2018 7:03am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMBOCH

RNS Number : 0461G

Bank of Cyprus Holdings PLC

27 February 2018

Announcement

Preliminary Group Financial Results for the year ended 31 December 2017

Nicosia, 27 February 2018

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014.

 
 
        Key Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2017 
 
        Continued progress on Balance Sheet repair 
         *    Eleven consecutive quarters of organic NPE reduction 
 
 
         *    NPEs down by EUR2.2 bn (20%) yoy to EUR8.8 bn (down 
              by 41% since December 2014) 
 
 
         *    NPE ratio at 47%; NPE coverage at 48%, rising to 51% 
              after IFRS 9 First Time Adoption (FTA) 
 
 
         *    Continue to explore other structured solutions to 
              accelerate de-risking 
 
 
 
        Adequate capital position 
         *    CET1 at 12.7% and 12.2% FL 
 
 
         *    Total Capital ratio at 14.2% 
 
 
         *    Allowing for transitional arrangements, estimated 
              capital impact of c. 9 bps from IFRS 9 FTA in 2018 
 
 
 
        Improved funding and liquidity position 
         *    Deposits up EUR1.3 bn (+8%) yoy 
 
 
         *    Deposits up EUR535 mn in 4Q2017 facilitating full 
              compliance with liquidity requirements on 1 January 
              2018 
 
 
         *    Loan to deposit ratio at 82% 
 
 
 
        Operating performance 
         *    NIM of 3.02% for FY2017; Total income of EUR907 mn 
              for FY2017 
 
 
         *    Operating profit of EUR485 mn for FY2017 
 
 
         *    Total provisions and impairments of EUR942 mn for 
              FY2017, resulting in EUR552 mn loss after tax 
 
 
         *    Cost to income ratio of 47% for FY2017 
 
 
 
        2018 Target 
         *    EPS guidance of c.EUR0.40 maintained 
 
 
         *    CET1 >13.0% and Total capital ratio >15.0% 
 
 
         *    EUR2 bn organic NPE reduction 
------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 

Group Chief Executive Statement

"Our results this quarter and for the full year reflect continued delivery against our core objective of balance sheet repair. In 2018 we expect a normalised cost of risk that should result in a return to profitability and allow an organic rebuild of capital.

We have maintained good momentum in organic NPE reduction. This was the eleventh consecutive quarter of material NPE reduction. We reduced the stock of NPEs by EUR2.2 bn since the beginning of the year and by 41% since December 2014. During 2017 we increased coverage levels against non-performing exposures to 48%, above the EU average and in line with our medium-term target.

EUR1.6 bn of our residual NPE balances represent restructured exposures that are in fact performing and present zero arrears. The remaining 'core' NPE balance of EUR7.2 bn carries a 54% provision coverage and represents 38% of our loan balances.

We remain confident of continuing the positive progress in reducing our NPE stock during the coming quarters. At the same time, we continue to actively explore certain structured solutions to further accelerate reduction and return the Bank to a more normal position.

Deposits increased by EUR535 mn in the quarter and by EUR1.3 bn in the year. The increase in our deposit base has ensured that we are now in full compliance with our regulatory liquidity requirements. However, the increase in our liquidity, coupled with the continued balance sheet de-risking, adds negative short-term pressure to the Bank's net interest margin. We expect the profit-pressure created by this dynamic to be more than offset in 2018 by reduced provisioning, the positive contribution of new lending and the repricing of deposit rates.

Our capital levels remain adequate and as at 31 December 2017 both the Bank's CET1 ratio (transitional) and the Total Capital Ratio were in excess of regulatory requirements. Allowing for transitional arrangements, the estimated IFRS 9 capital impact for 2018 is c.9 bps, remaining within regulatory limits.

Whilst we are pleased with the progress so far in the turnaround at the Bank, we are in no doubt about the amount of work we still have to do, both in respect of our legacy lending positions and also in expanding our performing business. We are proud that we have maintained and grown our leading lending position in the fast growing Cyprus economy that expanded by 3.9% during 2017. New lending in the year to 31 December 2017 was EUR2.2 bn, exceeding new lending in 2016 by 53%, and we expect to further expand levels of new lending during the year ahead.

Momentum in the business is good. We enter 2018 with a clear understanding of how we will continue to execute to ensure on-going progress against our strategic objectives and delivery against our medium-term targets. Our expectations for 2018 are unchanged and, at this stage, we maintain our guidance of a return to profitability and earnings per share of 40 cents.

John Patrick Hourican

A. Preliminary Financial Results - Statutory Basis

Unaudited Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2017

 
 
                                                2017        2016 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
                                               EUR000      EUR000 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Turnover                                     1,165,177   1,234,098 
-------------------------------------------  ==========  ========== 
 Interest income                                811,031     890,298 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Interest expense                             (228,291)   (204,116) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net interest income                            582,740     686,182 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Fee and commission income                      190,577     176,865 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Fee and commission expense                    (10,179)    (10,207) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net foreign exchange gains                      45,409      43,471 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net gains on financial instrument 
  transactions                                    2,964      63,373 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Insurance income net of claims and 
  commissions                                    50,401      44,432 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net (losses)/ gains from revaluation 
  and disposal of investment properties         (4,061)       4,974 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net gains on disposal of stock of 
  property                                       30,447       1,361 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Other income                                    19,052      14,905 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                907,350   1,025,356 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Staff costs                                  (228,212)   (287,172) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Special levy on deposits on credit 
  institutions in Cyprus                       (22,846)    (19,968) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Other operating expenses                     (297,979)   (222,987) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                358,313     495,229 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Gain on derecognition of loans and 
  advances to customers and changes 
  in expected cash flows                        173,443      63,315 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Provisions for impairment of loans 
  and advances to customers and other 
  customer credit losses                      (952,926)   (433,609) 
-------------------------------------------  ==========  ========== 
 Impairment of other financial instruments      (6,459)    (11,293) 
-------------------------------------------  ==========  ========== 
 Impairment of non-financial instruments       (58,972)    (36,220) 
-------------------------------------------  ==========  ========== 
 (Loss)/ profit before share of profit 
  from associates and joint ventures          (486,601)      77,422 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Share of profit from associates and 
  joint ventures                                  8,957       8,194 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 (Loss)/ profit before tax                    (477,644)      85,616 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Income tax                                    (76,681)    (18,385) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 (Loss)/ profit for the year                  (554,325)      67,231 
-------------------------------------------  ==========  ========== 
 
 Attributable to: 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Owners of the Company/ Bank                  (551,852)      63,656 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Non-controlling interests                      (2,473)       3,575 
-------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 (Loss)/ profit for the year                  (554,325)      67,231 
-------------------------------------------  ==========  ========== 
 
 Basic and diluted (losses)/earnings 
  per share attributable to the owners 
  of the Company/ Bank (cent)                   (123.7)        14.3 
-------------------------------------------  ==========  ========== 
 

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2017

 
                                                   2017         2016 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Assets                                           EUR000       EUR000 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Cash and balances with central banks            3,393,934    1,506,396 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Loans and advances to banks                     1,192,633    1,087,837 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Derivative financial assets                        18,027       20,835 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Investments                                       739,293      373,879 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Investments pledged as collateral                 290,129      299,765 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Loans and advances to customers                14,602,454   15,649,401 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Life insurance business assets attributable 
  to policyholders                                 518,678      499,533 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Prepayments, accrued income and other 
  assets                                           228,507      269,911 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Stock of property                               1,641,422    1,427,272 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Investment properties                              19,646       38,059 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Property and equipment                            279,814      280,893 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Intangible assets                                 165,952      146,963 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Investments in associates and joint 
  ventures                                         118,113      109,339 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Deferred tax assets                               383,498      450,441 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Non-current assets held for sale                    6,500       11,411 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Total assets                                   23,598,600   22,171,935 
---------------------------------------------  ===========  =========== 
 Liabilities 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Deposits by banks                                 495,308      434,786 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Funding from central banks                        930,000      850,014 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Repurchase agreements                             257,322      257,367 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Derivative financial liabilities                   50,892       48,625 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Customer deposits                              17,849,919   16,509,741 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Insurance liabilities                             605,448      583,997 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Accruals, deferred income and other 
  liabilities                                      444,602      335,925 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Subordinated loan stock                           302,288            - 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Deferred tax liabilities                           46,113       45,375 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Total liabilities                              20,981,892   19,065,830 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Equity 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Share capital                                      44,620      892,294 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Share premium                                   2,794,358      552,618 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Capital reduction reserve                               -    1,952,486 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Revaluation and other reserves                    273,708      218,678 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Accumulated losses                              (527,128)    (544,930) 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Equity attributable to the owners 
  of the Company/ Bank                           2,585,558    3,071,146 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Non-controlling interests                          31,150       34,959 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Total equity                                    2,616,708    3,106,105 
---------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Total liabilities and equity                   23,598,600   22,171,935 
---------------------------------------------  ===========  =========== 
 
 
B. Preliminary Financial Results - Underlying Basis 
Unaudited Consolidated Income Statement 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                          (4q      (FY) 
                                                                                       vs 3q)       yoy 
EUR mn                              FY2017  FY2016  4Q2017  3Q2017    2Q2017  1Q2017       +%        +% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Net interest income                    583     686     129     138       160     156      -7%      -15% 
Net fee and commission 
 income                                180     167      47      45        45      43       5%        8% 
Net foreign exchange 
 gains and net gains 
 on other financial 
 instruments                            48      48      16       9        12      11      68%        0% 
Insurance income net 
 of claims and commissions              50      44      11      14        15      10     -23%       13% 
Net gains from revaluation 
 and disposal of investment 
 properties and on disposal 
 of stock of properties                 27       6       5      12         1       9     -59%      317% 
Other income                            19      12       6       5         4       4      43%       64% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Total income                           907     963     214     223       237     233      -4%       -6% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Staff costs                          (228)   (224)    (60)    (57)      (57)    (54)       5%        1% 
Other operating expenses             (171)   (153)    (43)    (43)      (44)    (41)       0%       12% 
Special levy and contribution 
 to Single Resolution 
 Fund                                 (23)    (20)     (6)       1       (6)    (12)        -       14% 
Total expenses                       (422)   (397)   (109)    (99)     (107)   (107)       9%        6% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Operating profit                       485     566     105     124       130     126     -15%      -14% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Provision charge                     (779)   (370)    (50)    (73)     (592)    (64)     -31%      111% 
Impairments of other 
 financial and non-financial 
 assets                               (65)    (47)    (27)     (2)       (4)    (32)        -       38% 
Provisions for litigation 
 and regulatory matters               (98)    (18)    (25)    (38)      (18)    (17)     -37%      447% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Total provisions and 
 impairments                         (942)   (435)   (102)   (113)     (614)   (113)     -10%      116% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Share of profit from 
 associates and joint 
 ventures                                9       8       4       1         2       2     189%        9% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
(Loss)/ profit before 
 tax and restructuring 
 costs                               (448)     139       7      12     (482)      15     -40%     -423% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Tax                                   (77)    (16)     (1)     (4)      (66)     (6)     -70%      352% 
Loss/ (profit) attributable 
 to non-controlling 
 interests                               2     (4)       3       0       (1)     (0)        -     -169% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
(Loss)/ profit after 
 tax and before restructuring 
 costs                               (523)     119       9       8     (549)       9      17%     -541% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Advisory, VEP and other 
 restructuring costs                  (29)   (114)     (8)     (7)       (7)     (7)      24%      -74% 
Net gain on disposal 
 of non-core assets                      -      59       -       -         -       -        -     -100% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
(Loss)/ profit after 
 tax                                 (552)      64       1       1     (556)       2     -26%     -967% 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
 
                                                                                          (4q      (FY) 
                                                                                       vs 3q)       yoy 
Key Performance Ratios              FY2017  FY2016  4Q2017  3Q2017    2Q2017  1Q2017        +         + 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Net Interest Margin                                                                       -29       -45 
 (annualised)                        3.02%   3.47%   2.57%   2.86%     3.38%   3.33%      bps       bps 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
                                                                                                     +6 
Cost to income ratio                   47%     41%     51%     44%       45%     46%  +7 p.p.      p.p. 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Cost to income ratio 
 excluding special levy 
 and contribution to                                                                                 +5 
 Single Resolution Fund                44%     39%     48%     45%       43%     41%  +3 p.p.      p.p. 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Operating profit return                                                                  -0.4      -0.4 
 on average assets (annualised)       2.1%    2.5%    1.8%    2.2%      2.3%    2.3%     p.p.      p.p. 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
Basic (losses)/earnings 
 per share attributable 
 to the owners of the 
 Company/Bank (cent)              (123.72)   14.27    0.20    0.27  (124.63)    0.48   (0.07)  (137.99) 
--------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  --------  ------  -------  -------- 
* p.p. = percentage points, bps = basis points, 100 basis 
 points (bps) = 1 percentage point 
 
 
 
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet 
--------------------------------------------------------------------- 
EUR mn                                31.12.2017  31.12.2016       +% 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
Cash and balances with central 
 banks                                     3,394       1,506     125% 
Loans and advances to banks                1,193       1,088      10% 
Debt securities, treasury bills 
 and equity investments                    1,029         674      53% 
Net loans and advances to customers       14,602      15,649      -7% 
Stock of property                          1,641       1,427      15% 
Other assets                               1,740       1,828      -5% 
Total assets                              23,599      22,172       6% 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
Deposits by banks                            495         435      14% 
Funding from central banks                   930         850       9% 
Repurchase agreements                        257         257       0% 
Customer deposits                         17,850      16,510       8% 
Subordinated loan stock                      302           -        - 
Other liabilities                          1,148       1,014      13% 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
Total liabilities                         20,982      19,066      10% 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
 
Shareholders' equity                       2,586       3,071     -16% 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
Non-controlling interests                     31          35     -11% 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
Total equity                               2,617       3,106     -16% 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
Total liabilities and equity              23,599      22,172       6% 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
 
Key Balance Sheet figures and         31.12.2017  31.12.2016        + 
 ratios 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
Gross loans (EUR mn)                      18,755      20,130      -7% 
Accumulated provisions (EUR mn)            4,204       4,519      -7% 
Customer deposits (EUR mn)                17,850      16,510       8% 
                                                                  -13 
Loan to deposit ratio (net)                  82%         95%     p.p. 
90+ DPD ratio                                37%         41%  -4 p.p. 
90+ DPD provisioning coverage 
 ratio                                       61%         54%  +7 p.p. 
NPE ratio                                    47%         55%  -8 p.p. 
NPE provisioning coverage ratio              48%         41%  +7 p.p. 
Quarterly average interest earning 
 assets (EUR mn)                          19,826      19,060      4 % 
                                                                 -2.8 
Leverage ratio                             10.4%       13.2%     p.p. 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
Capital ratios and risk weighted      31.12.2017  31.12.2016        + 
 assets 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio                               -1.8 
 (CET1) (transitional)                     12.7%       14.5%     p.p. 
                                                                 -1.7 
CET1 (fully loaded)                        12.2%       13.9%     p.p. 
Total capital ratio                        14.2%       14.6%   -4 bps 
Risk weighted assets (EUR mn)             17,260      18,865      -9% 
------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------- 
* p.p. = percentage points, bps 
 = basis points, 100 basis points 
 (bps) = 1 percentage point 
 

B.1. Unaudited reconciliation of Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2017 between statutory and underlying bases

 
 EUR mn                       Underlying   Reclassification   Statutory 
                                 Basis                          Basis 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Net interest income                 583                  -         583 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Net fee and commission 
  income                             180                  -         180 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Net foreign exchange 
  gains and net 
  gains on other 
  financial instruments               48                  -          48 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Insurance income 
  net of claims 
  and commissions                     50                  -          50 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Net gains from 
  revaluation and 
  disposal of investment 
  properties and 
  on disposal of 
  stock of properties                 27                  -          27 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Other income                         19                  -          19 
===========================  -----------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Total income                        907                  -         907 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Total expenses                    (422)              (127)       (549) 
===========================  -----------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Operating profit                    485              (127)         358 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Provisions                        (779)                  -       (779) 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Impairments of 
  other financial 
  and non-financial 
  instruments                       (65)                  -        (65) 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Provisions for 
  litigation and 
  regulatory matters                (98)                 98           - 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Share of profit 
  from associates 
  and joint ventures                   9                  -           9 
===========================  -----------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Loss before tax 
  and restructuring 
  costs                            (448)               (29)       (477) 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Tax                                (77)                  -        (77) 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Loss attributable 
  to non-controlling 
  interests                            2                  -           2 
===========================  -----------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Loss after tax 
  and before restructuring 
  costs                            (523)               (29)       (552) 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 Advisory and other 
  restructuring 
  costs                             (29)                 29           - 
===========================  -----------  -----------------  ---------- 
 Loss after tax                    (552)                  -       (552) 
===========================  ===========  =================  ========== 
 
 
 

The reclassification difference between the underlying and statutory bases relates to EUR127 mn expenses (EUR98 mn relate to Provisions for litigation and regulatory matters and EUR29 mn to Advisory and other restructuring costs), which for the purpose of management reporting are monitored and reported below the operating profit.

B.2. Balance Sheet Analysis

B.2.1 Capital Base

Shareholders' equity totalled EUR2,586 mn at 31 December 2017, compared to EUR2,562 mn at 30 September 2017 and to EUR3,071 mn at 31 December 2016. The Common Equity Tier 1 capital (CET1) ratio (transitional basis) improved to 12.7% at 31 December 2017, compared to 12.4% at 30 September 2017 and 14.5% at 31 December 2016. During FY2017 the CET1 ratio was negatively affected by the additional provision charge in 2Q2017 and the deferred tax asset phasing-in, despite the reduction in risk- weighted assets (RWA). Adjusting for Deferred Tax Assets, the CET1 ratio on a fully-loaded basis totalled 12.2% at 31 December 2017, compared to 11.9% at 30 September 2017 and 13.9% at 31 December 2016. As at 31 December 2017, the Total Capital ratio stood at 14.2%, compared to 13.8% at 30 September 2017, positively affected mainly by the issuance of GBP 30 mn Tier 2 Loan by the UK subsidiary.

The Group's minimum phased-in CET1 capital ratio requirement stands at 9.50%, comprising of 4.50% Pillar I requirement, a 3.75% Pillar II requirement and the capital conservation buffer (CCB) of 1.25% applicable for 2017. Following the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) performed by the ECB in 2017, and based on the confirmation received in December 2017, the Pillar II requirement applicable from 1 January 2018 is reduced to 3.00% from 3.75%. As a result, the Group's minimum phased-in CET1 capital ratio is reduced to 9.375% from 9.50%, comprising of a 4.50% Pillar I requirement, a 3.00% Pillar II requirement and the CCB of 1.875% applicable as from 1 January 2018. The ECB has also provided revised lower non-public guidance for an additional Pillar II CET1 buffer. The Group CET1 ratio remains comfortably above this combined Pillar II requirement and guidance.

The overall Total Capital Requirement currently stands at 13.00%, comprising of a Pillar I requirement of 8.00% (of which up to 1.50% can be in the form of Additional Tier 1 capital and up to 2.00% in the form of Tier 2 capital), a Pillar II requirement of 3.75% (in the form of CET1), and the CCB of 1.25% applicable for 2017. Following the final 2017 SREP decision, the overall Total Capital Requirement is reduced to 12.875% from 13.00%, comprising of 8.00% Pillar I requirement, a 3.00% Pillar II requirement and the CCB of 1.875% applicable as from 1 January 2018.

The Group continues to explore opportunities, subject to market conditions, to raise up to 1.5% of Additional Tier 1 (AT1) in the near term to further strengthen the Group's capital base. In preparation for a potential issuance of AT1 capital instruments and following the approval of the Cypriot courts on 29 December 2017, the Bank proceeded with the full reduction of its capital reduction reserve of EUR1.3 bn, in order to eliminate the Bank's accumulated losses of EUR0.6 bn, thus creating retained earnings of EUR0.7 bn. The reduction of capital did not have any impact on regulatory capital or the total equity position of the Bank or the Group.

The retained earnings will provide the basis for the calculation of distributable items under the Capital Requirements Regulation (EU) No. 575/2013 ('CRR'). The CRR provides that coupons on AT1 capital instruments may only be paid out of distributable items. Distributable items for the purposes of the CRR are determined, in part, by reference to retained earnings. At 31 December 2017, the Bank had EUR0.7 bn in distributable items. The Bank is currently under a dividend distribution prohibition which will continue in 2018 following the final 2017 SREP decision received in December 2017. However, based on the decision, such prohibition will not apply to the payment of coupons on any AT1 capital instruments issued by the Bank. Both the retained earnings and distributable items of the Bank will partly decrease as a result of the IFRS 9 implementation on 1 January 2018.

IFRS 9

The Group IFRS 9 implementation has been largely completed by 1 January 2018. The new accounting standard requires the impact on the implementation date, 1 January 2018, to be recognised through equity rather than the income statement. As a result, the impact on transition, 1 January 2018, will affect the equity of the Group and not the income statement.

The Group's IFRS 9 preliminary impact on transition, which is subject to change due to final parameter calibrations, is assessed to a decrease of shareholders' equity of c.EUR300 mn and is primarily driven by credit impairment provisions. This estimated reduction in shareholders' equity equates to a decrease in the tangible net asset value at 31 December 2017 of EUR0.67 per share.

The Group will implement the transitional arrangements for regulatory capital purposes which result in only 5% of the estimated IFRS 9 impact affecting the capital ratios during 2018. Allowing for IFRS 9 transitional arrangements the impact is a decrease of c.9 bps on Group capital ratios.

On a transitional basis and on a fully phased-in basis after the period of transition is complete, the impact of IFRS 9 is expected to be manageable and within the Group's capital plans.

Default Definition

According to the EBA guidelines that govern the CRR default definition, issued in January 2017, the default definition will gradually evolve to almost align with the NPE definition by 1 January 2021. The Group, in line with regulatory discussions, intends to early adopt changes that will align the EBA CRR default definition with the NPE definition as from 1 January 2018. This will results in an increase in RWAs, equivalent to a decrease of c.40 bps on CET1 ratio and a decrease of c.50 bps on total capital ratio based on 31 December 2017 figures.

B.2.2 Funding and Liquidity

Funding

Funding from Central Banks

At 31 December 2017, the Bank's funding from central banks totalled EUR930 mn, which relates wholly to ECB funding, compared to ECB funding at 30 September 2017 of EUR830 mn and funding from central banks at 31 December 2016 of EUR850 mn, which comprised Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) of EUR200 mn and ECB funding of EUR650 mn. The ECB funding of EUR930 mn at the year-end comprises EUR830 mn of funding through Targeted Longer-Term Refinancing Operations (TLTRO II) and EUR100 mn of funding through Main Refinancing Operations (MRO).

The Bank fully repaid ELA in January 2017.

Deposits

Group customer deposits totalled EUR17,850 mn at 31 December 2017, compared to EUR17,315 mn at 30 September 2017 and EUR16,510 mn at 31 December 2016. Group customer deposits increased by EUR535 mn or 3% during the quarter, with customer deposits in Cyprus increasing by EUR393 mn or 3%. Cyprus deposits stood at EUR15,983 mn at 31 December 2017, accounting for 90% of Group customer deposits. The Bank's deposit market share in Cyprus reached 32.8% at 31 December 2017. Customer deposits accounted for 76% of total assets at 31 December 2017. The Loan to Deposit ratio (L/D) stood at 82% at 31 December 2017, down from 85% at 30 September 2017, compared to a high of 151% at 31 March 2014. The 3 p.p. qoq reduction in L/D ratio mainly relates to the increase in deposits during the quarter.

Subordinated Loan Stock

In December 2017, the Bank's subsidiary in the UK issued a GBP30 mn unsecured and subordinated Tier 2 Loan.

In January 2017 the Bank accessed the debt capital markets and issued EUR250 mn unsecured and subordinated Tier 2 Capital Notes.

Liquidity

At 31 December 2017 the Group Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) stood at 190% (compared to 141% at 30 September 2017, and 49% at 31 December 2016) and was in compliance with the minimum regulatory requirement of 80% (which increased to 100% on 1 January 2018).

The Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR ratio) was not introduced on 1 January 2018, as opposed to what was expected. The minimum requirement of NSFR will be 100%. At 31 December 2017 the Group's NSFR, on the basis of Basel standards, stood at 111% (compared to 107% at 30 September 2017 and 95% at 31 December 2016).

At 31 December 2017 the Bank was not in compliance with all the local regulatory liquidity requirements set by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) with respect to its operations in Cyprus. On 1 January 2018, the local regulatory liquidity requirements were abolished, in accordance with the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR). In December 2017, the CBC introduced a macroprudential measure in the form of a liquidity add-on that was imposed on top of the LCR. The objective of the measure is to ensure that there will be a gradual release of the excess liquidity arising from the lower liquidity requirements under the LCR compared to the ones under the local regulatory liquidity requirements previously in place. The add-on applies stricter outflow and inflow rates on some of the parameters used in the calculation of the LCR than the ones defined in the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/61 as well as additional liquidity requirements in the form of outflow rates on other items that are not subject to any outflow rates as per the Regulation. The measure will be implemented in two stages. The first stage requires stricter outflow and inflow rates which are applicable from 1 January 2018 until 30 June 2018. The second stage requires more relaxed outflow and inflow rates compared to the initial ones, and are applicable from 1 July 2018 until 31

December 2018. More specifically, there will be a reduction of 50% of the LCR add-on rates on 1 July 2018. The additional liquidity requirement is expected to be implemented up to 31 December 2018. The CBC may propose to modify or extend the period of application of this macroprudential measure depending on the results of the follow-up of the banks' actions on how the excess liquidity is utilised. The Bank is currently in compliance with LCR including the LCR add-on.

B.2.3 Loans

Group gross loans totalled EUR18,755 mn at 31 December 2017, compared to EUR19,253 mn at 30 September 2017 and EUR20,130 mn at 31 December 2016. Gross loans in Cyprus totalled EUR16,814 mn at 31 December 2017 and accounted for 90% of Group gross loans. The Bank is the single largest credit provider in Cyprus with a market share of 39.2% at 31 December 2017. Gross loans in the UK amounted to EUR1,621 mn at 31 December 2017 and accounted for 9% of Group total gross loans. New loan originations for the Group reached EUR2,231 mn for the FY2017 (of which EUR1,653 mn were granted in Cyprus and EUR578 mn by the UK subsidiary), exceeding new lending in FY2016 by 53%.

At 31 December 2017, Group net loans and advances to customers totalled EUR14,602 mn (30 September 2017:

EUR14,833 mn; 31 December 2016: EUR15,649 mn). At 31 December 2017, there were no net loans and advances to customers which were classified as held for sale in line with IFRS 5, compared to net loans and advances to customers with carrying value of EUR374 mn which were classified as held for sale in line with IFRS 5 at 30 September 2017.

B.2.4 Loan portfolio quality

Tackling the Group's loan portfolio quality remains the top priority for management. The Group continues to make steady progress across all asset quality metrics and the loan restructuring activity continues. The Group has been successful in engineering restructuring solutions across the spectrum of its loan portfolio.

Non-performing exposures (NPEs) as defined by the European Banking Authority (EBA) were reduced by EUR2.2 bn or 20% during FY2017 to EUR8,804 mn at 31 December 2017, accounting for 47% of gross loans, compared to 48% at 30 September 2017 and 55% at 31 December 2016.

The provisioning coverage ratio of NPEs stood at 48% at 31 December 2017, compared to 49% at 30 September 2017 and 41% at 31 December 2016. When taking into account tangible collateral at fair value, NPEs are fully covered. The 31 December 2017 NPE provisioning coverage ratio increases from 48% to 51% upon IFRS 9 first time adoption.

 
                                    31.12.2017          30.09.2017 
                                        % of gross          % of gross 
                                EUR mn     loans    EUR mn     loans 
==============================  ======  ==========  ======  ========== 
Non-performing exposures 
 (NPEs) as per EBA definition   8,804     46.9%     9,164     47.6% 
Of which: 
 - NPEs with forbearance 
 measures, no arrears           1,619      8.6%     1,406      7.3% 
==============================  ======  ==========  ======  ========== 
 

The Group has recorded significant organic NPE reductions for eleven consecutive quarters and expects the organic reduction of NPEs to continue during the coming quarters. In parallel the Group continues to be actively exploring alternative avenues to accelerate this reduction. As part of this ongoing assessment to optimise the accelerated reduction of NPEs, the gross value of c.EUR450 mn of the loan portfolio classified as held for sale as at 30 September 2017, is no longer classified as such as per IFRS 5. These loans are now being considered by the Group in other structured solutions to accelerate de-risking, potentially in the near term, in one or more transactions.

Loans in arrears for more than 90 days (90+ DPD) were reduced by EUR1.4 bn or 17% in FY2017. The decrease was the result of restructuring activity, debt for asset swaps and write offs. 90+ DPD stood at EUR6,905 mn at 31 December 2017, accounting for 37% of gross loans (90+ DPD ratio), at the same levels as at 30 September 2017 and compared to 41% at 31 December 2016. The provisioning coverage ratio of 90+ DPD stood at 61% at 31 December 2017, compared to 62% at 30 September 2017 and 54% at 31 December 2016. When taking into account tangible collateral at fair value, 90+ DPD loans are fully covered.

 
                                     31.12.2017          30.09.2017 
                                 EUR mn  % of gross  EUR mn  % of gross 
                                            Loans               loans 
===============================  ======  ==========  ======  ========== 
90+ DPD                          6,905     36.8%     7,182     37.3% 
 Comprising: 
- Loans with arrears for 
 over 90 days but not impaired   1,385      7.4%     1,397      7.3% 
- Impaired loans                 5,520     29.4%     5,785     30.0% 
                     Of which: 
- impaired with no arrears        402       2.1%      342       1.8% 
- impaired with arrears 
 less than 90 days                162       0.9%       43       0.2% 
===============================  ======  ==========  ======  ========== 
 

B.2.5. Real Estate Management Unit

The Real Estate Management Unit (REMU) on-boarded EUR164 mn of assets, via the execution of debt for asset swaps, in 4Q2017 (up by 30% qoq) and EUR520 mn of assets in FY2017. The focus for REMU is increasingly shifting from on-boarding of assets resulting from debt for asset swaps towards the disposal of these assets. The Group completed disposals of EUR54 mn in 4Q2017, compared to EUR64 mn in 3Q2017 and disposals of EUR258 mn in FY2017. In addition, in 2Q2017 the Group disposed of a property with carrying value EUR10 mn, previously classified as investment property. In January 2018, the Group completed additional disposals of EUR8 mn. During the year 2017 and January 2018, the Group executed sale-purchase agreements (SPAs) with contract value of EUR335 mn and in addition signed SPAs for disposals of assets with contract value of EUR58 mn.

As at 31 December 2017, assets held by REMU had a carrying value of EUR1.6 bn.

 
 Assets held by REMU       FY2017   4Q2017   FY2016 
  (Group) (EUR mn) 
----------------------    -------  -------  ------- 
 
 Opening balance           1,427    1,548     542 
                         ========  =======  ======= 
 On-boarded 
  assets                    520      164     1,086 
                         ========  =======  ======= 
 Sales                     (258)     (54)    (166) 
                         ========  =======  ======= 
 Closing balance           1,641    1,641    1,427 
                         ========  =======  ======= 
 
 
 
 
 Analysis by type and             Cyprus   Greece   Romania   Total 
  country 
 31 December 2017 (EUR 
  mn) 
-------------------------------  -------  -------  --------  ------ 
 Residential properties              146       29         0     175 
 Offices and other 
  commercial properties              288       39         9     336 
 Manufacturing and 
  industrial properties              113       34         0     147 
 Hotels                               78        0         -      78 
 Land (fields and plots)             837        6         5     848 
 Properties under construction        57        -         -      57 
-------------------------------  -------  -------  --------  ------ 
 Total                             1,519      108        14   1,641 
-------------------------------  -------  -------  --------  ------ 
 
 
                                  Cyprus   Greece   Romania   Total 
 31 December 2016 (EUR 
  mn) 
-------------------------------  -------  -------  --------  ------ 
 Residential properties               90       37         9     136 
 Offices and other commercial 
  properties                         256       56        12     324 
 Manufacturing and industrial 
  properties                          82       53         1     136 
 Hotels                               74        1         -      75 
 Land (fields and plots)             739        6        10     755 
 Properties under construction         1        -         -       1 
-------------------------------  -------  -------  --------  ------ 
 Total                             1,242      153        32   1,427 
-------------------------------  -------  -------  --------  ------ 
 

B.2.6 Non-core overseas exposures

The remaining non-core overseas net exposures (including both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet exposures) at 31 December 2017 are as follows:

 
 EUR mn     31 December 2017   31 December 2016 
---------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Greece           185                283 
 Romania           79                149 
 Serbia            9                  42 
 Russia            31                 44 
---------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 

The Group continues its efforts for further deleveraging and disposal of non-essential assets and operations in Greece, Romania and Russia.

In accordance with the Group's strategy to exit from overseas non-core operations, the operations of the branch in Romania are expected to be terminated, subject to the completion of deregistration formalities with respective authorities. The remaining assets and liabilities of the branch in Romania with third parties have been transferred to other entities of the Group.

In addition to the above, at 31 December 2017 there were overseas exposures of EUR168 mn in Greece (compared to exposures of EUR169 mn in Greece as at 30 September 2017), not identified as non-core exposures, since they are considered by management as exposures arising in the normal course of business.

B.3. Income Statement Analysis

B.3.1 Total income

 
                                                                                                  (FY) 
EUR mn                          FY2017  FY2016  4Q2017  3Q2017  2Q2017  1Q2017  (4q vs 3q) +%   yoy +% 
----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
Net interest income                583     686     129     138     160     156            -7%     -15% 
----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
Net fee and commission 
 income                            180     167      47      45      45      43             5%       8% 
Net foreign exchange 
 gains and net gains 
 on other financial 
 instruments                        48      48      16       9      12      11            68%       0% 
Insurance income net 
 of claims and commissions          50      44      11      14      15      10           -23%      13% 
Net gains from revaluation 
 and disposal of investment 
 properties and on disposal 
 of stock of properties             27       6       5      12       1       9           -59%     317% 
Other income                        19      12       6       5       4       4            43%      64% 
----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
Non-interest income                324     277      85      85      77      77             1%      17% 
----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
Total income                       907     963     214     223     237     233            -4%      -6% 
----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
Net Interest Margin 
 (annualised)                    3.02%   3.47%   2.57%   2.86%   3.38%   3.33%        -29 bps   -45bps 
----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
Average interest earning 
 assets (EUR mn)                19,301  19,752  19,826  19,157  18,996  19,027             3%      -2% 
----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
 

* p.p. = percentage points, bps = basis points, 100 basis points (bps) = 1 percentage point

Net interest income (NII) and net interest margin (NIM) for FY2017 amounted to EUR583 mn and 3.02% respectively, down by 15% compared to EUR686 mn a year earlier. The NII and NIM for 4Q2017 amounted to EUR129 mn and 2.57% respectively, compared to EUR138 mn and 2.86% in 3Q2017. The decline reflects the cost of liquidity compliance, lower volume on loans and pressure on lending rates, primarily from the legacy portfolio.

Average interest earning assets for FY2017 amounted to EUR19,301 mn, down by 2% yoy, largely due to debt for asset swaps and the elevated provision charges in 2Q2017. Average interest earning assets for 4Q2017 amounted to EUR19,826 mn, up by 3%, compared to EUR19,157 mn the previous quarter, due to increased liquid assets.

Non-interest income for FY2017 amounted to EUR324 mn, mainly comprising of net fee and commission income of EUR180 mn, net insurance income of EUR50 mn and net foreign exchange income and net gains on financial instruments of EUR48 mn. Non-interest income for FY2017 increased by 17% yoy, largely driven by the increase in gains from REMU sales and the new and increased commission charges introduced in 4Q2016. Non-interest income for 4Q2017 was EUR85 mn, up by 1% qoq, comprising primarily net fee and commission income of EUR47 mn and net insurance income of EUR11 mn. The remaining component of non-interest income for 4Q2017 was a profit of EUR27 mn (compared to EUR26 mn for the previous quarter), which includes a net gain of EUR6 mn on the disposal of assets by REMU (compared to EUR12 mn for the previous quarter).

Total income for FY2017 amounted to EUR907 mn, compared to EUR963 mn for FY2016 (6% decrease yoy), with the reduction reflecting the yoy reduction in NII. Total income for 4Q2017 amounted to EUR214 mn, compared to EUR223 mn for 3Q2017.

B.3.2 Total expenses

 
                                                                                                   (FY) 
EUR mn                            FY2017  FY2016  4Q2017  3Q2017  2Q2017  1Q2017  (4q vs 3q) +    Yoy + 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------------  ------- 
Staff costs                        (228)   (224)    (60)    (57)    (57)    (54)            5%       1% 
Other operating expenses           (171)   (153)    (43)    (43)    (44)    (41)            0%      12% 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------------  ------- 
Total operating expenses           (399)   (377)   (103)   (100)   (101)    (95)            3%       6% 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------------  ------- 
Special levy and contribution 
 to Single Resolution 
 Fund (SRF)                         (23)    (20)     (6)       1     (6)    (12)             -      14% 
Total expenses                     (422)   (397)   (109)    (99)   (107)   (107)            9%       6% 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------------  ------- 
Cost to income ratio                 47%     41%     51%     44%     45%     46%       +7 p.p.  +6 p.p. 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------------  ------- 
Cost to income ratio 
 excluding special levy 
 and contribution to 
 Single Resolution Fund              44%     39%     48%     45%     43%     41%       +3 p.p.  +5 p.p. 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------------  ------- 
 

Total expenses for FY2017 were EUR399 mn, 54% of which related to staff costs (EUR228 mn), 41% to other operating expenses (EUR171 mn) and 5% to special levy and contribution to SRF. Total expenses for 4Q2017 were EUR109 mn, up by 9% qoq, mainly due to the positive impact from the reversal of the SRF contribution during 3Q2017. Staff costs and other operating expenses amounted to EUR60 mn and EUR43 mn respectively, compared to EUR57 mn and EUR43 mn respectively during the previous quarter. The 5% qoq increase in staff costs is mainly due to the effect of the current collective agreement with the staff union and year-end actuarial valuations.

During the quarter, the special levy and SRF contribution amounted to EUR6 mn, comprising the special levy. The 2017 annual SRF contribution of c.EUR6 mn was reversed during 3Q2017, following the amendment of the Law on the Imposition of a Special Tax Credit Law to allow the offsetting of the SRF contribution with the special levy charge.

The cost to income ratio for FY2017 was 47%, compared to 41% for FY2016, principally reflecting lower interest income. The cost to income ratio for 4Q2017 was 51%, compared to 44% in 3Q2017.

B.3.3 (Loss)/profit before tax and restructuring costs

 
                                                                                                   (FY) 
EUR mn                           FY2017  FY2016  4Q2017  3Q2017  2Q2017  1Q2017  (4q vs 3q) +%   yoy +% 
-----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
Operating profit                    485     566     105     124     130     126           -15%     -14% 
-----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
Provision charge                  (779)   (370)    (50)    (73)   (592)    (64)           -31%     111% 
Impairments of other 
 financial and non-financial 
 assets                            (65)    (47)    (27)     (2)     (4)    (32)              -      38% 
Provisions for litigation 
 and regulatory matters            (98)    (18)    (25)    (38)    (18)    (17)           -37%     447% 
-----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
Total provisions and 
 impairments                      (942)   (435)   (102)   (113)   (614)   (113)           -10%     116% 
-----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
Share of profit from 
 associates and joint 
 ventures                             9       8       4       1       2       2           189%       9% 
-----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
(Loss)/profit before 
 tax and restructuring 
 costs                            (448)     139       7      12   (482)      15           -40%    -423% 
-----------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------------  ------- 
 

Operating profit for FY2017 was EUR485 mn, compared to EUR566 mn for FY2016 (down by 14% yoy). The decrease mainly reflects the lower net interest income. Operating profit for 4Q2017 was EUR105 mn, compared to EUR124 mn the previous quarter.

Provisions for FY2017 totalled EUR779 mn, up by 111% yoy, following the additional provisions of c.EUR500 mn in 2Q2017. The elevated provisioning levels in 2Q2017 reflect changes in the Bank's provisioning assumptions as a result of the Group's reconsideration of its strategy to more actively explore other innovative strategic solutions to further accelerate balance sheet de-risking. Provisions for 4Q2017 amounted to EUR50 mn, down by 31% qoq.

The provisioning charge for FY2017 accounted for 4.0% of gross loans, compared to an annualised provisioning charge of 4.1% for 9M2017. An amount of c.EUR500 mn reflecting the one-off effect of the change in the provisioning assumptions is included in the cost of risk, but not annualised.

At 31 December 2017, accumulated provisions, including fair value adjustment on initial recognition and provisions for off-balance sheet exposures, totalled EUR4,204 mn (compared to EUR4,470 mn at 30 September 2017 and EUR4,519 mn at 31 December 2016) and accounted for 22.4% of gross loans (compared to 23.2% at 30 September 2017 and to 22.4% at 31 December 2016). The decrease of accumulated provisions in 4Q2017 of EUR266 mn is mainly affected by write offs during the quarter.

Impairments of other financial and non-financial assets for FY2017 totalled EUR65 mn, compared to EUR47 mn for FY2016 (up by 38% yoy), primarily affected by impairment charges relating to legacy exposures and legacy stock of properties in Cyprus and Greece. The 4Q2017 charge of EUR27 mn (compared to a charge of EUR2 mn in 3Q2017) includes an impairment loss on legacy properties in Cyprus and Greece. During 3Q2017, the charge was partly offset by a reversal of EUR15 mn of impairment charges relating to legacy exposures following recent developments.

Provisions for litigation and regulatory matters for FY2017 amounted to EUR98 mn, primarily relating to redress provisions for the UK operations and a fine imposed by the Cyprus Commission for the Protection of Competition. Provisions for litigation and regulatory matters for 4Q2017 amounted to EUR25 mn. The charge for 3Q2017 amounted to EUR38 mn and was primarily driven by redress provisions for the UK operations, following further analysis of the customer remediation implications from a pilot exercise which completed in 3Q2017.

B.3.4 (Loss)/profit after tax

 
                                                                                            (FY) 
                                                                                   (4q vs    yoy 
EUR mn                            FY2017  FY2016  4Q2017  3Q2017  2Q2017  1Q2017   3q) +%     +% 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ----- 
(Loss)/profit before 
 tax and restructuring 
 costs                             (448)     139       7      12   (482)      15     -40%  -423% 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ----- 
Tax                                 (77)    (16)     (1)     (4)    (66)     (6)     -70%   352% 
Loss/(profit) attributable 
 to non-controlling 
 interests                             2     (4)       3       0     (1)     (0)        -  -169% 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ----- 
(Loss)/profit after 
 tax and before restructuring 
 costs                             (523)     119       9       8   (549)       9      17%  -541% 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ----- 
Advisory, VEP and other 
 restructuring costs                (29)   (114)     (8)     (7)     (7)     (7)      24%   -74% 
Net gain on disposal 
 of non-core assets                    -      59       -       -       -       -        -  -100% 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ----- 
(Loss)/profit after 
 tax                               (552)      64       1       1   (556)       2     -26%  -967% 
------------------------------  --------  ------  ------  ------  ------  ------  -------  ----- 
 

The tax charge for FY2017 totalled EUR77 mn compared to EUR16 mn in FY2016. The tax charge for 4Q2017 totalled EUR1 mn compared to EUR4 mn in 3Q2017 and EUR66 mn in 2Q2017. The elevated tax charge in 2Q2017 reflects the reduction of Deferred Tax Assets (DTA) of EUR62 mn, following the increase in provisions for impairment of loans and advances to customers and evaluation of the recoverability assessment of the DTA balance.

Loss after tax and before restructuring costs for FY2017 totalled EUR523 mn, compared to a profit after tax and before restructuring costs of EUR119 mn for FY2016. Profit after tax and before restructuring costs for 4Q2017 was EUR9 mn, compared to EUR8 mn for 3Q2017 and compared to a loss after tax and before restructuring costs of EUR549 mn for 2Q2017.

Advisory, VEP and other restructuring costs for FY2017 totalled EUR29 mn, compared to EUR114 mn for FY2016 (down by 74% yoy). The elevated levels in the previous year relate mainly to the Voluntary Exit Plan (VEP). Advisory and other restructuring costs for 4Q2017 were EUR8 mn, compared to EUR7mn for 3Q2017.

Net gain on disposal of non-core assets for FY2016 of EUR59 mn related mainly to the gain on disposal of the investment in Visa Europe.

Loss after tax attributable to the owners of the Company for FY2017 was EUR552 mn, compared to a profit after tax of EUR64 mn for FY2016. Profit after tax attributable to the owners of the Company for 4Q2017 was EUR1 mn, at the same level as the previous quarter, compared to a loss after tax of EUR556 mn for 2Q2017.

C. Operating Environment

Economic recovery in Cyprus accelerated in 2017 and the medium term outlook is favourably driven by an improving labour market, broadening investments and increasing resilience. Cyprus continues to face challenges primarily in relation to public and private indebtedness and non-performing exposures, but while more remains to be done, considerable progress has been achieved.

Real GDP in Cyprus increased by 3.9% in 2017 according to the Cyprus Statistical Service, compared with a 3% increase the previous year. In the labour market, according to Eurostat, the unemployment rate dropped to 10.5% in the third quarter of the year, when seasonally adjusted, whilst average consumer inflation in the year was marginally positive at 0.5% after four years of deflation (Cyprus Statistical Service). In the public sector the budget surplus increased significantly and the trend in the public debt to GDP ratio appears to be reversing downward. Also, in the banking sector funding conditions continued to improve against a backdrop of favourable developments regarding non-performing exposures.

The growth momentum is expected to be maintained in the medium term. Real GDP is expected to grow by 3.6% in 2018 and by 2.9% in 2019, slowing towards 2.5% by 2022 according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (Cyprus country report, December 2017). Growth will be supported by private consumption and investment expenditures and by an improving and robust labour market. On the supply side, growth will be driven by favourable developments in the tourism sector and robust performance in business services. Tourism remains robust and continues to benefit from geopolitical uncertainties in competing destinations. Tourist arrivals in 2017 reached 3.7 mn persons, an all-time high, and revenues reached an estimated EUR2.7 bn or c.14% of GDP.

The budget surplus increased to 1.1% of GDP in 2017 according to estimates by the IMF, from 0.5% the previous year. The budget is expected to generate sizeable surpluses in the medium term (IMF). The debt to GDP ratio is estimated at 100% in 2017, and it is expected to decline to 76% by 2022 (IMF). At the same time debt remains affordable with interest charges at 2.6% of GDP in 2016-2017, compared with 3.3% of GDP in 2013 (IMF). The government used favourable conditions in debt markets to issue a new EUR850 mn 7-year bond in June 2017 yielding 2.8% to pre-finance borrowing needs through to the end of 2018, and to smooth its repayment schedule beyond 2018.

In the banking sector there have been significant improvements in funding conditions and asset quality. Total deposits increased marginally by 0.8% in the year, with resident deposits increasing by 3.3%. Loan deleveraging continued in the year with total loans outstanding dropping by 7.1% and loans to residents dropping by 4.8% (CBC).

Cyprus' consistent fiscal outperformance and favourable outlook indicate a more rapid reversal in the public debt ratio and the ratio of non-performing loans, than previously expected. The outlook over the medium term is generally positive according to the IMF and the European Commission, while the economy continues to face challenges. Upside factors relate to a longer period of low oil prices, further improvement of economic fundamentals in the euro area and stronger investment spending as property prices are stabilising and as projects in tourism, energy and public works are being implemented. Downside risks to this outlook are associated with the still high levels of non-performing loans, and public debt ratio, and with a possible deterioration of the external environment.

In this context of a strengthening economy and narrowing imbalances, the Cyprus sovereign has benefited from a series of upgrades. Most recently in October 2017, Fitch Ratings upgraded its Long-Term Issuer Default ratings to 'BB' from

'BB-' with positive outlook. In September 2017, S&P Global Ratings affirmed its long term sovereign rating on Cyprus at 'BB+', only one notch below investment grade, and upgraded its outlook to 'positive' from 'stable'. In July 2017, Moody's Investors Service upgraded the long-term issuer rating of the Cyprus sovereign to Ba3 from B1 to reflect Cyprus' economic recovery and maintained its outlook to positive. The key drivers for rating upgrades have been stronger economic performance than expected, progress in the banking sector and consistent fiscal outperformance.

D. Business Overview

As the Cypriot operations account for 90% of gross loans and 90% of customer deposits, the Group's financial performance is highly correlated to the economic and operating conditions in Cyprus and will consequently benefit from the country's recovery. Most recently in October 2017, Standard and Poor's assigned the Bank 'B/B' long- and short-term issuer credit ratings with positive outlook. The Bank currently has a long-term deposit rating from Moody's Investors Service Cyprus Limited of Caa1 with a positive outlook and a long-term issuer default rating from Fitch Ratings Limited of B- with stable outlook. The key drivers for the ratings were the improvement in the Bank's financial fundamentals mainly in asset quality, and its funding position.

Tackling the Bank's loan portfolio quality is of utmost importance for the Group. During the year an internal reorganisation of the Restructuring and Recoveries Division (RRD) was executed with the aim of boosting resources on both the Retail and SME portfolios of RRD in order to further improve pace and sustainability in these portfolios. Additionally, the Group has created an incremental servicing engine powered by Pepper Cyprus Limited, to support the Bank in resolving non-performing loans from its SME and retail portfolios.

The strategic focus of the Group is to reshape its business model to grow in the core Cypriot market through prudent new lending and carefully developing the UK franchise. The Bank's capital position remains adequate and the Group expects to continue to be able to support the recovery of the Cyprus economy through the provision of new lending. Growth in new lending in Cyprus is focused on selected industries that are more in line with the Bank's target risk profile, such as tourism, trade, professional services, information/communication technologies, energy, education and green projects. The Bank is currently looking to carefully expand its UK operations, remaining consistent with the Group's overall credit appetite and regulatory environment. With selective presences in London and Birmingham and a predominantly retail funded franchise, the UK strategy is to support its core proposition in the property market, specifically targeting the professional buy-to-let market and further expanding its mortgage business and its savings, current accounts and trade-related products for SMEs, professionals and Cypriot residents.

Aiming at supporting investments by SMEs and mid-caps to boost the Cypriot economy and create new jobs for young people, the Bank continues to provide joint financed schemes. The Bank continues its partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Investment Fund (EIF), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Cyprus Government.

Management is also placing emphasis on diversifying income streams by boosting fee income from international transaction services, wealth management and insurance. The Group's insurance companies, EuroLife Ltd and General Insurance of Cyprus Ltd operating in the sectors of life and general insurance respectively, are leading players in the insurance business in Cyprus, with such businesses providing a recurring income, further diversifying the Group's income streams. The insurance income net of insurance claims for FY2017 amounted to EUR50 mn, up by 13% yoy, compared to EUR44 mn for FY2016, contributing to 16% of non-interest income.

In order to further improve its funding structure, the Bank is stepping up its efforts to manage the deposit mix to ensure continued compliance with liquidity requirements, taking advantage of the increased customer confidence towards the Bank, as well as improving macroeconomic conditions.

E. Strategy and Outlook

The Group remains on track for implementing its strategic objectives aiming to become a stronger, safer and a more focused institution capable of supporting the recovery of the Cypriot economy and delivering appropriate shareholder returns in the medium term.

The key pillars of the Group's strategy are to:

   --      Materially reduce the level of delinquent loans 
   --      Further improve the funding structure 
   --      Maintain an appropriate capital position by internally generating capital 
   --      Focus on the core Cyprus market and the UK operations 
   --      Achieve a lean operating model 
   --      Deliver value to shareholders and other stakeholders 
 
                  KEY PILLARS                                                PLAN OF ACTION 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      1. Materially reduce the level of 
      delinquent loans                                *    Sustain momentum in restructuring 
 
 
                                                      *    Focus on terminated portfolios (in Recovery Unit) - 
                                                           "accelerated consensual foreclosures" 
 
 
                                                      *    Real estate management via REMU 
 
 
                                                      *    Explore alternative accelerating NPE reduction 
                                                           measures such as NPE sales, securitisations etc. 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      2. Further improve the funding structure 
                                                      *    Focus on shape and cost of deposit franchise 
 
 
                                                      *    Increase loan pool for the Additional Credit Claim 
                                                           framework of ECB 
 
 
                                                      *    Further diversify funding sources 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      3. Maintain an appropriate capital 
      position                                               *    Internally generating capital 
 
 
                                                             *    Potential AT1 issuance 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      4. Focus on core markets 
                                                             *    Targeted lending in Cyprus into promising sectors to 
                                                                  fund recovery 
 
 
                                                             *    New loan origination, while maintaining lending 
                                                                  yields 
 
 
                                                             *    Revenue diversification via fee income from 
                                                                  international business, wealth, and insurance 
 
 
                                                             *    Careful expansion of UK franchise by leveraging the 
                                                                  UK subsidiary 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      5. Achieve a lean operating model 
                                                             *    Implementation of digital transformation program 
                                                                  underway, aimed at enhancing productivity 
                                                                  distribution channels and reducing operating costs 
                                                                  over time 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      6. Deliver returns 
                                                            *    Deliver appropriate medium term risk-adjusted returns 
-----------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 

The table below shows the Group's performance against the 2018 Target and the Medium Term Guidance.

 
 Group Key Performance                       Actual      Actual        2018       Medium-Term 
  Indicators(7)                              Dec-2016      Dec        Target        Guidance 
                                                          2017 
=========================================  ==========  =========  =============  ============ 
 
                                                                        <40% 
 
                                                                       EUR2 
                                                                     bn organic 
 Asset Quality    NPE ratio                    55%        47%        reduction       <25% 
===============  ========================  ==========  =========  =============  ============ 
  NPE coverage 
   ratio                                       41%        48%          >50%          >50% 
 ========================================  ==========  =========  =============  ============ 
  Cost of Risk 
   (Provisioning 
   charge)(1)                                 1.7%      4.0%(1)       <1.0%          <1.0% 
 ========================================  ==========  =========  =============  ============ 
 Capital          CET1 Ratio                  14.5%      12.7%      >13%(2,3)      >13%(2,3) 
===============  ========================  ==========  =========  =============  ============ 
  Total Capital 
   Ratio                                      14.6%      14.2%      >15%(2,3)      >15%(2,3) 
 ========================================  ==========  =========  =============  ============ 
 Profitability    Total income                 EUR        EUR        >EUR800         Total 
                                               963         907          mn           income 
                                                mn         mn                       to grow 
                                                                                   in excess 
                                                                                   of cost(4) 
===============  ========================  ==========  =========  =============  ============ 
  Cost to Income 
   ratio                                       41%        47%        <50%(4) 
 ========================================  ==========  =========  =============  ============ 
  Net fee and commission 
   income / total 
   income                                    17%(5)       20%          >20%          >20% 
 ========================================  ==========  =========  =============  ============ 
 Balance          Total assets               EUR22.2    EUR23.6       EUR23        >EUR25 
  Sheet                                         bn         bn           bn             bn 
===============  ========================  ==========  =========  =============  ============ 
 Earnings 
  per share       EPS (cent)                  14.27     (123.72)      40(6) 
===============  ========================  ==========  =========  =============  ============ 
 

(1) An amount of c.EUR500 mn reflecting the one-off effect of the change in the provisioning assumptions is included in the cost of risk, but is not annualised.

(2) Allowing for IFRS 9 transitional arrangements for regulatory capital purposes (2018 - 5%, 2019 - 15%, 2020 - 30%, 2021 - 50% and 2022 - 75%).

(3) Including the impact of the adoption of the changes aligning the EBA CRR default definition with the NPE definition.

(4) Excluding the special levy and SRF contribution.

(5) The net fee and commission income over total income for FY2016 excludes non-recurring fees of EUR7 mn.

(6) The 2018 target for the earnings per share (EPS) does not include the impact of trades or any unplanned or unforeseen events.

(7) The NIM and the Net Loans to Deposits (L/D) targets have been removed. A new target on Total Income has been included in the key metrics

considering the focus of the Group on the total revenue generation and the shift of income to other lines of the Income Statement. The L/D ratio has been removed as it is not considered representative following the efforts of the Group to comply with the LCR ratio including the LCR add-on.

F. Definitions & Explanations

 
 Accelerated            Following the Regulation (EU) 2016/445 
  phase-in               of the ECB of 14 March 2016 on the exercise 
  period                 of options and discretions available in 
                         Union law (ECB/2016/4), the DTA phase-in 
                         period was reduced from 10 to 5 years, 
                         with effect as from the reporting of 31 
                         December 2016. The applicable rate of 
                         the DTA phase-in is 60% for 2017, 80% 
                         for 2018 and 100% for 2019 (fully phased-in). 
 
 Accumulated            Comprise (i) provisions for impairment 
  provisions             of customer loans and advances, (ii) the 
                         fair value adjustment on initial recognition 
                         of loans acquired from Laiki Bank, and 
                         (iii) provisions for off-balance sheet 
                         exposures disclosed on the balance sheet 
                         within other liabilities. 
 
 Advisory,              Comprise mainly: 1) fees of external advisors 
  VEP and other          in relation to: (i) disposal of operations 
  restructuring          and non-core assets, (ii) customer loan 
  costs                  restructuring activities which are not 
                         part of the effective interest rate and 
                         (iii) the listing on the London Stock 
                         Exchange and 2) voluntary exit plan cost. 
 
 AT1                    AT1 (Additional Tier 1) is defined in 
                         accordance with Articles 51 and 52 of 
                         the Capital Requirements Regulation (EU) 
                         No 575/2013. 
 
 CET1 capital           CET1 capital ratio (transitional basis) 
  ratio (transitional    is defined in accordance with the Basel 
  basis)                 II requirements. 
 
 CET1 fully             CET1 fully loaded is defined in accordance 
  loaded                 with the Capital Requirements Regulation 
                         (EU) No 575/2013. 
 
 Contribution           Relates to the contribution made to the 
  to SRF                 Single Resolution Fund. 
 
 Cost to Income         Cost-to-income ratio comprises total expenses 
  ratio                  (as defined) divided by total income (as 
                         defined). 
 
 Data from              The latest data was published on 14 February 
  the Statistical        2018. 
  Service of 
  the Republic 
  of Cyprus 
 
 Deferred               The DTA adjustments relate to Deferred 
  Tax Asset              Tax Assets totalling EUR384 mn and recognised 
  adjustments            on tax losses totalling EUR3.1 bn and 
                         can be set off against future profits 
                         of the Bank until 2028 at a tax rate of 
                         12.5%. There are tax losses of c.EUR8.5 
                         bn for which no deferred tax asset has 
                         been recognised. The recognition of deferred 
                         tax assets is supported by the Bank's 
                         business forecasts and takes into account 
                         the recoverability of the deferred tax 
                         assets within their expiry period. 
 
 Earnings               The 2018 target for the earnings per share 
  per Share              (EPS) does not include the impact of any 
  (EPS)                  unplanned or unforeseen risk reduction 
                         trades, or macro events. 
 
 ECB                    European Central Bank 
 
 ELA                    Emergency Liquidity Assistance 
 
 Gross loans            Gross loans are reported before the fair 
                         value adjustment on initial recognition 
                         relating to loans acquired from Laiki 
                         Bank (calculated as the difference between 
                         the outstanding contractual amount and 
                         the fair value of loans acquired) amounting 
                         to EUR668 mn at 31 December 2017 (compared 
                         to EUR721 mn at 30 September 2017). 
 
 Group                  The Group consists of Bank of Cyprus Holdings 
                         Public Limited Company, "BOC Holdings", 
                         its subsidiary Bank of Cyprus Public Company 
                         Limited, the "Bank" and the Bank's subsidiaries. 
 
 
 
 Leverage         The leverage ratio is the ratio of tangible 
  ratio            total equity to total assets for the relevant 
                   period. 
 
 Loans in         Loans in arrears for more than 90 days 
  arrears for      (90+ DPD) are defined as loans past-due 
  more than        for more than 90 days and loans that are 
  90 days (90+     impaired (impaired loans are those (i) 
  DPD)             for which a provision for impairment has 
                   been recognised on an individual basis 
                   or (ii) for which incurred losses existed 
                   at their initial recognition or (iii) 
                   customers in Debt Recovery). 
 
 Loans in         90+ DPD ratio means loans in arrears for 
  arrears for      more than 90 days (90+ DPD) (as defined) 
  more than        divided by gross loans (as defined). 
  90 days (90+ 
  DPD) ratio 
 
 (Loss)/profit    (Loss)/profit after tax excludes advisory, 
  after tax        VEP and other restructuring costs, as 
  and before       well as net gains on disposal of non-core 
  restructuring    assets. 
  costs 
 
 Market Shares    Both deposit and loan market shares are 
                   based on data from the Central Bank of 
                   Cyprus. 
 
 Net fee and      Net fee and commission income over total 
  commission       income is the net fee and commission income 
  income over      divided by the total income (as defined). 
  total income     The ratio of 17% for 2016 excludes non-recurring 
                   fees of EUR7 mn. 
 
 Net Interest     Net interest margin is calculated as the 
  Margin           net interest income (annualised) divided 
                   by the average interest earning assets. 
                   Interest earning assets include: cash 
                   and balances with central banks, plus 
                   loans and advances to banks, plus net 
                   customer loans and advances, plus investments 
                   (excluding equities and mutual funds) 
                   and derivatives. 
 
 Net loans        Loans and advances net of accumulated 
  and advances     provisions. 
 
 Net loan         Net loan to deposits ratio is calculated 
  to deposit       as the net loans and advances to customers 
  ratio            divided by customer deposits, including 
                   loans and deposits held for sale. 
 
 Net Stable       The NSFR is calculated as the amount of 
  Funding Ratio    "available stable funding" (ASF) relative 
  (NSFR)           to the amount of "required stable funding" 
                   (RSF), on the basis of Basel III standards. 
                   Its calculation is a SREP requirement. 
                   European Banking Authority (EBA) is working 
                   on finalising the NSFR and enforcing it 
                   as a regulatory ratio. 
 
 Non-performing   In 2014 the EBA published its reporting 
  exposures        standards on forbearance and non-performing 
  (NPEs)           exposures (NPEs). According to the EBA 
                   standards, a loan is considered an NPE 
                   if: (i) the debtor is assessed as unlikely 
                   to pay its credit obligations in full 
                   without the realisation of the collateral, 
                   regardless of the existence of any past 
                   due amount or of the number of days past 
                   due, or (ii) the exposures are impaired 
                   i.e. in cases where there is a specific 
                   provision, or (iii) there are material 
                   exposures which are more than 90 days 
                   past due, or (iv) there are performing 
                   forborne exposures under probation for 
                   which additional forbearance measures 
                   are extended, or (v) there are performing 
                   forborne exposures under probation that 
                   present more than 30 days past due within 
                   the probation period. The NPEs are reported 
                   before the deduction of accumulated provisions 
                   (as defined). 
 
 NPE ratio        NPEs ratio is calculated as the NPEs as 
                   per EBA (as defined) divided by gross 
                   loans (as defined). 
 
 Operating        Comprises profit before total provisions 
  profit           and impairments (as defined), share of 
                   profit from associates and joint ventures, 
                   tax, profit attributable to non-controlling 
                   interests, advisory, VEP and other restructuring 
                   costs, and net gains on disposal of non-core 
                   assets (where applicable). 
 
 Operating        Operating profit return on average assets 
  profit return    is calculated as the operating profit 
  on average       divided by the average of total assets 
  assets           for the relevant period. 
 
 
 
 
 Phased-in               In accordance with the legislation in 
  Capital Conservation    Cyprus which has been set for all credit 
  Buffer (CCB)            institutions, the applicable rate of the 
                          CCB is 1.25% for 2017, 1.875% for 2018 
                          and 2.5% for 2019 (fully phased-in). 
 
 Provision               The provision charge comprises provisions 
  charge                  for impairments of customer loans, net 
                          of gain/(loss) on derecognition of loans 
                          and advances to customers and changes 
                          in expected cash flows. 
 
 Provisioning            Provisioning charge (cost of risk) (year 
  charge (cost            to date) is calculated as the provisions 
  of risk)                for impairment of customer loans and provisions 
                          for off-balance sheet exposures, net of 
                          gain on derecognition of loans and advances 
                          to customers and changes in expected cash 
                          flows divided by average gross loans (the 
                          average balance calculated as the average 
                          of the opening balance and the closing 
                          balance). An amount of c.EUR500 mn reflecting 
                          the one-off effect of the change in the 
                          provisioning assumptions is included in 
                          the cost of risk, but is not annualised. 
 
 Provisioning            Provisioning coverage ratio for 90+ DPD 
  coverage                is calculated as the accumulated provisions 
  ratio for               (as defined) over 90+ DPD (as defined). 
  90+ DPD 
 
 
   Provisioning            Provisioning coverage ratio for NPEs is 
   coverage                calculated as accumulated provisions (as 
   ratio for               defined) over NPEs (as defined). 
   NPEs 
 
 
 Quarterly               Average of interest earning assets as 
  average interest        at the beginning and end of the relevant 
  earning assets          quarter. Interest earning assets include: 
                          cash and balances with central banks, 
                          plus loans and advances to banks, plus 
                          net customer loans and advances, plus 
                          investments (excluding equities and mutual 
                          funds) and derivatives. 
 
 Qoq                     Quarter on quarter change 
 
 Special levy            Relates to the special levy on deposits 
                          of credit institutions in Cyprus. 
 
 The remaining           Comprises net foreign exchange gains, 
  component               net gains on other financial instrument 
  of non-interest         transactions, net gains/(losses) from 
  income                  revaluation and disposal of investment 
                          properties and on disposal of stock of 
                          properties, and other income. 
 
 Total Capital           Total capital ratio is defined in accordance 
  ratio                   with the Capital Requirements Regulation 
                          (EU) No 575/2013. 
 
 Total expenses          Total expenses comprise staff costs, other 
                          operating expenses and the special levy 
                          and contribution to the Single Resolution 
                          Fund. It does not include restructuring 
                          costs (advisory, VEP and other restructuring 
                          costs). Restructuring costs amount to 
                          EUR29.3 mn, EUR20.7 mn, EUR13.8 mn, EUR7.3 
                          mn and EUR114.3 mn for the year ended 
                          31 December 2017, the nine months ended 
                          30 September 2017, the six months ended 
                          30 June 2017, the three months ended 31 
                          March 2017 and for the year ended 31 December 
                          2016, respectively. 
 
 Total income            Total income comprises net interest income 
                          and non-interest income. It does not include 
                          net gains on disposal of non-core assets. 
                          Net gains on disposal of non-core assets 
                          was 
                          EUR0 mn and EUR59 mn for the year ended 
                          31 December 2017 and for the year ended 
                          31 December 2016, respectively. 
 
 Total provisions        Total provisions and impairments comprise 
  and impairments         provision charge (as defined), plus provisions 
                          for litigation and regulatory matters 
                          plus impairments of other financial and 
                          non-financial assets. 
 
 Underlying              Statutory basis adjusted for certain items 
  basis                   as detailed in the Basis of Presentation. 
 
 Write offs              Loans together with the associated provisions 
                          are written off when there is no realistic 
                          prospect of future recovery. Partial write-offs, 
                          including non-contractual write-offs, 
                          may occur when it is considered that there 
                          is no realistic prospect for the recovery 
                          of the contractual cash flows. In addition, 
                          write-offs may reflect restructuring activity 
                          with customers and are part of the terms 
                          of the agreement and subject to satisfactory 
                          performance. 
 Yoy                     Year on year change 
 
 
 
 
 

Basis of Presentation

This announcement covers the results of Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company, "BOC Holdings" or "the Company", its subsidiary Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited, the "Bank" and together with the Bank's subsidiaries, the "Group", for the year ended 31 December 2017.

At 31 December 2016, the Bank was listed on the CSE and the Athens Exchange. On 18 January 2017, BOC Holdings, incorporated in Ireland, was introduced in the Group structure as the new holding company of the Bank. On 19 January 2017, the total issued share capital of BOC Holdings was admitted to listing and trading on the LSE and the CSE. As a result of this corporate change, the comparative information for 2016 and as at 31 December 2016 are presented for the Bank together with its subsidiaries.

Financial information presented in this announcement is being published for the purposes of providing preliminary Group financial results for the year ended 31 December 2017. The financial information in this preliminary announcement is not audited and does not constitute statutory financial statements of BOC Holdings within the meaning of section 340 of the Companies Act 2014. The Group statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 are expected to be delivered to the Registrar of Companies of Ireland within 28 days of 30 September 2018 (as at the date of this report, such statutory financial statements have not been reported on by independent auditors of BOC Holdings). The Board of Directors approved this financial information on 26 February 2018. BOC Holdings' most recent statutory financial statements for the purposes of Chapter 4 of Part 6 of the Companies Act 2014 of Ireland for the period 11 July 2016 to 31 December 2016, upon which the auditors have given an unqualified audit report (with emphasis of matter on material uncertainty related to going concern), were published on 27 April 2017 and have been annexed to the annual return and delivered to the Registrar of Companies of Ireland.

Statutory basis: Statutory information is set out on pages 4-5. However, a number of factors have had a significant effect on the comparability of the Group's financial position and results. Accordingly, the results are also presented on an underlying basis.

Underlying basis: The statutory results are adjusted for certain items (as described on page 8) to allow a comparison of the Group's underlying performance, as set out on pages 6-7.

The financial information included in this announcement is not audited by the Group's external auditors.

This announcement and the presentation for the Preliminary Group Financial Results for the year ended 31 December 2017 have been posted on the Group's website www.bankofcyprus.com (Investor Relations/Financial Results).

Definitions: The Group uses a number of definitions in the discussion of its business performance and financial position which are set out in section F.

The Preliminary Group Financial Results for the year ended 31 December 2017 are presented in Euro (EUR) and all amounts are rounded as indicated. A comma is used to separate thousands and a dot is used to separate decimals.

Forward Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements which can usually be identified by terms used such as "expect", "should be", "will be" and similar expressions or variations thereof. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Group's intentions, beliefs or current expectations and projections about the Group's future results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, performance, prospects, anticipated growth, provisions, impairments, strategies and opportunities. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events, and depend upon circumstances, that will or may occur in the future. Factors that could cause actual business, strategy and/or results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements made by the Group include, but are not limited to: general economic and political conditions in Cyprus and other EU Member States, interest rate and foreign exchange fluctuations, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments and information technology, litigation and other operational risks. Should any one or more of these or other factors materialise, or should any underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, the actual results or events could differ materially from those currently being anticipated as reflected in such forward looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this document are only applicable as from the date of publication of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statement contained in this document to reflect any change in the Group's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Contacts

For further information please contact:

Investor Relations

+ 357 22 122239

investors@bankofcyprus.com

The Bank of Cyprus Group is the leading banking and financial services group in Cyprus, providing a wide range of financial products and services which include retail and commercial banking, finance, factoring, investment banking, brokerage, fund management, private banking, life and general insurance. The Bank of Cyprus Group operates through a total of 123 branches, of which 121 operate in Cyprus, 1 in Romania and 1 in the United Kingdom. Bank of Cyprus also has representative offices in Russia, Ukraine and China. The Bank of Cyprus Group employs 4,355 staff worldwide. At 31 December 2017, the Group's Total Assets amounted to EUR23.6 bn and Total Equity was EUR2.6 bn. The Bank of Cyprus Group comprises Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company, its subsidiary Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited and its subsidiaries.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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